Zach Buckley

3 days ago | bleacherreport.com | Zach Buckley

Much like the actual lottery, the jackpot prize pulled from the NBA draft lottery can vary considerably. In some years-2025 hopefully among them-it delivers a true fortune-changer. In others, though, it might offer up merely a piece of the puzzle. And every once in a while, things just go bust. But when the stars have aligned, the top pick in the draft has produced some of the greatest talents this game has ever seen.

5 days ago | bleacherreport.com | Zach Buckley

The 2025 NBA draft lottery-colloquially known as the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes-takes place on Monday, May 12. That's when the hoops world will finally find out where the uber-elite prospect will start out what could be a career for the ages. That's high praise for an 18-year-old, but he's done everything to earn it.

1 week ago | bleacherreport.com | Zach Buckley

The Memphis Grizzlies emphatically claimed in February that they have zero interest in trading away two-time All-Star point guard Ja Morant. The rest of the NBA isn't so sure about that. Despite the denials on the Grizzlies' side of things, there remains plenty of "whispering and rumbling" about Morant's potential availability, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon. There's also some debate inside the Association about whether Morant "is a top-10 player when he's healthy anymore," per MacMahon.

1 week ago | bleacherreport.com | Zach Buckley

Summer blockbusters could soon be coming to an NBA franchise near you. Teams hoping to radically reshape their rosters will have little choice but to sprint to the trade market in hopes of making it happen. Cap space is at a premium, and few teams in the draft lottery hold significant win-now hopes. Star talents should be up for grabs, too, as a few elites have seemingly plateaued with their current clubs.

1 week ago | bleacherreport.com | Zach Buckley

2. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets2 of 3 If the Pistons keep Jaden Ivey around, their backcourt should be in solid shape going forward. Their two-headed monster at center with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart is rock-solid. And depending on the developmental paths of Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II, this group could be set on the wings. The power forward position lacks an obvious long-term answer, but Smith could be a great solution.