Is your favorite team ready for the future? ESPN just dropped some wild NBA projections, putting the Cavs and Thunder at the top! Plus, we’ve got updates on former NBA stars making international moves and a deep dive into the Browns’ rookie QB struggles. Will these predictions hold up?

ESPN’s latest NBA projections have sent a ripple of excitement through the league, particularly for fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are now pegged as the dominant force in the Eastern Conference for the 2025-26 season. An esteemed ESPN panel forecasts a remarkable 59-win campaign for the Cavaliers, positioning them at the summit of the East and signaling a potential powerhouse in the making.

This optimistic outlook places Cleveland significantly ahead of other contenders vying for supremacy in the conference. The New York Knicks are projected to finish strong with a 54-28 record, closely followed by the Orlando Magic at 50-32. Further down the ranks, the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons are expected to contend with identical 47-35 records, rounding out the top five in what promises to be a highly competitive Eastern Conference landscape.

Across the league, the Western Conference is also poised for a thrilling season, with ESPN’s model predicting the Oklahoma City Thunder to replicate their success with an impressive 64-win season. They are trailed by a strong contingent of challengers, including the Houston Rockets (54-28), Denver Nuggets (53-29), Minnesota Timberwolves (51-31), and a tied Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers, both projected for 50-32 finishes, setting the stage for an intense playoff race.

The anticipation for the ultimate showdown is already building, as a separate ESPN report highlights the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder as the most probable matchup for the upcoming NBA Finals. The report further solidifies the Thunder’s status by projecting them as repeat champions, a testament to their burgeoning talent and strategic roster development.

Beyond the high-stakes playoff predictions, the global basketball news circuit brings updates on several former NBA players making moves internationally. The Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association have recently bolstered their roster by signing three notable ex-NBA talents: Tacko Fall, Frank Jackson, and Jamaree Simpson, signaling a new chapter in their professional careers.

Tacko Fall, the towering 7-foot-6 center, remains a recognizable figure to many NBA enthusiasts. Having played 37 games across stints with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, Fall brings a wealth of experience. His previous engagements in the CBA with Xinjiang and Nanjing, alongside a season with the New Zealand Breakers, demonstrate his continued presence and impact in various global basketball leagues.

Meanwhile, significant changes are underway at ESPN regarding its premier NBA broadcast crew. Reports confirm that Doris Burke will be replaced in the Finals trio, with Tim Legler joining Mike Breen and another colleague to form the new top commentary team, signaling an evolving approach to the network’s basketball presentation.

Shifting focus to the gridiron, insights have emerged regarding the NFL career trajectory of Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Despite his promising arm talent, Sanders is currently viewed as the third-string quarterback, with coaches citing the need for him to acclimate to the league’s pace. An unnamed NFL head coach observed that Sanders was consistently late on his reads during preseason games, struggling to deliver the ball precisely as intended.

This analytical feedback highlights the common challenges faced by rookie quarterbacks, who often grapple with holding the ball too long and misplacing throws in the nascent stages of their professional development. While Shedeur Sanders showcased impressive moments, including a strong preseason debut, his performance against the Los Angeles Rams, marked by five sacks, underscored areas for improvement. The team’s belief in his potential remains, anticipating that dedicated practice will refine his game and prepare him to eventually lead the offense, even if starting as QB3.