The 2022 NBA draft is in the books and it started off with drama.

There was lots of speculation that Auburn’s Jabari Smith Jr. would go number one. Orlando surprised some by choosing Paolo Banchero from Duke. I believe the Magic made the right decision because they need an immediate impact player and Banchero will fill that role. I feel he will be a big star at the next level.

I love what Detroit did, adding Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. Ivey will team up with Cade Cunningham to form a dynamic duo. I love their potential. Dwayne Casey’s team should improve next season.

The Sacramento Kings are going to appreciate the addition of Keegan Murray. His versatility and scoring ability will help the Kings improve. I love guys that can shoot the rock.

Portland took the mystery man, Shaedon Sharpe, who has looked super in video highlights. He practiced with Kentucky but did not play with the Wildcats. The key to playing in the NBA will be his ability to respond in game situations. He is going to a perfect place to grow as the Blazers are in a rebuilding mode.

I loved the Hornets picking up Mark Williams from Duke. The 7-2 defensive wizard is a terrific shot blocker and rim protector. Michael Jordan’s club took a player from his favorite school in North Carolina! I believe Williams will be special in his first three years.

There were several quality players that slid down to the second round. I feel Jalen Hardy from the G League and Kennedy Chandler of Tennessee could contribute right away.

The winners in the draft were the Pistons, Thunder, Magic and Spurs.

Congratulations to the NBA champion Glden State Warriors, winning the NBA title for the fourth time in eight years. Steve Kerr earned his ninth championship ring, five as a player and four as a coach. Golden State won in six games, capturing the final on Boston’s court. Stephen Curry won NBA playoff MVP for the first time.

The Warriors got great contributions from Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymnd Green and Jordan Poole. The Celtics fell short but the future is bright with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart.

Matt Fitzpatrick won the U.S. Open, capturing his first major, beating Will Zalatoris and Scottie Scheffler by one stroke.

Is there a mercy rule in hockey there should have been one at game two if the Stanley Cup finals. Colorado 7, Tampa Bay 0. Ouch.

Congrats to the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning four straight games to beat the NY Rangers. Jon Cooper’s team is going to its third straight Stanley Cup final.

Several baseball teams remained hot. The Atlanta Braves won their 11th straight. The New York Yankees won their 11th game out of 12.

Thomas Van Rijthoven of the Netherlands beat Danil Medvedev and won Liberia Open tourney. He beat the top three seeds and had never won a tour level match before this event. Amazing

Iga Świątek continued her dominance of women’s tennis. She extended her match win streak to 35 straight as she won the French Open. Swiatek beat Coco Gauff in straight sets in the title match. On the men’s side, Rafael Nadal won his 14th French singles title, beating Casper Ruud in straight sets. That marked a record 22nd Grand Slam singles title.

The NBA finals saw the Celtics split the first two games of the series vs. Golden State. Game 3 is at Boston.

The Stanley Cup playoffs saw Colorado take a 3-0 lead over Edmonton. The Lightning won game three of the Eastern Conference final, pulling to within 2-1 of the Rangers.

Gonzaga added a big piece of the puzzle, adding Chattanooga transfer Malachi Smith.

The NBA Finals are set as the Warriors and the Celtics will meet. Boston won game seven of the Eastern Conference, beating Miami 100-96.

Marcus Ericsson of Sweden won the Indy 500. There was a dramatic ending after a late red flag.

The French Open saw the dream matchup set in the quarterfinals as Novak Djpkovic and Rafael Nadal will meet.