The 2025 NBA Draft is just around the corner, scheduled for June 25, and Gonzaga's Ryan Nembhard is generating buzz despite expectations of being a second-round pick. Following a standout performance at the NBA combine, he is now projected to be selected 58th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, who finished the previous season with a stellar 64-18 record, are looking to bolster their backcourt. With veteran guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland leading the charge, Nembhard could find immediate opportunities as a backup point guard.

Measuring at 5'11" and boasting a 6'2" wingspan, Nembhard's size has raised concerns in a league increasingly favoring taller players. Nevertheless, his sharp floor vision, adeptness in pick-and-roll situations, and enhanced shooting skills make him an intriguing prospect for Cleveland. As the Cavs aim to increase their championship prospects, Nembhard's selection could prove pivotal.

The landscape of NBA free agency is shifting dramatically, particularly for high-profile players like James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Julius Randle, and Fred VanVleet. The Brooklyn Nets stand alone with the capacity to offer contracts exceeding $30 million, while the remainder of the league is constrained by salary caps. Harden, a prime candidate for a lucrative deal, is expected to receive a two-year contract from the LA Clippers worth $79 million, contingent on playoff success.

Irving's future with the Dallas Mavericks appears secure, projected at $113 million over three years, allowing the franchise flexibility while compensating him for past injuries. Randle’s situation with the Minnesota Timberwolves is also complex, with a proposed four-year deal of $121 million that incentivizes team performance. Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet’s next contract with the Rockets could determine the team's moves this offseason. The negotiations will be pivotal not just for these players but for the franchises involved, potentially defining their competitive futures.

The Philadelphia 76ers have a storied draft history, highlighted by their selections of impactful players. In 2018, they held the 10th pick and chose Villanova's Mikal Bridges, only to trade him to the Phoenix Suns for the 16th pick, which they used to select Zhaire Smith from Texas Tech. While Bridges thrived in Phoenix, Smith faced significant challenges, including a severe allergic reaction that limited him to just 13 games over two seasons with the Sixers.

Ultimately, Smith was traded to the Detroit Pistons and has since struggled to find his footing in the league, signing Exhibit 10 deals with various teams. Despite these setbacks, he showcased his scoring ability in the G League, averaging 20.9 points for the Texas Legends in the 2024-25 season, suggesting that he is still working hard to reclaim a spot in the NBA.

The Cleveland Cavaliers' promising 2024-25 campaign, highlighted by a 64-18 record and numerous accolades, took an unexpected turn in the playoffs. Despite having three All-Stars and a Coach of the Year, injuries to key players like Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Donovan Mitchell curtailed their postseason run, ending in a disappointing five-game exit against the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers have progressed to the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This offseason, Cleveland faces tough decisions with a roster currently above the luxury tax. The front office is reportedly exploring trade options for rotation players Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade, although finding takers has proven challenging. Retaining emerging sixth-man star Ty Jerome, also a free agent, complicates their financial maneuvering amidst looming tax implications.

The New York Knicks are shifting their focus from external coaching candidates to those currently available, set to interview Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown next week. Jenkins, recently let go by the Memphis Grizzlies, is regarded as one of the winningest coaches in franchise history, while Brown has a wealth of experience, having previously coached the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers.

In addition to these interviews, the Knicks are considering reaching out to currently employed coaches, including Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks and Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls, both of whom might be seeking contract extensions from their teams. If those negotiations falter, they could become potential candidates for the Knicks. The team is also exploring options with assistant coaches, including Johnnie Bryant, a former Knicks assistant now with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The firing of Tom Thibodeau, who guided the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years, has left the franchise in a transitional phase. The Knicks are taking their time to ensure they find the right candidate before moving forward with a hire.