Pat Riley, President of the Miami Heat, faced questions on Friday about the team's future following their disappointing playoff exit. After being swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Heat finished 37-45, securing a play-in tournament spot. The tumultuous season included a contentious relationship with Jimmy Butler, leading to his trade to the Golden State Warriors. While acknowledging Butler's impact, Riley expressed no regrets about denying Butler's contract extension, emphasizing the need for a strong team dynamic.

Riley aims to build around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo but hinted at roster changes, stating that the team 'probably won’t run it back' with the current lineup. Discussions are ongoing regarding a potential extension for Herro. Despite the recent losses, Riley is determined to improve the team's performance and remains committed to his role, stating, 'The new 80 is the new 60.' His competitive spirit drives him to continue working towards better results in the next season.

The NBA Draft Lottery is set to finalize the long-anticipated Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, with the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets each having a 14% shot at landing the coveted top pick. Flagg, the CBS Sports Player of the Year and a standout freshman at Duke, is expected to be the top choice if one of these teams secures the lottery victory. His ability to impact games on both sides of the court positions him as a potential franchise cornerstone.

While Flagg dominates headlines, the draft class boasts other exceptional talents, particularly among the freshmen. Notably, Dylan Harper from Rutgers is projected to go second overall, bringing a strong offensive repertoire. Tre Johnson from Texas and VJ Edgecombe from Baylor are also creating buzz, showcasing a mix of scoring and defensive prowess. The Utah Jazz, if lucky in the lottery, could significantly reshape their future with Flagg joining their squad.

The Duke Blue Devils are set to produce two high-profile prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, with Cooper Flagg projected as the top overall pick and Kon Knueppel anticipated to be a top-10 selection. Knueppel impressed during his freshman year, averaging 14.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, while showcasing remarkable shooting efficiency with nearly 48% from the field and over 40% from three-point range. His skills as an elite shooter could make him a strategic fit for teams seeking to bolster their perimeter game.

According to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, Knueppel is projected to be selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the No. 9 pick. This potential pairing with Victor Wembanyama could greatly enhance the Spurs' offensive capabilities, as Knueppel’s shooting prowess would create more space for Wembanyama, allowing both players to maximize their impact on the court. However, with the draft on June 25, the final destination for Knueppel remains uncertain.

The Orlando Magic's playoff journey ended prematurely, yet their performance has sparked optimism among fans. Led by Paolo Banchero, the young core of the team proved their potential, even managing to defeat the Boston Celtics in a playoff series. However, speculation about their future has emerged, with former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins suggesting the need for a top-tier point guard.

Cousins pointed to Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks as a trade target to elevate the Magic's status to true contenders. Meanwhile, Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley suggested acquiring Jamal Murray from the Denver Nuggets, noting his strong postseason performances. Murray's recent contract extension adds complexity to any trade, but his scoring ability could provide the veteran presence the Magic need. Other potential options include LaMelo Ball and Anfernee Simons, highlighting the Magic's pursuit of immediate improvement.

In a significant legal ruling, a federal judge has dismissed most claims against high-profile endorsers of the collapsed FTX crypto exchange, including Tom Brady, Steph Curry, and Shohei Ohtani. The judge found that plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that these celebrities had actual knowledge of the alleged fraud perpetrated by FTX and its CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried. While the court acknowledged potential negligence or recklessness, it emphasized the plaintiffs did not prove intent to deceive.

The case continues under Florida and Oklahoma securities laws, which may lead to new claims. This ruling alleviates some legal pressure from endorsers, but the shadow of FTX's failure lingers, particularly for Brady, who once touted FTX as the safest method for purchasing cryptocurrency. The fallout from this scandal could still obligate these endorsers to compensate investors who followed their advice and lost money.