Ari Schultz, a 5-year-old boy who has been in Boston Children’s Hospital for over six months due to a heart transplant, is finally headed on.

On March 3, Ari received a heart transplant, however, it wasn’t until Wednesday that he received news that he will finally be going home.

According to SB Nation, Schultz was diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis and evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome during the second trimester of his mother’s pregnancy. This is what led to his eventual need for a heart transplant, which kept him in the hospital for 189 days.

But now, not only is Ari headed home, but he’s invited to go cheer on his favorite team, too.

via WCVB:

Pete Frates, the former Boston College baseball star whose fight against ALS inspired the Ice Bucket Challenge, started the conversation Saturday about attending a game with Ari Schultz.

He was referencing Friday’s news that after a heart transplant, rejection and 189 days in the hospital, 5-year-old Ari Schultz is now home and playing with his siblings. Schultz loves golf, basketball and especially baseball.

A few minutes later, Frates sent another tweet asking if Ari would like to join him for a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Team President Sam Kennedy saw the conversation and made the invitation official.

Red Sox rookie Andrew Benintendi also chimed in, saying “Can’t wait to see you at Fenway.”

If you want more information about Ari or are interested in donating, you can find all of that at his website, echoofhope.org.

(Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Roc Nation Sports/D’USSE Cognac)

Ever since coattailing winning his first NBA Championship a week ago, Kevin Durant has reverted back to his old Twitter-self, arguing with fans who chirp him about literally anything.

He trolled a fan who quoted his now-infamous Lakers/Heat tweet:

Then he got into it with a fan about the handles of AI for Kyrie:

But now, again, just a week into his return to Twitter-form, KD is arguing with a random OKC fan about whether or not he likes to be … farted on … during sex.

via Twitter

Yet again, it’s a total lack of self-awareness from KD, which is quickly becoming his default setting. KD should know by now that the only way this story gains traction and earns legitimacy is if he acknowledges it, and that’s exactly what he did. I’m going to go out on a limb and assume there is no winning an argument about sexual farts.

Speaking of farts, it’s a classic ‘you smelt it, you dealt it’ scenario. If KD just lets this Tweet slight, no one is ever for the wiser. By simply by responding to it, it raises the question: why does KD feel the need to defend himself about this issue?

Because he likes when girls fart on him. That’s why.

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HBO

At the time of this writing, we are exactly 27 days away from the release of the seventh season of Game Of Thrones. For all of you who aren’t Rain Men like myself, 27 days means there is less than one f*cking month until Thrones comes back.

After Ramsay Bolton was wiped out in the penultimate episode of season 6, the show was in need of a new (human) threat. That’s where Euron Greyjoy came in.

Euron, the uncle of Yara and Theon Greyjoy, killed Baylon and quickly became King of the Ironborn. His plan was to kill Yara and Theon and align himself with Daenerys Targaryen, however, Yara and Theon beat him to the punch, thus making Euron the new enemy.

And apparently not just any old enemy, either.

Speaking to Empire Magazine for the July issue, Pilou Asbæk, the actor who plays Euron, talked a big game about the direction of his character:

“The psychos I’ve encountered have so many different sides to them. So each scene I’ve done with Euron, I pick a new thing I wanna show. ‘This scene I want to be charming.’ ‘This scene I wanna be a molester.’ ‘This scene I wanna kill someone.’ After this season, Ramsay’s gonna look like a little kid.”

Ramsay was arguably the most vile (human) villain the show has ever had, so that’s a bold claim to say the least.However, Thrones has consistently upped the ante for every one of their seasons, so it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if Euron turned out to be the biggest and baddest bad guy yet.

Game of Thrones season 7 premieres on HBO on Sunday, July 16 at 9 PM EST.

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There are people who say they don’t care what other people think about them, and then there’s Ariel Winter.

You can tell that when Ariel Winter says she doesn’t remotely concern herself with what others think about her and her outfits, you can tell that she means it. In fact, it’s her lack of giving a shit that I find to be her most attractive quality.

Starting off as a teen actor on ABC’s smash hit Modern Family, Winter has grown into a full-blown sex symbol over the last year. With revealing Instagrams and sexy Snapchat’s, Winter has become one of the best social media follows out there, by far. And at only 19-years-old, she still has plenty of potential to go.

Naturally, given her age and the provocativeness of her Snaps, people seem to take issue with Ariel Winter. But like I said, she could really give a shit less, and we’re all the better for it.

Ariel Winter Instagram: Best Photos & Must-See Pictures

Low-key thicc.

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Arthur Arkman has been named as the man arrested for running his van into pedestrians outside of a mark in Finsbury Park, London.

One victim has died and at least 10 others were injured after a van plowed into a group of people near a north London mosque.

Arkman, 48, was reportedly held by civilians bystanders until police arrived to arrest him. Reports indicate that the people inside of the Finsbury Park mosque who were hit had just broken their fast.

According to witnesses, upon exiting the vehicle, Arkman was screaming about how he wanted to ‘kill all Muslims.’

via Independent:

Several pedestrians have been injured after being hit by a van in London. Witnesses said the vehicle veered off the road into crowds outside Finsbury Park Mosque but it was unclear whether the collision was deliberate.

Footage showed injured people motionless on the pavement as angry crowds surrounded a man believed to be the driver. Police did not confirm claims Muslims leaving the mosque after Tarawih prayers performed for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed there were casualties. Part of Seven Sisters Road was closed as the operation and investigation continued. According to images from Twitter, the van used in the attacked was rented from a company called Pontyclun Van Hire.

Security Minister Ben Wallace said that Arkman was not known to security services before the attack. He has been charged with attempted murder.

This was the fourth terror attack in the England in four months, following incidents in Westminster, Manchester and on the London Bridge.

What Happened?

On the night of Sunday, June 18, Arthur Arkman drove a van into a group of people outside of a mosque in London’s Finsbury Park neighborhood. NAME, a 48-year-old man, was held by people at the scene until police arrived. He has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Who Is Arthur Arkman?

Arthur Arkman, a 48-year-old man, is the man responsible for the attack at the mosque in Finsbury Park that left one dead and multiple injured.

Finsbury Park Terror Attack: Full Story & Must-See Details

One person has been arrested following an incident on Seven Sisters Road in Finsbury Park

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SHUTTERSTOCK

There is an active shooter situation unfolding at the Square One Mall in Massachusettes.

According to reports, state and local police were called to the Square One mall around 4:30 AM after a report of a break-in at the mall’s Dick’s Sporting Goods.

via CBS Boston:

An “armed and dangerous intruder” is said to be holed up inside a store at the Square One Mall in Saugus, according to police.

Several officers are now at the mall looking for the armed man.  Police did not say what kind of weapon the intruder is armed with. A source told WBZ-TV’s Nick Giovanni it was a “long gun.”

According to witnesses at the scene, police have blocked off all entrances to the mall and have several ambulances on standby.

Furthermore, the unidentified suspect is believed to have gained access to the store’s gun section.

The Saguas Police Department released an official statement on the incident:

The Saugus Police Department is at the scene of a break-in at the Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Square One Mall. One armed and dangerous intruder is believed to be inside.

This is an active situation, and the Saugus Police Department urges everyone to avoid the Mall area at this time. Additional details will be released as soon as they are available.

At this time, there are no reports of any injuries, casualties, or arrests. Saugus Police, NEMLEC SWAT team, Massachusetts State Police and ATF are all on the scene.

Today, the blockbuster trade between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers centered around the No. 1 overall pick will be finalized. The skinny: Boston is shipping the top selection to Philly in return for this year’s No. 3 overall pick and a future first rounder in either 2018 (via the Lakers) or 2019 (via the Kings). The deal was made after the Sixers fell in love with top prospect Markelle Fultz from Washington University. Apparently there was a bit of a bidding war for the point guard, which may have left Kansas star Josh Jackson feeling left out.

Even though Jackson is projected to be taken off the board within the top three, he still threw some shade at Fultz in a now-deleted Tweet once the Celtics-Sixers deal was announced. 

Jackson is of course referring to the fact that Fultz’s impressive college season came on a Washington University team that went just 9-22, finishing 11th in Pac-12 (2-16). Naturally, the Huskies failed to make the NCAA tournament. Having said that, it’s hard to argue against Fultz’s averages of 23 points, 6 assists and nearly 6 rebounds per game. Beyond the numbers, Fultz proved to be a legit threat playing both on and off the ball with the ability to knock down 3s (41%) and get into the paint almost at will. In other words, Fultz proved he’s going to be a baller in the NBA.

I get it, Jackson. You feel like you’re not getting your proper due as one of the top prospects in a loaded draft. But don’t worry, my man. As soon as the signing bonus hits your bank account, the pettiness will fall away.

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(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Caitlyn Jenner is facing backlash after making a joke that “liberals can’t even shoot straight” following last week’s shooting at a Republican baseball practice. The former Olympian turned reality TV star made the joke while talking during a Q&A session on Friday at the College Republican National Committee’s convention in Washington D.C.

The event was not open to the press, but around 20 minutes of her session was recorded on video and shared to the College Republican Federation of Virginia’s Facebook page.

Jenner, 67, was asked by the moderator about the shooting that critically injured House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and injured several others when James Hodgkinson opened fire.

Hodgkinson was killed by police and Scalise remains in serious but stable condition.

Jenner spoke out against such violence in response to the question, saying:

“Nobody deserves what happened out there. There’s no justification. There’s crazy people, we have to minimize that kind of stuff. But as far as people that were injured, it’s an absolute shame. Fortunately, the guy was a really bad shot. Liberals can’t even shoot straight.”

Her comments drew the ire of Twitter users, many of whom ripped her on social media for the remark. Even Will & Grace star Debra Messing spoke out.

Another Twitter user pointed to Jenner’s 2015 car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway that killed 70-year-old Kimberly Howe.

Jenner has not yet responded to the criticisms sparked by her joke and was seen photographed casually strolling in Beverly Hills with daughters Kendall and Kylie on Sunday.

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(Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)

A security operation is underway in the Champs-Elysees shopping district in Paris, France. There are reports of a vehicle on fire and one person on the ground.

What’s Happening?

Few details are available at this time, though unconfirmed reports say a car is on fire and that a person is on the ground. The vehicle may have rammed into a police van on the scene.

This story is developing. Please refresh for more details.

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Charleena Lyles was a 30-year-old mother who was shot dead by Seattle police on June 18. Three of Lyles’ children were in the apartment when two police officers shot Lyles in the chest and abdomen. Lyles’ sister says she was pregnant and her family told The Seattle Times that she had mental health issues.

What Happened?

Lyles originally called police to make a burglary complaint. Seattle police maintain that Lyles was brandishing a knife when they arrived, prompting the shooting. Her death has enraged the community with many asking why police did not use non-lethal force and why a woman calling for help ended up being shot.

Police say the shooting death is under investigation.

Authorities confirmed that children were present in the apartment at the time of the shooting, though it is unknown who witnessed it. Police were seen carrying children away from the scene.

“Officers arrived and went to the fourth floor to meet with the complainant. Officers were confronted by a 30-year-old woman armed with a knife. Both officers fired their duty weapons, striking the woman. The officers immediately performed first aid while the Seattle Fire Department responded, but the fire department declared the woman deceased once they arrived,” the Seattle police said.

A neighbor, 42-year-old Lhora Murray, told The Stranger that police “handed her two of the victim’s children – a 10-year-old and the toddler with down syndrome.” She told the outlet that the 10-year-old told her, “They shot my mom.”

Lyles’ Facebook was filled with pictures of her children and she had once been the subject of a feature detailing the successful transition from welfare to work. On her Facebook, she described herself as “a child of god.”

As for Lyles’ mental health issues, her family told the Seattle Times that she was “worried that authorities would take her children, one of whom has Down syndrome.” Family members identified Lyles and described her as physically tiny.

“Why couldn’t they have Tased her? They could have taken her down. I could have taken her down,” said Monika Williams, Lyles’ sister, to The Seattle Times.

SkyTrak7

A reported armed robbery has turned into a barricade situation Monday morning in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

What Happened?

The incident occurred in the 6400 block of Annapolis Road. Both directions of Annapolis Road are closed between BW Parkway and Coopers Lane for police activity.

Reports suggest that an armed robber has barricaded himself in a residential area of P.G. County.

Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County, also known as P.G. County, is a county in the U.S. state of Maryland, bordering the eastern portion of Washington, D.C. It has a population of 904,430.

Shutterstock

East London Mosque has been evacuated amid reports of a suspect package and bomb threat. Social media is being flooded with photos of Muslim community members outside the mosque on Whitechapel road today.

What Happened?

The mosque said its buildings were evacuated and police were called after the religious center received a threatening phone call.

The East London Mosque tweeted: “The Mosque received a telephone threat a short while ago. Buildings were evacuated and sweeps carried out by Police and Mosque staff.

“While we understand this incident to be a hoax, we still urge vigilance in our community.”

The bomb scare comes after a terror attack on Finsbury Park Mosque, in Seven Sisters Road, north London, on Sunday night. The attack left one dead and 10 injured.

Sunday night’s attack saw a van ram into a crowd of worshippers leaving a mosque in what is being considered a deliberate attack on Muslims. Prime Minister Theresa May today condemned the incident as “every bit as sickening” as other recent terrorist attacks.

East London Mosque

The East London Mosque, situated in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets between Whitechapel and Aldgate, serves Great Britain’s largest Muslim community. The mosque opened in 1985 and, combined with the adjoining London Muslim Centre and Maryam Centre,  has a capacity of 7,000 which makes it one of the largest mosques in Europe.

The organization Muslims in Britain classify the East London Mosque as Maudoodi.

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Atari teased a new console during the E3 conference last week in Los Angeles, claiming their new hardware has been “years in the making.” After over 20 years of no new hardware releases, the old-school game developer is finally making moves “back in the hardware business,” according to Atari CEO Fred Chesnais in an interview with VentureBeat.

We’ve linked the teaser for you to watch here:

Some people are skeptical about the validity of this trailer though and wonder whether the teaser trailer was fake. The video was released on a non-Atari affiliate website, and the video wasn’t descriptive in the way it showcased its new features. The interview with Chesnais proved those suspicions wrong though, so now we’re left shortchanged with so many unanswered questions about the new system. What are the system specs? When is the release date? What new games are coming out for the system?

Chesnais wasn’t very descriptive when he was talking about the system. He did, however, mention it’s based on PC technology, and that Atari is still working on the design of the system.

He expects Atari to see a major comeback in the next few years. Atari filed for bankruptcy protection in 2013, and Chesnais plans to help revive the company from its depths and make the company flourish once again. Atari’s already started to turn a profit off of the mobile games market and licensing out its brand names for uses outside of video games, like how they licensed the Atari brand name for the upcoming Blade Runner 2049 movie.

That’s about all that the Internet knows about the hyped, new console. Will we see a resurgence from Atari that reaches the par of Xbox’s legendary hold on the gaming market? We’ll have to wait and see.

Instagram

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University of Central Florida kicker, Donald De La Haye, a Florida native and Division I athlete, also happens to be a star YouTuber. Having 65,002 subscriptions under the channel name “Deestroying,” he uploads entertaining videos sharing his views on quarterbacks and kickers. In addition, De La Haye created four playlists:”$ports are fun,” “Words of Wisdom,” “Vlogs,” and “Be Like…”

Other than being an online star, De La Haye is going to be a rising junior after an impressive 2016-2017 season. He appeared in all 13 games as a kickoff specialist and totaled 37 touchbacks and kicked off 73 times for 4,441 yards, averaging 60.8 yards per kick.

With plenty of backlash over the years on its operations and treatment of NCAA athletes, the NCAA took its time to reach out to one of its many possessions, the UCF kicker. The governing body dislikes any players from earning revenue on their own time and of their own image. According to De La Haye, the NCAA is forcing him to choose between being a collegiate athlete or YouTuber. On his channel, he uploaded an emotional and genuine video explaining that the money he earns from YouTube goes to his struggling family. He also detailed his meeting with the NCAA.

“The meeting went well, but it didn’t go well at the same time,” De La Haye said, as transcribed by Saturday Down South. He goes on to say: “Basically, I’m not allowed to make any money off of my YouTube videos. I’m working hard basically as a job — filming, editing and things of that sort, and I’m not allowed to make any money. If I do, then bad things happen for me. I feel like they’re making me pick between my passion for what I love to do shooting videos and entertaining and my other passion, playing football.”

I totally understand De La Haye. Although the NCAA is selfish and only thinks a full athletic scholarship will take the financial burdens off the De La Haye family, he edits, shoots, and uploads videos to not only entertain the world but also to help pay off bills and provide food on the table.

De La Haye is a prime example of a caring and passionate individual. I hope the NCAA can see the greater reason behind De La Haye’s ardor for athletics and video-making.

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Reports are coming in of a stabbing attack at the Oval Station in London with possible casualties. This comes after Sunday night’s terrorist attack that saw a driver plow his car into a crowd of worshippers leaving East London Mosque.

What Happened?

Details are scarce at this time but reports of a stabbing at Oval Station in London are emerging. It is unclear if the attack is related to Sunday night’s attack at the East London Mosque that left one dead and 10 injured. It is also unknown if this stabbing is terror-related.

Police are on the seen investigating and witnesses say they heard shouting before authorities arrived. Injuries and/or casualties are being reported as a handful of emergency crews respond.

Oval Tube Station

The Oval Tube Station is a London Underground station in Kennington of the London Borough of Lambeth. It is on the Northern line between Stockwell and Kennington stations and is in Travelcard Zone 2. It opened on December 18, 1890 as part of the City & South London Railway. It is named after The Oval cricket ground, which it serves.

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One of the most dynamic small forwards in the NBA, Paul George has been an inspirational athlete since he entered the league in 2010. George’s work ethic and impressive athleticism have allowed him to become one of the best two way players in the NBA. His coveted intangibles combined with his vast on the court skill set are the components that have garnered the superstar forward immense popularity and rightfully so. Given George’s dominance on the court, the question remains of how much is the versatile athlete actually worth?

Paul George’s Net Worth as of 2017: $52.4 Million

How did the gifted NBA talent get there? And how have George’s various accomplishments allowed him to garner this type of wealth? Let’s find out.

2010-2014

After being selected tenth overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, George came into the NBA as a intriguing rookie with a well-developed defensive skill set. Although George was not a prolific scorer at this time, he was consistently effective as a tenacious defender as he led his team in steals-per-minute. While the Pacers would go on to lose to the Chicago Bulls in five games in the first round of the NBA playoffs, George was one of two rookies to be on a starting line up in the post season and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors for his defensive prowess during the season.

During a lockout-shortened 2011 season, George started his transformation into becoming a viable offensive threat. Most notably, George raised this three-point scoring percentage from 29.7% in 2010 to 38.5% in 2011. Along with his improved offensive abilities, George was able to maintain his aggressive defensive style as he average 1.6 steals per game during the regular season. Despite George’s statistical improvements on offense, he struggled with his shooting accuracy during the playoffs as he made just 19 of 52 field goals.

2012 was a decisive turning point in George’s career as his he finally took a major step in blossoming into a prolific offensive threat. He set career highs in points per game (17.4), rebounds per game (7.6) and assists per game (4.1), all the while averaging nearly two steals per game during the regular season. Unlike last season, George was much more effective during the Pacers impressive playoff run as he averaged 19.2 points per game while making 43% of his shots from the field. Although the Pacers lost to the Miami Heat in a thrilling seven game series in the Eastern Conference Finals, George’s now dynamic abilities earned him the award of Most Improved Player in the NBA.

If 2012 was George’s coming out party as a offensive weapon, 2013 was the year George cemented his identity as one of the best two way players in the NBA. He averaged 21.7 points per game and was instrumental in leading the highly competitive Pacers to a overall record of 56-26. Once again, George was locked in during the post season as he averaged 22.6 points and 2.2 steals per game. However, George’s concerted efforts on both offense and defense were not enough for his team to dispatch the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals for the third year in a row.

During the offseason in 2014, George was selected by the US National Team to participate in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. However, George suffered a compound fracture in both bones of his lower right leg during a scrimmage in Las Vegas, effectively ending his chances of playing in the World Cup while missing most of the NBA regular season. While George made a triumphant return by the end of the season and played in six games, the Pacers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

He reportedly earned $3.2 million in 2014

2015-Present

After being sidelined in 2014 with a debilitating injury, George came into the 2015 season determined to get his team back into the post season picture. The fiery competitor did not disappoint. Picking up right where he left off before his injury, George was able to emphatically display his abilities as a dominant force on both sides of the ball. Setting a career high in points per game (23.1), George had established his dominance as the Pacers go to scorer, a feat that seamed nearly unfathomable during his rookie season. Although the Pacers lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs to the Toronto Raptors in seven games, George left everything on the court during the series as he averaged 27.3 points and 2 steals per game.

This past season, George continued to display his versatile abilities on the court as he averaged 23.7 points per game and set a career high in field goal percentage at 46.1%. Unfortunately, George’s prolific statistical output was barely enough to earn the Pacers the seventh seed in the NBA playoffs. Going up against a talent laden Cleveland Cavaliers team, the Pacers fought hard in every game but were ultimately swept in the first round.

When looking back over any NBA superstars career, it’s essential to see development and immense improvement from season to season. In this regard, George is one of the most impressive NBA assets as he was determined to be a vital contributor in every way imaginable to lead his team to new heights in both the regular season and in the playoffs. While George and the Pacers came extremely close to making the NBA Finals early on in his career, it seems that George’s best efforts are no longer enough to help this team become serious post season contenders. Given that George becomes a free agent next year, it seems inevitable that the determined athlete will look to more competitive franchises to have a chance at earning his first championship ring.

He reportedly earned $18.3 million in 2017.

Square One Mal via Wikipedia

A 16-year-old identified teenager has been arrested for the active shooter situation at the Square One Mall in Massachusettes on the morning of Monday, June 19.

According to reports, state and local police were called to the Square One mall around 4:30 AM after a report of a break-in at the mall’s Dick’s Sporting Goods. The unidentified teen, who was labeled as armed and dangerous, was holed up inside of the Dick’s Sporting Goods and was believed to have gained access to the gun section of the store.

According to witnesses at the scene, police blocked off all entrances to the mall and had several ambulances on standby.

via WHDH:

A break-in alarm at Dick’s Sporting Goods was triggered around 4 a.m., prompting a response for a person who was believed to be held up inside the store.

Upon arrival, police say they found the window of the sporting goods store smashed, which is what set off the alarm. Officers reported seeing a suspect armed with a possible gun. A SWAT team was called to the scene.

Authorities say the suspect, 16, broke into a gun rack and obtained ammunition from the store’s hunting department. They say suspect escaped the mall, but that he was later taken into custody. He has not been identified/

Officers searched the mall multiple times during the hours-long standoff. Employees responding to work were kept outside and a safe distance from the mall.

The Saguas Police Department released an official statement on the incident:

The Saugus Police Department is at the scene of a break-in at the Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Square One Mall. One armed and dangerous intruder is believed to be inside.

This is an active situation, and the Saugus Police Department urges everyone to avoid the Mall area at this time. Additional details will be released as soon as they are available.

At this time, there are no reports of any injuries or casualties. Saugus Police, NEMLEC SWAT team, Massachusetts State Police and ATF were all on the scene, and the mall’s opening was delayed due to the incident.

This story is developling. Please refrsh for updates.

According to an autopsy, Carrie Fisher had cocaine, heroin and ecstacy in her system when she fell ill on a plane last year. Investigators have not yet concluded what impact the drugs found in her system may have had on her death.

The autopsy report was released on Monday and suggests that Fisher may have taken cocaine three days prior to her December 23 flight on which she complained of chest pains. She passed away four days later.

The report also found traces of heroin and MDMA, a form of ecstasy, but it could not determine when Fisher had taken those drugs. The findings were based on toxicology screenings done on samples taken when the actress arrived at a Los Angeles hospital.

Coroner’s officials ruled that Fisher died from sleep apnea and a combination of other factors.

The 60-year-old actress was most famous for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars films. Carrie reprised that role after 30 years in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens and will be appearing in this year’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Carrie Fisher Dead: Star Wars Cast Reactions on Twitter

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Welcome to COED.com’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft! We are going to look at the 30 picks in the first round and tell you where top prospects are going to end up. Every website is doing a mock draft these days, so it is hard to be original without being outlandish. Even so, this mock draft will look at team needs, past draft history and player potential to determine who will end up where. I can’t promise that these picks will be correct, but I can promise they are well thought out. Most of them anyway.

The Picks

With their first round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft…

1. Philadelphia 76ers: Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington

Who he is: Fultz is this year’s Ben Simmons. The standout freshman put up big numbers for a non-competitive team and showed he is a force on the offensive end.

Why they’ll pick him: The 76ers traded up to this spot by giving the Boston Celtics the third pick in this year’s draft and a future first-round picks. Fultz seems to have developed a relationship with Joel Embiid and other players on the 76ers. Fultz is believed to be the best player in this year’s draft, and the 76ers know he could be a big part of their core going forward. The price to move up was not too steep, and while the 76ers could have gotten a solid player at number three, the years of acquiring draft picks and planning for the future are over. I thought the Celtics could have gotten more for the picks, but the Sixers were able to move up and are finally ready to make some noise. Consider the process trusted.

What else to do with this pick: They could be a part of a big time bait and switch and bluff the Lakers into trading up. There also could be a team a bit lower down like the Kings or the Suns who prefer Fultz and could put together a huge offer to move up to number one. However, seeing the first pick of the draft move hands once is a surprise. Seeing it move again is unlikely.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA

Who he is:  Lonzo Ball is best known for being Lavar Ball’s son. He also plays some basketball. He was the star of a turnaround UCLA team and has been compared to the GM who may draft him, Magic Johnson. Ball brings a top level understanding of the game and elite playmaking to any team that drafts him.

Why they pick him: It’s very possible that Lonzo Ball could pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for any team other than the Lakers. While Lonzo would be an asset to any team, the Lakers are almost predetermined to take him. This is all part of Lavar’s master plan and while it may trap the Lakers a little bit, there are certainly worse players to get stuck with.

What else to do with this pick: The Lakers are flush with guards and a few huge veteran contracts. If they want to make a splash in free agency they need to clear some cap while also keeping some competitive pieces. If they trade down and take a position of need like a forward, they may be better positioned to make a move this summer in free agency. I do not really see this happening, but do not be surprised if Magic wants to avoid any Ball related distractions and trades down or takes somebody else (Josh Jackson or Jayson Tatum.)

 3. Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke

Who he is: Another year, another Duke Freshman in the lottery. Tatum was the third-ranked recruit out of high school in 2016, and while he started the season slowly, he really showed his offensive prowess at the end of the season. He became the go-to option for a loaded Duke team and averaged close to 17 points on the season.

Why they’ll pick him: The Celtics traded down two spots with the 76ers and acquired a future first-round pick in the process. Clearly, they realized that they did not need Markelle Fultz to add to their crowded backcourt, and instead will address another need. Last year’s lottery pick, Jaylen Brown, came on at the end of the season and should continue to develop as a solid wing defender with a big of athleticism. Tatum could be the other wing that provides more of a scoring punch. He could play small-ball four if he needed to, or he could provide solid scoring off the bench. Whatever the Celtics decide, Tatum would be another solid weapon.

What else to do with this pick: If not Tatum, Josh Jackson makes a great deal of sense here. He is more limited on the offensive end but could help out on defense against a team like the Cavaliers. The Celtics could also trade down even further as they acquire assets for this year and the future. The Celtics are in a unique position, but trading out of the first spot came as a surprise to me. It shows a commitment to Isaiah Thomas in the backcourt as well as a trust in the depth of this draft.

 4. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson, SF, Kansas

Who he is: While Kansas had a senior win the Wooden Award in 2017, Josh Jackson is the freshman that all the lottery teams want. In this new NBA, Jackson’s athleticism, defensive effort and ability to play above the rim appeals to every team. He may not be a polished scorer on the offensive end, but you can always teach scoring. Natural athleticism is harder to teach.

Why they pick him: Of the teams in the lottery who actually belong there (sorry Celtics) the Suns probably have the most young talent on their team. Between Brandon Knight, Eric Bledsoe and 70 point Devin, the Suns have some great young talent. Unfortunately for them, all three of those players occupy very similar roles and are not lockdown defenders. Jackson will help the Suns dominate on the wing, and his athleticism will allow them to play small and keep their talented guards on the court.

What else to do with this pick: Another athletic point guard does not make a ton of sense, but De’Aaron Fox should still be available here and if Bledsoe or Knight is going to be traded, Fox could make sense. Jonathan Isaac could occupy the same role as Jackson if the Suns prefer him, or they could look to add some rim protection and try to move Tyson Chandley and his contract. The Suns do have the assets to move up if they want a distributing guard like Lonzo Ball, but the teams ahead of them will likely ask for a big haul.

5. Sacramento Kings: De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky

Who he is: Fox makes up one-half of Kentucky’s talented backcourt from the past season. Fox’s biggest moment of the season came when he dropped 39 against Lonzo Ball and UCLA in the NCAA tournament. Fox is the most athletic guard in this draft class and will produce on both ends of the court.

Why they’ll pick him: The Kings have a below average roster on paper, and they got rid of Demarcus Cousins in hopes of turning a corner as a franchise. While the Kings may have gotten fleeced when they got rid of Cousins, they can now look for a new franchise identity and direction. Picking Fox would take the best player available while also filling a position of need. Putting Fox next to Buddy Hield in the backcourt could yield some interesting results.

What else to do with this pick: The Kings do have a bunch of holes in their roster, but they do have two top ten picks to try and fill these holes. They could trade up in hopes of snagging a better player, or trade down do accumulate more picks. I suggest the latter.

6. Orlando Magic: Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky

Who he is: The sharp-shooting freshman out of Kentucky scored 47 in an early season game against UNC. Monk is athletic and a deadeye (39.7% from 3). He will rapidly add offensive punch to any team that drafts him.

Why they’ll pick him: The Magic are desperate for offense after finishing 27th in the league in points per game. Without a real face of the franchise or any dangerous scorers, Monk would fill a big need. He does not project to be the best player on a great team, but he certainly could be the best player on a bad team.

What else to do with this pick: Like the Kings, the Magic have recently not gotten their fair share in some trades. The Magic have a bunch of holes to fill, and not enough cap room. They could trade back for more picks, but then they would just be adding more average players to try to improve a bad roster. Trades have not worked well for the Magic, so a high potential pick like Jonathan Isaac could be the answer if Monk is not around.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga

Who he is: The freshman big man from Gonzaga did not play much as a freshman, but he put people on notice when he did. He only averaged 17.3 minutes a game, but still averaged 10 points and 1.8 blocks in that time. His per 36-minute stats jump off the page

Why they’ll pick him: The Timberwolves have some of the best young players in the league in Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. The problem is their defense. They allowed opponents to shoot 47.5% against them last season, third worst in the league. Collins is not a flashy pick and will not add to the hype, but could help coach Tom Thibodeau establish a defensive identity and a toughness they did not have in his first year.

What else to do with this pick: The Timberwolves are not good at picking in the lottery. Names like Jonny Flynn, Wesley Johnson and Derrick Williams should make Timberwolves fans uneasy. The Timberwolves could draft yet another point guard if they want with Dennis Smith Jr. or another athletic wing like Jonathan Isaac. Whatever they decide to do, they will probably enter next year predicted to break out, then fail to do so.

 8. New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. PG, NC State

Who he is: The super-fast super-athletic point guard who could be the Knicks’ guard in shining armor.

Why they’ll pick him: The Knicks have struggled to find a point guard for years now. After Derrick Rose got injured again, they find themselves in a similar situation. The Knicks should be giddy if Smith falls to them, and should not pass up the chance to draft him. Knowing the Knicks, however, they will probably draft a point guard from Armenia because he can promise to play the triangle offense.

What else to do with this pick: Maybe the Knicks can move this pick along with Carmelo Anthony to move up and take a guard like Fox. Maybe they can move Anthony for a pick later in the first and try to rebuild that way. Maybe they can move Anthony for the ghost of Latrell Sprewell. Whatever the Knicks do, they need to stop wasting the Kristaps Porzingis prime. The Zinger may not have much longer.

 9. Dallas Mavericks: Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona

Who he is: A carbon copy of Dirk Nowitzki with a slightly harder to spell last name. Obviously, Markkanen is a unique individual with his own special perks and idiosyncrasies, but when you are 7 feet tall, from Europe and shoot 42% from three, the Dirk comparisons are bound to happen.

Why they’ll pick him: What better way to replace a hall of fame than with a carbon copy of him. It’s possible Markkanen could be a bust and nothing like Nowitzki. But he does fill a need and could develop until Dirk retires.

What else to do with this pick: Dallas also needs a point guard, but with the top tier guards gone at this point, their best option is Frank Ntilikina from France. Ntilikina is a bit of an unknown, so the Mavs may want to play it safer while also filling a position of need.

 10. Sacramento Kings: Jonathan Isaac, SF, Florida State

Who he is: Isaac is a long and athletic small forward whose projections far outdo his on the court numbers. Isaac was productive but not dominant in his only season in college, but his athletic 6’11” frame and 34% shooting is a perfect fit for today’s NBA

Why they’ll pick him: Like I said before, the Kings need pieces to help rebuild their team. Isaac could be a capable replacement for Rudy Gay and would pair very nicely if the Kings also pick up De’Aaron Fox earlier in the draft.

What else to do with this pick: This pick could be coupled with a veteran (Tyreke Evans, Rudy Gay) to try to move up, but the Kings are in a good spot here, and if Isaac falls to them they should be thrilled. If he does not, rim protection should be a priority if Willie Cauley-Stein cannot be relied upon.

11. Charlotte Hornets: Jarrett Allen, C, Texas

Who he is: A tall man with even longer arms. He moves well for a five and should continue to grow into his body.

Why they’ll pick him: The Hornet need some rim protection or at the very least, some depth up front. Cody Zeller has never been known as much of a defensive stopper, and the Hornets could use another body to help out in the paint. He also could run the pick and roll with Kemba Walker and offer more of a threat than the Hornets currently have.

What else to do with this pick: The Hornets are also in need of some outside shooting. This may be a little too early for Luke Kennard, and somebody like Lauri Markkanen is probably gone at this point. Trading up or down to target either player could be an option.

12. Detroit Pistons: Frank Ntilikina, PG, France

Who he is: A talented pro from France, but is relatively unknown and unproven to NBA teams.

Why they’ll pick him:  Ntilikina offers some depth at point guard, and he could even take over for Reggie Jackson if the team wants to move him. While Ntilikina is an unknown, the Pistons should risk it at a position that will help them in the long run.

What else to do with this pick: The Pistons are paying a lot of money for an average team. The Pistons could draft from a number of players here to try to get younger and cheaper. Shooting guard may need to be replaced if Kentavious Caldwell- Pope leaves in free agency, and depth up front and on the wing is important. The Pistons are in a tough spot, and unless they move a big contract, they will likely dwell in NBA purgatory with a fine but unspectacular roster.

13. Denver Nuggets: Justin Jackson, SF, UNC

Who he is: Believe it or not, Jackson is the first upperclassman I have coming off the board. Jackson was a three-year contributor for the Tar Heels and a prime example of improving over his years in college. This past season he led UNC to a national championship while also winning ACC player of the year.

Why they’ll pick him: The Nuggets are young and have talent, and should try to add experienced depth on the outside. Jackson adds strong outside shooting with good passing ability. He has played in all the big moments and is not afraid to take the big shot. For a team whose best player is a big man from Serbia, Jackson could be the locker room leader and bench contributor to make the Nuggets tougher.

What else to do with this pick: More depth up front could never hurt, especially if Giles is still on the board. His defense could really help shore up a starting lineup that is mostly scoring focused. Moving this pick for a proven veteran wing defender could also be a good idea since this team is already very young.

14. Miami Heat: John Collins, PF, Wake Forest

Who he is: Another big man, but Collins makes his living on offense. He practices good footwork around the rim and has a solid mid-range jump shot. Defense is not great, but his numbers are. Hopefully, the numbers translate as he learns the NBA game.

Why they’ll pick him: Now that the Chris Bosh era is over in Miami (a sad ending I will say) the Heat should confidently search for a new frontcourt player to pair with cornerstone Hassan Whiteside. Collins will pair nicely next to Whiteside, and adds more of a mid-range game to Miami’s front court. Miami does have James Johnson coming off a career year, but if the price on him is too high, they should feel confident moving forward with Collins.

What else to do with this pick: The Heat were surprised two years ago when Justice Winslow fell to them in the middle of the first round. They way this mock is shaping up, it looks like another Duke prospect, Harry Giles, may do the same. Giles has the injury trouble, but may be worth the risk for the Heat. Pat Riley never loved to build through the draft, so if Giles does not pan out, he can still go out and sign Blake Griffin, Klay Thompson, and Russell Westbrook (heard it here first).

15. Portland Trail Blazers: Harry Giles, PF, Duke

Who he is: Giles was the top recruit in 2016 despite tearing his ACL twice in high school. Giles missed the first few games of the season, and never really got into any sort of groove. Any team that selects him will be projected based on his high school days and hope that he can return to health.

Why they’ll pick him: This could end up being the steal of the draft. It’s not like Giles forgot how to play basketball. Players are number one recruits for a reason. Yes, his injury and surgery history is troubling, but it could work in Portland’s favor. They have had young talents (Greg Oden, Brandon Roy) go down with career altering injuries. Maybe the Blazers will reverse jinx themselves, and Giles will play for 15 years and never miss a game.

What else to do with this pick: Including this pick, the Blazers have three first round picks (15, 20, 26). None of those carry a significant amount of capital, but there should be some solid depth players picked in this range. Could the Blazers move a combination of these picks and other assets to move up in the draft? Could three of these picks plus another asset get them a player like Kevin Love? Portland has a variety of options to look at.

16. Chicago Bulls: Luke Kennard, SG, Duke

Who he is: While Grayson Allen was projected to be the face of Duke this past season, Kennard turned out to be the best guard on the team. While Kennard cooled off as the season went along, he was still productive the whole year and projects as a knockdown shooter and sparkplug for the offense.

Why they’ll pick him: Dwayne Wade is not the answer long-term, especially at his current price tag. If the Bulls are keen on moving forward with Jimmy Butler as their main cog, they are going to need to put some more offense around him. Kennard can handle the ball a little bit, but mostly he will be running around screens looking to get off a deep shot. He is more than just a long-range shooter, but his best asset to the Bulls will be an ability to space the floor.

What else to do with this pick: The Bulls also make no sense. After some big free-agent splashes last year, the Bulls were very average. Granted, those free-agent splashes were a bit long in the tooth and not outside shooters, but still. The Bulls need to get younger and better at shooting quickly, or Butler may want to take his prime elsewhere. The pick is not high enough to trade on its own, but Butler may be able to move them into the top three. If they so desire.

 17. Milwaukee Bucks: OG Anunoby, SF, Indiana

Who he is: A rangy athletic defender, but a lack of offensive polish and injuries knock him out of the lottery. Anunoby has the build and defensive ability to play at the next level, but he has not lived up to the hype. The hype was pretty high, though.

Why they’ll pick him: Because he fits everything the Bucks are as a team perfectly. No, Anunoby does not have much of an offensive game, but the Bucks will be content to win 75-65 with 40-15-10-5-5 from Giannis. Anunoby will be another athletic wing on a team full of them. But there are certainly worse problems to have. If Anunoby develops a three-point shot and plays above the rim on offense, he could be the steal of this draft.

What else to do with this pick: Donovan Mitchell is also a great idea here and makes it even more difficult to score on the Bucks. They could use a more capable and cheaper option at center, but do they really even need a center? A lineup of Middleton, Parker, Brogdon, Anunoby/Mitchell, Giannis could probably guard all five positions.

18. Indiana Pacers: Donovan Mitchell, SG, Louisville

Who he is: A lockdown defender with off-the-charts athleticism, Mitchell led the Louisville defense while also contributing from three-point range.

Why they’ll pick him: This is one of the easier picks in the draft. If Mitchell is still around at this point (may not be since he is a combine hero), the Pacers would gladly take him. Mitchell could take some pressure off of Paul George at the defensive end and he could be a part of the core with George and Myles Turner. He also will allow the Pacers to part ways with Lance Stephenson, though I get the feeling that they are too attached at this point.

What else to do with this pick: They player taken right after this spot, Caleb Swanigan, would also be a nice fit and he would work well next to Turner. T.J. Leaf helps with team shooting as well. The Pacers will likely have their ears open to trade offers for Paul George, but it is going to take a lot to get him i.e. Second overall pick and Brandom Ingram (Lakers probably say no, but should they?)

 19. Atlanta Hawks: Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue

Who he is: A double-double machine who put up video game-like numbers in his second season. He is not the most athletic forward, but he extended his range last year and dominated on the glass. He should be able to contribute immediately with an NBA body.

Why they’ll pick him: This dude just screams Paul Millsap. I might be projecting, but Swanigan has all the tools to be a dominant rebounder, post-presence and even three-point shooter. Millsap has said he wants to test free-agency, and the Hawks may want to try actually being bad one year. They are always so painfully average, building around Swanigan and other young pieces may actually net them a lottery pick instead of another eight seed. What a novel concept.

What else to do with this pick: If the plan is to offer Millsap whatever he wants, then the Hawks are going all in and shooting for a five seed. In that case, a wing threat would really help them out. I think all the noteworthy ones were drafted at this point, so depth at guard I guess?

20. Portland Trail Blazers: Justin Patton, C, Creighton

Who he is: Another athletic big man, Patton flew under the radar at a smaller school. Good at getting to the rim and playing off of crafty guards.

Why they’ll pick him: The Blazers are more than set in the backcourt, but they need a nice thick body to set screens and help them get free. Patton would be an upgrade setting screens and making plays near the rim. Defensively he will have to rely on effort and good coaching, but he can be an asset to a team that needs just a few more.

What else to do with this pick: I discussed it above, but a team like the Blazers is a good team. They do not need three first-round players to develop over the next few years. That is of course if they are just gonna fast forward until the Warriors break up because of cap issues. In that case, take it slow, relax, enjoy your 50 wins a season and try to extend Lillard and McCollum’s prime as long as possible.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: TJ Leaf, PF, UCLA

Who he is: The smooth shooting big-man from UCLA hit close to 47% from three will benefit from playing with solid passers. He can hurt teams from mid-range as well on a pick-and-pop.

Why they’ll pick him: He could help Russell Westbrook’s assist number. Leaf can certainly shoot the ball, which is more than some of Westbrook’s supporting cast can say. We know a one-man team does not get very far in this league, and while I am not saying TJ Leaf is the other guy who will take the Thunder over the top. I am saying Westbrook will get a 20-20-20 game with Leaf on his team.

What else to do with this pick: That’s a great question. It is rare that a playoff team, two years removed from a conference finals appearance, has so many holes. Obviously losing Kevin Durant hurts. But Victor Oladipo did not up his production. Steven Adams did not up production. Westbrook did up his usage rate and production. The Thunder need a player with an ego who will get a pass from Westbrook, and not look to give it back to him. What was that? Trade this pick for Carmelo? Actually….

22. Brooklyn Nets: Terrance Ferguson, SG, Australia

Who he is: Ferguson was committed to play at Arizona this year, but he decided to play overseas in hopes of improving his draft stock. He is a good athlete, but may need time to adjust to NBA play.

Why they’ll pick him: No way he is any worse than what they have. Ferguson has the body and athleticism to play in the league, and if the Nets just put him out there with no pressure and say “do whatever you want,” he could develop into a solid wing threat.

What else to do with this pick: Hope the Celtics feel bad for you and trade you back the first overall pick. The Nets have been bad the past few years, they were bad this year, and they will continue to struggle unless they strike gold in the draft. It is much harder to get lucky when you are drafting this late in the first round.

23. Toronto Raptors: Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon

Who he is: A tournament hero who helped bring his team to the Final Four. Bell was a beast on the glass and saw his draft stock shoot up as a result.

Why they’ll pick him: The Raptors got exposed on the glass in their playoff losses. Serge Ibaka did not do enough inside, and if the Raptors keep throwing up bricks in the playoffs, they need somebody to retrieve them. Bell is high energy on both sides of the ball, and will give the Raptors some toughness.

What else to do with this pick: The Raptors are another team with some decisions to make. Kyle Lowry is a free agent, and it seems like this team’s ceiling as constructed is the conference finals. Is a rookie the missing piece to beating the Cavaliers or the Celtics? My bet is no. The Raptors could look to shop one of their backcourt stars and try to move up for an impact player. But that would be a bold move.

24. Utah Jazz: Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State

Who he is: The Big-12 guard proved himself as a capable scorer and distributor and he is also the sixth best point guard in this draft. The gap between five and six will be large in pick number, but Evans is not at a lack for talent or speed.

Why they’ll pick him: George Hill is going to get a boatload of money in free agency, but it might not be the Jazz who are paying him. If this is the case, the Jazz need to back up their backcourt. Evans brings some much-needed athleticism to this team and can be an elite perimeter stopper to pair with the stifle tower. He also may get Gordon Hayward some better looks, and the Jazz need anything they can to incentivize him to stay.

What else to do with this pick: Ask Gordon Hayward who he wants to play with. Or pick a long-term project. The Jazz can go two ways in this draft, all depending on if they think Gordon Hayward is going to accept or decline his player option. Jawun Evans would help the team now, but a foreign-born player, or a freshman who did not play much would be a backup plan if it looks like Hayward is going to test the market.

25. Orlando Magic: Edrice (Bam) Adebayo, C, Kentucky

Who he is: Adebayo is a physical presence on the inside who excels on the glass and clear out space. He will not score much in a face-up or pick and pop game, but he should contribute rolling to the rim, running the floor and cleaning up the offensive glass.

Why they’ll pick him: Since Dwight Howard left, the Magic have struggled to find a suitable rim protector. The bigs they currently have on their team do not get the job done. Adebayo can play both front court positions and could help redefine the Magic team. In a time of no contact and threes from half-court, Adebayo could bring physicality and hustle to a Magic team that needs something to fall back on.

What else to do with this pick: Like I said before, stop getting the raw end of trade deals. It is unlikely that any trade involving the Magic’s picks will be “win-later,” deals so they should focus on accumulating assets. Shoring up the middle should be a priority, but perimeter scoring comes in a close second if the Magic do not address that need with pick number 6

26. Portland Trail Blazers: Sindarius Thornwell, SG, South Carolina

Who he is: The man with one of the cooler names in the NCAA tournament, Thornwell became a household name with his stellar two-way play in the NCAA tournament.

Why they’ll pick him: The Blazers gave the Warriors a decent series two years ago, and picking Thornwell would benefit the effort against the Golden Empire. While Thornwell had his coming out party during the 2017 NCAA tournament, he was solid all year for the Gamecocks. He could provide backcourt depth, and even play small ball three if he has to.

What else to do with this pick: The Blazers have other needs, but they also have other picks. Thornwell in this situation is a pick specifically to compete with the Warriors. The Blazers can use their other picks to make sure they get that far.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana

Who he is: Bryant deferred his draft potential last year to return for his sophomore season at Indiana. While his jump shooting improved, Indiana did not and neither did his draft stock.

Why they’ll pick him: In his second year, Bryant developed almost into a Brooke Lopez lite. He shot more threes and started drifting further and further away from the basket. His rebounding and rim protection went down a bit, but the Nets need some warm bodies. Bryant can score and will provide some good emotion.

What else to do with this pick: One of the benefits of being terrible is that it’s hard to sink any lower. Even just finding a solid rotation player is a win for the Nets. All positions are positions of need until they finally get out from under their trade for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Draft 2019 is not soon enough for Nets’ fans.

28. Los Angeles Lakers: Tyler Lydon, SF, Syracuse

Who he is: A shot capable wing with good size but only average athleticism. He did not defend man-to-man much in college and he is going to need to be a lights out shooter if he cannot defend in the NBA.

Why they’ll pick him: If they pick Lonzo Ball second overall, he will need somebody to pass to. Lydon could provide knockdown shooting off the bench and he may develop into a capable defender. Surrounding ball with shooting is a worthy strategy to compete in the modern NBA

What else to do with this pick: Dwayne Bacon, Tyler Dorsey, Alec Peters. Pick a shooter and put him around Lonzo Ball. This pick could be moved if somebody else is desperate to move up, or it could be paired with an expiring contract to move up.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Isaiah Hartenstein, PF, Germany

Who he is: A poor man’s version of Markkanen, he is able to stretch the floor but does not provide much defensively.

Why they’ll pick him: The Spurs need to get younger on the front line, and Hartenstein can develop behind LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol. The Spurs work well with international players, and Hartenstein could be a project that pays off for them once their older big men retire.

What else to do with this pick: Pick to beat the Warriors. Pick the rangiest, longest and most athletic defender still available. Since Kawhi Leonard got hurt in the first game of the Western Conference Finals, nobody knows for sure how close the Spurs are to the Warriors. A player like Thornwell would be great if still available, but somebody like Devin Robinson could also be a good pick.

30. Utah Jazz: Ike Anigbogu, PF, UCLA

Who he is: The lesser known UCLA freshman, Anigbogu still should sneak into the first round. He is tall, has a massive wingspan and plays hard on defense. He does not offer much offensively, but can contribute as a rim protector.

Why they’ll pick him: Putting another defensive stopper next to Rudy Gobert could create an impenetrable front line for the Jazz. The Jazz may also enter rebuild mode really fast if Hayward decides to leave.

What else to do with this pick: Whatever Gordon Hayward wants. If they are serious about keeping him around, they need to put players around him who help him succeed.

VIEW GALLERY

National Martini Day is finally upon us! June 19th is that special day for those functioning alchies out there. Here’s a time dedicated to being “shaken not stirred,” to quote the legendary James Bond actor Sean Connery.

I’ve never had the pleasure of indulging in one of those fancy, spancy drinks. However, I do have the distinction of writing a meme article about the concoction before I ever even try it myself. I wonder how martinis taste. Apparently, good enough for Family Guy‘s Brian Griffen to hump your leg.

Anyway, enjoy the memes! Try not to laugh too hard or you might just puke up your drink.