Bronny James, LeBron’s son, taken by Lakers with 55th pick

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Southern California’s Bronny James brings the ball up the court during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Washington in the first round of the Pac-12 tournament Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/File)

It was the dream that LeBron James first floated a few years ago, the notion of playing in the NBA alongside one of his sons.

And it’s a step closer to reality now.

Bronny James — the oldest son of the NBA’s all-time scoring leader and four-time champion — was drafted Thursday by the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that his father has played for since 2018. Bronny James was taken with the No. 55 overall pick, deep in the second round and with only three picks remaining in this year’s draft.

Adding further intrigue to the move: LeBron James can become a free agent next week, which means he could choose to leave the Lakers and sign elsewhere.

The draft move doesn’t guarantee that father and son will actually play in a game together, nor does it even guarantee that Bronny James will be on the Lakers’ roster next season. But it certainly raises the possibility that it could happen in what would be an NBA first — a father-son on-court duo in the league simultaneously as players. There have been about 100 instances in NBA history of players joining the league after their fathers played, but those always came at least five years after the father’s career ended.

But LeBron James’ incredible longevity — he’ll match Vince Carter for the longest career as an NBA player ever this coming season, which will be his 22nd in the league — makes the father-son duo possible.

“With the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Bronny James from the University of Southern California,” NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said in announcing the pick, making the moment official for the 19-year-old, who was born just before the start of his father’s second NBA season.

Bronny James is a guard, one who was listed at 6-foot-4 on Southern California’s roster but measured at 6 feet, 1 1/2 inches at the draft combine. That would make him one of the shortest players in the NBA, but his athleticism and defensive ability helped give him this opportunity.

He played one year of college basketball at USC and averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game last season. He played in 25 games, missing the start of the season after needing a procedure last year to fix what was diagnosed as a congenital heart defect, which was found after he went into cardiac arrest during a summer workout.

A panel of doctors cleared Bronny James for NBA play last month.

Day 2 of the draft saw 24 other players get taken before Bronny James, though none of them — not even close, really — got the attention that the No. 55 selection received, for obvious reasons.

The 55th pick rarely turns out to be a player who captures a slew of attention. The best 55th pick in NBA history would be current Miami Heat guard Patty Mills, selected in 2009 and someone who has scored 7,893 points in his 15-season career.

Some other notable No. 55 picks include Marc Iavaroni, Mark Blount, Kenny Gattison and E’Twaun Moore. There’s never been a No. 55 pick that was an NBA All-Star, an All-NBA player, an All-Rookie team player or an All-Defensive team pick.



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Last season’s No. 55 pick, Isaiah Wong, scored exactly two points for Indiana as a rookie. Add up every No. 55 pick ever, and their NBA career scoring total is 28,364 points — more than 12,000 points less than LeBron James has scored in his career.

Ex-UST spiker wants to show people she can play

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Pierre Abellana didn’t get too much exposure in her two-year stay with University of Santo Tomas (UST).

But Abellana, a Golden Tigress recruit from University of San Carlos, knows that she has so much more to show and she is raring to show just that if the stars align for her to get picked in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft.

“Personally, I am really eager to show what I can do especially since I only had a limited playing time last [UAAP Season 86],” Abellana said in Filipino in the recently concluded Draft Combine.

“We also did not achieve our goal [of claiming the championship] so I guess I would just have to get over it through this,” she added referring to UST being swept by National University in their Finals clash previously.

Abellana is among the 47 aspirants hoping to get their shot in the PVL which will conduct its first-ever Draft on July 8.

The 5-foot-6 versatile spiker was a role player in her stint with UST where she was usually tapped off the bench. Her UST career can be summed up in modest numbers: 11 points from 10 attacks and an ace, nine excellent digs and six excellent receptions.

Combine results

“I really want to prove myself because I know that other people have not seen how I really play,” she said after forgoing her three remaining years of eligibility in the UAAP.

Prior to her rookie appearance in the UAAP, Abellana displayed her talent with a 23-point outing against Adamson two years ago in the preseason tournament Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Conference.

In the recent Draft Combine, the young hitter registered a second-best standing vertical jump at 63.50 centimeters, a 299-cm vertical jump with approach, a 222-cm standing broad jump, a 6.5-second modified agility T-test and a 14.35-second 60-meter shuttle run in the Anthropometry and Fitness test.

“[The Combine] was challenging but it also shows us the extent of what we can do and what else we can do for PVL,” said Abellana who also shared that her former UST coaches were supportive of her decision to try her luck in the pros.

“[The coaches] pushed me, saying that ‘you can already apply for the draft, you can do it,’” she said while also revealing that she already wants to earn to help support her family.

Knowing that she could’ve done more to help the Golden Tigresses, Abellana said who she was excited to see at the opposite side of the court, if all goes well.



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“I want to face the teams of my previous coaches: coach KungFu (Reyes, Chery Tiggo), coach Lerma (Giron, Galeries Tower), coach Shaq (delos Santos, Cignal),” Abellana said.

“[But I am still] OK having coach KungFu as a coach, he is solid and I learned a lot from him and he made me a stronger player,” she added.

Teams keep trading light on opening night of 2-day NBA Draft

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Names of all 30 first round picks fill the NBA basketball draft board at the end of the first round, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The NBA splitting its draft into a two-night affair helped limit the number of trades during the first round.

Commissioner Adam Silver announced two of the three proposed trades Wednesday night. No deal can be official until July 6 when the league’s new year begins, but that’s never stopped NBA teams from swapping players and selections.

Before the draft got under way, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired forward Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Malcolm Brogdon, the 14th pick in this year’s draft and a first-round pick in 2029.

A person familiar with the deal confirmed the trade to the The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it had not been announced. Silver later detailed the deal during the first round.

READ: Zaccharie Risacher second straight from France picked No. 1 in NBA Draft

The Blazers made the pick, selecting Carlton “Bub” Carrington out of Pitt. Carrington averaged 13.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in his lone college season. The Wizards also took French center Alex Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick.

Minnesota also agreed on a trade with the San Antonio Spurs to get Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham, the eighth overall pick.

The Timberwolves will complete the deal by sending to the Spurs their unprotected 2031 first-round pick and make a 2030 swap that’s protected for the top pick, both ESPN and The Athletic reported.

NBA Draft 2024 Adam Silver

NBA commissioner Adam Silver opens the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Dillingham spent his only college season at Kentucky, averaging 15.2 points, 3.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 23.3 minutes per game while making 44.4% of his 3-point attempts. The native of North Carolina is a shot creator and dynamic scorer who can give the Timberwolves some needed production off the bench.

The Suns made the final move of the first round, dealing their No. 22 pick to the Denver Nuggets for the No. 28 pick, No. 56 pick and two future second-round selections.

READ: Zaccharie Risacher chosen by Hawks with top pick in NBA Draft

The Nuggets took Dayton big man DaRon Holmes II at No. 22 while the Suns grabbed Virginia’s Ryan Dunn with the 28th pick, adding arguably the draft’s premier defensive prospect. Denver might’ve gotten a steal with Holmes, a three-time All-Defensive player while averaging 20.4 points his final college season.

Denver general manager Calvin Booth said the team liked the jump Holmes took as a 3-point shooter along with his experience. The Nuggets saw Minnesota as a potential threat to grab Holmes.

“It was important for us to get ahead and get our guy,” Booth said.

The Nets didn’t wait for the draft to start, making a big move Tuesday night trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, where he’ll be rejoining former Villanova teammates in a deal confirmed to The Associated Press under condition of anonymity because it is not yet official.

It was the first trade between the New York rivals since 1983 and will put Bridges in the lineup alongside Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, players who helped Villanova win two NCAA championships, and join a core that got the Knicks to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.



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The Knicks will pay big to get him, with ESPN reporting that they are sending Bojan Bogdanovic to the Nets along with four unprotected first-round picks and one protected pick.

Shohei Ohtani contemplating Home Run Derby amid streak

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Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, center, celebrates in the dugout after he his home run during the first inning of the team’s baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

CHICAGO — Shohei Ohtani is rolling along for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the moment.

When it comes to the Home Run Derby, well, stay tuned.

Ohtani hit a leadoff drive against the Chicago White Sox for the second straight night on Wednesday, extending his RBI streak to a franchise-record 10 games. The two-time AL MVP is batting .310 (27 for 87) with 11 homers, 23 RBIs and 24 runs in 23 games this month.

“Really my approach is to swing at strikes, and just making sure that my posture and everything else is lined up,” Ohtani said through a translator.

READ: MLB: Shohei Ohtani has 3 doubles as Dodgers rout Nationals

Ohtani’s latest tear has him contemplating another try at the Derby on July 15 as part of the All-Star festivities at Globe Life Field in Texas. He last participated in 2021 in Denver, when he lost to Juan Soto in a memorable first-round showdown.

Asked by Japanese reporters about the Derby following Los Angeles’ 4-3 victory at Chicago on Tuesday night, Ohtani expressed interest in the marquee event, but said he had to speak with the team about the possibility. A day later, he reiterated his thoughts.

“It hasn’t really changed much since yesterday,” Ohtani said after Wednesday night’s 4-0 win over the White Sox. “It’s something I have to talk to a lot of people about and make a decision.”

Ohtani, who turns 30 on July 5, is in his first season with the Dodgers after agreeing to a $700 million, 10-year contract in December. He isn’t going to pitch this year after he had major elbow surgery in September during his final season with the Angels — something that assuredly will come up during Derby discussions with his new team.

READ: MLB: Shohei Ohtani delivers for Dodgers in home opener

“The one side of it, for him to be in the Home Run Derby, it’s great for baseball, clearly,” manager Dave Roberts said. “The other side of it, on the manager of the Dodgers side of it, you’re trying to be more cautious and appreciating the fact that there’s a lot more swings, higher intensity, you know, going through the rehab process with his elbow.

“But for me, personally, it’s just defaulting to the player and supporting Shohei in whatever he chooses.”

Ohtani connected on a full-count cut fastball from Erick Fedde on Wednesday night, sending the ball soaring over the fence in right-center for his NL-high 25th homer. The 437-foot drive had a 113.9 mph exit velocity.

It was Ohtani’s third leadoff homer this season and No. 9 for his career.

Ohtani also walked twice. He scored from first on Freddie Freeman’s two-run double to right in the third inning.

“He’s unbelievable. He’s a freak,” Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes said.

Ohtani had two hits and two RBIs in the Dodgers’ win on Tuesday night. He went deep in the first inning against Chris Flexen, and then walked and scored in the third. He also hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the fourth.



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Ohtani moved into the leadoff spot after Mookie Betts was sidelined by a broken left hand. He became the first player to hit a leadoff homer for the Dodgers in consecutive games since Betts on May 31 and June 2, 2023. He has driven in 17 runs during his RBI streak.

“Shohei’s just really on a heater right now and swinging the bat so well,” Roberts said. “You know the leadoff homers, the consecutive games with a run batted in, all that stuff. … If they throw it over the plate in his zone, he’s going to hit it hard.”

Terrence Shannon picked in NBA Draft after not guilty verdict

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University of Illinois basketball standout Terrence Shannon Jr hile testifying during his trial Thursday June 13, 2024. He was picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 27 in the NBA Draft. (Chris Conde/The Lawrence Journal-World via AP)

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves did some extra digging into Terrence Shannon Jr. before the NBA draft.

They found plenty of sources vouching for his character, bolstering their confidence in a dynamic player whose final season at Illinois was overshadowed by a rape charge he was recently exonerated of.

“The off-court reputation is sterling. Talk to the coaches at Texas Tech. Talk to the coaches at Illinois. They don’t say good things. They say amazing things,” Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said Wednesday night after taking Shannon with the 27th overall pick in the first round. “Obviously he was on the wrong end of a really unfortunate situation, and his ability to play through that and play winning basketball for a great coach in Brad Underwood — we just think he brings toughness.”

READ: Teams keep trading light on opening night of 2-day NBA Draft

Shannon was found not guilty two weeks ago after a jury in Douglas County, Kansas, spent less than two hours deliberating the verdict. He was accused of sexual assault last September during a visit to Kansas for a football game between the Illini and the Jayhawks.

Connelly said the Timberwolves “did a ton” of background work on Shannon with an interest in his experience, fortitude and scoring ability from anywhere on the court.

“Oftentimes, the minute you’re accused you’re found guilty. Thankfully he went the legal process. He chose to go to trial because he knew he did nothing wrong,” Connelly said. “I just think it’s a shame he went through that, and I think it’s a testament to who he is as a kid and his ability to play through a really tough distraction.”

The 6-foot-6 Shannon, who turns 24 next month, can play both guard positions. He started his college career at Texas Tech before transferring to Illinois, leading the Illini to the Elite Elight in the NCAA Tournament before a loss to eventual national champion Connecticut. Shannon was voted first-team All-Big Ten and a third-team All-American by The Associated Press and was the Big Ten Tournament MVP for his performance in March at Target Center in Minneapolis, where he’ll now have his home games as a pro.

READ: NBA draft: France’s Alexandre Sarr, UConn’s Clingan headline big men

“I think he’s a three-position defender. I think he’s an unbelievably competitive guy. He’s got size. Another downhill guy who’s going to play with pace,” Connelly said.



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The Timberwolves were elated to get Shannon as a complement to Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham, whom they jumped in to trade for at No. 8 overall through a trade with San Antonio. The Western Conference runners-up could not have had a more productive draft night, considering they’re in no position to enhance the roster through trades or free agency with their salary-cap situation and desire to keep the core of the team together.

“You don’t take those two guys thinking how they’re going to match up together, but our challenge was to try to play a little bit faster in our second unit,” Connelly said, “and I think we got two of the fastest and most athletic and aggressive guys in the draft.”

PVL Draft aspirant Pierre Abellana impresses with her athleticism

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PVL Draft aspirant Pierre Abellana during the Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Determined to come out of her shell, Pierre Abellana seeks to unleash her untapped potential in the professional scene as she chases a roster spot in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel.

Abellana, who seldom saw action for the University of Santo Tomas in her playing years in the UAAP, turned heads in the two-day combine as she showed her athleticism in front of coaches and scouts from the 12 PVL teams.

“I’m super motivated right now because at this point, I have control over how I can showcase my abilities,” said the 5-foot-5 outside spiker, who was part of UST’s cinderella run in Season 86 but got swept by National University in the finals.

READ: Teams begin plotting PVL Draft strategies

“I always say that I will give my all, especially in putting effort into improving myself, and I’ll always do my best to help the team in any way I can,” she added.

Abellana impressed coaches and even her fellow 46 aspirants through her speed and high leaping abilities on Day 1. However, she believed that she could have shown more on Day 2 during the scrimmages.

LIST: Applicants for the first ever PVL Rookie Draft

“For Day 2, I can’t say I’m satisfied, but I know I did my best,” said Abellana, who came in second in the 60-meter shuttle run with a time of 14.35 seconds, third in the standing vertical jump with 63.50 centimeters, and third in the one-minute push-up test with 43 reps.

“Maybe that’s important too because even if I didn’t perform my best today, the coaches can still see that I can bounce back because I am physically fit,” she added.

The Fitness and Sports Management magna cum laude is grateful for the continuous support of the UST fans despite bidding farewell to the Tigresses.

“I’m just super thankful for the constant support because even after I graduated, they always tell me they’re still supporting me until I turn pro,” Abellana said. “They know my capabilities and they believe I can do it, so they always remind me to trust myself.”



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Anthony Joshua to fight Daniel Dubois for IBF heavyweight belt

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Britain’s Anthony Joshua, left, and Daniel Dubois during a press conference at the OVO Arena, Wembley, London, Wednesday June 26, 2024. ( Jordan Pettitt/PA via AP)

LONDON— Anthony Joshua will fight Daniel Dubois in an all-British bout for the IBF heavyweight belt on Sept. 21 at Wembley Stadium, following Oleksandr Usyk’s announcement that he will vacate the world title.

Dubois was the the IBF’s mandatory challenger and was upgraded to champion after Usyk vacated the belt, meaning the Ukrainian is no longer be the undisputed world heavyweight champion.

“I’m ready to let my fists do the talking,” the 26-year-old Dubois said at a press conference Wednesday after the bout was announced.

READ: Anthony Joshua defeats Ngannou with brutal second-round KO

The 37-year-old Usyk beat Tyson Fury last month in Saudi Arabia to become the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in 24 years. He added Fury’s WBC title to his own WBA, IBF and WBO belts.

Fury’s rematch with Usyk is scheduled for Dec. 21, again in Saudi Arabia. After that fight, Usyk is considering dropping a weight and returning to box at cruiserweight.

READ: Usyk edges Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champion

“Anthony and Daniel, listen. I know (the) IBF title is important to you,” the smiling Usyk said in a video posted on X. ”(It is) my present to you.”

The 34-year-old Joshua is a two-time former heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist from the London Games. He stopped Francis Ngannou in the second round in March as he worked to rebuild his reputation after losing his three title belts in the first of consecutive losses to Usyk in 2021 and 2022. ___



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Bronny James not picked in NBA Draft Round 1, now Round 2 awaits

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Bronny James talks to media during the 2024 NBA basketball Draft Combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

NEW YORK— Bronny James’ draft night has likely arrived.

The son of career scoring leader LeBron James was not selected in the first round Wednesday in the NBA draft, and now will wait to see if he’s picked in the second round when selections resume Thursday afternoon.

The pick that might be most logical for Bronny James: 55th overall, a selection that just happens to be held by the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that LeBron James — who is widely expected to become a free agent next week — has played for since 2018.

READ: Bronny James ‘grateful’ to have NBA dream in reach after health scare

The James family has been in New York this week, though it isn’t known if Bronny James will appear at the second round of the draft.

Bronny James played one year of college basketball at Southern California and averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game last season. He played in 25 games, missing the start of the season after needing a procedure last year to fix what was diagnosed as a congenital heart defect, which was found after he went into cardiac arrest during a summer workout.

A panel of doctors cleared Bronny James for NBA play last month.

LIST: 2024 NBA Rookie Draft first round picks

Bronny — who was listed at 6-foot-4 on USC’s roster but measured at 6 feet, 1 1/2 inches at the combine — may be the most talked-about second-round prospect in draft history, because of the family name. His father, a four-time NBA champion, will be entering his 22nd NBA season this fall.

If Bronny James plays in the NBA next season, he and LeBron James would be the first father-son duo in the league simultaneously as players. There have been about 100 instances in NBA history of players joining the league after their fathers played, but none at the same time.



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76ers, Knicks make additions with eye on champion Celtics

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The Celtics were far and away the pride of the Eastern Conference, bulldozing their way to the franchise’s 18th NBA championship with a talented roster built around perimeter scoring and lockdown defense.

The race to prevent Boston from becoming the first team since the 2018 Golden State Warriors to repeat as champs began with the draft Wednesday night. While it was just the start of what figures to be an active offseason around the league, Day 1 made it clear that some of the Celtics’ top chasers next season may come from their own division.

Two of those teams — the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers — both made picks with an eye toward competing sooner rather than later.

LIST: 2024 NBA Rookie Draft first round picks

Philadelphia entered the offseason with basically a blank slate and lots of salary cap room to build out a roster around stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The 76ers began that process by picking up a shooter in former Duke guard Jared McCain.

Even before draft night opened, the Knicks were one of the NBA’s most active teams, acquiring Mikal Bridges in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. They followed that up Wednesday by signing OG Anunoby to a new contract worth more than $210 million, setting them up with two of the league’s top wing defenders to play alongside star Jalen Brunson.

Joining that mix will be a France’s Pacome Dadiet, a 3-and-D wing out of France.

The Nets were the only one of Boston’s Atlantic Division-mates without any first round picks.

Boston Celtics

Team needs: Depth. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens made it clear earlier in the week that any player selected during the draft would have a difficult time cracking their current rotation. It’s a great position to be in for a team expected to spend the balance of the offseason simply tweaking the bottom of its roster

Who did the Celtics draft: Creighton G Baylor Scheierman. A lefty with great range from the outside, he scored more than 2,000 points in college. He won’t wow you with his athleticism and his ability to improve defensively will dictate how well he translates to the next level.

Player comparison: Orlando Magic F Joe Ingles.

New York Knicks

Pacome Dadiet, right, poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 25th by the New York Knicks during the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Team needs: Not much from the draft, after agreeing to a deal to acquire Bridges from the Nets and getting Anunoby to agree on his long-term pact to stay in New York in the 24 hours beforehand.

READ: NBA: Knicks to acquire Mikal Bridges in trade from Nets

Who did the Knicks draft: France F Pacome Dadiet. The final of four French players selected in a historic night for the country, Dadiet is just 18 years old with a lot of room to develop. He’s good with the ball in his hands and has a multitude of ways to attack defenses.

Player comparison: Maybe someday Anunoby or Bridges, with an ability to guard multiple wing positions. But the Knicks have the real things now so may not even bring him over from France this season.

Philadelphia 76ers

Jared McCain NBA Draft Philadelphia 76ers

Jared McCain poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 16th by the Philadelphia 76ers during the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Team needs: Just about everything. Almost the entire team — players such as Kelly Oubre Jr., Kyle Lowry and Nic Batum — ended the season with an expired contract. Team president Daryl Morey has about $65 million in salary cap space, a max contract topping $200 million to offer Maxey and plenty of questions to solve on how to finally, truly build an NBA championship contender around Embiid.

Who did the 76ers draft: McCain. One-and-done player who rapidly became the Blue Devils’ toughest competitor. Made 41% of 3s and 89% of free throws. Had two 30-point showings in the NCAA Tournament. He had two 30-point games in the NCAA Tournament to lead Duke to the Elite Eight.

Player comparison: Knicks G Jalen Brunson. McCain is roughly the same size and the Knicks All-Star and enters the league about two years younger than the former Villanova star when he was drafted.

Toronto Raptors

Team needs: Any promising player to line up alongside newly-extended All-Star forward Scottie Barnes on a talent-starved squad that traded away Anunoby and Pascal Siakam last season before slumping to a 25-57 finish and missing the play-in tournament.

Who did the Raptors draft: With the first-round pick it acquired in the Siakam trade, Toronto drafted 6-foot-4 Baylor guard Ja’Kobe Walter. Baylor’s top scorer in his lone season with the Bears, the 19-year-old Walter was also named Big 12 Freshman of the Year after averaging 14.5 points and 4.4 rebounds.



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Player comparison: A promising shooter, determined driver and aggressive rebounder, Walter is also considered a versatile defender. With that mix of qualities, he’s comparable to Clippers guard Terance Mann.

2024 NBA Draft first-round picks

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Zaccharie Risacher, second from left, and Alex Sarr, fourth from left, both of France, stand on stage with, from left, Ron Holland, Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard and Dalton Knecht before the NBA draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The players selected in the first round of the NBA draft Wednesday night in New York.

1. Atlanta Hawks — Zaccharie Risacher, forward, 6-9, 215, JL Bourg-en-Bresse (France)

Scouting report: A developing player with two-way potential. Has guard skills and showed catch-and-shoot ability after making 39% of 3-pointers between league and Eurocup play. Turned 19 in April and must get stronger. Averaged 0.9 assists and 1.6 turnovers to highlight a need to improve as a playmaker.

READ: Zaccharie Risacher second straight from France picked No. 1 in NBA Draft

2. Washington Wizards — Alex Sarr, center, 7-0, 224, Perth (Australia)

Scouting report: Has athleticism, mobility and length offering upside as a shot blocker, switchable defender and rim-running lob threat. Grew up in France but spent two seasons with Overtime Elite developmental program in Atlanta, then played in Australian-based National Basketball League. Ranked among NBL leaders in blocks (1.5) despite averaging just 17.3 minutes. Has 7-4 wingspan. Must add strength and improve outside shot (29% on 3-pointers).

3. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn) — Reed Sheppard, guard, 6-2, 182, Kentucky

Scouting report: The shooting stroke stands out. He hit 52.1% of 3s last year and 83% of his free throws. Elite potential as a catch-and-shoot threat. Averaged 4.5 assists to show potential for both guards spots. Uncertain how he’ll match up with bigger guards, particularly off the ball.

4. San Antonio Spurs — Stephon Castle, guard, 6-6, 210, UConn

Scouting report: A combo guard with size and ability to overpower smaller defenders. Big potential as a defender and playmaker. Accepted complementary role in Huskies’ run to a second straight NCAA title despite his touted-recruit status. Must improve outside shot (26.7% on 3s).

5. Detroit Pistons — Ron Holland II, forward, 6-7, 197, G League Ignite

Scouting report: Offers versatility with floor-running ability to attack the rim. Has 6-11 wingspan and defensive upside. Made 24% of 3s. Had 42 turnovers against 45 assists in injury-shortened season. Turns 19 in July. McDonald’s All-American who bypassed college basketball.

6. Charlotte Hornets — Tidjane Salaun, forward, 6-9, 217, Cholet (France)

Scouting report: A fluid athlete with a nearly 7-2 wingspan. Offers long-term potential to stretch defenses and harass smaller perimeter players. Still honing outside shot (32% on 3s last season). Turns 19 in August.

7. Portland Trail Blazers — Donovan Clingan, center, 7-2, 282, UConn

Scouting report: Imposing rim-protecting force (7-7 wingspan) and floor-running finisher for two-time reigning NCAA champs. Averaged 2.5 blocks in just 22.6 minutes. Value highlighted in Illinois going 0 for 19 in Clingan-challenged shots in NCAA Elite Eight. Unclear how well he’d handle switches to defend in space. Poor free-throw shooter (55.8% career).

8. San Antonio (from Toronto) — Rob Dillingham, guard, 6-1, 164, Kentucky

Scouting report: Shows potential as a scoring playmaker after one college season. Averaged 15.2 points and 3.9 assists. Shot 44.4% on 3s while attempting 4.5 per game. Turns 20 in January. Needs to add strength to undersized frame.

9. Memphis Grizzlies — Zach Edey, center, 7-4, 299, Purdue

Scouting report: Two-time AP men’s national player of the year. Led Boilermakers to NCAA final in April after leading nation in scoring (25.2) and ranking second in rebounding (12.2). Massive presence with 7-11 wingspan. Defensive mobility a question.

10. Utah Jazz — Cody Williams, forward, 6-7, 178, Colorado

Scouting report: Versatile wing shot 55.2% overall and 41.5% from 3-point range in his lone season. Has 7-1 wingspan but needs to get stronger. Must improve as a rebounder (3.0), highlighted by grabbing three rebounds in 64 minutes across three NCAA Tournament games. McDonald’s All-American and program’s first five-star recruit in more than two decades.

11. Chicago Bulls — Matas Buzelis, forward, 6-9, 197 pounds, G League Ignite

Scouting report: Exploits matchups, scoring over smaller defenders and driving past bigger ones. Can attack off the dribble or score on stepbacks. Averaged 2.1 blocks with a 6-10 wingspan. Shot just 27.3% on 3s. McDonald’s All-American who bypassed college basketball.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Houston) — Nikola Topic, guard, 6-6, 203, KK Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)

Scouting report: Has size and playmaking ability at the point. Has vision to set up teammates with the capability of creating his own shot, attacking the paint and finishing at the rim. Outside shot needs work. Health concerns remain after two knee injuries.

13. Sacramento Kings — Devin Carter, guard, 6-2, 193, Providence

Scouting report: Boosted scoring (19.7) and 3-point shooting (.377) last season. Tied for best max vertical leap (42 inches) and standing vertical (35) at the combine. Spent two years with Providence after transferring from South Carolina.

14. Portland Trail Blazers (from Golden State via Boston and Memphis) — Carlton “Bub” Carrington, guard, 6-4, 195, Pittsburgh

Scouting report: Averaged 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists as one-and-done floor leader with all-around potential. Had an opening-night triple-double. Must improve outside shot (32% on 3s).

15. Miami Heat — Kel’el Ware, center, 7-0, 230, Indiana

Scouting report: Oregon transfer averaged 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.9 rebounds as an every-game starter for the Hoosiers. Made 17 of 40 3s (.425). Has 7-5 wingspan and tested well in agility at the combine. Must improve at the foul line (63.4% last year). Turned 20 in April.

16. Philadelphia 76ers — Jared McCain, guard, 6-2, 203, Duke

Scouting report: One-and-done player who rapidly became the Blue Devils’ toughest competitor. Made 41% of 3s and 89% of free throws. Had two 30-point showings in the NCAA Tournament.

17. Los Angeles Lakers — Dalton Knecht, guard, 6-5, 212, Tennessee

Dalton Knecht NBA Draft Los Angeles Lakers

Dalton Knecht poses for photos on the red carpet before the NBA draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Scouting report: Big scorer in off-the-bounce and catch-and-shoot scenarios. First-team AP All-American who averaged 21.7 points and shot 39.7% from behind the arc. Active player who tested well at the combine in agility. Uncertainty about his athleticism and mobility defensively. Turned 23 in April.

READ: NBA: Lakers add Dalton Knecht, Pacific teams pick veteran players

18. Orlando Magic — Tristan da Silva, forward, 6-8, 217, Colorado

Scouting report: Veteran scorer from Germany with 98 career starts. Averaged 15.9 points while shooting 39.5% on 3s in a leading role the past two years. Turned 23 last month.

19. Toronto Raptors (from Indiana) — Ja’Kobe Walter, guard, 6-4, 198, Baylor

Scouting report: One-and-done prospect who fearlessly launched from behind the arc. Took 57% of his shots there and had 13 games with at least three made 3s, but shot just 34% on those.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers — Jaylon Tyson, forward, 6-6, 218, California

Scouting report: Took a big leap offensively after going from Texas to Texas Tech and finally Cal last season. Averaged 19.6 points last season, up from 10.7 the previous year. Made 37.8% of 3s over the past two seasons.

21. New Orleans Pelicans (from Milwaukee) — Yves Missi, center, 6-11, 229, Baylor

Scouting report: Bouncy, raw prospect from Cameroon. Flashed athleticism as a lob threat (61.4% shooting) and shot blocker (1.5 per game) in lone college season. Turned 20 last month.

22. Phoenix Suns — DaRon Holmes II, forward/center, 6-9, 236, Dayton

Scouting report: Atlantic 10 co-player and defensive player of the year. Averaged 19.3 points and 8.3 rebounds over last two seasons. Expanded range last year (38.6% on 3s). Averaged 2.1 blocks over three-year career with 7-1 wingspan.

23. Milwaukee Bucks (from New Orleans) — AJ Johnson, guard, 6-4, 167, Illawara (Australia)

Scouting report: Former Texas recruit bypassed college to play in the Australian-based National Basketball League. Averaged 2.9 points in 7.7 minutes. Has length but a slight frame.

24. New York Knicks (from Dallas) — Kyshawn George, forward, 6-7, 209, Miami

Scouting report: Offers long-term potential as a shooter with size. Hit 40.8% of 3s in lone college season but did little inside the arc (28 of 81 made shots, 34.6%).

25. New York Knicks — Pacome Dadiet, forward, 6-8, 217, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Scouting report: A developing player from France with potential as a rim finisher with 3-point range. Projects as a versatile defender. Turns 19 in July.

26. Washington Wizards (from LA Clippers via Dallas and Oklahoma City) — Dillon Jones, guard, 6-5, 237, Weber State

Scouting report: A scorer with a strong frame. Averaged 20.8 points and 5.2 assists. An elite rebounder by averaging 10.5 boards over his last three seasons. Shot just 32% from 3-point range over his four-year career.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves — Terrence Shannon Jr., guard, 6-6, 219, Illinois

Scouting report: AP third-team All-American last year as nation’s No. 3 scorer (23.0). Downhill attacker who shot 36% on 3s. Texas Tech transfer who blossomed as a scorer in two seasons with Illinois. Recently found not guilty on a rape charge to resolve a legal case closely watched by scouts.

28. Denver Nuggets — Ryan Dunn, forward, 6-6, 214, Virginia

Ryan Dunn NBA Draft

Ryan Dunn, right, poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 28th by the Denver Nuggets during the first round of the NBA draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Scouting report: Massive defensive potential with nearly 7-2 wingspan. Can protect the rim (2.3 blocks) or the perimeter. Offensive game is a question.

29. Utah Jazz (from Oklahoma City via Toronto and Indiana) — Isaiah Collier, guard, 6-3, 205, USC

Scouting report: Can attack the rim with strong frame and quickness. Averaged 16.3 points and 4.3 assists as a one-and-done floor leader. Averaged 3.3 turnovers for a 15-18 team.

30. Boston Celtics — Baylor Scheierman, guard/forward, 6-6, 202, Creighton



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Scouting report: South Dakota State transfer averaged 15.5 points, made 197 3-pointers and shot 37.3% on 3s in two seasons with Bluejays. Lacks elite athleticism and must develop defensively.