Happy Mother’s Day!

The NBA draft lottery is this afternoon. The event was a Tuesday night staple for years, typically airing before Game 1 of the conference finals on ESPN. I much preferred that to the current timeslot, especially with it now falling on a holiday. The NBA continues to falter with its scheduling.

This year’s lottery is one of the most consequential in years. It falls short of the drama of 2003, and maybe even 2023, but it probably exceeds that of 2014. In short, buckle up for some serious drama.

A ton is at stake for every franchise involved in the drawing. The Wizards and Jazz are trying to finish off rebuilds. The Pacers are hoping to keep their pick. The Thunder, Warriors, Heat and others are praying for some serious fortune. The Pelicans, well, are desperate to avoid the embarrassment of trading a top selection in a loaded draft for Derik Queen — no disrespect to the promising rookie.

I’m planning to provide thoughts on the drawing for tomorrow’s post. For now, we’ll look forward to the thrill this afternoon promises to deliver.

MLB

Giants receive:
SP Matt Wilkinson
2026 Competitive Balance Round A pick

Guardians receive:
C Patrick Bailey

This is early to sell, particularly for a player as good defensively as Bailey is. The 15-23 Giants needed a shakeup, and they’re opting for better offense behind the dish.

Bailey, for all his warts at the plate, is the best defensive catcher in MLB. The 26-year-old has won the past two NL Gold Gloves at the position, and will form a tremendous run-prevention duo behind the plate in Cleveland with Austin Hedges. To make room for Bailey, the Guardians are optioning Bo Naylor.

Offense will be hard to come by at the position for Cleveland. Bailey is batting just .146 on the season with one homer, while Hedges isn’t exactly a masher himself. The Guardians have been staunch in their prioritization of defense at catcher, and this trade only strengthens the club’s position in that respect.

Not much has gone right for San Francisco this season, so a move like this can’t hurt. This isn’t a short-term transaction, either, as Cleveland will control Bailey through the 2029 campaign. Moving forward, the Giants will role with Daniel Susac and Jesus Rodriguez at catcher.

Wilkinson is a decent speculative add by Buster Posey and the Giants, though the incoming draft pick — 29th overall — is the prize for San Francisco.