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.
Teamed up with Bobby Marks, @zachkram.bsky.social and @jeremywoo.bsky.social to discuss what's next for the Mavericks after moving on from Nico Harrison: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Trade AD? Wait for free agency? Tank? Every option in Dallas
Can this mess be fixed? Our NBA insiders are breaking down the Mavs' options amid a tumultuous 4-10 start.
www.espn.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Teamed up with Bobby Marks, @zachkram.bsky.social and @jeremywoo.bsky.social to discuss what's next for the Mavericks after moving on from Nico Harrison: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Teamed up with @zachkram.bsky.social to put the 30 NBA teams in tiers based on their outlook for next spring, which we'll be updating all season long: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
30 NBA teams, seven tiers, one clear title favorite: How the league stacks up
ESPN's Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton sort NBA teams into seven tiers based on outlook for success at the end of the regular season and beyond.
www.espn.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Teamed up with @zachkram.bsky.social to put the 30 NBA teams in tiers based on their outlook for next spring, which we'll be updating all season long: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
What are the odds Daniss Jenkins has heard of Norm Charlton?
November 15, 2025 at 5:49 AM
What are the odds Daniss Jenkins has heard of Norm Charlton?
If the Hornets' lottery pick continues playing this well, they better be ready to sign him to a max Kontract.
November 15, 2025 at 3:30 AM
If the Hornets' lottery pick continues playing this well, they better be ready to sign him to a max Kontract.
Imagine how good the Thunder might be if they had kept Vit Krejci
November 14, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Imagine how good the Thunder might be if they had kept Vit Krejci
It happened to begin 1997-98, when not only were three West teams 1-10 or worse (Denver, Golden State and the Clippers) but also Toronto in the East: www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/in...
That's the only orther time in NBA history three teams or more have started 1-10 period.
That's the only orther time in NBA history three teams or more have started 1-10 period.
November 13, 2025 at 7:51 PM
It happened to begin 1997-98, when not only were three West teams 1-10 or worse (Denver, Golden State and the Clippers) but also Toronto in the East: www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/in...
That's the only orther time in NBA history three teams or more have started 1-10 period.
That's the only orther time in NBA history three teams or more have started 1-10 period.
Our latest piece on the WNBA's CBA negotiations with @kendra-andrews.bsky.social, @alexaphilippou.bsky.social and @michaelvoepelespn.bsky.social takes a look at the stakes on the management side, including different goals for different types of owners: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
What's at stake for Engelbert, Silver, owners and teams in WNBA CBA negotiations
From Cathy Engelbert and Adam Silver to WNBA owners, here's what the management side of CBA negotiations is focused on.
www.espn.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Our latest piece on the WNBA's CBA negotiations with @kendra-andrews.bsky.social, @alexaphilippou.bsky.social and @michaelvoepelespn.bsky.social takes a look at the stakes on the management side, including different goals for different types of owners: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Reposted by Kevin Pelton
The first edition of ESPN's 2025-26 NBA Rookie Rankings features not one, not two, but *three* Charlotte Hornets, plus a surprising player at no. 1
NBA rookie rankings: Where do Flagg, Edgecombe and more land early this season?
From top-10 picks to late first-round draft steals, who are the top rookies that have impressed early this season?
www.espn.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The first edition of ESPN's 2025-26 NBA Rookie Rankings features not one, not two, but *three* Charlotte Hornets, plus a surprising player at no. 1
I keep seeing references to how the new All-Star format is going to make it easier for international players, and I don't think that squares with reality. For example, nine of the top 24 scorers in the league so far are international. It's more likely players will be added to the *American* teams.
November 12, 2025 at 7:14 PM
I keep seeing references to how the new All-Star format is going to make it easier for international players, and I don't think that squares with reality. For example, nine of the top 24 scorers in the league so far are international. It's more likely players will be added to the *American* teams.
The year is 2225. We watch all basketball games via holographic in-home projection and players arrive to games in flying cars. NBA All-Stars are still chosen by conference.
November 12, 2025 at 3:14 AM
The year is 2225. We watch all basketball games via holographic in-home projection and players arrive to games in flying cars. NBA All-Stars are still chosen by conference.
My annual look at which early NBA trends are real and which are not, featuring the Pistons (at) and Bulls (near) the top of the East standings, the Rockets and Mavericks (timely) at opposite ends of the offensive spectrum, Ajay Mitchell and free throws going way up: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
Real or not? Early NBA trends that are either here to stay or will fade quickly
From the Bulls' hot start to the onslaught of free throws, ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton explores which early-season trends are real or not.
www.espn.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:19 PM
My annual look at which early NBA trends are real and which are not, featuring the Pistons (at) and Bulls (near) the top of the East standings, the Rockets and Mavericks (timely) at opposite ends of the offensive spectrum, Ajay Mitchell and free throws going way up: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
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.