#youngest and oldest player in the NBA

[herst0ry]

FULL NAME: ryan   celine   sparks. DATE OF BIRTH: april  14. AGE:  varies   upon   verse.   [   22  -   28  years   ] ZODIAC SIGN:   aries. GENDER: cis-female. PLACE OF BIRTH: van   buren       ,        maine.   [   spent    half   of   her    childhood    in    her’   mothers   home    country   of   france      ,      before    moving   back    to    maine    at   the    age   of   twelve   to    pursuit    her    basketball   career    and    spend    time   with    her   father’s   side    of    the   family  ].  CURRENT RESIDENCE:  los    angeles        , california.   [   main verse    ]   ,  verse dependent.  FAMILY: camille    clément   [   mother  ,  alive  ]    .      steven   sparks   [   father  ,  alive  ]     ,    beau   sparks   [    oldest   brother  ,  alive  ]    ,   ethan   sparks    [   second    oldest    brother   ,   alive   ]     ,      callum sparks  [   fraternal    twin    brother     ,    alive   ]     ,    carson     sparks   [   younger brother   ,   alive    ]    ,    cohen    sparks   [   second youngest brother  ,   alive   ]     ,   noah   sparks  [    youngest brother   ,  alive   ] .    MARITAL STATUS:  single  [  verse   dependent  ] . ORIENTATION:   pansexual. OCCUPATION:   professional   basketball   player    for    the    los    angeles   lakers      [ NBA DRAFT: round one , pick two - first female to start for an nba basketball team  ] ,        occasionally   models   for    designer   brands.  HEIGHT:   6′4  [  193 cm  ] PERSONALITY:  down to earth   ,    outgoing    ,     independent      ,     stubborn            ,  outspoken   ,   intelligent  ,   elegant. LANGUAGES:  english  [   fluent   ]       ,      french    [  fluent  ]      ,      dutch  [  fluent  ] . 

[prestigestxoxo]

London’s Life Bio

London Graves is a 29 year old married woman living in Tomarang. Shes originally from Windenburg but decided to get up and move in with her now husband and famous NBA player Samuel Graves. They had 3 children together named from oldest to youngest - Paris, Dalia, and Francesca. Over the years she has grown a platform across social media as a mom, nba wife, and lifestyle mogul. Her 3 children are her world - her oldest daughter Paris just entered into Middle School, shes now a A student and London is realizing how fast she grew up, her middle baby Dalia is in preschool and making friends as we speak, her youngest baby Francesca is still a infant so shes still blowing out diapers and realizing that she can wiggle her little toes. Motherhood is everything to London and she can’t wait to continue on her journey. London and Samuel plan to expand their family since big families is something they’ve always dreamed of. Shes currently a B-Lister celeb and constantly in the news about something new. Paparazzi follow her around everywhere, she could never catch a break. I would say thats the only thing about being “known” that London wishes wouldn’t happen. Overall, London is very happy about how far she has came in her career and personal life. She can’t wait to see what’s next in store for her!

5/30/24

[ameerblogs]

LeBron James turns 40. How did other stars perform when they turned 40?

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will soon become the 32nd player to play in the NBA at the age of 40.

The four-time MVP became the league's oldest active player following the retirements of Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala after the 2022–23 season.

James has averaged 23.5 points, 9 assists and 7.9 rebounds in 28 games played this season.

He will continue his climb up the list of the league's oldest players ever during the 22nd season of his career. Danny Schayes is the youngest member of the 40-year-old club, playing his last game just three days after he turned 40. Nat Hickey is the oldest person to play in the NBA at 45 years and 363 days old.

Full Details

[bballinspiration]

The youngest and oldest player in the NBA.

Isaac Bonga (18) born November 8, 1999

Vince Carter (41) NBA debut February 5, 1999

[avengersaremyforte]

I got tagged by @lunaticonice to post 10 photos in my camera roll to describe myself. Do you know how hard it was to only pick 10?! Also right off the bat I’m a horrible speller and really bad about not looking at what I’m typing. So I make a lot of mistakes and auto correct is my worst enemy but my best tool in spelling so sorry for the mistakes.

I have a really good green thumb. Most of the succulents you see I’ve grown from leaves. I’m a proud plant mom

I like to diy stuff and refurbish furniture. In this case old palettes that I sanded down repainted and made into my bed. Im really crafty and like to draw and repaint stuff or repurpose things(that includes clothes). The thrift store is my best friend!

I’m um... extremely lucky. That Moped is a prize I won at a manger meeting for my job that I wasn’t even supposed to attend. My manger was out of town so I went in her place and won this thing. And it doesn’t stop there. I’ve been to multiple conventions where I want to meet youtubers or famous people and somehow I do it effortlessly. Like ask my friends I literally said one time, as we were leaving a con, how I was sad I didn’t get to see a youtuber before we left and we turned the corner to go to the parking garage and BOOM! That youtuber was there heading to the convention. Not to mention at my old job at the hotel I meet contless NBA players and singers all the time. Like you wanna meet someone famous hang out with me.

I took a class on Video editing because I wanted to try something new and maybe start a YouTube channel. But now that I took this class I actually want to try and shoot to be a video editor for The Dallas stars. Because I see the intermission videos at the games and think, I can easily do that, why am I not out there doing it. So that’s my goal for 2020. Have enough of a portfolio to try and get that rolling somewhere.

In this picture I was in Pittsburgh for a Stars game go figure and found a out door skating rink around a Christmas tree. I don’t like Christmas that much my family runied it for me but I love winter and all things related to it. And I’ve skating is one of my favorite things to do. And this moment was magical and the best part of the whole entire trip!

This picture is a double whammy because picking just 10 was hard. I’m putting this on here because I’m so proud of how far I’ve come at makeup. Like I’m not beauty guru good but I’m getting there. I love doing my makeup, especially eyeshadow, because it gives me a chance to show the world my artistic skills. And I loved this look especially because I wore it to pride. Because I’m bisexual 🏳️‍🌈

I love to travel! Especially spontaneous trips. When it comes to me and traveling I’m more of a go to the place you wanna go then figure out what you’re doing as you do it kind of person. Like my first major trip to Colorado I drove 9 hrs from Oklahoma to get there had no plans other than I have to be back in a week. In fact I was actually supposed to go to Arizona and Utah for the majority of that trip! I only went to Denver just to see the mountains. But I loved Colorado so much I stayed the whole week. I booked hotels as I went and even slept in my car on the way back. This picture was taken from my last trip to Colorado at the first of November And the only plan I had then was to go see the stars play, then I had five days to do whatever else i wanted.

& 9. I’m a proud mom of 5 beautiful fur babies who couldn’t all be in one picture because the cats hate the dogs! It’s actually a miracle that all three cats where in one photo and that happen today! In order from left to right you have Prowl the cats grey one shoes the oldest (10) and hates the dogs but love the other cats. He runs the show around here and my friends call him Mob boss. Next is Hope the youngest (2) she is also the most destructive cat I have ever had, in more ways than one. She chews on walls, scratches furniture, destroys blinds, she even scratched the cat tree so bad that she tore a hole in one of the posts and made it collapse. She’s also the only animal I’ve had that had to have a major surgery (she got he tail shut in a door and had to have 2” of it cut off). She likes the dogs though. But she also destructs the balance in this house. (We has two cats and two dogs. Two boys two girls, perfect balance before her) Because the cats next to her, Sparkel (5) hates her. They fight constantly so that’s why it’s a miracle they’re laying next to each other. Sparkle also tolerates the dogs from a distance. And now my puppies. The pure breed husky is named Sophie (6) she’s a husky in every way If you have huskies you know. She’s also the mom of the half husky half lab Snoopy (5) the happy accident. Snoopy is special. He’s the only animal I have had since birth and it might sound corny but we share a special bond because of it. He’s a certified service dog and an all around good boy that has the best worst traits of both of his breeds. If I could take him with me everywhere I would. And this section has gotten way to big so moving on to number 10 -

I’m a Stars fan.

And I’m currently mad at them right now so catch me waxing poetry about them on another day.

Yeah so as per usual I ranted long enought about myself.

So yeah, now is the part where I tag other people to do this thing. If you’ve done it before I’m sorry I don’t know who to tag so... @xr-ox @otter-solutions @darthbenn @bisexualtylerseguin @saucerfulofsins @my-adequate-blog @stupidsexyseguin @jakeoettinger @captainpetty @beckygs

[ecelebmirror]

Donovan Mitchell’s Sister Jordan Mitchell – Look At The Lovely Sibling Bond And What She Does

Donovan Mitchell Jr., simply Donovan Mitchell, is a renowned professional basketball player who competes for the NBA’s Utah Jazz basketball team. He was named the 13th overall pick by the Denver Nuggets during the 2017 NBA draft. But he was later traded to the Utah Jazz.

Being a spectacular shooting guard for the NBA’s Utah Jazz, Mitchell has unavoidably remained in the limelight for years. Additionally, even his sibling has received some spotlight. Thus in this article, we will be getting to know Donovan Mitchell’s sister and the bond between the two.

Youngest Child Of Her Parents

Donovan Mitchell was born to Nicole Mitchell and Donovan Mitchell Sr. on September 7, 1996. He is the oldest child and the only son of his mother and father. Well, the NBA star isn’t the only kid Nicole and Donovan Sr. welcomed. Donovan has a younger sibling. Read More

[junker-town]

LaVar Ball’s NBA prophecy finally (sort of) came true

Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images

LaVar Ball says a lot of things. He said he could beat Michael Jordan in his prime one-on-one, he said his oldest son Lonzo would be better than Stephen Curry, and he said his three sons would combine to sign shoe deals worth $1 billion. These boasts have earned Papa Ball a great deal of attention and a great deal of criticism, though it’s worth noting that he really hasn’t been any sort of distraction during the first few years of Lonzo’s NBA career.

LaVar Ball has also said that his three sons would make the NBA. After the Charlotte Hornets selected youngest son LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Lonzo and LaMelo became the first set of brothers to ever become top-five NBA draft picks. That only left one son looking for an NBA gig — middle child LiAngelo.

Gelo, as he’s known, had enough talent to earn a scholarship from UCLA but was never seen as a future NBA player. His college career ended before he started amid controversy during a team trip to China, and he’s been searching for opportunities in the game ever since.

Now he’s found one: LiAngelo Ball signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. All three Ball brothers now have NBA contracts.

Gelo signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Pistons, which means the team retains his G League rights if he doesn’t make the squad out of training camp.

Does this mean LaVar’s big prophecy has come true? Kind of! Here’s a quote from LaVar from earlier this year:

“I see my boys, in the near future man, they’re going to be the face of the NBA. Everybody’s trying to create the big three. They’ve been the big three since they’ve been babies. And people are telling me ‘Man, you know the odds of all three of your boys being on the same team?’ and I say ‘Yeah, probably the same odds of me coming into the NBA with my own brand.’ Don’t tell me nothing about no odds.”

Yes, the Ball brothers have a long way to go before becoming the ‘face of the NBA.’ There are still long odds for LiAngelo Ball playing in an NBA game. Lonzo’s career to this point has been a bit underwhelming for a former No. 2 overall draft pick, but he’s a quality player who continues to improve for the New Orleans Pelicans. We had LaMelo has as the top prospect in the most recent draft class, and he should have every opportunity to prove his talent for the Hornets.

Regardless of what you think about LaVar, it’s unprecedented to raise two top-five draft picks plus another son on an NBA contract. It’s even more impressive when you consider LaVar wasn’t all that great of an athlete himself, never making it past the practice squad with the Carolina Panthers of the NFL.

LaVar and his wife Tina must have been doing something right to get three kids on NBA deals. While LaVar’s big predictions have mostly come up short over the last few years, he deserves to celebrate this one.

[thewesternword]

"It doesn't matter what's been written in your story so far. It's how you fill up the rest of the pages that counts." – Unknown

"Thursday Numbers" is posted at TheWesternWord.com.

This week’s topics include coronavirus stimulus plan, unemployment claims, USA deaths from coronavirus, my Spotify this year, many columns, Biden/Trump favorability rating, NBA players & COVID-19, Trump’s Facebook speech, Trump’s 2021 calendar, youngest/oldest Presidents, Wednesday NFL games, plus much more!

[bballinspiration]

Kobe Bryant was drafted 24 years ago. Here are the 24 records he STILL HOLDS (*since merger 1976)

1. Most All-NBA selections (tied) 2. Most All-Defense selections among guards 3. Highest scoring NBA game* 4. Highest scoring half* 5. Most points scored in 3 quarters* 6. Most game-winners in a season 7. All-time leader in game-winners made 8. Highest scoring final career game 9. Oldest player to score 60 points 10. Most consecutive 40+ point games (tied) 11. Most consecutive 50+ point games* 12. Most Christmas Day points scored 13. Most 60+ point games in the NBA* 14. Most points scored in a single arena 15. Most pts scored as an opponent in a game at MSG 16. Youngest player to start in an NBA game 17. Youngest player to start in an NBA All-Star Game 18. Most consecutive All-Star selections 19. Most All-Star game MVPs* 20. Youngest Slam Dunk Contest winner 21. NBA All-Star steals all-time leader 22. Most offensive rebounds in an All-Star Game 23. Most NBA All-Star Game starts (tied) 24. All-time leader in FTM among guards

[big-low-t]

10 facts…

The always groovy @igotmemories-igotshit tagged me to list 10 facts about myself. (Music asks are so much easier!) Here it goes…

1. The only way to get my youngest son to go potty (back in the potty training days) was to sing a rap song to him that I made up called “poop poop poopy on the potty.” He’s 17 now and sometimes I still sing it if I walk past the bathroom door and he’s in there. He is never amused when I do this. I don’t understand why the song never made it to I-Tunes.

2. An NBA player was impressed with my hook shot. So I was young and at a basketball camp and I was throwing down some mad hook shots from the corner… The NBA player, who wasn’t in the NBA yet, he was still in college, he was like “dang, boy, look at this kid, he’s got a sweet hook shot.” Yep. Me. NBA caliber shot. Now if I only had been faster and grew another 7 inches taller…

3. I have weird and at times very vivid dreams. One dream years and years ago there were living dead zombies attacking and some lady opened a jar of pickles and said “take one, they HATE pickles.” So in the dream I was holding a pickle towards the now-cringing zombies and yelling “you like that? Huh? Huh? Yeah! I didn’t think so!”

4. I am very imaginative. People always tell me I should write a book or do comedy or something.

5. I’m very very shy and don’t like attention, one reason number 4 never worked out.

6. I’m polite and kind and empathetic. I’ve had people at past jobs say “I really don’t want to do what you asked but you are always so nice I can’t say no to you.”

7. My brain is filled with obscure and probably unimportant details about World War 2 aircraft.

8. Music has saved my life. I told myself once that I had to wait to kill myself until after I heard a soon-to-be released album. The album was so good I used it as part of my recovery routine from a horribly debilitating round of depression and anxiety.

9. I have two wonderful sons. The oldest is a hard working great kid. The youngest, who is on the autism spectrum, is a beacon of innocence and happiness. I’m double lucky and honored to be their father.

10. I can’t believe I actually wrote about number 8 on this list. Oh, and I love pasta.

So there you have it. Thanks again @igotmemories-igotshit for the tag. If anyone else wants to do this please do.

[miggey29]

Kobe Bean Bryant

Kobe Been Bryant(August 23, 1978- January 26, 2020)Bryant was known as "The Black Mamba" a nickname he gave himself to separate his professional life from his personal life. His parents named him after the famous beef of Kobe, Japan, which they saw on a restaurant menu. His middle name, Bean, was derived from his father's nickname "Jellybean." Kobe died at the age of 41 along with his daughter Gigi 13 years old. The Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, at 41 years old. TMZ has confirmed that his second-oldest daughter, Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, was also killed in the crash. She was 13 years old. Jan 26, 2020.

Kobe was an American professional basketball player. A shooting guard role in LA Lakers Team, he spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in National Basketball Association (NBA) as one of the G.O.A.T or the greatest player of all time. Bryant won five NBA championship and he was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. Bryant also led the NBA in scoring twice and ranks fourth on the league's all-time regular-season scoring and all-time postseason scoring lists. Bryant was born in Philadelphia the youngest of three children and only son of former NBA player Joe Bryant and Pamela Cox Bryant.

Bryant started playing basketball when he was three and the Lakers were his favorite team when he was growing up. When Bryant was six, his father retired from the NBA and moved his family to Rieti in Italy to continue playing professional basketball at a lower level. After two years, they moved first to Reggio Calabria, then to Pistoia and Reggio Emilia. Kobe became accustomed to his new lifestyle and learned to speak fluent Italian. He was especially fond of Reggio Emilia, which he considered a loving place and where some of his best childhood memories were made. Bryant began to play basketball seriously while living in Reggio Emilia. Bryant's grandfather would mail him videos of NBA games for Bryant to study. Also, he got inspired by watching animated European films about sports, from which he learned more about basketball. He also learned to play soccer and his favorite soccer team was A.C. Milan.

He’s the only NBA player to have a 20-year career with one team. Kobe’s raw statistics are otherworldly: Five championships, two Finals MVPs, one regular-season MVP, third on the all-time career scoring list, 15 All-NBA teams, 18-time All-Star, four-time scoring champion, and the list goes on and on.

However, those stats do not define Kobe. We will remember him more as one of the game’s ultimate competitors, a guy as driven as anyone who has ever laced up shoes and walked onto a court. He talked about that and his legacy over the course of this final season. Even though we can't see, feel, or hear him now Kobe will always be Kobe. The Kobe inspired me to play basketball, the Kobe who always does his best, and the Kobe whos known as the BLACK MAMBA.

[barksdale718]

Kobe Bryant was drafted 24 years ago. Here are the 24 records he STILL HOLDS (*since merger 1976) 1. Most All-NBA selections (tied) 2. Most All-Defense selections among guards 3. Highest scoring NBA game* 4. Highest scoring half* 5. Most points scored in 3 quarters* 6. Most game-winners in a season 7. All-time leader in game winners made 8. Highest scoring final career game 9. Oldest player to score 60 points 10. Most consecutive 40+ point games (tied) 11. Most consecutive 50+ point games* 12. Most Christmas Day points scored 13. Most 60+ point games in the NBA* 14. Most points scored in a single arena 15. Most pts scored as an opponent in a game at MSG 16. Youngest player to start in an NBA game 17. Youngest player to start in an NBA All-Star Game 18. Most consecutive All-Star selections 19. Most All-Star game MVPs* 20. Youngest Slam Dunk Contest winner 21. NBA All-Star steals all-time leader 22. Most offensive rebounds in an All-Star Game 23. Most NBA All-Star Game starts (tied) 24. All-time leader in FTM among guards https://www.instagram.com/p/B8AJkFhgXyU6m3tYBlAEmQtixnYBdmTIfq-BUg0/?igshid=r7h0wl3xm89j

[rickhorrow]

10 To Watch : Mayor’s Edition

RICK HORROW’S TOP 10 SPORTS/BIZ/TECH/PHILANTHROPY ISSUES FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 20 : MAYOR’S EDITION

with Jacob Aere 

Brands spent $4.48 billion on TV advertising during 2019 regular season NFL broadcasts, according to iSpot.tv data shared by Broadcasting & Cable. The figure is up nearly 14% on 2018, as the number of ad airings during NFL broadcasts climbed more than 7% to more than 32,000. According to the data, the ads scored 157.8 billion impressions, an uptick of 11% from the previous year. Verizon, also an NFL sponsor, was the top-spending company, shelling out an estimated $150.6 million to advertise during NFL games. Insurance firms Geico, Progressive, and State Farm also spent more than $100 million on ad spots. Most money came from the automotive industry, as Toyota, Hyundai, and others reportedly spent $605.2 million on commercials, while electronics and communication firms spent an estimated $351 million. The study comes ahead of Super Bowl LIV, which has seen brands pay FOX as much as $5.6 million for a single 30-second ad slot during the game. We assume that State Farm is disappointed to see spokesman Aaron Rodgers’ Packers fall to the 49ers and miss out on a “Super State Farm Bowl” against fellow pitchman Patrick Mahomes.

Lots of familiar ESPN faces, U.S. females populate the Australian Open. The Australian Open gets underway on Monday, replete with many very familiar faces reporting from Melbourne against the backdrop of bushfires that have commanded headlines, donations, and on-the-ground aid personnel from across the world. In the broadcast booths at Rod Laver Arena and around the vast tennis complex, James Blake has joined ESPN’s tennis team, with the company announcing a bevy of new contracts for its veterans as well. Longtime ESPN tennis stalwarts with new contracts include Darren Cahill (2007, the year he joined ESPN); Chris Evert (2011); Mary Joe Fernandez, marking 20 years (2000); Brad Gilbert (2004); John McEnroe (2009); Patrick McEnroe, celebrating 25 years (1995); Chris McKendry (1996); and Pam Shriver, marking her 30th year with the network (1990). Additionally, there are 22 American women in this year’s Australian Open main draw, the most at a Slam other than the U.S. Open since the 1999 Australian Open. The first round pitted the oldest, 39 year old Venus Williams, against the youngest, 15 year old Coco Gauff (the winner).

NHL All-Star Game takes the ice and the streets in St. Louis. The NHL has lined up its roster of activations for the 2020 NHL Fan Fair, the official fan festival of the2020 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend, running January 23-26 in St. Louis. Partners gearing up for the event include Enterprise, Honda, New Amsterdam Vodka, Truly, Discover, Dunkin’, Bud Light, GEICO, Great Clips, MassMutual, and SAP. Highlights of the four-day, family-friendly festival include autograph sessions featuring former and current NHL All-Stars; a Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit featuring the St. Louis Blues; NHL memorabilia and trophy displays, including the Stanley Cup; and the sixth annual NHL Mascot Showdown featuring all 29 NHL Mascots. Additionally, the NHL and Green Day will build on their multiyear partnership with the band’s headlining performance at the 2020 Honda NHL All-Star Game on January 25. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will perform outside Enterprise Center shortly before they take the stage inside during the second intermission presented by Ticketmaster. The performance – as always, aimed at expanding hockey’s demographic reach – will be televised as part of the live All-Star Game broadcast on NBC and throughout Canada.

The WNBA and its players' union have come to terms on a new eight-year collective bargaining agreement that includes higher salaries, improved family benefits, and better travel accommodations. This represents a turning point for women's basketball and could ultimately lead to a substantial shift in how female athletes — across all sports — are compensated. The average WNBA cash compensation will reach nearly $130,000, and top players will be able to earn upwards of $500,000. Players will also receive a full salary while on maternity leave, and an annual child care stipend of $5,000. WNBA teams, which provide housing, will now guarantee two-bedroom apartments for players with children. And while players will still have to fly commercial, they'll finally get their own individual hotel rooms. "We believe it's a groundbreaking and historic deal. I'm proud of the players; they bargained hard, they unified, they brought attention to so many important topics," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. The implications of this agreement reach beyond basketball into the larger workplace, at a time when women are demanding increased pay and benefits, on their merit and as a challenge to historically unequal pay.

Looking beyond the Super Bowl, sports books nationwide are preparing for XFL bets. While sports fans have been focused on picking NFL playoff teams to bet on, or marshaling their cash for the Super Bowl, yet another opportunity to wager on football is right around the corner: the XFL. Several states have already authorized bets on the second incarnation of the upstart football league, which begins its season in February, shortly after the NFL season concludes with the Super Bowl. Others are considering doing so, and bookmakers say they have requested that regulators add the league to lists of approved betting events. On the sports betting front, helped by a surge in sports betting, Atlantic City's casinos won $3.29 billion from gamblers in 2019, an increase of over 15% from 2018 — and a huge boon for a city that's still recovering from a mid-decade meltdown that saw five casinos close.

The Super Bowl is two weeks away, but Pepsi is already making Miami Ground Zero. Pepsi has announced that Harry Styles will headline the Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl party on January 31 at Meridian Island in Miami. Planet Pepsi Zero Sugar “will see an out-of-this world build out, transporting fans to a transcendent audio-visual experience unlike anything else at Super Bowl LIV,” according to the announcement. Pepsi also promises a free Pepsi Zero Sugar to everyone in the U.S. if either the San Francisco 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs’ final score ends in zero. The company said that if such a score results, it will refund the price of the drink, up to $2.50, to anyone in the U.S. who purchases it from February 2-4. It said that in 25% of previous Super Bowl games, at least one team finished with a score ending in zero. Pepsi will also award the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year winner for the 17th straight year. This year’s winner will receive a custom matte black Pepsi Zero Sugar trophy as the highest fan-voted honor for NFL Rookies.

Nike begins the 2020s where it began the 2010s: as the number one sportswear brand on the planet. Nike’s Q4 earnings in 2019 grew to $10.2 billion; its income for the last completed financial year was $39.1 billion. All the same, the Portland-based giant faces significant change. It begins 2020 under only its fourth chief executive. John Donahoe, former eBay chief executive, joined Nike in January. Donahoe arrives after an awkward end to Mark Parker’s 13-year tenure. The high-profile Oregon Project closed amid reports that Parker had known uncomfortable details about the activities of banned distance-running coach Alberto Salazar. Strategically, Nike has other decisions to make that will be pertinent to the wider industry. Nike acquired consumer data analytics firm Zodiac in March 2018 and then bought Celect, a “predictive analytics and demand sensing” specialist, in August 2019. That same month it launched Adventure Club, a three-tier trainer subscription service for children. A full-scale version, perhaps based on the Nike+ membership and training scheme, could be a useful source of recurring revenue. Running a $143 billion corporation brings its rewards. Donahoe collects $45 million in cash and stock on arrival, then stands to earn up to $18.5 million a year.

The NBA tipped off league-wide activities honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. NBA teams playing January 16–20 are wearing custom Nike MLK Day warmup shirts designed in collaboration with the NBPA, MLK Foundation, and Martin Luther King III. The Dri-FIT T-shirt features words from MLK’s timeless speech on August 28, 1963: “We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”  The NBA has long been a leader in race relations and community outreach activities centered on diversity, and its annual MLK Day celebrations – which lead into the league’s month-long celebration of Black History Month every February – serve as a tentpole moment for this activism each year. 

The Fritz Pollard Alliance released a pointed statement decrying the last two NFL hiring seasons. The Athletic reports that the alliance, which was founded in 2003 to promote diversity hiring, “called on the league to...take tangible steps to develop plans to increase the hiring of people of color in leadership positions.” Of five NFL openings this offseason, only one was filled by a minority — Ron Rivera at Washington. In the last two hiring seasons, only one African-American was hired to fill the 13 openings (Brian Flores in Miami), with five African-Americans fired. Four of 32 NFL teams have a minority coach: Washington, Miami, Pittsburgh (Mike Tomlin), and the Chargers (Anthony Lynn). 70% of the NFL’s players are men of color compared with 12.5% of head coaches. The alliance points out that in 100 years the NFL has gone from Pollard as the first African-American coach in 1921 to four coaches of color in 2020; the league has only one African-American GM and no African-American team presidents. This despite the presence of the Rooney Rule, enacted in 2002, which requires that teams interview at least one minority candidate.

Barstool Sports is close to selling to little-known casino company Penn National. According to Recode, the Chernin Group, which currently owns Barstool, is in advanced talks to sell a majority stake in the company to Penn National Gaming, a publicly traded, regional gambling company that operates 41 properties in 19 states. Barstool was last valued at more than $100 million, but a potential purchase price could be much higher, and might create the biggest media-gambling tie-up in the U.S. since the Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018. The deal would tie Barstool, a well-known company with a passionate audience, to a casino company you may have never heard of and use Barstool’s brand to transition into online sports betting. This potential move looks like a positive for Barstool, which can't find a home with sports leagues due to its brash approach to sports and pop culture coverage, and Penn National, which needs to compete in the move to online sports betting.

[junker-town]

NBA mock draft 2020: LaMelo Ball is trying to hold on to No. 1 overall pick status

Here’s our latest projection of the 2020 NBA Draft.

At last, the 2020 NBA Draft is almost here. After being pushed back nearly four months because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Minnesota Timberwolves will finally be on the clock to announce their decision with the No. 1 overall pick.

This is not considered to be a strong draft by anyone who has evaluated this year’s class, but there are still plenty of intriguing young players who should have quality NBA careers. Much of the uncertainty entering this draft stems from the lack of an obvious No. 1 talent. So many of the teams picking at the top of the order have been rumored to be looking for a trade down, which could create a frantic night full of surprises.

This mock draft assumes no trades, with selections based on a combination of team fit, best player available, and early rumors about what could happen on draft night. Before the order gets up-ended by potential deals, here’s our best projection of what the draft could look like.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves - LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawarra Hawks

LaMelo Ball blossomed into the top overall prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft by showcasing his special combination of physical and creative gifts during a season aboard playing in the Australian-based NBL. Ball has tremendous size for a lead guard at 6’7 paired with ultra tight ball handling, boundless vision, and the confidence and skill to throw any pass. If Ball’s creation ability is the foundation of his game, he also has room to grow as a scorer and defender. Ball struggled to score efficiently in halfcourt sets in Australia and has faced warranted criticism about his shot selection. At the same time, Ball displays impressive natural touch on floaters around the basket, and could ultimately develop into a quality shooter in part because he already has so many reps taking deep pull-up threes off the dribble in game action.

Ball is still growing into his gifts as one of the youngest players in this draft class, but his talent is worth betting on. Nothing changes the trajectory of a team like adding a star-level offensive creator, and no player in this class has a better chance to one day fill that role than Ball. If he isn’t a perfect present day fit in Minnesota, the thought of what he could one day become is too much to pass up.

2. Golden State Warriors - Anthony Edwards, SG, Georgia

There’s no questioning Anthony Edwards’ physical talent. The 6’5 guard is the best raw athlete in the class, blending extraordinary quick-twitch burst in tight spaces with rare explosiveness in the open floor and around the basket. When Edwards is feeling it, he can also be one of the most impressive shot-makers in this draft. He hit four three-pointers or more in six different games, headlined by a breakout performance against No. 3 Michigan State in the Maui Invitational where he scored 33 of his 37 points in the second half and finished 7-of-16 from three. In terms of raw tools, no one in this draft has a better combination of elite physicality and scoring ability.

So why isn’t Edwards the consensus No. 1 overall pick? The reality is that his freshman season at Georgia left a lot to be desired. His shot selection was a disaster, often setting for contested pull-ups instead of making determined drives to the rim. His ability to read opposing defenses is a major question mark for someone who will often play with the ball in his hands. His defense is also decidedly underwhelming, with a lack of recognition and focus short-circuiting his wonderful physicality. Golden State still feels like the best place for Edwards to grow, where he can learn how to play off-the-ball next to Stephen Curry and Co. and won’t be expected to carry the organization from day one. If Golden State can re-wire how Edwards plays the game, he should be a useful piece in the short-term and potentially a building block long-term.

3. Charlotte Hornets - James Wiseman, C, Memphis

Wiseman was considered the top recruit in the country entering Memphis, and his truncated college career amidst an NCAA eligibility scandal hasn’t appeared to affect his draft stock. Scouts that like him as a potential top-five pick see a center with a 7’4 wingspan who can fly down the floor from end-to-end in the open court. Wiseman’s game will be blocking shots at the rim on defense and dunking the ball at the rim on offense. While he’s certainly a ‘high floor’ prospect based on his body and speed, there’s a reason Wiseman is also considered perhaps the most polarizing player in this draft.

Wiseman is not particularly quick off the floor as a jumper. His straight-line speed doesn’t fully translate to lateral movement skills. He also doesn’t add any value as a shooter or passer. Wiseman can be impactful as a drop coverage big man, but his lack of versatility brings legitimate questions on whether he can return proper value for a top-three pick. Charlotte is badly in need of a lead creator and two-way wings, but they reportedly like Wiseman enough to consider trading up for him. Despite fair criticisms of how his skill set will translate to the NBA, it’s hard to see him fall out of the top three given his pedigree.

4. Chicago Bulls - Killian Hayes, G, Ulm

As a general rule of thumb, until an NBA team has a star-level offensive creator, it needs to be looking for one. French-born guard Killian Hayes has a better chance to one day develop into that type of player than anyone in this draft class outside of LaMelo Ball. Hayes is a strong 6’5 lefty guard who can make every read on the floor. While not the most explosive athlete around the rim, he can put pressure on the defense as a scorer with floaters and pull-up jumpers. Hayes isn’t a wizard as a passer like Ball, but he is a more consistent on-ball decision-maker who has shown rare poise in the pick-and-roll as one of the younger players in this draft class. Hayes also has tremendous instincts defensively, knowing when and how to rotate in today’s help-heavy schemes.

Hayes’ shooting will be under the microscope early in his career. In his first year on Ulm, Hayes made serious improvement as a shooter off the dribble, but strangely struggled on spot-up opportunities. Chicago drafted a guard last year in Coby White, but he likely projects as more of a microwave scorer than a future offensive engine. There’s a strong case to be made that Hayes is both the best overall talent and the best fit for the Bulls at No. 4.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers - Obi Toppin, C/F, Dayton

As a redshirt sophomore at Dayton this past season, Toppin blossomed into the most dominant player in college basketball. Surrounded by shooting in head coach Anthony Grant’s pro-style offense, Toppin was an electric finisher at the rim while also stretching out the range on his own jump shot. No player in America provided high-volume scoring with incredible efficiency like Toppin. He finished the year in the 99th percentile of points per possession, and graded out as ‘excellent’ on a variety of play types.

The questions for Toppin come on the other side of the ball. He doesn’t have a position defensively: he’s unable to anchor the backline as a rim protecting center, and he can’t stick with smaller players at the four, either. It’s also worth pointing out that Toppin is one of the oldest players in this draft class. He’s only one day younger than Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who already has three years of NBA experience under his belt. Cleveland has a ton of holes on the roster, but the promise of Toppin’s offensive versatility is appealing for a franchise that could use a dynamic finisher. Even if Toppin ultimately gets played off the floor deep into the playoffs, the Cavs can take solace in the fact that they are far, far away from that being a tangible concern for them.

6. Atlanta Hawks - Deni Avdija, F, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Avdija is a 6’8 Israeli combo forward who makes up for his lack of an elite skill with a well-rounded game that can fill the cracks in the foundation of any team. While he doesn’t project as a lead offensive initiator, Avdija’s secondary playmaking is beneficial both in the half court and transition. He’s a smart off-ball cutter who isn’t afraid of contact at the rim, both as a finisher and rebounder. Shooting will be his swing skill. Avdija only hit about 33 percent of his three-pointers and 59 percent of his free throws as a 19-year-old for Maccabi Tel Aviv, but he exhibits good footwork and a clean release on his jumper. The team that drafts him will believe it can fine-tune his jumper to at least league average levels, where it will be more of an asset than a liability.

It’s possible Avdija is off the board by the time Atlanta comes on the clock, but the Hawks feel like the best possible fit for him. He wouldn’t be depended on as a primary creator with Trae Young running the show, but his supplemental playmaking ability would free Young to be deployed as a shooter off the ball. The Hawks already have several combo forwards on the roster after drafting De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish last year, but Avdija’s offensive versatility would make him uniquely valuable within Young’s orbit.

7. Detroit Pistons - Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State

Tyrese Haliburton put together an impressive statistical profile during his two years at Iowa State that took him from an under-the-radar recruit to a surefire lottery pick. The tall-but-skinny 6’5 guard provided knockdown shooting on catch-and-shoot opportunities, ranking above the 90th percentile nationally in spot-ups chances each of his years in school, per Synergy Sports. Haliburton also posted a sky-high 3.8 steal rate and hit better than 82 percent of his free throws as a sophomore, two indicators that typically predict NBA success. While Haliburton has some clear strengths as a player, he also has some equally clear limitations that makes his role and team context vital for whoever drafts him.

Haliburton is an impressive passer, but he’s not a major threat to create offense out of pick-and-roll or isolation situations. He rarely puts pressure on the rim with drives to the basket and doesn’t get to the foul line. There are also questions on how he’ll project defensively if he can’t add strength to his 175-pound frame. The Pistons don’t have a primary creator who Haliburton can play off of just yet, but his intriguing package of skills and overall efficiency still could be enticing for a team that needs all the backcourt help it can get.

8. New York Knicks - Kira Lewis, PG, Alabama

Kira Lewis went from the youngest freshman in the country to a breakout sophomore playing in Nate Oats’ pro-style scheme at Alabama. No player in this draft class is faster with the ball in their hands. The 6’3 point guard can blow by defenders at the point of attack or dust them in transition to apply consistent pressure on the rim. That speed creates advantage situations for himself and others even if he isn’t the most polished finisher or live dribble passer just yet. Lewis is also a solid catch-and-shoot threat, ranking in the 88th percentile of America in spot-up opportunities while hitting 36.4 percent of his threes.

While Lewis continues to refine his skill set, his aggressive drives will serve as the foundation of his game. This Knicks roster has no one who can get into the paint like he can. Whether he sticks as a lead initiator or eventually finds a home in multi-guard lineups a la Dennis Schroeder (a frequent NBA comparison), Lewis’ ability to break down the defense has a variety of ways to provide value.

9. Washington Wizards - Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC

Okongwu went from winning state titles with the Ball brothers at Chino Hills to emerging as the most complete big man prospect in this draft class during an excellent freshman season at USC. Okongwu showed he can be a foundational defensive piece during his year with the Trojans, effectively pulling off a variety of different pick-and-roll coverages and showing outstanding rim protection instincts. Offensively, Okongwu projects as an efficient-but-low volume scorer. While he didn’t make a set three-pointer all year (his only make was a heave), Okongwu did finish in the 94th percentile on post-ups, 90th percentile on put-backs after offensive rebounds, 78th percentile as a roll man, and 73rd percentile in transition.

Okongwu’s game isn’t flashy, but his impact on winning is noticeable. The Wizards would benefit greatly from adding a versatile defensive big man to a front court that includes Rui Hachimura and potentially free-agent-to-be Davis Bertans.

10. Phoenix Suns - Patrick Williams, F, Florida State

Patrick Williams is the youngest college player in this draft class, and as such remains far away from what he could one day become. The Suns are in a unique position to be patience grooming his talents, partly because the ideal version of his development would be a perfect fit alongside their already promising young core. A long-and-strong 6’8 forward, Williams flashed intriguing supplemental rim protection skills while wrecking havoc in the passing lanes defensively. His offense is fairly rudimentary at this point, but his nearly 84 percent mark from the foul line is a positive indication for his long-term shooting outlook.

As our Pistons community Detroit Bad Boys noted, Williams is one of just five college players since 2010-11 to hit better than 83 percent of his free throws, finish with a block rate above five percent, and a steal rate above 2.5 percent. Two of the other players were Robert Covington and Matisse Thybulle as seniors. If Williams can eventually fulfill his promise as a shot-blocking four who provides some spacing on offense, that sure sounds like a wonderful match next to Deandre Ayton in the Phoenix front court.

11. San Antonio Spurs - Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn

Okoro’s defensive versatility is one of the great skills in this draft class. How he develops from there will go a long way towards determining if he one day looks like the steal of the first round or merely a stopper who just couldn’t bring enough offensive value. Okoro has the total package defensively for a 6’7 wing: he makes sharp rotations as a help defender, has the strength to absorb contact while protecting the rim, can switch onto a variety of different player types, and provides intimidating point of attack defense that could one day bother even the world’s best scorers. His offense is much less of a sure thing, mostly because he borders on being a non-shooter from the perimeter right now. As his outside shot develops, Okoro can still positively impact an offense by getting to the foul line, finishing off cuts, and continuing to develop his promising passing ability.

The league should be determined to keep Okoro away from the Spurs, because it sure feels like the best possible landing spot for his development. While any Kawhi Leonard comparisons would be way too optimistic, San Antonio’s history of building outside shooters from scratch could be a huge boon for Okoro. If his range starts when the Cavaliers come on the clock with pick No. 5, San Antonio feels like the end of it.

12. Sacramento Kings - Devin Vassell, F, Florida State

The Florida State sophomore is perhaps the best bet in the draft to turn into a quality 3-and-D wing. While not the most powerfully built forward at 6’7 and about 200 pounds, Vassell is a super sharp team defender who buzzed around the court for a top-15 FSU defense. Vassell can challenge shots at the rim (4.1 percent block rate) and rip the ball away for takeaways (2.8 percent steal rate) while also providing more subtle value with crisp rotations. Offensively, Vassell isn’t going to be much of a creator, but should space the floor effectively from three-point range. He hit better than 41 percent from three in both seasons with the Seminoles, but he’ll have to work on increasing his volume from deep for it to truly be impactful.

If Vassell slips to No. 12, the Kings should be doing backflips on their way to draft him. Sacramento lacks high-IQ help defenders and off-ball scoring on the wings in the worst way. Vassell’s range feels like it starts with Atlanta at No. 6, but Sacramento should be the floor.

13. New Orleans Pelicans - Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky

Maxey has the size of a traditional point guard, but he’s best suited playing off a bigger lead initiator rather than running an offense. If Maxey can find the right fit, he has an impressive package of skills that could make him look like a draft day steal down the road. Maxey is a fast, strong, and fearless guard who thrives attacking the rim and finishing through contact. He’s a physical defender who can slow down smaller guards with good length (6’6 wingspan) and quick hips. Maxey’s outside shot (29 percent from three) is his biggest red flag, but he’s a good free throw shooter (83 percent) and could easily improve from deep when he gets into the league. For now, Maxey is an aggressive combo guard who can get buckets and compete defensively. In a purported ‘weak’ draft class, you can do a lot worse than that in the middle of the first round.

14. Boston Celtics - Precious Achiuwa, F/C, Memphis

Achiuwa checks every box physically for a modern hybrid front court player. At 6’9, 225 pounds with a 7’2 wingspan, the Memphis freshman is a big, strong, fast athlete who can provide tremendous defensive versatility and a major impact on the glass so long as he’s disciplined. The other side of the floor is a different story. Achiuwa is a rough outside shooter and only made 60 percent of his free throws. His ‘feel for the game’ very much remains a work in progress especially on the offensive end, which is troubling for a freshman who is already 21 years old. The hope is that Achiuwa can play a variety of coverages defensively either as a four or a five, and that his offense slowly develops with cutting ability and spot-up shooting. His tape at Memphis leaves a lot to be desired, but the physical tools are hard to come by.

15. Orlando Magic - Aaron Nesmith, SG, Vanderbilt

Nesmith had already established himself as the most prolific outside shooter in the draft before he endured a fractured foot that ended his season early. While teams would have liked to get more tape on him defensively, there’s no questioning he’ll immediately provide three-point shooting for whoever drafts him. Nesmith hit 52.2 percent of his three-pointers on 8.2 attempts per game, often flying around screens in head coach Jerry Stackhouse’s offense to get open. His points per possession on spot-ups, off screens, in transition, and off hands-offs all graded out as ‘excellent’, per Synergy Sports. Nesmith won’t create offense off the dribble and his defense will hope to be average (his 6’10 wingspan should help), but in a league that values knockdown shooting off movement, he should be a worth mid-first rounder.

16. Portland Trail Blazers - Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova

Bey shot up draft boards with a breakout sophomore season at Villanova where he put together an impressive offensive profile with elite efficiency as a shooter. The 6’8 wing hit 45 percent of his threes on 5.2 attempts per game, and also ranked in the 98th percentile on spot-up opportunities. Bey also performed well as a pick-and-roll ball handler (88th percentile) and in transition (93rd percentile), but his limited burst leaves questions on how that will translate against bigger, stronger NBA defenders. Bey’s own defense is also questionable with a notable lack of perimeter mobility, but his frame should at least allow him to compete at the point of attack.

The Blazers are perpetually in need of wing help, and Bey’s shooting skill makes him a good enough bet at this point in the draft.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves - Aleksej Pokuševski, F/C, Serbia

Pokuševski is this year’s international mystery man in the draft — and the fact that he might have the highest long-term upside of any player available only makes him more tantalizing. Poku is a 7-footer with flashes of shooting, ball handling, and creative playmaking. It just requires a leap of faith to take him in the mid-first round because his tape is so limited to this point and his body needs so much development with a professional training staff. The Wolves may as well swing for the fences here and see if they can hit a home run.

18. Dallas Mavericks - Josh Green, G, Arizona

Green is the definition of an elite athlete on the wing while also offering projectable spot-up shooting. The 6’5 freshman flew all over the court for Arizona this season, showcasing impossibly quick hips, tremendous straight line speed, and sharp defensive instincts. He isn’t a threat to create off the dribble, but adds value offensive in transition and potentially as a catch-and-shoot threat. Green ranked in the 77th percentile on spot-ups while hitting 36 percent of his threes on relatively low volume (2.8 attempts per game). It feels like this could be a major addition for a Dallas team that needs defense and athleticism on the wing.

19. Brooklyn Nets - R.J. Hampton, G, Breakers

Hampton was a five-star recruit out of Dallas who decided to play in New Zealand rather than at a college hoops power program like Kansas or Memphis. The 6’5 combo guard flashed his skill as an aggressive downhill attacker and competitive defender before a hip injury shutdown his season after 15 games. Hampton remains a work in progress as an outside shooter, and still hasn’t proven he can score efficiently in the halfcourt. He’s certainly more of a scoring guard than a natural floor general. Hampton still has enough tools to bet on in the mid-to-late first round. The star-power Brooklyn has at the top of the roster would benefit him by letting him develop at his own pace.

20. Miami Heat - Desmond Bane, SG, TCU

Bane isn’t a trendy one-and-done prospect and he doesn’t have elite explosiveness around the rim, but if you’re looking for a high-IQ guard who can shoot, pass, and defend, there aren’t many bets better than the senior out of TCU. Bane canned 44 percent of his three-pointers on 6.5 attempts per game as an outside shooter. He also started running the offense more frequently, with attempts as a pick-and-roll ball handler going from 5.6 percent of his work load as a junior to 22.7 percent in his final college season. He performed admirably on those play types, finishing in the 85th percentile as a pick-and-roll handler. Bane’s defense is also reliable and competitive. If he goes to Miami, expect him to be one of the steals of this draft.

21. Philadelphia 76ers - Tyrell Terry, G, Stanford

Terry entered Stanford as the No. 88 overall recruit in the incoming freshman class before emerging as a surprising one-and-done following a standout season. Terry is a 6’3 guard whose shooting ability will serve as the foundation of his game. He made nearly 41 percent of his three-pointers on almost five attempts per game, and showed some ability to shoot off movement. He also performed well as a pick-and-roll handler (77th percentile), but his lack of burst and inability to get to the foul line means he’s likely more of an off-ball player in the league. Philly needs all the shooting it can get, and Terry provides that with the hope of more untapped upside yet to come.

22. Denver Nuggets - Cole Anthony, G, North Carolina

Anthony deserves to go much higher than this based on his talent and pedigree, but some rough circumstances around his freshman season at UNC could push him down the board. A consensus top-3 recruit out of high school, Anthony found himself needing to carry the load for a Tar Heels team that lost so much talent to the NBA and graduation from the year before. Then he tore his meniscus around Thanksgiving and struggled to regain his explosiveness and efficiency. Anthony has clear skills as an off-the-dribble shot-maker, but his rim attacking and ability to read the floor didn’t quite match the hype. His range likely starts at the end of the lottery, but falling to a talented team like Denver might ultimately be the best thing for his long-term development.

23. Utah Jazz - Jalen Smith, F, Maryland

Smith bloomed into a third-team All-American during his sophomore year at Maryland, showcasing his shooting ability and scoring touch as a 6’10 big man. Smith hit 37 percent of his threes on 2.8 attempts per game and 75 percent of his free throws while also shining on the glass, especially on the offensive end. Smith also posted nice numbers as a shot blocker (8.2 block rate) and transition scorer (99th percentile on 8.5 percent of his plays) but there are questions of how those attributes will translate because Smith isn’t the most powerfully built athlete. If he can find a way to stay on the floor defensively, his offense should make him a valuable player.

24. Milwaukee Bucks - Theo Maledon, G, ASVEL Lyon

Maledon is a 6’4 French guard who emerged as a Euroleague starter for ASVEL Lyon this past season at just 18 years old. While he’s not an explosiveness rim attacker as a lead guard, Maledon plays a measured game built on making pick-and-roll reads and scoring efficiently from two-point range. His three-point shot and his defense will be swing skills. He shouldn’t make a huge impact in either area, but just being passable there would be a big boost for his value.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder - Jaden McDaniels, F, Washington

The Thunder have a history of selecting tools-y young players with a limited history of efficient production, and McDaniels would certainly fit the archetype. A consensus top-10 recruit out of high school, McDaniels had some flashes of impressive scoring touch, but ultimately only shot 40 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range. Maybe he isn’t the future star some thought he could be as a high schooler, but his length and scoring instincts makes him a worthy developmental flier at this point of the first round.

26. Boston Celtics - Leandro Bolmaro, G, Barcelona

Bolmaro is a 6’7 guard from Argentina who flashed his playmaking potential and defensive instincts in a limited role with Barcelona this year. Bolmaro has a chance to develop into an oversized creator down the road who can effectively run offense. Defense will likely be his calling card early in his career, where he uses his plus size and high basketball-IQ to make an impact as a help defender. The best thing about Bolmaro? He’s a wonderful draft-and-stash option thanks to a quality developmental setup with Barcelona, which would be ideal for a Celtics team with three first rounders should they decide to keep every pick.

27. New York Knicks - Robert Woodard, F, Mississippi State

Woodard is worth a flier late in the first round as a big wing without too many apparent holes in his offensive skill set. Woodard has excellent size at 6’7, 230 pounds with a 7’1 wingspan, and he hit 43 percent of his threes on low volume as a sophomore at Mississippi State. While his shooting remains a question mark, Woodard showed good instincts finishing off cuts, and graded out as ‘average’ on transition opportunities, spot-ups, and put-backs. There are worse bets to make if you’re looking for a wing at this point in the first round.

28. Los Angeles Lakers - Malachi Flynn, G, San Diego State

Flynn was one of the best players in America in his debut season for San Diego State as a transfer from Washington State, leading the team to a 30-2 season and earning a second-team All-American nod. The 6’1 guard was an efficient, high volume three-point shooter (37 percent from deep) and was excellent defensively. He ended the year leading the country in win shares and No. 6 in box score plus-minus. He doesn’t have ideal size or athleticism for a lead guard, but Flynn is simply really, really good. That’s worth a shot for the defending champs at the No. 28 pick.

29. Toronto Raptors - Xavier Tillman, C, Michigan State

Tillman was simply one of the most impactful players in America whenever he was on the floor for MSU. The 6’8, 245-pound center plays a below the rim game, but wins with strength and smarts. He led the country in box score plus-minus this season by playing intimidating defense in the paint, making smart reads as a passer, and hitting the glass hard as a rebounder. He might not have a ton of untapped potential, but he’s ready to handle minutes right now.

30. Boston Celtics - Grant Riller, G, Charleston

Riller will turn 24 years old as a rookie and spent the last four years playing in the Colonial Conference, but his unique gifts as a scorer are worth betting on at this point in the draft. Riller has incredible burst with the ball in his hands to create separation on the perimeter combined with quality shooting touch to give him one of the most diverse scoring packages in this class. He finished in the 97th percentile as a pick-and-roll ball handler, in the 87th percentile in isolations, and in the 96th percentile on spot-up opportunities. His defense is a huge question mark, but offensive players like this are worth a shot with the final pick in the first round.

[sidesofbasketball]

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