NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 28, 2026, 2:49 AM ET

NBA Draft Landscape

The NBA implemented draft lottery reforms that have sparked debate around the league, while projected first-round picks continue to declare for the 2026 draft. Arizona forward Koa Peat confirmed his draft entry, joining Santa Clara's Allen Graves who will remain in the draft despite being a projected second-round pick. Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson stayed in the draft after averaging 18.5 points and 7.4 assists last season. Meanwhile, Kentucky freshman Malachi Moreno returned to school after withdrawing from draft consideration. These developments come as the league contemplates dramatic lottery changes, with data showing that drafting in the top five hasn't consistently translated to NBA titles over the past two decades.

Front Office Shakeups

The Atlanta Hawks promoted Onsi Saleh to president of basketball operations with a long-term contract extension, while the Los Angeles Lakers reorganized their front office, laying off over a dozen employees as new leadership takes charge. In Cleveland, Kenny Atkinson secured his return as head coach for the upcoming season. The Lakers also made their first significant offseason move by hiring Rohan Ramadas as assistant GM under president and GM Rob Pelinka, signaling a strategic shift in their approach to roster construction after a challenging season.

Conference Finals Intensify

The Oklahoma City Thunder established themselves as title favorites after taking a 3-2 series lead against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals. New York Knicks fans celebrated wildly after their team advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani trolling the Cavaliers after their elimination. The Thunder struggled offensively in Game, their worst performance in years, allowing the Spurs to even the series at 2-2 before regaining control. Meanwhile, Cleveland Cavaliers players expressed confidence in their partnership despite being swept by the Knicks, with Donovan Mitchell reaffirming his commitment to the franchise.

Roster Building & Strategy

The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs emerged as model franchises in draft asset management, controlling much of the next eight drafts. The Thunder's successful adjustments against the Spurs included leaning on Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain to regain series control. New York's bold moves during the season, including a coaching change, fueled their improbable journey to the Finals. Four conference finalists provided roster-building lessons for other teams, demonstrating how strategic decisions can reshape championship trajectories around the league.

Player Recognition & Controversy

Boston's Joe Mazzulla captured NBA Coach of the Year honors over finalists J.B. Bickerstaff and Mitch Johnson, wrapping up the league's end-of-season awards schedule. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic earned unanimous first-team All-NBA selections, while Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed joining them, falling one vote short. Wembanyama faced league scrutiny for violating media access rules after skipping interviews following a Game 5 loss. The Spurs rookie's market value continued to soar as his 1-of-1 numbered 2023-24 Panini Prizm Black parallel sold for $5.11 million in a private sale via Fanatics Collect.

Offseason Outlook & Trade Speculation

Several NBA stars could shape the offseason landscape with potential moves that might impact next season's championship race. ESPN insiders proposed six trades involving players like Ja Morant that could significantly alter the league's competitive balance. The New Orleans Pelicans have new plans for Zion Williamson, with coach Jamahl Mosley expressing interest in unlocking the young star's talents as a playmaker. As teams prepare for the draft and free agency, the Cleveland Cavaliers analytical approach to the game has yielded success, with Atkinson noting his team "analytically" won two of the first three games against the Knicks. President Donald Trump confirmed his attendance at an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden, adding an unusual element of star power to the championship series.