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The fascinating conflict between drafting in the top five and winning NBA titles
As the NBA considers dramatic lottery reform, the numbers show that drafting in the top five hasn't turned into NBA titles over the past 20 years.
TOP HEADLINES
STATE OF THE NBA
Adam Silver addresses state of flopping and officiating in NBA
Haliburton: NBA coaches are 'for sure' teaching players how to draw fouls
FIXING THE SYSTEM?
NBA draft lottery reform: Pros and cons of the new '3-2-1' proposal
On the eve of the league's vote to enact significant anti-tanking measures, Tim Bontemps examines the good, the bad and the head-scratching changes coming to the draft lottery.
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
GAME 6: 8:30 P.M. ET ON THURSDAY
The adjustments the Thunder made to take down the Spurs in Game 5
Oklahoma City turned to Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain to claw its way back to the top against San Antonio.
Takeaways: Thunder secure 3-2 series lead with win over Spurs
Here's what we've learned -- and what's next for the Spurs-Thunder series.
EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
Should Knicks want OKC or Spurs more? Stephen A. weighs in
The Knicks went all-in, and it paid off: How they got to the NBA Finals
Here's how bold moves and a coaching change fueled the New York Knicks' improbable journey.
NBA PLAYOFFS
De’Aaron Fox has taken on a new role in San Antonio, but his impact is undeniable
Fox put San Antonio at the top of his list when leaving Sacramento, and he has become their veteran leader.
The on-court trends defining the 2026 NBA playoffs
From Wemby's dominance to the Cavs' scoring problems, these storylines are shaping the conference finals.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Which NBA stars could get PAID this summer? Stacking the mega-extension candidates
These are the most important deals that could get done, plus how each outcome could help shape next season.
Mad Dog: 'I’d be shocked if LeBron goes back to Cleveland'
ANDSCAPE
Andscape
New York Knicks trying to scale a mountain not reached in 53 years
Walt 'Clyde' Frazier remembers. He's passed the torch to these Knicks, seeking their first title since 1973
Andscape
James Harden willing to do 'whatever it takes' for Cavaliers in 2026-27
Top Headlines
- Wembanyama warned by NBA for skipping media
- Trump plans to attend NBA Finals game at MSG
- Hawks' Saleh signs extension, promoted to prez
- Source: Lakers lay off over a dozen amid reorg
- Sources: Projected 1st-rounder Peat stays in draft
- Mazzulla 4th from Celtics to win Coach of the Year
- Sources: Atkinson to return as Cavaliers coach
- Hammon stands by Brunson take: Prove me wrong
- 👀 The players who could shape the offseason
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- Photo by Jerome Miron/Imagn Images
NBA offseason: Six star trade ideas to shake up the summer
ESPN's NBA insiders pitch six trades that could rock the offseason. But which move would truly change the league landscape?
- Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)
2026 NBA buzz: Latest news, injuries, league intel, updates
Here's what our NBA insiders are hearing, including the latest on LeBron James' future in Los Angeles.
- Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Victor Wembanyama is shattering the NBA's age curve
In his first postseason run, the Spurs' young superstar is defying conventional wisdom about the importance of playoff experience.
- AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
NBA playoffs 2026: Team-building tips from Thunder, Spurs, Knicks, Cavs
Four conference finalists, four roster-building lessons. What could other teams learn from the Knicks, Cavs, Thunder and Spurs?
- ESPN
NBA offseason: Draft, free agency, trade targets for eliminated teams
For all but three NBA teams, the offseason is here. What lies ahead for the Cavs, Pistons, Wolves, Lakers and every eliminated team?
More NBA coverage on NBA.COM
From the hardwood to the desktop, get additional NBA coverage from the association on NBA.COM