Atlanta, GA
Atlanta and Washington give the Southeast Division a 1-2 punch at the top of the NBA draft
The Southeast Division controlled the top two selections in the NBA draft, with Atlanta and Washington picking 1-2.
Those were rare spots for those two franchises.
The Hawks won the lottery after having only a 3% chance of landing the top pick. They had picked No. 1 only one other time, in 1975.
Washington had the top pick in 2001 (Kwame Brown) and 2010 (John Wall), but those were the only times in the past half-century the team had selected in the top two.
Elsewhere in the division, the Orlando Magic were also in an unusual spot after making the playoffs this past season. They picked Colorado forward Tristan da Silva at No. 18 — their lowest first-round pick since 2012.
The Hawks and Wizards may have been in close proximity in the draft, but on the court the teams are in very different positions entering this offseason. The Hawks were in the play-in round last season, with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray averaging over 20 points a game. Now they add French teen Zaccharie Risacher to the mix.
The Wizards, meanwhile, lost a franchise-record 67 games, and expectations figure to be low again even after taking French 7-footer Alex Sarr one spot after Risacher.
Atlanta Hawks
Needs: Defensive help at every level.
Who they drafted: Risacher at No. 1.
NBA comparision: Risacher said he and Golden State shooting guard Klay Thompson have “the same game.” Risacher then quickly added Thompson has the advantage of being a veteran while he must improve. Risacher is quick and athletic at 6-foot-9, 215 pounds and should provide both scoring and defensive skills on the wing.
Charlotte Hornets
Needs: The Hornets had plenty of issues across the board last season, none bigger than their defense. Charlotte finished second-to-last in the league in defensive rating. The Hornets also need to add more 3-point shooting and rebounding.
Who they drafted: Forward Tidjane Salaun of France at No. 6.
NBA comparison: Salaun has plenty of length and intensity and reminds some of a more athletic version of Otto Porter Jr. or Jonas Jerebko. The big question will be how he develops as a shooter. Just 18, he played very well at the Basketball Without Borders camp and was named MVP of the 2023 Trophy of the Future tournament, averaging 17.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. The Hornets passed on UConn center Donovan Clingan to take the 6-9 Salaun.
Miami Heat
Needs: Size
Who they drafted: Indiana center Kel’el Ware at No. 15.
NBA comparision: He might be considered a Myles Turner type, a 7-footer with serious offensive skills, a knack for rim protection and outstanding in the pick-and-roll. Ware also will immediately benefit from playing alongside Heat captain Bam Adebayo, who could get more minutes at power forward if Ware can take center minutes.
Orlando Magic
Needs: Perimeter shooting. The Magic were last in the NBA in 3-point field goals and 24th in 3-point percentage.
Who they drafted: Da Silva at No. 18.
NBA comparison: Philadelphia’s Tobias Harris because of his size, all-around game and maturity.
Washington Wizards
Needs: Washington is only a year into its rebuild, so the Wizards didn’t necessarily have to be picky about fit — but it happened that some of the top players available also had good size, which the team can use after dealing Kristaps Porzingis and Daniel Gafford in the fairly recent past.
Who they drafted: Sarr with the No. 2 pick, Pittsburgh guard Bub Carrington at No. 14 and 6-8 Kyshawn George of Miami at No. 24.
NBA comparison for Sarr: He says he admires Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, although his defensive impact may make him more comparable to Jaren Jackson Jr. initially.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 17: Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Fenway Park on April 17, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
On Friday evening, the Atlanta Braves had a big win over the Colorado Rockies in Denver.
The Braves overcame a six-run deficit to win 8-6.
Michael Harris hit the go-ahead home run in the ninth inning.
After missing the 2025 MLB playoffs, the Braves are off to an incredible start to the season.
They are at the top of the National League East with a 23-10 record in 33 games.
So far, the Braves look like they will have a chance to win their second World Series in the last five years.
8x MLB All-Star Atlanta Braves Must Consider Acquiring
GettyAroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after striking out Trent Grisham #12 of the New York Yankees (not pictured) to end game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on September 30, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
In the playoffs, having the right pitchers in the bullpen can make the difference in winning a series.
Aroldis Chapman (of the Boston Red Sox) is off to an incredible start to the 2026 season with a 1.04 ERA and five saves in nine games.
@TalkinBaseball_ wrote (on April 26): “Aroldis Chapman now has 1,341 career strikeouts, passing Goose Gossage for the second most in MLB history among relievers. Hoyt Wilhelm holds the all-time record with 1,363”
Chapman has been one of the best relievers in the MLB for well over a decade.
At 38, he has proven to still be pitching at an elite level.
That said, the Red Sox are at the bottom of the American League East with a 13-19 record in 32 games.
If they continue to struggle (and end up sellers at the trade deadline), Chapman would be an incredible addition to the Braves.
The Red Sox could get value out of a player who will not be part of their long-term future, while the Braves would be able to acquire a two-time World Series Champion for their playoff run.
GettyAroldis Chapman #44 and Carlos Narvaez #75 of the Boston Red Sox share a hug after the final out of the 3-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Opening Day at Great American Ball Park on March 26, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Chapman’s MLB Career
GettyAroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park on August 24, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds defeated the Tigers 12-5.
Chapman spent the first six years of his career with the Cincinnati Reds.
He then had stints with the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates over 17 seasons.
His titles came with the Cubs (2016) and Rangers (2023).
Over 872 games, Chapman has gone 60-49 with a 2.50 ERA (and 372 saves).
GettyAroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees takes the field prior to game one of the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on October 04, 2019 in New York City.
How the Red Sox perform over the next few months will be worth watching, as Chapman (and other veterans) could become available.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
Search for missing Atlanta teen enters fourth day
The search for 16-year-old Benjamin Brath remains active in southwest Atlanta as classmates and family members gather to plead for his safe return, according to Atlanta police and school leaders.
ATLANTA – Benjamin Brathwaite, a 16-year-old student at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, has been missing since Monday night after leaving his Southwest Atlanta home.
Community rally for missing teen
What we know:
Classmates, teachers, and family members held a rally Friday afternoon to plead for the safe return of the 6-foot-5 teenager. Brathwaite was last seen Monday night leaving his home in the Regency Trace neighborhood off County Line Road.
He was reportedly wearing a black hoodie, black joggers, and Nike running shoes when he disappeared. His family noted that he left without his cellphone or any of his belongings.
Ongoing police search efforts
What we don’t know:
Investigators have not yet determined where Brathwaite may have gone or what his current destination might be. Police have not released a specific motive or reason for why the teen left his home Monday night.
While the search remains active, authorities have not indicated if they have found any physical evidence or leads during their ground and air sweeps.
Law enforcement response
What they’re saying:
“As we speak, we have the helicopter flying over the house, the area, and checking the area,” a police investigator said. “We have our K-9 unit, our drone unit, checking the areas. We will not stop.”
School principal Authur Washington also delivered a message to the student. “Your doors, home, they are open to you, you have friends here, and they want to see you,” Washington said.
Family plea on father’s birthday
The backstory:
The search is now in its fourth day, coinciding with a difficult milestone for the family. Friday is the birthday of Brathwaite’s father.
“The only gift he wants is for you to come home, to be able to wrap his arms around you,” the teen’s brother, William “BJ” Brathwaite, said during the rally.
Next steps in search
What’s next:
A prayer vigil is scheduled for Friday night at Cascade United Methodist Church to support the family and the search efforts.
Community search parties plan to continue looking for the teenager throughout the weekend. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Atlanta Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from a FOX 5 news script and broadcast transcript featuring interviews with Benjamin Brathwaite’s family, his school principal, and the Atlanta Police Department.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
A historic showcase of Christian Dior’s fashion, including pieces never before seen in a public exhibition, is now on view at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. Dior: Crafting Fashion showcases carefully preserved toiles, Lady Dior handbags, and exquisite gowns worn by celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Demi Moore. “This exhibition is a master class in the magic of a legendary maison,” says SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
The exhibit tells the story of the French Couture House’s designers, from Christian Dior to Jonathan Anderson. It shares who they were before they became household names and how they put their own stamp on their collections. It also presents their early design sketches, gardens that inspired them, and some of their most iconic looks.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Not only does Christian Dior rarely partner with universities; this exhibit marks its first presentation in the Southeast. The design house was likely inspired to come to SCAD’s Atlanta campus by the blockbuster success of 2025’s Christian Dior: Jardines Rêvés at SCAD FASH’s Lacoste location in Provence, France. That exhibit enjoyed record-breaking attendance and rave reviews.
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