Rick Pitino has made headlines with his bold comparison of Walter Clayton Jr. to NBA star Jalen Brunson. Emphasizing Brunson's winning mentality, Pitino suggests that Clayton Jr., who averaged 15.2 points per game in college, has similar potential to become a valuable player in the NBA. Clayton recently declared for the 2025 NBA Draft following an impressive NCAA tournament performance. Pitino's endorsement could significantly impact Clayton Jr.'s draft stock as fans eagerly await to see if he can replicate Brunson's success.

Mike Woodson returns to the NBA as the Sacramento Kings' assistant coach under Doug Christie. This marks Woodson's first official role in the league since his time at Indiana, where he coached for four seasons. Known for his previous head coaching stints with the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks, Woodson brings substantial experience to a Kings team aiming for a deeper playoff run.

Christie, who was promoted to head coach following a decent run after Mike Brown's departure, is tasked with leading the Kings, a franchise struggling with playoff success for nearly two decades. Woodson’s addition could provide a much-needed reset for the team, which hasn't won a playoff series since 2004 and has only made the playoffs once in the last 19 seasons.

The Denver Nuggets face a tough challenge in the playoffs as the Los Angeles Clippers, led by a vintage Kawhi Leonard, showcased their prowess in a critical Game 2. After a remarkable finish to the regular season, the Clippers secured a 105-102 victory, leveling the series at one game apiece. Leonard's performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 39 points on 15 of 19 shooting, reminiscent of his championship run with Toronto.

While the Clippers thrived on Leonard's offensive brilliance, the Nuggets struggled with Nikola Jokic being held to just eight points in the first half due to Ivica Zubac's strong defense. Jokic improved to finish with 26 points, but the reliance on his supporting cast became evident as they attempted to counteract Leonard's dominance. The series now shifts to Los Angeles with the Clippers gaining home-court advantage.

The Boston Celtics, with a rich history spanning over 500 players and 68 different jersey numbers since their inception in the Basketball Association of America, have much to celebrate. Notably, jersey number 16, worn by John Mahnken from 1950 to 1953, holds historical significance. Mahnken began his career at Georgetown, later playing for multiple teams, including the Washington Capitols and Baltimore Bullets, before joining the Celtics. During his tenure with Boston, he logged averages of 3.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while donning the number 16, now retired to honor the legacy of Celtics greats.

The NBA offseason has kicked off with significant changes, beginning with the New Orleans Pelicans firing their president of basketball operations, David Griffin. This marks a notable start to what could be a chaotic summer for franchises looking to shake up their leadership. Griffin, who played a key role in building a championship team alongside LeBron James in Cleveland, is now available just as many teams are exploring their own front-office and coaching adjustments.

Notably, the Denver Nuggets made headlines earlier by letting go of both head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth amid a playoff push with superstar Nikola Jokić, while the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings also parted ways with their head coaches. Teams are not waiting for the playoffs to conclude, indicating a shift in urgency and strategy. The New York Knicks are particularly under scrutiny after significant trades and expectations; an early playoff exit could prompt a reevaluation of head coach Tom Thibodeau's future.

The Phoenix Suns have joined the mix, dismissing Mike Budenholzer after a tumultuous season filled with injuries that led to a disappointing record. Budenholzer's offensive acumen keeps him on the radar for teams like the Knicks, who may seek a fresh approach. Meanwhile, the Pelicans' broader issues, notably the health of Zion Williamson, will also need to be addressed by Griffin's successor.