Brooklyn Nets have made history by selecting five players in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, notably two Jewish players, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf, marking the first time since 2006 that two Jewish players were drafted in the same year. With Saraf and Wolf picked at 26 and 27, respectively, the number of Jewish players in the NBA has doubled, adding to a roster that already includes Deni Avdija and Domantas Sabonis. General Manager Sean Marks emphasized the global nature of basketball and the importance of talent over ethnicity.

Saraf, the son of former Israeli players, was recognized as the top young prospect in the Israeli Basketball Premier League and has impressive international credentials, while Wolf contributed to Michigan's success and represented Israel at the U20 European Championship. Both players are considered development projects but have shown potential for significant contributions to a rebuilding Nets team.

Rocco Zikarsky, the Australian center and No. 45 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Last season with the Brisbane Bullets, he averaged 4.7 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field, although he was limited to 20 games due to a knee injury. Zikarsky, a 7-footer, is part of the NBL’s Next Stars program, which showcases top international prospects.

At nearly 19 years old, he will split his time between the NBA and the Iowa Wolves in the G League, where he can be active for up to 50 games. His contract includes a salary of $636,435, equating to 50% of the league minimum for a rookie. Zikarsky is set to make his debut in the NBA Summer League, starting with the Timberwolves’ matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, host Vincent Goodwill and Dan Titus dive into the significant $250 million rookie max extension signed by Chet Holmgren with the Oklahoma City Thunder, analyzing the implications for the team's ability to maintain its young roster amid the new Collective Bargaining Agreement's stipulations. They discuss the adjustments brought forth by the NBA's first and second apron, which fundamentally alters the free agency landscape. Additionally, they ponder whether Luka Doncic should sign a long-term deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, and project potential top teams for the upcoming season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder recently celebrated their first championship since relocating, and have wasted no time in securing their core players. Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a landmark four-year, $285 million super maximum contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in NBA history.

Following suit, Chet Holmgren has signed a fully guaranteed five-year rookie contract extension worth up to $250 million. This secures two-thirds of what many view as the Thunder's foundational trio, with Jalen Williams likely next in line for an extension. Williams, while currently not in a financial position like his teammates, showcased camaraderie by jokingly indicating that Holmgren would be treating for dinner, hinting at their close bond.

The Sacramento Kings are pushing forward with their roster instead of opting for a rebuild, targeting a playoff spot next season. Their offseason so far has included the signing of veteran point guard Dennis Schroder through a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons, addressing their need at the position after trading De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs at the trade deadline. However, the Kings' overall free agency activity has been limited, leading to a disappointing C- grade from Bleacher Report.

Despite the addition of Schroder, concerns linger about his ability to thrive as a starting point guard, a role he hasn't held recently. Nonetheless, Sacramento's management believes he can help solidify their chances alongside key players like Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Keegan Murray.