Latest news with #MarkTatum
Forbes
3 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Indiana's Surprise Finals Run Spotlights Pascal Siakam's Journey And The NBA's Growing Return On Its African Investment
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 31: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates the 125-108 win ... More against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) When the Indiana Pacers punched their ticket to the NBA Finals, it was something of a Cinderella story, few had them pegged to go that far. Against the odds, they overcame tough opponents, with Pascal Siakam standing tall at the heart of their breakthrough. Just crowned Eastern Conference Finals MVP after powering the Pacers past the New York Knicks, Siakam has become the emblem of not only Indiana's surprising run but also the broader rise of African talent in the NBA. The Cameroonian forward's journey is extraordinary. From a chance visit to a Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa, a detour from his initial path to pastoral school, to becoming a three-time NBA All-Star and 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, Siakam's rise mirrors the growing impact of the NBA's investments on the African continent. 'I've told Pascal's story so many times over the past two weeks,' NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum shared with and other media in a global call ahead of tonight's tip-off of the Playoffs, reflecting on Siakam's remarkable journey as a powerful reflection of why the league's investments in Africa are more than just developmental. 'Pascal was headed to pastoral school. He would've been the first 6'9" pastor in the world. But he went to BWB because he wanted to see his sister. And it was there that he got discovered.' 'That moment changed everything,' Tatum added. 'He's changed so many lives, going back to Cameroon, contributing his time and resources. It's a wonderful tribute to why we make the investments that we do in Africa. It literally changes lives. And Pascal is a living example of that.' NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 23: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball against OG ... More Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 23, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo) Siakam's success is emblematic of a deeper transformation in the NBA's competitive landscape. With this year's Finals featuring the seventh different champion in seven seasons, the league has entered a new era, one where parity and possibility are just as important as legacy and dominance. 'I think that balanced competition is really good for fans around the world,' said Tatum. 'Going into the playoffs, you could pick any number of teams that could make a run. It doesn't mean dynasties are over, but what we've done with the CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement] That parity, symbolised by Indiana and Oklahoma City's runs, parallels the global nature of the NBA's reach today. It's no longer just the big markets or marquee franchises that dominate headlines. The league is becoming more open, more unpredictable, and more representative of the global audience it serves. Africa is no longer just producing talent, it's shaping the future of the NBA. From NBA Academy Africa to the Basketball Africa League (BAL), the league has been laying the groundwork for sustainable player development, visibility, and local infrastructure. And it's working. 'Last year, Ulrich Chomche became the first NBA Academy Africa player to be drafted,' shared Tatum. 'This year, Khaman Maluach who went to Duke and is from South Sudan will likely be a first-round pick, maybe even a lottery pick. These players aren't just reaching the NBA; they're impacting the game.' The pathway is clearer than ever: from BAL exposure and Academy coaching to NCAA success or direct draft entries. Rueben Chinyelu, a Nigerian forward who also came through the Academy and BAL, recently won a national championship with the University of Florida. This is no longer a dream pipeline, it's a reality for a growing number of players across the continent. College Basketball: NCAA Finals: Florida Rueben Chinyelu (9) in action, cuts down the net following ... More victory vs Houston at the Alamo Dome. San Antonio, TX 4/7/2025 CREDIT: Greg Nelson (Photo by Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X164706 TK1) What makes this moment even more significant is the NBA's current era of parity. With the league now wide open, talent from non-traditional pipelines, like those emerging from Africa, can not only reach the NBA but contend for titles. The right mix of development, opportunity, and team structure can now lead to playoff success, regardless of where the journey begins. Few understand this better than Kita 'Thierry' Matungulu, Director of Basketball Operations for NBA Africa, who witnessed Pascal Siakam's rise firsthand. Pascal Siakam At The Basketball Without Borders Camp Held In South Africa In 2012 'It's terrific to see Pascal Siakam's journey. I've been part of the 2012 camp which Pascal came through,' Matungulu said. 'To see the growth from grassroots to the NBA is an incredible journey and a story of hope. Through the NBA Academy, many young players are progressing to the NBA or top universities. We've made great strides in growing basketball on the continent and look forward to more young Pascal Siakams.' His words reflect not only the promise but the tangible progress being made. As the league's landscape flattens, the African pipeline is no longer on the margins, it's becoming a central part of the championship conversation. For each rising star, Siakam's path is more than a symbol, it's proof that Africa is not just a source of talent, but a stage for excellence. The shift in competition has also brought a surge in engagement. This season's playoffs are among the most-watched in recent memory, with the Eastern Conference Final, where Siakam earned MVP honours, drawing the highest viewership in seven years. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 31: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates the 125-108 win ... More against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) 'We're seeing record numbers across TV, digital, and social media,' said Tatum. 'What's exciting is that market size is no longer the barrier it used to be. Players and teams from so-called 'small markets' are building global audiences.' That evolution matters for Africa. It means that an African star doesn't need to play in New York or Los Angeles to become a household name. With today's digital platforms and international distribution, fans across the continent can follow their heroes, whether they're in Indiana, Toronto, or beyond. Even as Siakam and the Pacers battle it out with OKC, his success reverberates far beyond Indiana. Back home, he's known for his community outreach, youth programs, and ongoing engagement in Cameroon. His story, like those of the late Dikembe Mutombo, reminds us that basketball success doesn't stop with a contract, it extends to community upliftment. 'These investments literally change lives,' Tatum said. 'Pascal gives his time and resources back. He's not just a champion, he's someone whose impact is felt well beyond the court.' That's why the league is investing not only in elite talent but also in creating the ecosystem that allows for long-term success, academies, coaching clinics, media exposure, and league infrastructure. Pascal Siakam didn't come through a traditional pipeline. He wasn't groomed at an elite U.S. high school or hyped as a can't-miss prospect. His journey began with a camp visit in South Africa and was powered by talent, opportunity, and vision. Today, that vision is taking root across the continent. With the BAL in its fifth season, the Academy producing draft picks, and African-born stars leading franchises into the Finals, the NBA's investment in Africa is no longer experimental. It's essential. And as Siakam laces up for another shot at the title, millions of young Africans will see him not just as a star, but as proof that their dreams have global reach.
Arab News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Thunders vs. Pacers 2025 NBA Finals highlight NBA's competitive parity
DUBAI: As the 2025 NBA Finals tip off in Oklahoma City this week, the league is celebrating this year's matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers as a landmark moment. These are finals defined by competitive parity, the rise of international stars, and a clear message: In today's NBA, success is no longer dictated by market size. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport During a pre-finals international media call, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said the Thunder-Pacers series reflects the league's evolving landscape. 'This season, we will crown the seventh different NBA champion in seven years, a first in league history. This speaks to the parity in today's NBA, where more teams have a chance to win and more players are stepping up on the global stage,' Tatum said. A new era of champions Neither Oklahoma City nor Indiana has ever won an NBA title, with the Pacers' only championships coming in the ABA. But both teams have reached the top through smart drafting, player development, and long-term vision, not through market size or heavy spending. 'It's still early, but I'm encouraged by what we're seeing in terms of parity,' Tatum said. 'Teams like OKC and Indiana prove that strong management, regardless of market size, can build championship contenders. The result is increased global interest and competitive balance.' The Thunder finished with a league-best 68 wins behind Canadian-born MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, advanced through the East with dynamic offense and relentless energy. Both squads are young, deep, and built with a clear identity. Small markets, global reach While Oklahoma City and Indiana are traditionally considered small markets, their impact in 2025 tells a different story. Through global broadcasting and social media, the finals and their stars are more accessible than ever. 'Market size doesn't have the same weight it once did. Thanks to social media, international distribution, and player-driven content, stars from any team can become global icons,' the NBA deputy commissioner added. This postseason supports that claim. The NBA recorded its most-viewed opening playoff weekend in 25 years, and the Eastern Conference Finals between Indiana and New York had the highest viewership in seven years. Across digital platforms, engagement is at an all-time high. 'The Thunder and Pacers have proven that you don't need to be from New York or Los Angeles to capture global attention. If your team plays the right way and your players connect with fans, the world will watch,' Tatum continued. Global stars, global stage The finals spotlight two international standouts: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Canada and Pascal Siakam from Cameroon. Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named both the 2025 NBA regular season MVP and Western Conference Finals MVP, and Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, have emerged as global stars on the league's biggest stage. Both are products of the NBA's global development programs, including Basketball Without Borders. Siakam participated in the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp in 2012, which played a significant role in his basketball development. Gilgeous-Alexander attended the Basketball Without Borders Global camp in 2016, showcasing his talent on an international stage. 'This is truly a breakout moment for Shai,' Tatum said. 'And Pascal's story, from attending a camp in Africa to becoming an NBA champion and now returning to the finals, is a powerful example of what international investment can achieve.' Built, not bought This year's finals also highlight the impact of the league's updated Collective Bargaining Agreement. Neither team is a luxury-tax payer, and both rosters were built through the draft, player development, and smart acquisitions. Tatum highlighted that there are multiple paths to building a championship contender, adding that what we are seeing now is a validation of the system. Drafting Chet Holmgren, trading for Alex Caruso, and signing Isaiah Hartenstein are all smart, sustainable moves. Finals for the future With Gilgeous-Alexander, Haliburton, Siakam, and Holmgren at the forefront, the 2025 NBA finals represent more than a battle for the title. It marks a generational shift in the league. 'These players aren't anointed. They earn their place. And this is where they begin to cement their status as the future faces of the NBA,' Tatum concluded. As two passionate fan bases chase their first NBA title and a global audience tunes in, the Thunder-Pacers Finals stand as a symbol of the league's evolution, driven by competitive parity and the rise of international stars who are boosting viewership around the world. Given that Oklahoma City holds home court advantage, Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off on Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET (Friday, June 6 at 4:30 a.m. GST), live from Oklahoma City.
The Province
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The Province
NBA draft lottery winners and losers from a wild night
The unlikely results had conspiracy theorists buzzing and a lot of fanbases angry. Dallas Mavericks' Rolando Blackman, left, and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum pose for photos after Tatum announced that the Mavericks had won the first pick in the NBA draft lottery. AP Photo There have been plenty of intriguing NBA draft lotteries over the years, but have any been as jaw-dropping as what went on in Chicago on Monday? Not that we can think of. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors After the bottom of the lottery went chalk, with San Antonio, Atlanta and Chicago each staying put, about 10 minutes of intense and stunning entertainment would play out. When Portland's logo was revealed by deputy commissioner Mark Tatum at 11, it meant the Dallas Mavericks had leapt into the Top 4, an unthinkable possibility beforehand after all of the drama of the Luka Doncic disaster. When Houston was shown next, it was really on as that meant bad news for a lot of teams, since both Dallas and San Antonio had hopped up. That meant the Raptors had free-fallen to nine from seven — a regrettable result for them — and Brooklyn went a couple spots to eight. Seeing New Orleans (three spots down), Washington and Utah (four spots each) also out of it meant Philadelphia had done the unlikely and not only kept its pick, but entered the Top 4. Charlotte always seems to have bad luck and indeed dropped from three to four, and when the Sixers were revealed at three it meant either redemption for Dallas or an unreal partner for Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. With the Spurs shown next, the party was on in Dallas. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Here are our winners and losers from an incredible night: WINNERS DALLAS MAVERICKS We don't need to go too deep into explaining why. The team's fanbase was enraged, general manager Nico Harrison was on about the hottest seat in all of sports, and everything changed in a flash. SAN ANTONIO SPURS The rich get richer. Now they'll have a good problem to solve: What to do with a glut of extremely talented guards in De'Aaron Fox, rookie of the year Stephon Castle, likely Dylan Harper in this draft and Devin Vassell (with ageless veteran Chris Paul also an option to return). PHILADELPHIA 76ERS If the team's stars somehow stay healthy (don't bet on it based on history) and management makes the right call at No. 3, there's now a chance this is a contender to at least make the conference final for the next few years. CONSPIRACY THEORISTS Social media was filled with claims the lottery was 'rigged' and that's understandable given how crazy things went, but there are serious protocols in place to ensure everything is above board. People have been thinking the fix could be in since Patrick Ewing and the 'Frozen Envelope' in 1985. Derrick Rose coming home to Chicago despite the odds being extremely against that happening also raised eyebrows, as did LeBron James landing in Cleveland, the Cavs winning after he left, New Orleans getting Zion Williamson after losing Anthony Davis, the Spurs landing Wembanyama and so on. But there's no basis to the theories. It's a lottery and bizarre things can and will happen. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The top prospect always seems to end up in the Western Conference, a juggernaut of a conference. The East is like the junior varsity group and just got even weaker with the clear top two, Flagg and Harper, heading West. The conference remains pretty wide open moving forward, especially if Jayson Tatum's unfortunate injury costs him all or most of next season. Add in Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially being dealt and the East might just keep getting watered down. With Flagg and Harper elsewhere, a lot of teams — including the Raptors — can convince themselves a playoff spot and a series win or two are attainable. That wouldn't be the case for most of them if they played in the West. Read More LOSERS THE WORST TEAMS This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Utah, Washington and Charlotte just put their fans through hideous seasons (again), only to come nowhere close to the top dogs. The Hornets and Pelicans were only slightly better than those teams and also fell. How can the league's doormats crawl out of their holes if they constantly flame out spectacularly at the lottery? Detroit has managed to do it, but they did land Cade Cunningham one year in between lotto debacles and that went a very long way. CHICAGO BULLS Dallas and Chicago each went 39-43 and made the play-in, with the Mavericks winning a game before losing and the Bulls going home right away. A coin flip determined who would have the 11th-best lottery odds and who would have the 12th-best, with the Bulls losing out. Ouch. Instead of bringing in the highest-profile draft pick since Rose, Chicago remains in no man's land, a flip away from Flagg and forever thinking about it if he meets expectations. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Nobody feels bad for the Thunder, the league's best team and also the franchise most loaded with incoming future draft picks, but it hurt them to see Philadelphia jump. Payroll is going to be an issue with so many good players there, so the Thunder could really have used a cheap producer in the 7-9 area of this draft. They'll likely instead get a pick closer to 20 in next year's draft to complete the deal with the Sixers. RAPTORS/NETS Both Atlantic Division doormats wanted far better results. Toronto is way ahead of Brooklyn talent-wise, so it's probably worse for the Nets, who also don't control their 2027 first, which will hurt if they still stink, unlike the Raptors who control all their future firsts, but it was still a tough night for Toronto. Instead of adding a player on par or better than Scottie Barnes or Brandon Ingram, they're left to again try to unearth a gem late in the lottery. They're good at evaluating prospects and only Ingram, RJ Barrett and Barnes were higher draft picks than whoever goes ninth, but it would have been a lot better to bring in Flagg, Harper, V.J. Edgecombe or whoever was left at four than this result. Brooklyn's only option is to tank harder than anyone next year to try to get a franchise player with better lotto luck. Good luck with that. @WolstatSun Sports News Vancouver Canucks News World
Toronto Sun
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
NBA draft lottery winners and losers from a wild night
The unlikely results had conspiracy theorists buzzing and a lot of fanbases angry. Get the latest from Ryan Wolstat straight to your inbox Dallas Mavericks' Rolando Blackman, left, and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum pose for photos after Tatum announced that the Mavericks had won the first pick in the NBA draft lottery. AP Photo There have been plenty of intriguing NBA draft lotteries over the years, but have any been as jaw-dropping as what went on in Chicago on Monday? Not that we can think of. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account After the bottom of the lottery went chalk, with San Antonio, Atlanta and Chicago each staying put, about 10 minutes of intense and stunning entertainment would play out. When Portland's logo was revealed by deputy commissioner Mark Tatum at 11, it meant the Dallas Mavericks had leapt into the Top 4, an unthinkable possibility beforehand after all of the drama of the Luka Doncic disaster. When Houston was shown next, it was really on as that meant bad news for a lot of teams, since both Dallas and San Antonio had hopped up. That meant the Raptors had free-fallen to nine from seven — a regrettable result for them — and Brooklyn went a couple spots to eight. Seeing New Orleans (three spots down), Washington and Utah (four spots each) also out of it meant Philadelphia had done the unlikely and not only kept its pick, but entered the Top 4. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Charlotte always seems to have bad luck and indeed dropped from three to four, and when the Sixers were revealed at three it meant either redemption for Dallas or an unreal partner for Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. With the Spurs shown next, the party was on in Dallas. Here are our winners and losers from an incredible night: WINNERS DALLAS MAVERICKS We don't need to go too deep into explaining why. The team's fanbase was enraged, general manager Nico Harrison was on about the hottest seat in all of sports, and everything changed in a flash. SAN ANTONIO SPURS The rich get richer. Now they'll have a good problem to solve: What to do with a glut of extremely talented guards in De'Aaron Fox, rookie of the year Stephon Castle, likely Dylan Harper in this draft and Devin Vassell (with ageless veteran Chris Paul also an option to return). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If the team's stars somehow stay healthy (don't bet on it based on history) and management makes the right call at No. 3, there's now a chance this is a contender to at least make the conference final for the next few years. CONSPIRACY THEORISTS Social media was filled with claims the lottery was 'rigged' and that's understandable given how crazy things went, but there are serious protocols in place to ensure everything is above board. People have been thinking the fix could be in since Patrick Ewing and the 'Frozen Envelope' in 1985. Derrick Rose coming home to Chicago despite the odds being extremely against that happening also raised eyebrows, as did LeBron James landing in Cleveland, the Cavs winning after he left, New Orleans getting Zion Williamson after losing Anthony Davis, the Spurs landing Wembanyama and so on. But there's no basis to the theories. It's a lottery and bizarre things can and will happen. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The top prospect always seems to end up in the Western Conference, a juggernaut of a conference. The East is like the junior varsity group and just got even weaker with the clear top two, Flagg and Harper, heading West. The conference remains pretty wide open moving forward, especially if Jayson Tatum's unfortunate injury costs him all or most of next season. Add in Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially being dealt and the East might just keep getting watered down. With Flagg and Harper elsewhere, a lot of teams — including the Raptors — can convince themselves a playoff spot and a series win or two are attainable. That wouldn't be the case for most of them if they played in the West. Read More This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Utah, Washington and Charlotte just put their fans through hideous seasons (again), only to come nowhere close to the top dogs. The Hornets and Pelicans were only slightly better than those teams and also fell. How can the league's doormats crawl out of their holes if they constantly flame out spectacularly at the lottery? Detroit has managed to do it, but they did land Cade Cunningham one year in between lotto debacles and that went a very long way. CHICAGO BULLS Dallas and Chicago each went 39-43 and made the play-in, with the Mavericks winning a game before losing and the Bulls going home right away. A coin flip determined who would have the 11th-best lottery odds and who would have the 12th-best, with the Bulls losing out. Ouch. Instead of bringing in the highest-profile draft pick since Rose, Chicago remains in no man's land, a flip away from Flagg and forever thinking about it if he meets expectations. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Nobody feels bad for the Thunder, the league's best team and also the franchise most loaded with incoming future draft picks, but it hurt them to see Philadelphia jump. Payroll is going to be an issue with so many good players there, so the Thunder could really have used a cheap producer in the 7-9 area of this draft. They'll likely instead get a pick closer to 20 in next year's draft to complete the deal with the Sixers. RAPTORS/NETS Both Atlantic Division doormats wanted far better results. Toronto is way ahead of Brooklyn talent-wise, so it's probably worse for the Nets, who also don't control their 2027 first, which will hurt if they still stink, unlike the Raptors who control all their future firsts, but it was still a tough night for Toronto. Instead of adding a player on par or better than Scottie Barnes or Brandon Ingram, they're left to again try to unearth a gem late in the lottery. They're good at evaluating prospects and only Ingram, RJ Barrett and Barnes were higher draft picks than whoever goes ninth, but it would have been a lot better to bring in Flagg, Harper, V.J. Edgecombe or whoever was left at four than this result. Brooklyn's only option is to tank harder than anyone next year to try to get a franchise player with better lotto luck. Good luck with that. @WolstatSun Toronto Maple Leafs Editorials Canada Toronto & GTA Ontario
Washington Post
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Well, things could always be worse for the Wizards. Actually …
You know, worse things could've happened to the Washington Wizards and their fans Monday night. The NBA could've replaced its televised draft lottery with a prime-time special featuring the highlights from the 2024-25 Wizards season — all two of them. Or NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum could've announced an initiative that mirrors European soccer and regulated the Wizards to Friday morning runs at the Y. Or, a giant hole could've torn through the floor of Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center, opening a portal to hell that swallowed up this once-competitive franchise.
