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 Memphis Grizzlies face a pivotal offseason after being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. All-Star point guard Ja Morant's hip injury in Game 3, which sidelined him in Game 4, raised questions about the team's depth and future. Memphis has only won one postseason series since drafting Morant second overall in 2019, prompting discussions about strengthening their roster.

Proposed by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, a potential three-team trade involving the New York Knicks could provide the Grizzlies with much-needed talent. The deal would send Mikal Bridges to Memphis, while the Knicks would acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. This trade aims to bolster Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane with a versatile two-way player like Bridges, who averaged 17.6 points this season.

Tom Thibodeau's tenure as head coach of the New York Knicks has come to an end, following concerns over player usage and performance. Key player Jalen Brunson, who has been vocal in his support for Thibodeau, expressed his feelings on social media after the firing. Brunson thrived under Thibodeau's coaching, posting career-high numbers, including an impressive 26 points and 7.3 assists per game this season. However, player fatigue was evident, especially during the playoffs, where Brunson averaged 37.8 minutes per game.

Reports indicate that the Knicks management was concerned about Thibodeau's decision to rely heavily on his starters, neglecting the depth on the bench. This lack of rotation reportedly hindered the team's adaptability and performance against more dynamic opponents. As Thibodeau's coaching style came under scrutiny, players like Mikal Bridges voiced their frustrations regarding their minutes. The Knicks now face the challenge of finding a new head coach who can revitalize the team while ensuring Brunson and others remain engaged and rested.

The New York Knicks had an impressive season, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. The team, led by key players Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, fought hard but ultimately fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games. Following the playoff exit, the Knicks surprised many by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau just three days later, a decision that sparked significant discussion among fans and analysts alike.

Brunson, who had previously voiced his support for Thibodeau, expressed his feelings through a heartfelt Instagram post following the announcement. With Thibodeau gone, the Knicks are now in search of a new head coach, a position that will be attractive to candidates due to the team’s star-studded roster.

The New York Knicks have opted for a surprising change by parting ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau following a playoff exit, a decision that caught many off guard considering his role in leading the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. The Knicks are now tasked with finding a new leader for their storied franchise. Reports indicate discontent among players regarding Thibodeau's coaching style, particularly his tendency to overwork starters and resistance to making strategic adjustments during games.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill, multiple Knicks players expressed concerns, with one unnamed player reportedly unwilling to continue playing under Thibodeau next season. Fans speculate that Mikal Bridges is the player in question, particularly given his earlier comments advocating for reduced minutes for the starters. This development raises questions about the team dynamics and the direction the Knicks will take in their search for a new coach.