Russell Westbrook won't exercise $3.5M option for next season with Nuggets

Russell Westbrook will not be exercising his $3.5 million player option with the Denver Nuggets for next season and will instead become a free agent, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Friday.
The decision doesn't necessarily mean that Westbrook won't be back with the Nuggets, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because neither side revealed the decision publicly.
NBA reporter Marc Stein first reported Westbrook's decision, which was later confirmed by ESPN and The Denver Post, among others.
Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists for the Nuggets this season — his 17th in the NBA — and helped Denver reach the second round of the playoffs, falling in seven games to eventual Western Conference champion Oklahoma City.
He underwent surgery after the season to repair multiple ligament tears in his right hand, an issue he played through during the season. At that time, Westbrook posted in his newsletter that he was "grateful for everyone's support all year and I can't wait to be back out there at 100 percent soon. The comeback is already in motion."
That would indicate that he is planning to play somewhere next season.
Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-NBA selection and won the MVP award after the 2016-17 season. He's also part of the NBA's 75th anniversary team and has averaged 21.2 points and eight assists per game over his career.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
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2025 NBA Mock Draft 7.0: Predicting all 59 picks, with Ace Bailey sliding

The 2025 NBA Draft is less than one week away, which means we will soon know exactly where each of the top prospects will begin their NBA careers. While there is near certainty toward the top of the draft with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, it gets a bit murkier surrounding where Ace Bailey may eventually land. There a wide range of outcomes, including many possible trade scenarios that could change the landscape. These projections are based on the order as it stands, however, and it does not project trades. We expect at least a couple transactions on draft night, though, with teams like the Houston Rockets as well as the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets expected to make some moves. The following mock draft is based on our research and contains original reporting with quotes from prospects including Dylan Harper, Kon Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, Cedric Coward, Asa Newell, and Thomas Sorber. All heights are listed without shoes measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago or Treviso. The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 7.75'' DRAFT AGE: 18.5 The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery was effectively a launching ground for Duke sensation Cooper Flagg to find out what team he will play for next season and beyond. It was the Mavericks who shockingly got the opportunity, and we shouldn't expect them to trade the pick. Flagg was long considered the favorite at No. 1 overall (we wrote about it when he was 15 years old) and he made that even more clear when he dominated against Team USA during a friendly scrimmage before they won gold at the Olympics. He then exceeded all expectations while he was in college, accomplishing just about everything except winning a national championship. Something that NBA fans should adore about Flagg: While the Mavericks reportedly decided long before they met with him that he was their pick at No. 1 overall, according to The Stein Line, he still 'insisted' that he still work out on the court for the team and he 'made a very favorable' impression. 'He doesn't turn it off. That's one of the best compliments I can give,' Kon Knueppel, his Duke college roommate and teammate, recently told For The Win. 'He is just a humble dude who loves basketball.' More: The Mavericks reportedly plan to select Cooper Flagg, not make another controversial trade 2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 4.50'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 While the Spurs could have plenty of suitors if they wanted to shop this pick, it isn't worth it to make a move unless it could land them Giannis Antetokounmpo, and such a trade is seeming more and more unlikely. Instead, they could get someone with legitimate star potential to pair with Victor Wembanyama. For The Win spoke to Harper earlier this year and he described how he developed his fantastic ability to become such a dynamic scorer at the rim. Harper should bring that skill set with him to the pros after earning Big Ten All-Freshman honors. Q&A: Meet Dylan Harper, the best NBA Draft prospect who did not make March Madness tourney 3. Philadelphia 76ers: V.J. Edgecombe TEAM: Baylor POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 4.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.9 After a strong performance for the Bahamas during the Olympic qualifiers last year, V.J. Edgecombe became a name to watch for scouts and evaluators. At the start of the NCAA season, he showed a lot of promise as a defensive player, though that actually slowed down a bit as his freshman campaign progressed. However, while at Baylor, he also showed promise as one of the bounciest scorers. While the Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly not met with Ace Bailey yet, Edgecombe did travel for a private workout. He 'impressed' during this environment, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. The organization liked his 'work ethic, personality and interviews' during the visit, via The Stein Line. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year joined Flagg as the only first-year collegiate players with at least 30 dunks and 3-pointers recorded, per Bart Torvik. 4. Kon Knueppel TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 5.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.9 In the event that the 76ers do not pick Edgecombe and he is still on the board, the organization may target him over Bailey as a defensive anchor. He reportedly had an 'excellent' interview for the team during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, per Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor. But assuming he is off the board, Duke's Kon Knueppel is an ideal candidate. The Hornets 'appear to have interest' in the ACC tournament MVP, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony. "I try to focus on all the little things," Knueppel recently told For The Win. "I'm going to make it as hard on the guy that's got the ball that I'm guarding. I'm going to make it super hard on him. I'm going to box out. I'm going to rebound. I'm going to get a loose ball. Those things add up. It all goes into having a good plus-minus or making winning plays on the court." The Blue Devils outscored opponents by 625 points when Knueppel was on the court this season, per CBB Analytics, which was the highest plus-minus among all men's college basketball players. More: Meet NBA draft prospect Kon Knueppel, the other Duke star you're not talking enough about 5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson TEAM: Texas POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 4.75'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 It is hard to predict what kind of decisions Austin Ainge will make in his new role as an executive for the Jazz. For example, Duke big man Khaman Maluach is considered a 'potential draftee' for Utah, via The Stein Line. This would give Utah the flexibility to potentially trade center Walker Kessler. Texas freshman Tre Johnson, however, is another player who is reportedly gaining significant momentum in the pre-draft process so far. Johnson was named SEC Freshman of the Year because he is such a natural scorer whose passing is better than his assist stats might suggest. He is very difficult to stop in the open-court and led all freshmen in 3-pointers made in transition (21) and above the break (65) this season, per CBB Analytics. He measured with a nearly plus-six (6-foot-10) wingspan at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, which should help him in the pros. Johnson also recorded the fastest lane agility time (10.49 seconds) at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and his upside makes him a good option for a franchise like the Jazz. 6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears TEAM: Oklahoma POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 2.50'' DRAFT AGE: 18.7 Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears has reportedly had multiple workouts with the Jazz, who are on the clock immediately before the Wizards. But if Utah decides to go a different direction, don't expect Fears to wait long to hear his name called. His mentality helps explain why. "Whoever picks me on draft night, you guys are going to be getting a dog," Fears recently told For The Win. "Somebody that's going to come in, work hard, bring star power, and give it his all every time they step on the court." Fears gave fans some amazing highlights as he climbed up draft boards this season. He deservedly received SEC All-Freshman honors, can score at multiple levels from the floor, and he is a fantastic playmaker on both offense and defense as well. The guard is the second-youngest NCAA prospect we have projected in the first round behind only Flagg and was still one of the best overall performers in March Madness. He was one of the fastest players at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, recording a 3.05-second three-quarter sprint. 7. New Orleans Pelicans: Derik Queen TEAM: Maryland POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 9.25'' DRAFT AGE: 20.5 The New Orleans Pelicans are another difficult team to predict in the 2025 NBA Draft because they have a new front office led by Joe Dumars. But the Pelicans do have rumored interest in Queen and he was one of the 'headliners' of a workout with the organization, per NBA Big Board's Rafael Barlowe. Queen was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and proved his versatility and eye-catching skill set as a big man who is incredibly fun to watch. Then after recording perhaps the biggest moment of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, Queen skyrocketed his draft status. While his athletic testing was less than desirable at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, he plays at his own speed and could provide a unique addition for any roster. Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor reported that "most front-office executives" believe Ace Bailey is their target, even if it means they need to make a trade. However, per The Stein Line, the interest is "overstated" and that they are not "actively" trying to trade up for the Rutgers standout. More: Derik Queen's game-winner just cemented his NBA Draft status 9. Brooklyn Nets: Ace Bailey TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 7.50'' DRAFT AGE: 18.9 There is a lot to unpack about why Ace Bailey's draft stock is apparently plummeting lately, especially after he measured a bit shorter than expected at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. While this is much lower than where he was projected in our latest consensus rankings at No. 3 overall earlier this month, fans shouldn't expect him to fall much lower than this. It's possible that Bailey's representation wants him to land in a big market where he can get a lot of playing time, and the Nets would provide exactly that. Back when For The Win spoke to his teammate Dylan Harper, he said that his favorite thing about Bailey is how much joy he plays with on the court. Harper described him as tall, lanky, twitchy and a nearly constant presence because of his ability to get a bucket. While some evaluators feel that he might take a bit too many mid range shots, his ability to shoot at his size is something that is going to entice every team in the NBA. His consistency will define just how much success he has, though, as will any development as a passer or as a defensive playmaker. More: The alarming reasons why Ace Bailey's NBA draft stock is plummeting 9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach TEAM: Duke POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7' 0.75'' DRAFT AGE: 18.8 South Sudan's Khaman Maluach enjoyed an excellent, efficient campaign and earned ACC All-Freshman honors for Duke. As a lob threat, per CBB Analytics, he had the second-most alley-oops completed (38) among all players in college basketball. He is raw on both ends of the court but has a strong defensive presence thanks to his nearly 7-foot-7 wingspan and 9-foot-6 standing reach measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Other teams that could have interest include the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks. 10. Houston Rockets (via PHX): Collin Murray-Boyles TEAM: South Carolina POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 6.50'' DRAFT AGE: 20.1 No one expects the Rockets to actually use this pick and are likely candidates to make a trade, but if they do, expect them to look at versatile defensive forward like South Carolina sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles. Murray-Boyles is perhaps the most enticing collegiate player who was not a one-and-done prospect. According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, the Rockets are considered a "team that makes sense as a fit" for the the forward. He who averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, as well as 1.3 blocks per game this season. He is ready to contribute in many ways at the next level. Murray-Boyles is a bit undersized for someone who is virtually a non-threat from beyond the arc but he can offer enough impact as a defender to potentially make up for it. 11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant TEAM: Arizona POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 6.50'' DRAFT AGE: 19.6 Arizona freshman Carter Bryant is a former McDonald's All-American forward who had a strong collegiate debut despite a relatively limited role. He was the only freshman aside from Flagg with at least three dunks and 3-pointers during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, per Bart Torvik. Bryant is unselfish, he works hard on defense, he measured with a wingspan just short of 7-foot, he recorded a 39.5-inch max vertical and 3.07-second three-quarter sprint. Bryant plays with a high IQ, and already looks like one of the biggest risers during the pre-draft process. It was a no-brainer for him to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft. He told The Athletic that he studies Portland's Toumani Camara and he could soon become his teammate on the Trail Blazers. 12. Chicago Bulls: Kasparas Jakučionis TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 4.75'' DRAFT AGE: 19.1 Lithuania's Kasparas Jakučionis was briefly one of the hottest names in draft circles and he eventually earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors. He has an effective pull-up jumper and led all high-major freshmen in unassisted 3-pointers made (34), per CBB Analytics. As a distributor, in the same group, he also had the most assists finished at the rim (76) this season. Jakučionis needs his jump shot to look more like it did in the first two months of the season than it did in the final three for this pick to work out. 13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC): Noa Essengue TEAM: ratiopharm ulm (Germany) POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 10.00'' DRAFT AGE: 18.5 NBA teams have had a slightly difficult time evaluating France's Noa Essengue because he is still playing in the postseason while overseas. Essengue is the second-youngest player in the draft but has still managed impressive productivity in one of the more competitive basketball leagues. He ranks fifth-best among all players in Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) among those with at least seven games played in the Eurocup, per Cerebro Sports. Essengue is an interesting prospect who a variety of teams should have on their radar and, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo, has "drawn increasing interest from teams in the 9-to-15 range" in the 2025 NBA Draft. He is seen as one of the "potential candidates" for the Hawks, according to Woo. 14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Joan Beringer TEAM: KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia) POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 11.00'' DRAFT AGE: 18.6 If the Spurs decide to keep their second lottery pick, France's Joan Beringer is one of the names they will consider. Beringer was not able to participate in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago because he was playing overseas but he is a great rim runner and legitimate vertical lob threat. He has a strong defensive presence with a high upside who can impact the game defensively right away. Beringer led the ABA League in blocks this season and ranks third overall in Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) in his league, per Cerebro Sports. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA): Cedric Coward TEAM: Washington St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 5.25'' DRAFT AGE: 21.8 Perhaps the most fascinating player in the 2025 NBA Draft is Cedric Coward, who was originally committed to Duke in the transfer portal before deciding to turn pro. "I think I can play anywhere because I'm adaptable," Coward recently told For The Win. "I know who I am as a player and I know who I am as a person and all I want to do is impact winning. I don't care about individual accolades, all of that stuff. That stuff comes with it. But for me, I just want to win. That's all I want to do. I want to win and I want to get better ... Whatever team is looking for that in a player has it right here with me." He shot 40.0 percent on his 3-pointers while averaging 17.7 points per game before getting hurt last season. Coward is one of the hottest names in draft circles right now after measuring with a 7-foot-2 wingspan with a 38.5-inch max vertical and 3.06-second three-quarter sprint at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Coward reportedly met with the Thunder for a private one-on-zero workout, per ESPN's Jonathan Givony. 16. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL): Nique Clifford TEAM: Colorado St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 5.25'' DRAFT AGE: 23.4 Colorado State senior Nique Clifford is the oldest player we have projected in the first round but he looks ready to contribute to an NBA rotation. Teams are betting on the assumption that the do-it-all forward is going to make an impact on winning right away in the NBA. He led an upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament and averaged a productive 18.9 points. 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game during his final collegiate campaign. He has reportedly "received positive feedback" from his workouts and is drawing interest from teams picking in the teens, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo. Perhaps that team is Memphis now that they have traded back into the first round. Clifford fits a statistical profile that the Grizzlies have valued in previous draft cycles under executive Zach Kleiman, which we have written about in the past. Other prospects who fit this description include Collin Murray-Boyles and Adou Thiero. 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Asa Newell TEAM: Georgia POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 9.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.7 Georgia's Asa Newell, who was named SEC All-Freshman, is recorded the second-most layups and dunks combined this season among freshmen, per CBB Analytics. But he is also developing his 3-pointer after changing his shooting motion. 'I've always been extremely confident in my jump shot from high school to college and now in the NBA,' Newell recently told For The Win. 'You have to have a 3-point shot to survive in the NBA.' He trailed only his high school teammate, Flagg, among all freshmen in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) last season. 'I know I play with a lot of energy,' Newell added. 'I'm a match waiting for some gasoline and causing a whole fire … That is very contagious when you have someone who plays very hard, with a motor, and doesn't take plays off.' Newell has worked out with the Timberwolves, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. Q&A: Asa Newell pitches his 'contagious' energy as NBA draft prospect 18. Washington Wizards (via MEM): Thomas Sorber TEAM: Georgetown POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 9.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.5 Georgetown freshman big Thomas Sorber, who has a 7-foot-6 wingspan, was an analytics darling before he suffered a season-ending foot injury. He could provide an exciting young piece to a developing young core and defensive presence for a team that could use a spark on that end of the floor like the Wizards. "You never hear a lot of people say that their favorite joy is playing defense. I think that's one thing that's rare about me," Sorber recently told For The Win. "I know that defense wins games, so I basically just put my all into the defensive end and try my best to not let my opponent score or anybody on the other team score because that can also start breaks and also get my team quick, easy points." It made a lot of sense for him to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft considering that, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo, he "has solid interest inside the top 20" for this class. 19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Nolan Traoré TEAM: Saint-Quentin (France) POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 3.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.1 After a slow start to his season in France, based on his priors before this season, it was only a matter of time before Nolan Traoré eventually started to heat up. He averaged 13.8 points and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 42.7 percent on 3-pointers over the course of his last ten games, per RealGM. Traoré was named 2025 Best Young Player of the Basketball Champions League and is inarguably one of the best playmakers in the 2025 NBA Draft. If he is more consistent at the next level, he could become something special as a point guard of the future. Other teams that may have interest include the Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, and Phoenix Suns (especially if they land an additional pick as part of their trade return for Kevin Durant). 20. Miami Heat (via GSW): Will Riley TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 8.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Canada's Will Riley "could be very much in the Heat's wheelhouse at 20" in the 2025 NBA Draft, per Miami Herald. Riley had multiple big performances during his freshman campaign for Illinois, including a debut in which he had 31 points while shooting 5-of-6 on 3-pointers. He also had 21 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists during a win over Iowa in the Big Ten tournament and had another great game against Xavier shooting 3-of-4 on 3-pointers during March Madness. Riley was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. Any team drafting Riley is betting on his continued development. He has reportedly worked out with the Heat, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. 21. Utah Jazz (via MIN): Egor Demin TEAM: BYU POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 8.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Russia's Egor Demin was initially having one of the strongest freshman campaigns of anyone in the nation for BYU. But his relatively poor overall performance and shooting against top-100 competition causes some room for concern. He measured at 6-foot-8 barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and his playmaking still makes him intriguing. especially if he stays in the same state where he went to college. Demin "has a relationship with" Jazz governor Ryan Smith and executive Danny Ainge, per The Salt Lake Tribune. Jazz decision makers Ryan Smith and Danny Ainge, both BYU alums. Ainge often attends BYU games as a former player, whose jersey is retired at the Marriott Center. 22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Maxime Raynaud TEAM: Stanford POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7' 0.25'' DRAFT AGE: 22.2 TEAM: Stanford POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-1 DRAFT AGE: 22.2 Every team in the NBA should want a guy like France's Maxime Raynaud, who measured with a wingspan above 7-foot-1 and a standing reach above 9-foot-2. Those are excellent numbers for a player who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. But is even better when also considering he made nearly two 3-pointers per game. Raynaud was easily one of the biggest standouts during five-on-five scrimmages at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Raynaud has reportedly worked out with the Hawks, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. More: 2025 NBA Draft Combine: 5 biggest winners, including Maxime Raynaud 23. New Orleans Pelicans (via IND): Walter Clayton Jr. TEAM: Florida POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 2.00'' DRAFT AGE: 22.3 ne enough to earn first-round consideration. As we wrote then: The archetype of undersized players who are a bit older relative to the other players in their draft class are typically not early draft picks. Clayton, however, could provide a legitimate exception to this rule after winning NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. It makes a lot of sense for the Magic to find someone who can get a bucket as easily as Clayton. More: Is Walter Clayton Jr. an NBA Draft first-round pick after his incredible March Madness? 24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Rasheer Fleming TEAM: Saint Joseph's POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 8.25'' DRAFT AGE: 21.0 One of the most pleasantly surprising prospects in this class is Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming, who has great positional size and shooting feel. He was the only player in college basketball to record at least 40 dunks and 50 shots from beyond the arc, per Bart Torvik. He measured with a wingspan above 7-foot-5 and a standing reach above 9-foot-1 at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. 25. Orlando Magic (via DEN): Liam McNeeley TEAM: Connecticut POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 6.75'' DRAFT AGE: 19.7 UConn freshman Liam McNeeley won Big East Freshman of the Year and showed flashes during his freshman campaign, like when he had 38 points with 10 rebounds while making five 3-pointers against Creighton on Feb. 11. He also had a solid performance against the eventual national champions during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, recording 22 points while adding 2 rebounds as well as 3 assists and 2 steals. McNeeley is solid value at this point in the draft but should get consideration even higher. 26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Jase Richardson TEAM: Michigan St. POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 0.50'' DRAFT AGE: 19.7 Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors after a solid collegiate campaign. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 42.0 percent on 3-pointers after moving into the starting lineup for Michigan State. However, he measured small for a traditional two-guard and may not have the playmaking skills as a floor general to run point. He has reportedly worked out with the Nets, per HoopsHype. 27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Alex Toohey TEAM: Sydney (Australia) POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 7.75'' DRAFT AGE: 21.2 Australia's Alex Toohey is a fascinating prospect who contributes well on both sides of the floor. He is a legitimately strong wing defender whose Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) ranks as the best among those who have played more than one game in Australia's NBL this season, per Cerebro Sports. He measured just short of 6-foot-8 barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine with a wingspan nearly 6-foot-11 and played well during five-on-five scrimmages. 28. Boston Celtics: Drake Powell TEAM: North Carolina POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 5.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.8 North Carolina freshman Drake Powell was one of the biggest winners at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, measuring with a 43-inch max vertical and a standing vertical four inches higher than any other prospect. Although he had a relatively limited role during his time in the NCAA, you're betting on upside by selecting Powell in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. He has reportedly worked out with the Celtics, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. 29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Danny Wolf TEAM: Michigan POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 10.50'' DRAFT AGE: 21.2 Michigan's Danny Wolf is a do-it-all big man who has averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game this season. Wolf had the most assists (132) of any college player who is 6-foot-10 or taller, per CBB Analytics. The big man is an incredibly gifted and skilled playmaker considering his height, even though there are questions about how it may translate in the NBA. According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, feedback on Wolf has been "mixed" in the pre-draft process. He has reportedly worked out with the Suns, per Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. 30. L.A. Clippers (via OKC): Adou Thiero TEAM: Arkansas POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 6.25'' DRAFT AGE: 21.1 After transferring from Kentucky last season, Arkansas junior Adou Thiero had a well-rounded season in which he averaged 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds with 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. While his 3-pointer was inefficient at just 25.6 percent, he missed time due to a knee injury in February and that factored into why he stopped getting as much buzz as the season progressed. However, he still showed enough to decide to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft. Second Round 31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Noah Penda (Le Mans) 32. Boston Celtics (via WAS): Chaz Lanier (Tennessee) 33. Charlotte Hornets: Hugo González (Real Madrid0 34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Ben Saraf (Ulm) 35. Philadelphia 76ers: Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton) 36. Brooklyn Nets: Hansen Yang (Qingdao) 37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Johni Broome (Auburn) 38. San Antonio Spurs: Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State) 39. Toronto Raptors (via POR): Jamir Watkins (Florida State) 40. Washington Wizards (via PHX): Bogoljub Marković (Mega) 41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Tamar Bates (Missouri) 42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Tyrese Proctor (Duke) 43. Utah Jazz (via DAL): Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane) 44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL): Kam Jones (Marquette) 45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Mark Sears (Alabama) 46. Orlando Magic: Koby Brea (Kentucky) 47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): Hunter Sallis (Wake Forrest) 48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Kobe Sanders (Nevada) 49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Eric Dixon (Villanova) 50. New York Knicks (via MEM): Sion James (Duke) 51. L.A. Clippers (via MIN): Javon Small (West Virginia 52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): John Tonje (Wisconsin) 53. Utah Jazz (via LAC): Alijah Martin (Florida) 54. Indiana Pacers: Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga) 55. Los Angeles Lakers: Izan Almansa (Perth) 56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): RJ Luis Jr. (St. John's) 57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Vlad Goldin (Michigan) 58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Amari Williams (Kentucky) 59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Grant Nelson (Alabama)

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T.J. McConnell's Father Crashes His Interview On TV And Catches Him Off Guard With Old Story: "It's A Dream Come True"

T.J. McConnell's Father Crashes His Interview On TV And Catches Him Off Guard With Old Story: "It's A Dream Come True" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. T.J. McConnell provided the necessary spark from the bench as the Pacers forced a Game 7 in their NBA Finals series against the Thunder. The Pacers' veteran played only 24 minutes in the game and stuffed the stat sheet. He finished the game with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Advertisement Following the game, the crew of NBA TV, including NBA legend Isiah Thomas, interviewed McConell. They were poking him about yelling at his father, Tim McConnell for not being taller or marrying someone taller, when they saw him behind the camera. Thomas invited McConell Sr, who seemed offended, to also join them, and he came running. "He finds a way to get everywhere," said McConell hilariously as his father greeted the entire crew personally. 'I'm telling you right now, he's a warrior, you're right. It doesn't matter how tall you are,' said Tim in response to the jab on his height. He then moved on to give his opinion about his son's performance. 'Excellent, just disappointed he missed two foul shots. In the beginning, I kept saying, 'Man! I wish he'd have made those two foul shots' but he recovered and we won the game. I can forget about the foul shots; anything can happen in Game 7, we're going to OKC to try to win a world championship. And my son's a part of it, I can't believe that.' Advertisement Isiah Thomas then asks Tim why his son claims that he is more strict on him than he is on T.J.'s sister, Megan McConnell. 'He says that, but that's a lie. Let me tell you, my daughter won the undefeated state championship, he lost in the state championship, we lost two games. So undefeated, he didn't play well in the state championship, he played great but we didn't win it.' 'It's unbelievable,' said the embarrassed Pacers veteran in disbelief. 'The truth hurts,' responded his father. But he made sure to remind him how proud he is of his achievements now. "I can't be more proud to say I have a son in the NBA and a daughter in the WNBA... this is a dream come true. And I'm going to OKC for my son to play in the championship game, to win the world championship.' T.J. McConnell has averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in six games played so far in this series. But the standout number is that he averages 2.3 steals per game in this duration. Averaging 19 minutes played per game in this series, McConnell is an essential part of the Pacers' bench. Yet it is surprising to hear that his performance has already brought him into the discussion to potentially become the Finals MVP in this series. Lakers Veteran Picks T.J. McConnell For Finals MVP The NBA veteran twins, Markieff Morris and Marcus Morris, appeared on their podcast with the Playmaker following Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Marcus asked Markieff who he would pick for the Finals MVP in this series. The Lakers' veteran felt that if T.J. McConnell continues to play like this in Game 7 and the Pacers win the championship, then he would pick him for the Finals MVP over Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Advertisement "If the Pacers win and he continues to play like he has been in these last couple of games, I'm going with T.J. McConnell, bruh.' 'F**k outta here!' responded his brother in disbelief. 'I'm going with T.J. f**king McConnell, he's single-handedly winning these games for these boys, man. The loudest 12 in NBA history, anytime he scores like damn!' T.J. McConnell was crucial in their Game 3 win of this series, and the Pacers' coaching staff received a lot of criticism for not playing him in the fourth quarter of Game 5 when he had sparked their comeback in the third quarter. And now with his essential contributions in Game 6, he has certainly put his name in the elite discussion. Advertisement Related: Drake Loses $800K Bet On NBA Finals Following Thunder's Game 6 Upset This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.

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"Hasn't Washed Those Pants In 50 Years": NBA Fans Troll Tyrese Haliburton's Dad For Eye-Catching Game 6 Outfit

"Hasn't Washed Those Pants In 50 Years": NBA Fans Troll Tyrese Haliburton's Dad For Eye-Catching Game 6 Outfit originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Tyrese Haliburton's father, John Haliburton, has been a vibrant and almost evergreen presence on the sidelines or in the crowd for his son's games, especially in the Playoffs. Except for earlier in the Playoffs when he got banned from Pacers' games due to his verbal exchange with Giannis Antetokounmpo, he enthusiastically supported his son in the crowd in almost every Playoff game possible this season. Advertisement The Pacers won the game 108-91, and Tyrese Haliburton finished with 14 points and 5 assists. Before Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Haliburton's father went viral once again for the rather eye-catching outfit he wore to the arena, a Pacers jersey alongside track pants that had the logo of every team except the Pacers. Seemingly signifying that the Pacers are on top of every other franchise in the league. However, most NBA fans were not impressed by his outfit and took to social media just to take shots at the Pacers star's father. Some critical comments included: "He hasn't washed those pants in 50 years." Advertisement "Ban him till he finds a stylist." "Those pants are awful." "Burn those pants." "The pants are hideous and don't match at all." While Haliburton's father may have gone viral on multiple occasions for his vibrant celebrations, verbal exchanges, and behavior outside of the arena, he doesn't deserve to be criticized like this. Some other fans, seemingly mostly Pacers' supporters, also took his side and praised his outfit. "That's next-level fashion." "Good looking, pop." "Great to see he's having the time of his life watching his son play great basketball." "Pacers above all, is all I need." "Tyrese's biggest supporter. The only person who is happy when you're better than him is your father." Advertisement Haliburton's father has gone viral on several occasions, including his video of engaging with OKC fans and dancing in a bar after a Pacers win. Haliburton's father is a basketball referee by profession and a former women's basketball coach. Following the Pacers' blowout win in Game 6, Haliburton even went into the crowd to hype up fans. Here's John Haliburton hyping up the former Pacers' veteran Lance Stephenson with his famous Tyrese Haliburton towel. John Haliburton was often even showcased on the big screen to fire up the crowd with his Tyrese Haliburton towel during the game, which was met with a massive cheer from the crowd. Following pleas from even NBA legends like Charles Barkley and his public apology, the Pacers finally allowed John Haliburton back into their games following his ban due to an exchange with Giannis Antetokounmpo, which left the Greek superstar very upset initially. However, he was still disallowed from watching away games. Advertisement While John Haliburton may not be in the arena for Game 7, he will certainly be cheering for his son and his team in either a bar or some gathering with his family and friends. Related: T.J. McConnell's Father Crashes His Interview On TV And Catches Him Off Guard With Old Story: "It's A Dream Come True" This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.