The Brooklyn Nets are in the early phases of a rebuild following their inability to capitalize on the star-studded era featuring Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. Despite criticism regarding their performance during this period, the organization has garnered respect among NBA players. In a recent anonymous poll by The Athletic, 0.7% of the 137 participating players voted the Nets as the best organization in the league. For context, the Golden State Warriors topped the list with 21.9% of the votes. The Nets’ ranking places them alongside teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets, indicating a perception that winning significantly influences players' views of a franchise.

While the Nets have yet to secure an NBA championship, their playoff appearances—24 times in total, including five in the last seven seasons—show a level of competitiveness that players still appreciate. This respect signals a belief in the team's potential moving forward, despite current challenges. The survey results illustrate that players often equate consistent losing with poor organizational quality, suggesting that rebuilding efforts will take time to reshape perceptions.

The Houston Rockets secured a potentially advantageous position in the 2025 NBA Draft by winning a tiebreaker against the Portland Trail Blazers. Both teams ended the season with a record of 36-46, tying for the ninth-worst in the league. However, a random drawing conducted by the NBA allowed the Rockets, who own the Phoenix Suns' first-round pick, to potentially pick ahead of the Trail Blazers.

As it stands, both teams will share lottery odds for the upcoming draw on May 12, with Houston holding a 17.3% chance of a top-four selection and a slim 3.8% chance of landing the coveted number one pick. The 2025 draft class is highlighted by talented prospects, including Duke's Cooper Flagg, making this an invaluable opportunity for rebuilding teams like the Rockets.

Mike Budenholzer's tenure as head coach of the Phoenix Suns has ended after just one season, following a disappointing 36-46 campaign that culminated in a missed playoff berth. Owner Mat Ishbia labeled his hiring as a mistake, acknowledging that Budenholzer's hard-nosed coaching style did not resonate well with the team. This was particularly evident in his relationships with players like Jusuf Nurkic, who expressed a lack of communication with the coach during the season.

Analysts, including Eddie Johnson, noted that Budenholzer's old-school approach might work for some players, but it requires a balance of assertiveness and empathy that he seemingly failed to provide. His demanding style did not sit well with seasoned veterans like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, leading to a lack of trust in the locker room. The friction between Budenholzer and the team's stars, highlighted by reported disagreements, ultimately sealed his fate in Phoenix.

Excitement builds in Phoenix as the city prepares to host the historic 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four at the newly named PHX Arena, marking the first time Arizona will welcome the event. The organizing committee, headed by Kyle Hedstrom and Jen Barnett, is committed to highlighting the growing interest in women's basketball, which saw record viewership numbers in recent years. The upcoming tournament is not just about the games; it aims to empower women and promote local engagement.

With the committee learning from previous events, such as the successful one in Tampa, there’s optimism about surpassing expectations in terms of fan experience and community involvement. The support from local teams, including the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, adds to the anticipation. The organizing committee is keen on making this Final Four a memorable experience, emphasizing player safety, comfort, and the overall enjoyment of spectators.

The Phoenix Suns are at a crossroads, grappling with a fragmented identity amidst ownership changes and coaching turmoil. Owner Mat Ishbia has been vocal about the team's need for a new direction, stating that the current roster is better than the disappointing 36-win season suggests. He has attributed the team's struggles to poor coaching fit, particularly with Mike Budenholzer, who failed to connect with key players like Devin Booker. Ishbia is now focused on finding a coach who embodies the gritty essence he believes the Suns need.

This search for identity is crucial, as past coaching changes, including the dismissals of Frank Vogel and Monty Williams, highlight a pattern of instability. The front office, led by general manager James Jones and CEO Josh Bartelstein, seems secure, but the effectiveness of their roster-building strategy is under question. With potential trades for star players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal looming, the Suns must navigate this tumultuous landscape carefully.