Every NBA Draft rightfully focuses on youth — but the 2022 edition is skewing historically young.  

Adrian Wojnarowski’s “firm” expectation is that Jabari Smith Jr., Chet Holmgren, and Paolo Banchero will be the first off the board — marking the first time since 2017 and only the seventh ever that the three top picks are one-and-done freshmen. 

Whether they end up in Orlando, Oklahoma City, or Houston, all three are slated for huge paydays on an increased rookie pay scale.

• The No. 1 overall pick will earn $9M in Year 1 and $28.5M over three years. 
• No. 2 overall will make $8.1M in Y1 and $25.5M over three years.
• No. 3 will get $7.3M in Y1 and $23M over three years.

Of course, this year’s salary drama is somewhat overshadowed by the introduction of NIL earnings — the effects of which have benefited the top three prospects in different ways.

Even projected No. 1 Smith — who was ineligible for an NIL deal because he signed his letter of intent before the legislation went into effect — has his own signature collection with 2 Commas. 

In any event, the top three picks won’t have to worry too much about their finances after tonight — only the pressure and hype that comes with an NBA rookie season.

It was fair to wonder whether Colorado’s Darcy Kuemper should start in goal for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, but head coach Jared Bednar’s trust paid off — and the Avalanche are a win away from a title.

After being torched for five goals in Game 3, Kuemper made 37 saves in the Avs’ 3-2 overtime victory over the Lightning — and also became the first goalie to assist on an OT goal in a Final.

Despite posting a .897 save percentage in earlier series, missing four playoff games to injury, and weathering stiff competition for the starting role, the 32-year-old journeyman has proven he can backstop a potential Cup winner.

• Backup Pavel Francouz has largely outplayed Kuemper this postseason, with a .920 save percentage over three starts against Edmonton.
• But Kuemper turned away all but two of 39 shots Wednesday — the most he’s seen in these playoffs.
• He saved 1.49 goals above expected — significantly higher than his -3.9 average in these playoffs.

The clutch performance could provide all the leverage Kuemper needs when he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer — he’s in the final season of the two-year, $9 million extension he signed with the Coyotes in 2019 before joining Colorado last summer.

His $4.5 million AAV currently ranks just 19th among NHL goalies, but he’ll move up quickly if he’s in the crease when the Avs win their third championship and first since 2001.

Colorado (-1200) is now the runaway favorite to lift the Cup.

While the Bronx Bombers dominate the headlines, a young, inexpensive — and totally unexpected — contender for the AL pennant is rising in the Midwest.

On Wednesday, the Guardians twice rallied from multi-run deficits to top the Twins 11-10 on the road, Cleveland’s 15th comeback victory and seventh straight series win. More importantly, the victory moved the upstarts into first place in the AL Central.

Working with the lowest average age in MLB and a $67.4 million payroll that ranks 28th, the Guardians’ ascent has been nothing short of remarkable.

• Cleveland batters are an average of 26.1 years old, with pitchers at 26.5.
• The Guardians are also younger than any Triple-A club.
• In April, they locked in 29-year-old Jose Ramirez (.302/.393/.630, 16 HRs, 62 RBI) with a seven-year, $141M extension through 2028 that makes up 33% of the payroll.

On May 28, the Guardians were in third place in the Central, 6.5 games back of Minnesota. Thanks to 18 wins in their last 23, they now lead the Twins by a game.

But despite the recent success, bookmakers still aren’t optimistic that Cleveland can snap the longest World Series title drought in baseball (73 YRS). 

The Guardians currently have the 16th-best odds (+6000) to win the championship.