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The top five picks in the 2026 NBA Draft will be all rookies, but Darius Acuff Jr. is not projected to be one of them. A potentially historic crop of talent, coupled with serious defensive concerns, is causing the Arkansas star to land a little further down the board in most mocks. However, one of the all-time great college basketball head coaches has no concerns about Acuff transitioning to the next step.

“Acuff is one of the top two or three players in the country,” Duke icon and five-time national champion Mike Krzyzewski told “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday. “He’s got a man’s body. He’s ready for the NBA. And he loves pressure.”

“Darius Acuff is one of the top two or three players in the country..

He’s ready for the NBA and he loves the pressure.”

coach’s #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/YZUbTBSRk1

– Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) 23 March 2026

The 19-year-old guard has been electric during the season and is captivating fans through the Razorbacks’ first two games of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. He scored a combined 60 points on 20 of 41 shooting and also dished out 13 assists versus Hawaii and High Point. Acuff is a tremendous offensive talent who has been compared to Hall of Famer Allen Iverson.

He can punish opponents at the rim or behind the 3-point line (44.6 percent from downtown), solidifying Coach K’s declaration that he is well-prepared for the Association. Considering the ease with which he gets buckets, not to mention his aforementioned strong physique, Darius Acuff Jr. should be able to perform against NBA competition. Still, teams that are selecting early in the draft may be hesitant to rely on his defense.

The unanimous All-American and SEC Player of the Year made a splash at High Point on Saturday, but he faced little resistance against the Panthers on the other end of the field. Mediocre or even subpar defenders can thrive if they are potent enough offensively, but no one can be a complete liability in that department. Acuff probably has the strength and athleticism to reach an acceptable standard. Can he prove that much before June?

The Sweet Sixteen showdown with Arizona provides the perfect opportunity. However, honestly, if he can lead Arkansas to victory over the No. 1 seed in the West Region, the defensive issues won’t matter to officials. Acuff will attempt to extend his landmark campaign on March 26 inside the SAP Center in San Jose, California.

The Los Angeles Lakers got a good win against the Chicago Bulls in their latest game, and it moved them up to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference standings. They have started to find some rhythm over the last few games, and now many are wondering if they can be a real threat to finish the season and make the playoffs.

Brian Windhorst has heard about JJ Redick and LeBron James meeting, seen the defense improve, and seen other players step up, and he believes there’s a chance the Lakers could be a team to keep an eye on.

“JJ Redick is selling these guys on working hard,” Windhorst said on First Take. “He’s making some changes to his scheme, he’s playing more zone, he’s coaching them very hard to make them better. I can see a path where they can make a run. I don’t know if they will.

“I’ve heard LeBron talk about reducing his role and changing the way he plays. I’ve heard about JJ meeting with him and having an open conversation. I’m watching Luka play, I’m watching Reeves play. There’s a way. It could happen.”

.@WindhorstESPN The word “dangerous” is being debated in relation to the Lakers as a potential 3-seed in the West ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Zu5W5W8IxA

– First Tech (@FirstTech) 13 March 2026

The Lakers have the potential to be a team that can make a move, but you also have to take into account the other teams around them.

Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves could give the Lakers trouble, and they are also fighting to reach the No. 3 seed.

The Lakers have matchups coming up against the Nuggets and Rockets, and that could be a good litmus test for where they stand against some of their competition. In the end, taking the Lakers to where they want to go may depend on the big three of Doncic, Reeves and James.

MIAMI – There’s no denying the sports world is buzzing about Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, who scored 83 points against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night, surpassing Kobe Bryant’s 81 points to become the second-highest scoring game in a game. While there is debate about the “ethics” of the Heat captain’s 83-point outing, the big man himself spoke about the play after Miami’s 112-105 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Adebayo’s 83-point night drew polarizing reactions, from the center celebrating to making incredible NBA history, with the other side questioning the performance due to a myriad of factors, especially in the fourth quarter. Whether it’s the 43 free-throw attempts or Miami’s strategy of passing the game to gain more possessions, these have been some talking points.

There has also been discussion about whether Adebayo should have surpassed Bryant’s mark in starts, saying that instead of making history, he would have taken himself out of the game. Adebayo will have a message for the “couch coach”, touching on every criticism of the 83-point game, mentioning Washington’s poor defense, and aiming to surpass Bryant’s milestone.

“First of all, you all are blaming me; you should blame their head coach,” Adebayo told ClutchPoints. “Get it first. I wasn’t going to let one go the whole game until I had 70. Then you started sending the double. At that point, I got 70 with, like, what, nine minutes left in the game. Do you think I’m not going for that?”

“And that’s the thing that’s crazy,” Adebayo continued. “When they talk about the unethical part of basketball. I’m like, I’ve got nine minutes left now. Who would be like, you know, coach, just take me out. Yeah, OK! There’s somebody in my spot who’s got nine minutes left? One minute? OK. Nine? Yeah, I’m going for it. You can’t be mad at that. If you’re mad, I don’t care.”

Had to ask Bam Adebayo about people questioning the “ethics” of his 83-point game.

Touched every conversation point around you.

“First of all, you’re all blaming me, but you should blame their head coach… That’s the thing to chase after, so you can move past it…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/yhQtFNhk6d

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 13 March 2026

Heat’s Bam Adebayo on 43 free-throw attempts in 83-point game

With Adebayo scoring 83 points and the Heat having a broader impact on a franchise making league history, the impact of Thursday’s win over the Bucks can’t be denied. Adebayo would still make his presence felt in the contest, scoring 21 points with eight rebounds, but one could tell the fatigue was emotionally and physically draining on Tuesday.

For 21 points, he shot six of 20 from the field and missed all five of his three-point attempts, but it was the fourth quarter that turned his night around. Entering the final frame with eight points, he scored a crucial 13 points, making nine of 12 from the free-throw line, helping Pelle Larsson finish with a career night with a total of 28 points.

It was certainly a quiet game for Adebayo, who made 43 shots, 22 from deep and 43 free-throw attempts on Tuesday, the most in association history. Adebayo continued the criticism, saying he was “being humiliated every time”, which the film proves.

“Because a lot of guys, they’re upset because if they played, they never would have had a chance to get close to chasing greatness,” Adebayo said. “And if you get that close to chasing greatness, that’s the point of chasing it, so you can surpass it. And some guys have never played basketball.”

“They’re going to talk about free throws. It’s not like I shoot 15 free throws a game,” Adebayo added. “It’s not like I averaged 10 free throws a game. I was, you can watch the film, I was legitimately getting fouled every time I went to the free-throw line.”

At any rate, Adebayo’s 83-point game will continue to be talked about, but for now the main focus is on Miami as they look to extend their seven-game winning streak (a season-high) with a crucial game on Saturday night against the Orlando Magic.

The term “Hall of Famer” gets thrown around a lot, but when it comes to Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, the claims take on more substance as time goes on.

The five-time All-Star has received recognition from many head coaches, but Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is new to the list.

Before Thursday’s game, Carlisle elaborated more on that three-word point.

“He’s got Hall of Fame in the books,” Carlisle explained on Twitter (formerly Twitter), via AZCentral’s Duane Rankin. “As far as I can see, he has become a great leader.”

Throughout Phoenix’s season, Booker has been the unsung leader, offensive engine and everything else you want to describe. His stats may not be where they were, but that doesn’t necessarily matter.

However, over the last five games he is averaging 26.6 points, 5.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds. The Suns have been on a hot streak since Booker’s return and have gone 4-1.

Devin Booker’s comment on Rick Carlisle highlights Suns’ success

Comparing the 2024-25 season to today, this is a completely different team. Although Booker made the All-Star Game, he noted that it was due to his team’s success.

He has also repeatedly mentioned finishing his career in Phoenix. But it is not just a feeling of pleasing the masses. At the same time, he wants to leave a lasting impact and has already done so.

For example, Booker broke the Suns franchise scoring record at the age of 28 during his ten seasons in the Valley of the Sun.

Somehow, his focus is more on winning than on accolades. As of this writing, the team has achieved 38 wins on the season, surpassing last season’s win total.

As the Suns continue to travel on the road, more coaches may get to see more of Booker’s leadership showcased.

Lately, Anthony Edwards has been on a roll. Recently, Edwards passed Kobe Bryant by having the second most 40-point games before turning 25. As a result, he is now behind Michael Jordan.

If that wasn’t enough, Edwards received a special honor from NBA legend Carmelo Anthony on the Brooklyn Podcast at 7 p.m. Overall, Anthony said Edwards is by far the top player in the league.

“I think Ant Edwards is the best player in the NBA. I think he brings everything. He brings intelligence, he accepts the challenge. His stats speak for themselves. Taking his team to multiple WCFs as a young player. His teammates are saying it. His teammates are saying ‘Ant is the guy right now.’ If you look at the trajectory, the energy, the IT factor, the early success, the wins, moving an organization forward. I must say, he is the one.”

Carmelo Anthony believes Anthony Edwards is the best player in the NBA:

“I think Ant Edwards is the best player in the NBA. I think he brings everything. He brings intelligence, he takes on challenges. His stats speak for themselves. Taking your team so many times as a young player… pic.twitter.com/R7eWtANRb2

– NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) 6 March 2026

So far, Edwards is averaging 29.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. On Thursday, Edwards finished with 22 points and four rebounds as the Timberwolves defeated the Toronto Raptors 115–108. As a result, the Timberwolves are 40–23, in third place in the Western Conference standings.

Additionally, Edwards is thinking about his plans to play in the NFL if he wins an NBA title before turning 30.

In February, Edwards won All-Star Game MVP. Additionally, he displays efficiency in scoring and 3-point shooting. He is shooting 49.5% from the field and 40.6% from the 3-point line.

Additionally, he is a four-time NBA All-Star and a 2024 Olympic gold medalist.

Anthony Edwards has exceeded all expectations placed on him since being drafted with the first overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020. Fans thought he wasn’t as into basketball as any first-overall pick of the draft would be, but he has shattered everyone’s perception of him as he has become a true competitor, taking the Timberwolves to heights they have rarely reached in the past.

Edwards, every second he spends on the court, feels as if he is the best player on the court, no matter who he plays with on the court. The Timberwolves star, as fans now call him, has that “Dog” in him, because he loves to go up against the best and show that he is better than them.

Edwards’ belief in himself is infectious to such an extent that Klutch Sports’ star agent Rich Paul, who, as anyone may remember, once had the Timberwolves star as a client before deciding to change representation in 2023, is also in the promotion.

“I still think it’s a community, but I think that community is led by Anthony Edwards. I think Anthony Edwards is the best player in our league today,” Paul said on the Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman. “He’s the best player in the NBA, yes he is.”

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards passes Rich Paul

Paul could use his ability to sweet-talk his clients to bring Edwards back to Klutch Sports, but still, the Timberwolves star has certainly accomplished some things that make him worthy of such hype. Now, calling him the “best” player in the NBA may be a bit of a hyperbole. Nonetheless, Paul believes Edwards ranks high among his peers.

Paul said, “The face of the league versus the best player. The face of the league, you have to grow into that, it’s something different. But the best player? Yeah, he’s the best player. You can’t watch a game against anybody on any given night and look at that game and say that guy is better than Anthony Edwards.”

New York Knicks franchise star Jalen Brunson made headlines a few months ago after admitting to forgoing his own signature sneaker option with sponsor Nike. Instead, Brunson has an unlimited inventory of exclusive Nike Kobe colorways from Bryant’s famous series. Recently, we saw Brunson introduce a new Nike Kobe 3 “Warning Label” as per the Nike Basketball All-Star Special Editions.

Check out our sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

Brunson has been wearing Nike Kobe sneakers almost exclusively since his time as a Villanova Wildcat, and is expanding that tradition on his way to becoming an All-NBA talent with the New York Knicks. Their PE (Player Exclusive) run began with the “Statue of Liberty” colorway of the Nike Kobe 6, which has recently resurfaced once again in the form of the latest “Arania” Nike Kobe 3 Low.

Nike Basketball debuted the “Warning Label” collection at the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, giving top Nike athletes like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant their own exclusive colorways of their signature sneakers. Brunson was no different as Nike put together a “Warning Label” Nike Kobe 3 PE for him to rock during the festivities.

Nike Kobe 3 Low “Warning Label”

First Look at the “Warning Label” Promo Nike Kobe 3 Protro Low 🔥

These feature gold glitter on the uppers and will not be released to the public. pic.twitter.com/UFVmWQ2aR9

– Black Cotton Apparel (@bcapparel) 16 February 2026

Jalen Brunson Debuts Promo ‘Warning Label’ Nike Kobe 3 Protro Low 🐍🔥 pic.twitter.com/6PK0X6G95J

– House of Heat° (@houseofheat) 15 February 2026

Jalen Brunson’s “Warning Label” Nike Kobe 3 is slightly different from the retail pair released during NBA All-Star Weekend.

This pair was given to players in the Nike Future Game at Crenshaw High School 🐍 https://t.co/PfgdCmJOYH pic.twitter.com/fdap0t5zda

– Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) 15 February 2026

According to Nike’s promotional warning label: “This collection is more than a threat. It’s a promise that the fierce nature and true colors of our athletes shine when they step onto the court.” The collection includes the Nike A’One (A’ja Wilson), Nike KD 18 (Kevin Durant), Nike Ja 3 (Ja Morant), Nike Sabrina 3 (Sabrina Ionescu), and Nike Freak 7 (Giannis Antetokounmpo).

The “Warning Label” Nike Kobe 3 Low comes dressed in a loud purple and rainbow color scheme that matches the general theme throughout the collection. The midsole, outsole, sockliner, and laces are all done up in the same soft purple hue. The hallmark feature is the iridescent color in the upper webbing, giving these an unmistakable and distinctive look.

While the above pairs are currently available through Nike, Brunson’s Kobe 3 PE will remain exclusive to him and Nike’s Future Game players. Do you think Nike should release this specific pair?

Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker revealed that while the 3-Point Contest invite surprised him last weekend, he couldn’t escape the OG label from others, including first-time All-Star Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Booker, 29, was the elder statesman of Team USA stars, among his fifth selections at the star-studded event.

For this, seeing Booker on the same team as him came as a surprise For Holmgren.

“Is that Devin Booker? On the young team? He could stretch it out a few years,” Holmgren said.

76ers All-Star Tyrese Maxey gave Booker the same treatment.

“How are you, old man?” Maxey said, to which Booker resigned from being one of the older players on the All-Star Game team.

“I’m the old man here, huh?” Booker said. “That’s madness.”

Chet Holmgren: “Is that Devin Booker? On the young team? He could stretch it out a few years.”

Tyrese Maxi: “What’s up old man?”

Devin Booker couldn’t escape UNC jokes in USA Stars locker room

(via @NBAAllStar)
pic.twitter.com/mP5N3k0WpF

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026

In the end, Team USA Stars, including Chet Holmgren and Tyrese Maxey, defeated Team USA Stripes. Nevertheless, this was possibly the first time that Booker was the oldest player on his team.

Devin Booker hints at retirement from 3-point contest

Suns All-Star Devin Booker fell three points short of winning this year’s 3-Point Contest, losing in the final round as he missed his final three shots that could have crowned him champion. The Blazers’ Damian Lillard won with a final score of 29 to Booker’s 27, despite having the highest score in the final round (30).

According to Duane Rankin of AZ Central, after losing by two points, Booker talked about the 2026 3-Point Contest, which would potentially be the last contest he will participate in.

“It hurt a little bit. I wanted it so bad. I wish I was defending it in Phoenix, but if I get an invite it’ll probably be the last time next year. I’m looking forward to it,” Booker said, according to Duane Rankin of AZ Central, formerly of AZ Central, on Twitter.

Lillard, who missed a game due to his Achilles injury, brought the trophy back to Portland.