BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 06: Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens (left) and lead owner Bill Chisholm speak during a media availability at The Auerbach Center on July 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What a privilege it is to root for a team that has so much great history that we can dedicate a whole month to it on the blog and merely scratch the surface. What a pleasure it was to read Rich Jensen, Mike Dynon, and others as they walked us through the Banner Years.
Now that the calendar has turned to September, we turn our attentions forward. The past is prologue according to Bill Shakespeare. There’s a lot to go through, so rather than try to sum it all up into one overarching preview article, we’re going to take a whole month to preview the upcoming season.
We’ll look at new faces, familiar faces returning to form (hopefully), people in different roles, developing talent, coaching strategies, and roster decisions (and much, much more).
We will debate each other, dive deep on specific topics, and of course make fun of ourselves and our takes from 12 months ago (so young and naive).
Feel free to join in the fun, creating your own preview topics and discussions in The Feed.
Training camp is just around the corner. Let’s take this journey together. Go Celtics!
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 9: Head Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics, Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics, and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 9, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Celtics fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
All apologies to our early voters in this week’s poll. The Celtics weren’t eliminated in the first round in two straight years; they were eliminated by the Knicks in Round 2 in 2025 and lost to the 76ers in seven games back in May.
That’s our bad, but it sure felt like two straight too-early exits.
Obviously, there’s context to both playoff losses. New York seemed to have Boston’s number two years ago when they came back from 20 points in Games 1 and 2 at TD Garden and the Celtics lost Jayson Tatum to his Achilles’ tear in Game 4. And after going up 3-1 in Tatum’s return to the playoffs, Philly got hot and JT sat out the series finale.
The Celtics will now head into head coach Joe Mazzulla’s fifth season without Jaylen Brown. They’ll lean into the same identity that unexpectedly won them 56 games last year and if you buy into CelticsBlog’s Trevor Haas theory, they should be even better:
1) Jaylen Brown had a terrific season last year and took his game to the next level as the clear-cut No. 1 option.
2) Jaylen Brown is an excellent basketball player, but Jayson Tatum is an even better all-around basketball player.
3) Jayson Tatum looked sharp in his return and is poised to have a monster season as the clear-cut No. 1 option.
4) While Paul George has his limitations, a healthy Jayson Tatum and a healthy Paul George pairing is more dangerous than just Jaylen Brown by himself.
Mazzulla won Coach of the Year for last year’s overachievement and if they’re better on paper heading into 2026-2027, the expectations are even higher now. That’s just the price of constantly raising the bar on yourself.
But what if Boston falls short again? Mazzulla’s job seems safe, right? Banner 18 buys him time and beers with the fans. Nobody expected much after all the injuries and roster turnover. Now, after the Eastern Conference has beefed up in Philadelphia and Cleveland and the defending champion Knicks still in their way, this could be the biggest test of Mazzullaball since he took the helm in 2022.
Tacko Fall of the Breakers aims a free throw during the round 17 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Spark Arena, on January 16, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand.
Tacko Fall is back in the NBA.
The 7-foot-6 big man signed a training camp deal with the 76ers, the franchise announced Tuesday.
Fall, one of the tallest players in league history, hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since late 2021, when he played 11 games for the Cavaliers.
Since then, the Senegal native has spent time in the Chinese Basketball Association and Australia’s NBL.
Tacko Fall of the Breakers shoots during the round 18 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and Brisbane Bullets at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Jan. 24, 2025. Getty Images
Fall, 30, previously played two seasons with the Celtics in 2019-2020 and 2020-21, where he appeared in 26 total games.
The addition signals Philadelphia’s need for backup center help behind the oft-injured Joel Embiid, who hasn’t appeared in more than 39 games since the 2022-23 season.
As the 76ers’ roster stands now, free agent addition Ariel Hukporti and second-year big man Adem Bona are set to back up Embiid.
Fall’s deal is non-guaranteed, meaning he will have to earn his way onto the 76ers’ roster.
He spent last season with the Ningbo Rockets in China and has averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 18.1 minutes per game during his four years overseas.
Tacko Fall of the Breakers aims a free throw during the round 17 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Spark Arena, on January 16, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. Getty Images
Fall has averaged 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 37 career NBA games.
The Sixers have high expectations heading into the 2026-27 season after adding Jaylen Brown, Fall’s former teammate in Boston, and LeBron James over the offseason.
One of the biggest questions moving forward: Who will be the Lakers’ fifth starter once the 2026-27 season starts?
If Kuminga was on the roster, he would’ve been in the first unit alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler and presumed starter Quentin Grimes.
But with Kuminga headed to Minnesota, there’s a glaring hole in the depth chart with a month before training camp starts.
Who should be considered for the final starting spot, and who should ultimately have the edge?
Lakers’ options
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Along with Reaves, Grimes and Kessler, Mamukelashvili was one of four players who the Lakers signed to four-year deals with player options for the 2029-30 season, which highlights how much the Lakers value him.
And it’s easy to see why.
Mamukelashvili has emerged as a reliable three-level scorer, good passer and strong rebounder after playing for the Bucks, Spurs and Raptors since being the No. 54 pick in the 2021 draft.
Sandro Mamukelashvili joined the Lakers in free agency on a 4-year, $52 million contract. NBAE via Getty Images
Coming off of a career-year with the Raptors in which his scoring average (11.2 points), field goal percentage (52.3%), assists average (1.9), steals average (.8) and blocks average (.5) with Toronto in 2025-26 were all career-best marks, Mamukelashvili has a blend of offensive skills that’s unique for his size (6-foot-9, 240 pounds).
Coach JJ Redick said after the 2025-26 season ended that the Lakers needed to be better with dribbling, passing and shooting. Mamukelashvili helps in all of those areas as a big man who can pass, run the floor, dribble and shoot at a high level.
At 27 years old and entering his sixth season in the NBA, Mamukelashvili should be entering the prime of his career.
Jake LaRavia
LaRavia, along with Doncic, Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt, is one of just four players who finished in the top-11 in total regular season minutes played from the 2025-26 team that’s on the roster entering this season.
Even when he struggled (he shot a career-low 32.1% on 3-pointers), LaRavia still received consistent playing time (career-high 25.1 minutes per game in 82 games).
Jake LaRavia’s 3-point shooting is his swing skill. NBAE via Getty Images
He brings value as a connector with his passing, cutting and defensive versatility without needing consistent offensive touches.
At 24 years old (he turns 25 in November) and entering his fifth season in the league, LaRavia should have room to grow in multiple areas.
Ziaire Williams
Williams’ appeal starts with his physical profile: he’s 6-foot-9 with a good lateral quickness for his size.
In light of Williams telling the Southern California News Group that he’s bulked up to “about 215 pounds” after being listed at 185 pounds last season, he should be able to credibly guard bigger forwards better compared to previous years.
Perimeter defense and versatility is Williams’ calling card.
But his 3-point shooting is the swing skill, after he knocked down a career-high 34.3% of his 3s last season.
Matisse Thybulle
Thybulle is the best perimeter defender among these four players.
His 2 steals per game last season was tied for the second-most in the league with Hawks wing Dyson Daniels and Pistons wing Ausar Thompson among players who appeared in at least 20 regular season games despite averaging just 16 minutes.
And he led the league in steals (4.5) and deflections (8.7) per 36 minutes in 2025–26 among players who appeared in at least 20 games.
His length (7-foot wingspan on a 6-foot-5, 202-pound frame), motor and reflexes at his size has helped him remain one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders despite being limited to 45 regular season games over the last two seasons.
And he’s worked to become an improved 3-point shooting, shooting 37.4% from beyond the arc after he joined the Trail Blazers in February 2023.
The Verdict
Among these four options, LaRavia is the best for the final starting spot.
LaRavia may not bring the offensive versatility that Mamukelashvili does, and may not be as good of a perimeter defender as Thybulle, but he’s a better defender than Mamukelashvili and has more experience guarding bigger forwards than Thybulle.
He has the size and defensive versatility the Lakers need from their fifth starter while also adding the connective offensive skills the Lakers need from his position.
The familiarity of playing alongside Doncic and Reaves is a bonus.
After LaRavia, Williams would be the next-best option in the first unit.
But entering camp, LaRavia should be penciled in as the Lakers’ fifth starter.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Devin Vassell #24, Stephon Castle #5 & De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs look on during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Expectations are difficult to deal with. There are many stories of young teams arriving too early and then never reaching the heights they overachieved to get to. Look at Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook’s Oklahoma City Thunder, who lost in the NBA Finals in 2012 and then disbanded 4 years later. It’s hard to keep a linear trajectory that leads to a championship and then a dynasty.
The San Antonio Spurs will be counting on linear improvement after losing to the New York Knicks in last season’s Finals. The Spurs are firmly in championship-or-bust mode, with a roster filled with key players who are barely old enough to order a drink at the bar. Those expectations come with a lot of weight. But Spurs fans think the team can handle that.
According to our last SB Nation Reacts survey, just over half of Spurs fans think the team will improve on their 2025-26 record of 62-20. Every team in the NBA will be pushing harder than ever to make sure they don’t accomplish that. Being the new shiny young team will draw every other franchise’s best effort. And, with fewer teams tanking due to a change in the league’s rules, there will be even more nights where they’ll face a team really going for it.
Of course, a lot of players will be gunning for the Spurs’ best player, too. Victor Wembanyama drew a lot of criticism for his overaggressive play in the playoffs. Teams are going to be coming at him and hoping they can get under his skin as a way to combat the impact he makes on both ends. It will take a lot of maturity for him and the rest of the team to respond to this onslaught from the rest of the league.
Luckily for the Spurs, they brought in some reinforcements that should help them stay level-headed. Tobias Harris is one of the league’s most respected veterans. While Harris hasn’t necessarily won a lot of playoff series, he has consistently been a member of winning teams. Those are the kinds of players who can raise the floor of a team during the dog days of the regular season, improving the overall record.
San Antonio is also now one of the deepest teams in the NBA. The addition of Tarris Reed Jr. gives them the third big man they desperately needed last season. The team is loaded with wings and guards that can fill in if injuries arise or a player needs a rest. That is a major key to matching the 62 wins they had last season.
FanDuel has the Spurs’ win total at 60.5, just slightly under what they had last season. Even without beating their 2025-26 record, San Antonio is still one of the favorites to win the NBA Finals at +230 on the site.
Jalen Brunson might not be the first NBA Finals champion Knick to make an appearance on a New York crime procedural this fall.
New York hero OG Anunoby is slated to make a guest spot on CBS’ “Elsbeth” for its fourth season, Deadline reported Tuesday.
The outlet added that Nicole Scherzinger, Nicholas Braun and Jemima Kirke are also slated to guest on the show that stars actress Carrie Preston in the titular role of Elsbeth Tascioni, who is “an astute but unconventional attorney, utilizes her unique point of view to corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD.”
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby shakes hands as he walks off the court after the Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The date and episode number for Anunoby’s appearance are not yet clear.
Anunoby’s “Elsbeth” appearance appears that it will also coincide with Brunson making a stop on “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.”
Brunson and “SVU” star Mariska Hargitay have developed a friendship over the years, as the Knicks star is a fan of the program and the actress is an avid supporter of the blue and orange, regularly making appearances on Madison Square Garden’s Celebrity Row.
Daniel K. Isaac as LT. Connor, Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni, and b as Officer Nikki Reynolds appear in a scene from “Elsbeth” on Thursday, Nov. 13, in New York. CBS via Getty Images
“Don’t tell anyone but see him on ‘SVU,’” she told Savannah Guthrie. “Don’t tell anyone, but we got some things in the works.”
The 2025-26 Knicks became New York heroes when they ran roughshod over the Eastern Conference in the playoffs before beating the Spurs in five games in the NBA Finals for their first crown in 53 years.
Anunoby (Game 4 winning tip-in) and Brunson (Finals MVP) played enormous roles in securing the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 20: Cleveland Cavaliers logo before the game against the Toronto Raptors during round one Game two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers announced on Tuesday morning that they have agreed to a multi-year deal with DAZN for the team’s local broadcasts starting this upcoming season.
In the team’s official post on X it stated, “Fans in-market can stream all Cavs regular season games not selected for exclusive national broadcast, including 15 games for free this season, preseason games and team-produced original content.”
Another move hidden behind the new streaming host is that the Cavaliers plan to move the in-game production within the Rock Entertainment Sports Network, allowing for major changes to how games will be presented on DAZN.
The team’s in-game broadcast team including play-by-play announcer John Michael, analyst Brad Daugherty, reporter Serena Winters and pregame and postgame host Cayleigh Griffin, will return.
Further details of the extent of the service are yet to be announced.
The Cavaliers previously were streamed on the Bally Sports/Fanduel TV Network from 2021 through the 2025-2026 season.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: The sneakers worn by Moussa Cisse #45 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game against the Orlando Magic during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 18, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Tom O'Connor/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Victor Oladipo wants an NBA general manager to give him another chance, and he's not the only former NBA All-Star still looking for work as the start of training camp approaches.
Unlike the other veterans that are still free agents trying to latch on with a team, Oladipo is now making his pitch in the public domain. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft recently published an open letter through The Players Tribune and insisted he's ready to return to the league after several major injuries derailed his professional career.
"I believe my body is finally right," Oladipo wrote. "I believe I still have GREAT (and more importantly WINNING) basketball in front of me. I believe I can be a valuable contributor to an NBA locker room. And what I'm asking for right now is an opportunity to prove it."
But roster spots remain available, and several notable players are unsigned heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. Here's a breakdown of the best NBA free agents still available:
The former No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft announced earlier this offseason that he's attempting to make a comeback after spending last season out of the league. He last played for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 campaign.
The 37-year-old spent last season mostly as a mentor on the bench after being traded to the rebuilding Utah Jazz in July 2025. Love could still potentially help a contender in a part-time role as a floor-spacing big man and there should be suitors if/when he decides to play this season.
Brown's return to Denver didn't go as well as when he played for the franchise during its 2023 NBA championship run, and the do-everything, undersized role player has yet to find a new home this offseason. He shot a career-best 38.5% from 3-point range last season.
Though there has been offseason speculation Batum could go overseas to finish his professional career, the 37-year-old forward indicated in a recent overseas interview he'd like to remain in the NBA if possible.
The 36-year-old veteran got to play alongside his older brother, Stephen Curry, last season after the Golden State Warriors released him before the campaign began then re-signed him on Dec. 1, 2025.
The former Kansas star is only one season removed from averaging more than 10 points and shooting nearly 40% from 3-point range as a two-way wing who started a majority of Toronto's games. He didn't catch on in Brooklyn after a mid-season trade last year.
The 30-year-old point guard has struggled to stay healthy since a breakthrough NBA Finals run with the Heat in 2023, and he's coming off his least productive season since his rookie year.
The 35-year-old Canadian could be an attractive option for teams still looking to add depth inside late. The Los Angeles Lakers (and a reunion with former Dallas Mavericks teammate Luka Dončić) have been mentioned as a potential landing spot.
The 35-year-old was a member of the San Antonio Spurs during their run to the NBA Finals last year, though he averaged a career-low 8.6 minutes per game playing behind Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet.
Those are Exhibit 10 contracts, which are training camp contracts where a player can get a bonus (up to $85,000) if they sign to play with Philadelphia's G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats.
All three of Fall, Nelson and Thomas have two-way eligibility left, and the 76ers do have one open two-way contract spot they could give out if someone stands out in training camp.
Fall, the 7'6" fan-favorite center, spent two seasons in Boston and one in Cleveland, but has been out of the NBA since 2022, playing overseas. He also played in the NBA All-Star Friday Night Celebrity Game last February in Los Angeles.
Nelson is the son of former NBA player and current 76ers Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Jameer Nelson. He was in the Spurs' training camp two years ago and then with their G League team, then in the Kings' training camp last season and played for their G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. Last season with Stockton, he averaged 19.9 points and 3.7 assists per game.
Thomas, a 6'7" wing, was in training camp last season with Philadelphia and averaged 12.5 points and five rebounds a game for the Blue Coats when he played with them.
Unlike the NFL or other sports, there are very rarely training camp battles for a roster spot in the NBA, and in this case, Philadelphia's roster is set. It has 14 players under contract for next season and plans to enter the season at that number, deciding whether to add a 15th player down the line.
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 1: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns runs onto the court before the game against the LA Clippers on February 1, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
September. We made it. Perhaps it’s more of a psychological barrier than anything, but when the calendar flips to September, you can’t help but feel a tinge of excitement. We are officially one month away from basketball reentering our lives and dominating our conversations.
Media Day is September 28. The Suns’ first preseason game is October 5. Opening night for Phoenix is October 21. And while the mercury in the thermometer still tells us it’s summer, you know fall is right around the corner.
Seeing as it is September 1, it’s time once again for our annual preseason SunsRank. This is the thought exercise in which we take a look at the entirety of the Phoenix Suns roster and rank the players based on the very subjective question of who we believe is the best, the second best, the third best, and so on, all the way down to 18th. It’s also an opportunity to look back at where we were a season ago and then project where we think these players will land by the end of the year.
So, where did we end last season? Here are the 2026 SunsRank results from both our community and our writing staff following the conclusion of the 2025–26 season:
#
Community SunsRank
Writers SunsRank
1
Devin Booker
Devin Booker
2
Jalen Green
Dillon Brooks
3
Dillon Brooks
Jalen Green
4
Collin Gillespie
Collin Gillespie
5
Grayson Allen
Mark Williams
6
Jordan Goodwin
Grayson Allen
7
Mark Williams
Jordan Goodwin
8
Oso Ighodaro
Oso Ighodaro
9
Rasheer Fleming
Royce O’Neale
10
Khaman Maluach
Rasheer Fleming
11
Royce O’Neale
Ryan Dunn
12
Ryan Dunn
Khaman Maluach
13
Jamaree Bouyea
Haywood Higsmith
14
Haywood Highsmith
Jamaree Bouyea
15
Koby Brea
Amir Coffey
16
Amir Coffey
Isaiah Livers
17
Isaiah Livers
Koby Brea
18
CJ Huntley
CJ Huntley
Some summers bring more turbulence and, because of that, a much more obvious shake-up in the SunsRank rankings. That wasn’t really the case for Phoenix this offseason. Continuity and development were the North Star for the organization, and the Suns stayed true to that approach. They moved up in the NBA Draft and selected Koa Peat out of the University of Arizona with the final pick of the first round. They traded Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale to the Charlotte Hornets for Miles Bridges. They moved on from Isaiah Livers and Amir Coffey, then added Luke Kennard in free agency and Pat Spencer on a two-way contract. That’s it. That’s the transaction history of the Phoenix Suns this offseason.
So you might look at this exercise, ranking players based on the subjective term of who is “best,” and think it feels somewhat pointless. I disagree. First, there has been an injection of new players, and part of the exercise is seeing where they fit within the hierarchy of this ecosystem. Second, “best” means something different to everyone. Best can mean highest upside. Best can mean the most complete player at this point in time. Best can mean where you think that player will ultimately land by the end of the season.
But before we start ranking individual players, the best way to approach this is by putting everyone into tiers. I could run a poll and ask you to rank every player from 1 to 18, but that feels like a lot to absorb at once. Instead, we’ll break the roster into tiers and then rank the players within those tiers.
So what are the tiers?
Tier 1: The Cornerstones
These are the stars the Suns are building around. They’re expected to have a major impact every night and will ultimately determine how far this team can go.
Tier 2: The Pillars
These are reliable rotation players who provide stability and help hold the roster together. They may not be the stars, but the Suns need them to consistently do their jobs.
Tier 3: The Wild Cards
These are the players who could end up being more important than expected. They’re not guaranteed to have a major role, but there’s enough potential for them to surprise and work their way into the rotation.
Tier 4: The Depth Pieces
These are your end-of-the-bench players who provide depth when needed. Their roles may be limited, but injuries, matchups, and circumstances can create opportunities for them to contribute.
And now? It’s your chance to place each player into their SunsRank tier. Based on the results of this voting, we’ll then begin going tier by tier, allowing you to rank the players within the confines of each group and ultimately build out our complete SunsRank for the 2026–27 season.
So let the SunsRank journey begin. Consider this the first step toward welcoming basketball back into our lives. Ahhh. September…
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Michael Jordan (L) and Scottie Pippen (R) of the Chicago Bulls talk during the final minutes of their game 22 May in the NBA Eastern Conference finals aainst the Miami Heat at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won the game 75-68 to lead the series 2-0. AFP PHOTO/VINCENT LAFORET (Photo credit should read VINCENT LAFORET/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
SB Nation launched a free app this week that will help make talking about sports with fans and rivals of your favorite team easier than ever. The app is available for iOS and Android. Did we mention that it’s free?
You can find all of your favorite team communities on the app, like our Lakers site Silver Screen and Roll. We even have dedicated message boards for the teams without a community. I grew up as a Chicago Bulls fan, and there’s a new Feed for everything Bulls on the app even without a community. You can start your own topics or comment on anyone else’s, and the awesome new notification system lets you know when someone else likes your post or replies to your prompt or comment.
In addition to dedicated team communities, there’s also an NBA-wide Feed. I’m going to be helping run this page, but I need your help. Post your best questions, conspiracy theories, and hot takes, and watch the comments flood in from other app users.
Talking about sports on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram has become a drag. It’s hard to know who you are talking to on those platforms, and there’s no accountability or community for your comments. The SB Nation app changes that. In many ways, it reminds me of scrolling through forums in the early days of the Internet, when you knew names and reputations of the people leaving comments, and anyone could chime in on any subject.
This app still feels like SB Nation, but also feels like the best parts of Reddit, all rolled into one. Let’s hit some FAQs below:
Why should I download the SB Nation app?
It’s free
It makes reading and commenting on your favorite SB Nation sites easier than ever
It’s the best way to talk about sports on the internet
What can I do on the SB Nation app?
Talk about your favorite teams. Jump in game threads. Post on our new message board, The Feed. Read your favorite SB Nation sites. Talk trash to your rivals. Instantly see who is responding to your comments with notifications. If you are already a loyal SB Nation reader, this app will make the experience even better. If you’re a lurker, this is the best way to get into the mix with your own comments and posts.
How can I download the SB Nation app?
Head over to the App store or the Android store to download the app. The app is only available for users in the United States for now.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 13: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves poses for portraits on July13, 2026 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Timberwolves fans and fans across the country.
This has been perhaps the single most active offseason in Minnesota Timberwolves history. Between the trades of Julius Randle and Naz Reid, the move for LaMelo Ball, and the eventual signing of Jonathan Kuminga, there is an absolute glut of potential new storylines to watch.
There are other candidates, to be fair. The Wolves have a history of sandwiching fascinating roster overhauls between years of passivity and complacency. Whether it’s the summer of 2014, when Minnesota traded Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andrew Wiggins while drafting Zach LaVine, or maybe the offseason in which the Wolves moved Kevin Garnett to Boston for a package including Al Jefferson or even the massive and unexpected deal for Rudy Gobert, Wolves fans are not new to massive change.
Despite it not being as uncommon as it is for other franchises, none of us are numb to the excitement a big move brings. With that in mind, it’s worth wondering: who are you, dear reader, most excited to watch spend their first year up North?
Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives by Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Is it the aforementioned Ball? A tantalizing talent with durability issues who just put together his best season, only to be dumped by the Charlotte Hornets. There are amazing questions to ask. How does he mesh with Anthony Edwards? What about the rest of the roster? What does the guard rotation look like now? How fast will the Wolves play?
That final question reminds us of one of the primary reasons Kuminga joined the Wolves. A once slow and plodding offense will now be flying in the fast break. Can the uber-talented former seventh overall pick take his easily won starting spot and convey it to the big deal he’s been chasing? Can the Wolves maximize their one year with a player they will struggle to retain?
Maybe for some of you sickos (myself included), the answer is instead a more unheralded newcomer. Is it Isaiah Evans, the Duke sharpshooter who fell on draft boards after a disappointing sophomore year, as he attempts to fill the Donte Divincenzo void?
Better yet, is it Cody Williams? The forward went 10th overall just two short years ago to the Utah Jazz. During those two seasons, he has both played a lot of games and been called the worst player in the NBA. Reclamation projects are incredibly fun, and he wouldn’t be the first player to break out in Minnesota wearing number nine after flaming out in Utah (But it’s weird that I’d have two Nickeils (Get it?)).
We want to hear from you. Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments and we’ll give you a recap of the consensus as soon as we have enough votes to let you know!
NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 3: Michael Doleac #51 of the New York Knicks congratulates Dikembe Mutombo #55 and Kurt Thomas #40 after Thomas made a shot to give the Knicks a 93-90 lead over the Indiana Pacers on February 3, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Knicks won 97-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
September beckons, bitches. Let’s mailbag.
What would your team look like if you assembled it from the stinky years of the 2000s-2010s?
— Unmitigated Gall
In order to tackle this question, I had to settle on what exactly “2000s-2010s” meant. We talking just the awful aughts, ending with the 2009-10 season? Or the whole stinking two decades of stank? I found myself confronted by a mystery I’d never wanted to solve: who was worse, the 2000s Knicks or the 2010s Knicks?
To really get the stink marinating, I compared two nine-year abominations: the Knick teams from 2002-2010 and from 2014-2022. Combined that’s 18 seasons, 17 below .500, 16 missing the playoffs. eight losses in nine playoff games and a partridge in a pear tree. Before I give you the numbers, what does your gut tell you? Which Knicks feel like they were worse?
From 2002-2010 the Knicks were 279-459; adjusted for 82 games that’s 31-51. The 2014-2022 Knicks went 262-450, a 30-50 pace. The numbers wouldn’t settle this debate. Futility being in the eye of the beholder, I had to dig deep. Was there anything particularly sadder about one batch versus the other? For me, there is.
In 2013-14, New York was coming off a tremendous run the year before, plus three consecutive winning seasons and playoff appearances. Carmelo Anthony had just led the league in scoring while finishing third for MVP. J.R. Smith was top-20 in points, Jason Kidd top-20 in steals and Tyson Chandler top-10 in offensive rebounds, an All-Star and First Team All-Defense.
The writing was on the wall once Kidd retired and James Dolan strong-armed Glenn Grunwald outta town and Andrea Bargnani in, but there was reason to feel good heading into 2014. There was excitement in 2016 for the arrival of Kristaps Porziņģis. In 2019 there was hope — if not conviction — that Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Zion Williamson were on their way to save the day.
The 2001-02 Knicks were post-Patrick Ewing and, not coincidentally, not good, failing to win a playoff series in 2001 for the first time since 1991. Jeff Van Gundy left, Marcus Camby and a lottery pick were soon to follow in exchange for the low point of Antonio McDyess’ career, Latrell Sprewell was almost out the door and Isiah Thomas about to walk through it. Gasp. Shudder.
At least the 2010s Knicks had the precedent of the 2000s teams to slightly soften the blow. Watching their initial sinking into stinking, from winning 17 playoff series in 12 years (1989-2000) to winning a single playoff game the next dozen, didn’t merely cause despair. It was a disorienting fall from grace. The 2010s were a bad headache. The 2000s were that plus vertigo.
Without further ado, my ‘02-’10 Knick faves:
Frank Williams Jamal Crawford David Lee Kurt Thomas Michael Doleac
One Saturday late in my sophomore year of college, some friends and I got in on some pickup games on campus. This was the long-gone dark ages, when I was active and thin and a pretty good baller, and that day I was on. The fadeaway couldn’t miss. People were calling me Jordan. It was a very small, insignificant time and place in history, and if you weren’t literally there experiencing it in real time, it makes neither sense nor difference.
So it goes with those of us who swore allegiance to the Frank Williams cult twentysomething years ago — if you weren’t there, it makes zero sense. To be fair, it didn’t make a lotta sense even if you were; Williams, a point guard, shot just 35% from the field and 30% from deep and started only three games over two years in New York. And yet if the Knicks announce tomorrow they’ve signed Williams outta retirement, I’d tell Jalen Brunson thank you for your service, now get thee to the bench. The prophecy must be fulfilled.
Crawford and Lee were that restaurant that used to be open near you that was delightfully, surprisingly good. It had no business being that good, and it closed years ago. But you appreciated it when it was there, and the memories still warm you today. Looking at you, Amy’s Place in Buffalo. R.I.P.
Kurt Thomas I loved because he was a true warrior for righteousness, willing to tangle with anybody and everybody who was in the wrong, no matter who it was. Whether that be a future Hall of Famer.
Or the biggest fish in his own pond, like in 2004 when Thomas told Knick teammate Stephon Marbury, “Everyone in this organization is afraid of you, but I’m not. I’ll beat your ass.”
Thomas joins Ewing — I think — as the only Knicks who’ve impacted winning for the club over a 14-year stretch. A key reserve for the 1999 Knicks, many of us still fondly remember the final game Thomas ever played down the stretch in 2013: the Knicks had lost a season-high four straight games and five of six as they played in Utah without Carmelo. Gutting through 27 minutes, Thomas helped the Knicks snap the losing skid and kickstart a 13-game winning streak, the finishing touch on their best season in 13 years.
I hold a special place in my heart for Dr. Michael Doleac because of December 30, 2002. I was driving from Rochester to New York City and a friend tagged along looking to visit a friend in Pennsylvania. My friend considered himself hilarious for not telling me the drinks he was downing the whole drive down were spiked; by the time I figured out he was drunk, he figured out we were lost. We were “near” enough that his friend came and got him, leaving without leaving me directions to get back toward the city. It was dark out in the middle of nowhere, Pennsylvania, pre-Google maps (the less said about Mapquest, the better).
I spent the drive low on gas, cursing my friend for my being lost in what looked like every horror movie ever and living and dying with the back and forth in WFAN’s broadcast of what ended up a one-point Knick win over the NBA champion Spurs. In arguably his finest hour as a ‘bocker, Doleac scored 16 points (two off his Knick-high) and grabbed eight boards (tying his Knick best) against Tim Duncan and David Robinson. I wanna end this with “This doctor makes house calls,” but the game was in New York. Then again, “This doctor takes patient visits” just doesn’t work at all. Gimme your best Doleac tag line.
[List your] ranking of trades/signings/moves that built the 2026 champion Knicks.
— Jslashnoel
16) Drafting Pacôme Dadiet 15) Signing Jeremy Sochan 14) Drafting Tyler Kolek 13) Signing Mo Diawara 12) Signing Ariel Hukporti 11) Drafting Miles McBride 10) Signing Landry Shamet 9) Drafting Mitchell Robinson 8) Trading for Mikal Bridges 7) Trading for Josh Hart 6) Signing Jalen Brunson’s first contract 5) Trading for Karl-Anthony Towns 4) Trading for OG Anunoby 3) Firing Tom Thibodeau & hiring Mike Brown 2) Signing Jalen Brunson’s second contract 1) Hiring Leon Rose
Clyde and Jalen in the backcourt with Willis, Patrick and Bernard up front. From my admittedly biased perspective, this starting five could match up with any all-time mythical squad the Celtics could put together.
— DeanJose
DeanJose’s five vs. Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, John Havlicek and Paul Pierce — who ya got??
The Wizards traded Angel Reese’s brother Julian “Juju” Reese to the Nuggets, who then released him. While he only played 13 games (10 starts) and 30.9 minutes per game, he put up respectable numbers on a tanking team (11.8 points/10.5 rebounds, including the most offensive rebounds per game since Hakeem Olajuwon at 4.2). He’s a little undersized at 6’9, 230 lbs., but seems like a decent candidate for the third-string center job. Thoughts?
— Stan KGRY
First, if this is Angel Reese stanning for her hermano, I fully understand. And email me. Please. God, please email me, Angel Reese.
Assuming this is really Stan KGRY, my only thoughts are that there are definitely dudes who’ve beaten that Olajuwon number from 1987 — Dennis Rodman did a half-dozen times by himself — and that whatever downgrade there is between Mitch and Drummond, the Knicks are probably looking to make that up with an upgrade over Hukporti. You can’t count on KAT playing heavy minutes for 82 games followed by a two-month title defense, nor do I think they want to count on Drummond being the best next man up that whole time. There is 100% room for Juju Reese to make a home and career in the NBA. I don’t see it this year in New York, though.
That’s all she wrote for the mailbag, and it’s gonna be all she wrote for a while. I’m now writing about the Knicks at OnSI, and no longer at P&T. I’ve left before and returned; this feels less like “Goodbye” than “Later.” I’ll still pop into the comments sometimes, and have a few other pots starting to boil. Email if you want. I’m on Bluesky. I love you all. Not all. But you, reading this now, I love. Yes, you.
Naomi Osaka of Japan walks onto the court against Anastasia Zakharova before their first-round match on Day Two of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug.31, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Julian Finney / Getty Images)
Anyone wondering what look fashion-forward tennis star Naomi Osaka would sport at the U.S. Open this year received “The Answer” on Monday night at Flushing Meadows in New York.
That is, her look was very much inspired by basketball icon Allen Iverson, complete with cornrows, a headband and arm sleeves.
After her 7-6 (6), 7-6 (3) first-round victory over Anastasia Zakharova, Osaka said she decided to pay homage to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and his signature style after her apparel sponsor chose basketball as its U.S. Open theme.
“It’s my, I guess, my tribute to Iverson. I really like him a lot,” Osaka said during an on-court interview. “I mean, Nike said basketball, so I said, ‘OK, you want basketball, I’ll give you basketball.’”
Osaka took the court wearing a long, hooded gown — possibly inspired by Iverson’s hoodies and baggy clothes from back in the day — with newspaper clippings about her attached to it. She first took off the hood to reveal her hair and headband, then removed the gown to play in a black tank top and metallic tennis skirt.
Naomi Osaka arrives to compete against Anastasia Zakharova during the first round of the U.S. Open on Monday in New York. (Adam Hunger / Ap Photo/adam Hunger)Naomi Osaka reacts to winning the first set against Anastasia Zakharova on Monday at the U.S. Open. (Adam Hunger / Associated Press)
The two-time U.S. Open champion also gave a nod to the 11-time NBA All-Star during her media day news conference Saturday by wearing a T-shirt that featured the longtime Philadelphia 76ers star’s 1999 Slam magazine cover.
“For me, he’s a trailblazer,” Osaka said when asked about the shirt. “He’s also someone that I look up to a lot, because he’s done a lot in fashion, whether it’s on purpose or not, but he’s shifted the way that NBA players dress. And I also think the whole conversation around clothes in sports, and also just expressing yourself through style, I feel like he’s someone that I look up to in that regard.”
Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson plays against the Boston Celtics pn March 8, 2006. (Winslow Townson / Associated Press)
With his hair, tattoos, jewelry and clothes, Iverson gained his reputation as an NBA fashion trailblazer during his playing career from 1996-2010 — so much so that in 2005, when then-commissioner David Stern instituted a stricter dress code for players arriving to games, many felt it was in response to Iverson’s look.
“I took the ass whooping for it, but the dress code thing I actually was just — I was 21,” Iverson said on “The Breakfast Club” last year. “Where am I going after the game? I’m going to the club. Before that, they were used to dudes wearing suits, and I was like, damn. I’ve never worn a suit growing up — going to church or to a funeral was the only time I put on a suit ... and the courtroom. I never wore a suit to the gym to play, to the park.”
On Saturday, Osaka said she had never communicated with Iverson — “but hopefully he’ll see this,” she added.
Turns out, he did. Iverson posted a photo of Osaka in the shirt featuring his image and a clip of her comments about him Monday on Instagram.
“Wow, what a honor!!” Iverson wrote. “BIG FAN can’t wait to meet you. @naomiosaka”
