I was told the NBA season was over?

I literally learned that the NBA Draft was tomorrow about 12 minutes ago. KMARK made it clear yesterday that we’re all ready to see the NBA take a siesta for a bit, so what’s all this about? Are the playoffs too long? Are GMs too anxious to settle their rosters prior to free agency? All I know is that it was 102 degrees in Boston today and I doubt anyone is too plugged in on the Porzingis or Holiday deals, let alone who falls to them at 28. OKC fans just braved the heat to watch their team struggle with Michelob Ultras on parade busses. And the draft is tomorrow? Is this normal? Is HP washed? It wasn’t too long ago that NBA fans laid claim to the NBA off-season as the Real Season. So maybe this is the NBA not letting us off the mat so they can initiate their most marketable feature: The Offseason.

The dog days are officially upon us — the sports calendar is wide open and parents are wistfully anticipating summer camp season. If you haven’t been paying attention to the MLB season to date, it’s likely that you’re not alone. Good news for you is that HP has you covered and there are 3 months until the NFL comes for us all. We’ve all got summer BBQs around the corner and it’s likely you’re gonna run out of things to talk to with your wife’s friend’s husband. So let’s brush up on the standings with an expeditious summary for each club that you can use free of charge.

NL West

1. Dodgers (48-31) - Shohei works into the 5th inning come August. WS or bust.
2. Giants (44-34) - Needed a bat, got a big one. Can they stave off the Fathers?
3. Padres (42-36) - Will Tatis win his lawsuit? Will he file one against Dodger fans?
4. D-Backs (40-38) - Alive on a technicality, but likely to be sellers come late July.
5. Rockies (18-60) - Historically gross, but sneaky hot of late!

NL Central

1. Cubs (46-32) - The boys rake. Will they make a splash for an arm or two?
2. Brewers (43-36) - The boys pitch. Can Chourio find it and will Yeli stay hot?
3. Cardinals (43-36) - Legally I am not allowed to admit this team is actually fun
4. Reds (41-38) - Chase Burns call up signals that Reds plan on nabbing WC spot
5. Pirates (32-48) - Looking forward to Bubba Chandler, despite it all.

NL East

1. Phillies (47-31) - Feels like the last go with this core. Also feels like a DS exit.
2. Mets (46-33) - 1-9 over last 10 to 13 games above .500. Might need an arm.
3. Braves (36-41) - Season trending towards cooked. Acuña is sick.
4. Nationals (33-46) - Abrams and Wood are fun as hell!
5. Marlins (31-45) - Classic Marlins roster. Will they flip Sandy for a ‘28 playoff run?

AL West

1. Astros (45-33) - I regret to inform you that the Astros might still be the Astros
2. Mariners (40-37) - Inconsistent outside of Big Dumper. WYA, Julio?
3. Angels (38-40) - Dare I say, watch out Halos if Trout can find his footing?
4. Rangers (38-41) - Living in the Orioles big fat disappointing shadow.
5. Athletics (32-48) - April and May were fun. Pitching crashed down to earth.

AL Central

1. Tigers (49-30) - Might start having the Magic Number chat come mid-August
2. Guardians (39-37) - Surprised splash signing Carlos Santana hasn’t paid off.
3. Royals (38-40) - Would be awesome would one more Bobby Witt Jr.. Elite staff.
4. Twins (37-41) - They get smacked around the yard quite often.
5. White Sox (25-54) - Can they fend off the Rockies?

AL East

1. Yankees (45-33) - Pitching needs to hold up. Judge needs to be this guy in Oct.
2. Rays (43-35) - They can’t keep getting away with this, can they?
3. Blue Jays (41-36) - My vote for surprise contender of the season. Will they buy?
4. Red Sox (40-40) - Weird mismanagement, playing sneaky stupid baseball too.
5. Orioles (34-44) - Kinda like the Red Sox, but without the MLB talent.

It brings me no pleasure to do this, but you’re getting another Cruden Bay tease. The good news? We’ll be covering both Cruden and Montrose Links in tomorrow’s Travel Pad which is set up to be a total banger. For now, enjoy the Scenes below.