Best of The Herd

Live in Los Angeles, we got a reminder of why the play-in works: real urgency, one-and-done juice, and the league’s best night in months.

Charlotte–Miami was glorious chaos as the Hornets leaned into who they are—green-light threes and Lamelo’s flair—he piled up points despite a cold night from deep, and the franchise finally claimed an elimination win that truly mattered.

Out West, Portland outlasted Phoenix behind Deni Avdija’s breakout and timely bombs from vets, setting up San Antonio next while a new owner, young core, and extra picks make their future feel real; bonus twist, Chicago lands another first in a loaded draft.

I was literally texting you about the Hornets, and Deni looked like the best wing on the floor—my DC friends swore he had this in him.

International guys arrive polished, and Avdija’s the template—quiet growth on a bad team, then Portland made him central and now he’s in that twenty-four, six and six neighborhood with Klingin and Sharpe rising around him.

Devin Booker’s an Olympian, but on this night Avdija outshined him.

On the Lamelo–Bam trip: fans want black-and-white, but in a frantic moment the officials didn’t catch it, and no one’s ejecting a headliner in a win-or-go-home unless they clearly see it.

I didn’t spot it live, but that kind of sweep is dangerous and should’ve drawn an ejection; credit to Charlotte for closing, yet the crew has to catch that.

I want refs invisible in April—call what’s obvious, don’t invent it—so review it after and, if needed, sit him a game, but I’m not tossing him in that spot.

Bruce Feldman’s here—if Dallas climbs the board for David Bailey, are they chasing real star power or a capped ceiling?

Bailey can wreck pockets and has top-five traits, with some questions holding up against heavy run teams in a league that actually runs again; in a thin draft, he’s the kind of edge you move for.

Ty Simpson visited Arizona, yet you don’t have him in round one—why?

He’s a coach’s kid with tools and movement, but he’s light on starts and can press when defenses adjust; in this weak quarterback class he’s intriguing later if the fit is right.

Among the three Ohio State defenders, who’s the safest bet?

Arvell Reese has the highest upside, Caleb’s the high-floor savant despite length nitpicks, and Kayden McDonald likely sneaks into the late first as a true nose.

I’m higher than most on Indiana’s Omar Cooper—what are you hearing?

Cooper’s sturdy with the ball but was sometimes the third option; it’s a quirky receiver crop where Carnell Tate could go early without universal love.

One coach called Jordan Tyson the most gifted wideout if he can stay healthy, and Makai Lemon flashes Amon-Ra vibes even if some see him as primarily inside.

How do teams reconcile Ruben Bain’s short arms and the off-field note with his tape?

Some position coaches worry about reach, but his bend, power, motor, and playoff domination scream impact defender.

Kenyon Sadiq’s not massive for a tight end; does today’s NFL still make him a problem?

He tested freaky and is a matchup headache, though he’s not as consistently complete as Bowers; clean up the consistency and he can stress defenses everywhere.

Where do you slot Spencer Fano after that immaculate college tape?

He’s a fluid athlete who recovers like a pro, think Bakhtiari-style body control, and he should lock down a tackle spot for a long time even in a down OL year.

What’s the best intel on Fernando Mendoza beyond the humility piece?

You can shake him but not rattle him—he answers picks with scoring drives in brutal environments, moves well, has a good not elite arm, and that resilience is the trait that sticks in the league.

That steady wiring is why teammates buy in, and it travels well in pro locker rooms.

He bet on himself from two-star to this moment, and that long-game mindset is exactly why I’m bullish; good to see you.