The Duke Blue Devils, favored to win the NCAA championship last season, fell just short in the Final Four. Their talent, including standout players Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel, and Tyrese Proctor, has now transitioned to the NBA. Flagg was the top pick for the Dallas Mavericks, while Knueppel and Maluach were selected by the Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns respectively. Proctor, a key guard, made it to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.

Despite losing such a talented roster, Duke is bolstered by a strong recruiting class, securing commitments from top prospects like Cameron Boozer and Dame Sarr. The future looks promising as these new players join Duke's tradition of excellence.

The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a competitive affair with an array of top-tier talents eyeing first-round selections. Players like Thomas Haugh from Florida and Tahaad Pettiford from Auburn have made impactful returns to their programs, showcasing potential for breakout seasons. Haugh's skill set as a versatile forward, coupled with Pettiford's playmaking abilities, positions them as strong candidates for lottery picks. Meanwhile, Alex Condon and Labaron Philon also stand out, ready to enhance their profiles after forgoing the 2025 draft.

Additionally, prospects like JT Toppin, Isaiah Evans, and Yaxel Lendeborg are set to make significant strides with expanded roles. Toppin's athleticism and potential as a scorer could elevate his visibility, while Evans aims to capitalize on increased opportunities at Duke. Lendeborg's decision to play for Michigan after a successful stint at UAB adds depth to an already exciting draft class. With strong performances in the upcoming season, these players could dramatically shift their draft stock, making the 2026 Draft one to watch.

The Dallas Mavericks are undergoing a significant coaching transformation by reuniting key figures from the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers championship team. Frank Vogel has joined as the lead assistant coach, reversing roles with Jason Kidd, who now leads the Mavericks. This coaching transition not only emphasizes championship experience but also highlights the Mavericks' successful organizational culture, as many former assistants have departed for higher-profile roles.

The hiring of Mike Penberthy, a shooting specialist previously associated with Anthony Davis, completes the trio of Kidd, Vogel, and Penberthy, enhancing the coaching staff's dynamic. Together, they represent a blend of motivational leadership, tactical discipline, and player development expertise, aiming to replicate the championship mindset that propelled the Lakers to success.

The Los Angeles Lakers' expectations for Dalton Knecht at the Summer League have not been met, as he struggled significantly in his first game against the California Classic. While Knecht managed only 10 points with a poor shooting performance, Cole Swider stole the show, scoring 24 points, including six three-pointers. Swider's performance raises questions about Knecht's readiness for the upcoming season, as players who do not excel in Summer League rarely find success in the regular season. This matchup suggests a positive outlook for Swider, who may be deserving of more attention from NBA teams.

The Philadelphia 76ers have made a notable addition to their roster by signing forward Jabari Walker to a two-way contract. Walker, who previously played three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaged 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds last season, showcasing an impressive shooting efficiency of 51.5% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc. His ability to nail corner threes at a 45.5% rate highlights his potential as a valuable floor spacer for the 76ers.

This strategic move comes alongside Philly's earlier acquisition of Trendon Watford, indicating a clear focus on bolstering their forward depth with young, versatile talent. While Walker's two-way contract means he will primarily play with the Delaware Blue Coats, he has the opportunity to participate in up to 50 NBA games this season, marking a critical step in his development and potential contribution to the Sixers' playoff aspirations.