Kevin Pelton
@kpelton.bsky.social
NBA and WNBA writer for ESPN. Co-host of the Fabulous @peltoncast.bsky.social. Pocket square enthusiast. Using numbers to learn about the game.
Reposted by Kevin Pelton
ESPN’s initial 2026 NBA draft Top 100 is out today. Much will change moving forward, but excited to see how the season unfolds for an extremely talented class. Good time to get acquainted:
www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Top 100 prospects for the 2026 NBA draft: Peterson, Dybantsa or Boozer at No. 1?
Which top prospects lead our first rankings? Who needs to make their mark before June's draft? Here's our 100 big board for the 2026 class.
www.espn.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM
ESPN’s initial 2026 NBA draft Top 100 is out today. Much will change moving forward, but excited to see how the season unfolds for an extremely talented class. Good time to get acquainted:
www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Reposted by Kevin Pelton
@kpelton.bsky.social, @michaelvoepelespn.bsky.social, @kendra-andrews.bsky.social & I tried to make sense of what's at stake for the various sets of interests among WNBA players in this labor battle, and how might those differences manifest in CBA negotiations:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
What's at stake for every player in the WNBA labor battle
From stars with millions in off-court endorsements to those making the minimum, every WNBA player stands to gain in the new CBA.
www.espn.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
@kpelton.bsky.social, @michaelvoepelespn.bsky.social, @kendra-andrews.bsky.social & I tried to make sense of what's at stake for the various sets of interests among WNBA players in this labor battle, and how might those differences manifest in CBA negotiations:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Tried to capture what Lenny Wilkens meant to the Sonics franchise and Seattle more generally when his statue became the first outside Climate Pledge Arena in June. Glad Lenny got to see that fitting tribute before passing away Sunday at age 88. Farewell to a legend. www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Hall of Famer Wilkens feted with statue in Seattle
Lenny Wilkens, the legendary former SuperSonics player, coach and executive, was honored as the first person to have a statue unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
www.espn.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Tried to capture what Lenny Wilkens meant to the Sonics franchise and Seattle more generally when his statue became the first outside Climate Pledge Arena in June. Glad Lenny got to see that fitting tribute before passing away Sunday at age 88. Farewell to a legend. www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Reposted by Kevin Pelton
The WNBA draft lottery will take place Nov. 23 on ESPN, featuring the Dallas Wings, Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics & Chicago Sky
Odds to land the No. 1 pick:
DAL: 42%
MIN: 26.1%
SEA: 16.7%
WAS: 9.7%
CHI: 5.5%
The ‘26 draft is scheduled for April 13
Odds to land the No. 1 pick:
DAL: 42%
MIN: 26.1%
SEA: 16.7%
WAS: 9.7%
CHI: 5.5%
The ‘26 draft is scheduled for April 13
November 7, 2025 at 8:00 PM
The WNBA draft lottery will take place Nov. 23 on ESPN, featuring the Dallas Wings, Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics & Chicago Sky
Odds to land the No. 1 pick:
DAL: 42%
MIN: 26.1%
SEA: 16.7%
WAS: 9.7%
CHI: 5.5%
The ‘26 draft is scheduled for April 13
Odds to land the No. 1 pick:
DAL: 42%
MIN: 26.1%
SEA: 16.7%
WAS: 9.7%
CHI: 5.5%
The ‘26 draft is scheduled for April 13
News story on the Storm introducing new coach Sonia Raman as a "trailblazer," with GM Talisa Rhea highlighting Raman's expertise in analytics and player development as well as her ability to build relationships: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Storm introduce Raman, hail her as 'trailblazer'
The Storm introduced Sonia Raman as the team's new head coach at a news conference Wednesday.
www.espn.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:58 AM
News story on the Storm introducing new coach Sonia Raman as a "trailblazer," with GM Talisa Rhea highlighting Raman's expertise in analytics and player development as well as her ability to build relationships: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Collaborated with @zachkram.bsky.social to debate the Spurs' start, slow-starting East contenders, Austin Reaves' role when LeBron James returns and the Rookie of the Year race in our first edition of ZKP: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Are the Spurs actually a contender? Debating four early-season storylines
ESPN national analysts Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton debate the biggest early-season questions about Victor Wembanyama, Austin Reaves, Cooper Flagg and more.
www.espn.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Collaborated with @zachkram.bsky.social to debate the Spurs' start, slow-starting East contenders, Austin Reaves' role when LeBron James returns and the Rookie of the Year race in our first edition of ZKP: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Reposted by Kevin Pelton
News story on the Lakers winning in Portland without any of their big three behind big nights from Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura and an unexpected one from two-way guard Nick Smith Jr.: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Smith delivers as latest unexpected hero for Lakers
Playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers won at Portland on Monday night behind a combined 57 points from starters Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura and an unexpected 25-point performan...
www.espn.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:52 AM
News story on the Lakers winning in Portland without any of their big three behind big nights from Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura and an unexpected one from two-way guard Nick Smith Jr.: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
News story on the Lakers winning in Portland without any of their big three behind big nights from Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura and an unexpected one from two-way guard Nick Smith Jr.: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Smith delivers as latest unexpected hero for Lakers
Playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers won at Portland on Monday night behind a combined 57 points from starters Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura and an unexpected 25-point performan...
www.espn.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:52 AM
News story on the Lakers winning in Portland without any of their big three behind big nights from Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura and an unexpected one from two-way guard Nick Smith Jr.: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
The Nick Smith Jr. game
November 4, 2025 at 5:23 AM
The Nick Smith Jr. game
Foul trouble has become an issue for the Lakers. Marcus Smart is heading to the bench with five fouls, while Deandre Ayton has been stuck there for a while with five.
November 4, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Foul trouble has become an issue for the Lakers. Marcus Smart is heading to the bench with five fouls, while Deandre Ayton has been stuck there for a while with five.
When Bronny James was here for the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit, he showed role-player skills that could translate to the NBA. J.J. Redick talked pregame tonight about James learning to play a role over the past year and we've seen that development in the second half. He has five assists in 14 minutes.
November 4, 2025 at 4:56 AM
When Bronny James was here for the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit, he showed role-player skills that could translate to the NBA. J.J. Redick talked pregame tonight about James learning to play a role over the past year and we've seen that development in the second half. He has five assists in 14 minutes.
We are moving rapidly toward "uh oh" territory in Portland with the Lakers up seven late in the third quarter. They're certainly benefiting from 6-of-30 Blazers 3-point shooting, but the Lakers have also shot 64% inside the arc.
November 4, 2025 at 4:50 AM
We are moving rapidly toward "uh oh" territory in Portland with the Lakers up seven late in the third quarter. They're certainly benefiting from 6-of-30 Blazers 3-point shooting, but the Lakers have also shot 64% inside the arc.
Nick Smith Jr. has given the Lakers a nice lift off the bench tonight with eight points and three assists. He set up the last two scores in a 6-0 run that has given the Lakers a lead and brought their fans -- a smaller group than usual -- into the game.
November 4, 2025 at 4:37 AM
Nick Smith Jr. has given the Lakers a nice lift off the bench tonight with eight points and three assists. He set up the last two scores in a 6-0 run that has given the Lakers a lead and brought their fans -- a smaller group than usual -- into the game.
I wouldn't go so far as to call this a good game, but the Lakers have been competitive without their top three players, trailing the Blazers 53-52 at the break. Rui Hachimura has a game-high 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting and Deandre Ayton 13 in his return to Portland.
November 4, 2025 at 4:10 AM
I wouldn't go so far as to call this a good game, but the Lakers have been competitive without their top three players, trailing the Blazers 53-52 at the break. Rui Hachimura has a game-high 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting and Deandre Ayton 13 in his return to Portland.
One of the key strategic plot points tonight will be how the Lakers handle the Blazers' pressure without their top three ballhandlers, plus Gabe Vincent. So far, advantage Lakers, who have forced five turnovers and committed just one.
November 4, 2025 at 3:23 AM
One of the key strategic plot points tonight will be how the Lakers handle the Blazers' pressure without their top three ballhandlers, plus Gabe Vincent. So far, advantage Lakers, who have forced five turnovers and committed just one.
Down in Portland for my first game this season, which got a lot less exciting when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out by the Lakers just before I hit I-5. Tiago Splitter said pregame the Blazers found out when we did after preparing for both players.
November 4, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Down in Portland for my first game this season, which got a lot less exciting when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were both ruled out by the Lakers just before I hit I-5. Tiago Splitter said pregame the Blazers found out when we did after preparing for both players.
Wrote about the 10 players most likely to be first-time All-Stars in 2026 in Los Angeles based on a combination of their track record and how they've started this season: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Way-too-early NBA All-Star predictions: Which new faces will we see in L.A.?
ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton breaks down why Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren and eight others could make the coveted weekend in L.A. this season.
www.espn.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Wrote about the 10 players most likely to be first-time All-Stars in 2026 in Los Angeles based on a combination of their track record and how they've started this season: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
If you run into a coach you dislike in the morning, you ran into a coach you dislike. If you run into coaches you dislike all day ...
Ja Morant’s play was so listless on Friday, coming off such a strong prior game, that I thought he must have been battling illness.
“I’m fine,” he said.
So what was wrong? Morant had one repeated response: “Go ask the coaching staff.”
dailymemphian.com/section/spor...
“I’m fine,” he said.
So what was wrong? Morant had one repeated response: “Go ask the coaching staff.”
dailymemphian.com/section/spor...
Frustrated Ja Morant takes aim at coaches after loss
What went wrong for Ja Morant in a Friday night loss to the L.A. Lakers? "Go ask the coaching staff," said Morant, in a frustrated reference to post-game discussions.
dailymemphian.com
November 1, 2025 at 5:06 PM
If you run into a coach you dislike in the morning, you ran into a coach you dislike. If you run into coaches you dislike all day ...
Realistically, Jalen Williams' follow-up procedure almost certainly takes him out of the mix for All-NBA qualification after he made third team last year. LeBron James will have a tough time qualifying and Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum are already out. Lots of spots open ...
October 31, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Realistically, Jalen Williams' follow-up procedure almost certainly takes him out of the mix for All-NBA qualification after he made third team last year. LeBron James will have a tough time qualifying and Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum are already out. Lots of spots open ...
News story on the WNBA and WNBPA agreeing to a 30-day extension of the current CBA, which was set to expire Friday, through Nov. 30: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
@benpickman.bsky.social was first to report the news.
@benpickman.bsky.social was first to report the news.
Sources: WNBA, players extend CBA for 30 days
The WNBA and WNBPA agreed Thursday to a 30-day extension of the current collective bargaining agreement through Nov. 30, sources confirmed.
www.espn.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:00 AM
News story on the WNBA and WNBPA agreeing to a 30-day extension of the current CBA, which was set to expire Friday, through Nov. 30: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
@benpickman.bsky.social was first to report the news.
@benpickman.bsky.social was first to report the news.
Previewed the NBA Cup by using ESPN's BPI -- which accounts for player talent and health -- to look at the favorite in each group, plus contenders for the wild card spots in both conferences: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
NBA Cup: Let's project group favorites and the teams fighting for a wild-card spot
The third edition of the in-season tournament tips off on Friday. Let's take a look at who has the best chance to advance to Vegas in December.
www.espn.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Previewed the NBA Cup by using ESPN's BPI -- which accounts for player talent and health -- to look at the favorite in each group, plus contenders for the wild card spots in both conferences: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
News story from our @kendra-andrews.bsky.social on Dominique Malonga joining Unrivaled after breaking her contract with Turkish power Fenerbahce, which -- unlike playing in the WNBA -- does not require Fenerbahce issuing a FIBA letter of clearance for Malonga: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Storm rookie Malonga to join Unrivaled for '26
Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 overall pick of the Seattle Storm in the 2025 WNBA draft, is joining Unrivaled for the 2026 season, the 3-on-3 league announced.
www.espn.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:41 PM
News story from our @kendra-andrews.bsky.social on Dominique Malonga joining Unrivaled after breaking her contract with Turkish power Fenerbahce, which -- unlike playing in the WNBA -- does not require Fenerbahce issuing a FIBA letter of clearance for Malonga: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Wrote about the unexpected parity we've seen in the first week of the NBA season, as well as what to make of sky-high free throw rates, as part of our group look at early storylines: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Health, hot starts and early trends: Best and worst from the first week of NBA
Our insiders break down standout moments and answer the biggest questions from the first days of the NBA season.
www.espn.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Wrote about the unexpected parity we've seen in the first week of the NBA season, as well as what to make of sky-high free throw rates, as part of our group look at early storylines: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Spoke to Sonia Raman, who was officially announced as the Storm's new head coach Wednesday, for a news story about how the Storm played a key role in her move to the WNBA after four seasons as an NBA assistant and her coaching philosophy: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
New coach Raman calls Storm job 'homecoming'
New Storm coach Sonia Raman touted her connection to the Seattle area and the aspects of the franchise that make her new job attractive.
www.espn.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Spoke to Sonia Raman, who was officially announced as the Storm's new head coach Wednesday, for a news story about how the Storm played a key role in her move to the WNBA after four seasons as an NBA assistant and her coaching philosophy: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
True NBA hipsters already consider Brooks Barnhizer too mainstream and have now shifted their attention to Chris Youngblood.
October 29, 2025 at 12:36 AM
True NBA hipsters already consider Brooks Barnhizer too mainstream and have now shifted their attention to Chris Youngblood.