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The two thousand twenty six NBA Draft is in the books, and the first round delivered plenty to talk about. AJ Dybantsa went first overall, the Thunder came out looking stronger, and the Bulls made two picks that have analysts nodding in approval. Not everyone walked away clean, though.
Dallas raised some eyebrows, burning the ninth pick on Michigan's Morez Johnson Junior just days after hiring Dusty May, Johnson's former college coach. The Mavericks have Cooper Flagg to build around, and critics are already questioning whether a low-upside big man was really the move to help him grow. The honeymoon in Big D is getting complicated fast.
Meanwhile in Boston, the Jaylen Brown trade noise is getting louder, but Celtics president Brad Stevens stepped to the mic Tuesday night to pump the brakes. Stevens called Brown valued and said he remains a big part of what the organization is building. Whether that's genuine commitment or front office diplomacy ahead of deadline maneuvering, only time will tell, but Stevens clearly wanted that message out there.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
