Wembanyama’s Rise Has Rivals Rethinking Rosters; Free-Agent Estimates, International Roundup
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Front offices across the NBA are studying the San Antonio Spurs’ postseason run and the growing influence of rookie center Victor Wembanyama, executives told The Athletic’s Sam Amick. One Eastern Conference decision-maker said the league is already asking, “How do we build our team to compete against Wembanyama and the Spurs?”
The executive pointed to Utah’s mid-season acquisition of Jaren Jackson Jr. as a possible response to the 7’4″ Frenchman. By adding Jackson alongside Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz now have three athletic bigs to rotate against San Antonio’s star. The same source predicted that 7’3″ Michigan center Aday Mara could see his draft position climb as clubs search for size capable of slowing Wembanyama.
A Western Conference executive added that Wembanyama’s presence could elevate Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade value this summer, calling the Bucks forward “a matchup solution for Wemby.” Still, league officials broadly agreed that no clear blueprint exists for containing a player one evaluator described as an unprecedented problem “for the next 15 years.”
Marks projects summer contracts
ESPN front-office analyst Bobby Marks released contract projections for 20 pending free agents. His notional offers include:
- Jalen Duren (Pistons): five years, $180 million
- Austin Reaves (Lakers): four years, $155 million
- Trae Young (Wizards): three years, $130 million
- Draymond Green (Warriors): two years, $40 million
World Cup qualifying rosters take shape
France’s preliminary list for July’s FIBA World Cup qualifying windows features Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, Wizards rookie Alex Sarr and Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher. Serbia head coach Dusan Alimpijevic told Mozzart Sport that Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is expected to play in both Serbian qualifying windows this offseason.
Okobo named French league MVP
Former NBA guard Elie Okobo earned Most Valuable Player honors in France’s LNB Elite after averaging 16.7 points, 4.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds while shooting .621/.506/.883 for AS Monaco in 24 domestic games during the 2025-26 season.
NCAA guidance could affect internationals
Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney examined new NCAA eligibility guidelines that may alter the path for international prospects hoping to play college basketball in the United States.
Source: HoopsRumors
