The NBA season is rapidly approaching as teams are expected to report to training camp at the end of the month.
As the Golden State Warriors are about to begin camp, one of the biggest questions surrounding the team this season is how healthy they will be next year. Primarily, Jimmy Butler III.
Golden State Warriors receive shocking Jimmy Butler update. Getty Images
“Butler has been slowly increasing his on-court work while traveling the globe this summer, and the most recent strength tests on his right ACL recovery have shown notable progress, according to league sources,” Slater wrote.
Slater also wrote that Butler still has a way to go on the road to recovery as he’s “expected to be limited to individual court and strength work.”
Butler was on fire that night when he was facing off against his former team, scoring 17 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals through 21 minutes of playing time.
Around the 7:41 mark of the third quarter, Butler received a pass and immediately crashed into Miami’s Davion Mitchell, resulting in him awkwardly falling down.
Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry celebrating during an NBA game. Getty Images
After the game, it was later revealed what had happened, and his season was over.
Butler has been working his way back from the injury over the offseason, but Slater reported that there will be plenty of checkpoints he needs to meet before he appears on an NBA court again.
Slater also added that the Warriors’ Rick Celebrini, who is the lead medical decision-maker, is well known for his cautious approach.
Former Husky star and national champion Jordan Hawkins will be sporting some new threads when the NBA season tips off next month. The New Orleans Pelicans guard was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday morning along with Micah Peavy and two second-round picks in exchange for AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson.
The New Orleans Pelicans are trading Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick and a future second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies for AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JLvDjv9clc
In two years at UConn, Hawkins emerged as one of the best shooters in recent program history as a sophomore. He averaged 16.2 points per game and helped lead the Huskies to the 2023 title, shooting a blistering 21-41 from 3-point land during the NCAA Tournament. He had seven games in his UConn career with at least five 3-pointers made, including six in the Elite Eight against Gonzaga.
Hawkins played his first three seasons in the NBA with the Pelicans after being picked with the 14th pick in the 2023 draft, registering up-and-down results. He played 67 games as a rookie, averaging 7.8 PPG. His second year was even better, averaging 10.8 PPG in 23.6 MPG across 56 games. Last year was a step backwards, as Hawkins struggled to stick in the rotation and put up just 5.1 PPG in 51 games.
The deal to Memphis gives the Grizzlies two former UConn players on their roster for this upcoming season, as Hawkins joins 2024 national champ Cam Spencer. Spencer has emerged as one of the top players on the team, putting up 11.1 PPG and 5.6 APG a year ago.
BREAKING: in a multi player/pick swap, the New Orleans Pelicans are trading Jordan Hawkins to the Memphis Grizzlies per @ShamsCharania
Hawkins is joining a deep guard room that features Spencer, Scotty Pippen Jr., Cedric Coward, Walter Clayton Jr., Ty Jerome and Javon Small. It may not be easy to crack the rotation, but if he can ignite the spark that he had two years ago, it may be tough to keep him out of it. Things didn’t end well in New Orleans, but a fresh start may be exactly what he needs.
Phil Jackson, who won 11 NBA titles as a coach combined with the Lakers and Bulls, is set to get a statue at Crypto.com Arena in April. NBAE via Getty Images
Jackson’s coaching résumé speaks for itself: 11 NBA championships, which are the most by any head coach in league history, in 13 NBA Finals appearances across 20 years.
The most playoff wins (229) by a coach in league history.
A 70.4 regular-season and 68.8 playoffs winning percentage, both the highest marks in league history among individuals who’ve coached at least 10 seasons.
But Jackson’s impact and case as the NBA’s greatest coach of all time goes beyond statistics and rings.
He popularized the triangle offense, which was developed by Tex Winter, a longtime assistant coach under Jackson with the Bulls and Lakers. The offensive system was the backbone for team success for two decades, and its principles have influenced successful NBA offenses for even longer — particularly the Warriors’ most recent dynasty.
His ability to manage personalities on superstar-driven teams led to his teams maximizing their potential: Jackson-coached teams won 25 consecutive playoff series from 1996-2003.
His holistic approach to coaching also earned him the moniker of “Zen Master.”
When it comes to NBA coaches, Jackson’s combination of success and influence stands above the rest.
Former Celtics coach Red Auerbach has a statue at Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Auerbach, who led the Celtics to eight consecutive NBA titles from 1959-66 and nine championships in 10 years including the 1957 NBA title, was the architect behind one of the greatest dynasties in league history. Especially when factoring in his influence on Boston’s roster construction, which continued in his roles as Celtics general manager and eventually president after his retirement as coach in 1966. He was rightfully voted as the greatest coach in NBA history by the Professional Basketball Writers Association in 1980.
Popovich’s longevity with the Spurs is unmatched: an NBA record 1,390 regular-season wins to go with five NBA championships and six NBA Finals. Three NBA Coach of the Year awards, which is tied for the most in league history (the award was created in 1962). Twenty-two consecutive playoff appearances (1998-2019, which is tied for an NBA record. Popovich reinvented himself and his teams throughout his 29 seasons as the Spurs’ coach, consistently achieving success at the highest level with each version of the Spurs that developed.
Gregg Popovich led the Spurs to five NBA championships. Getty Images
But Jackson has a feather in his cap that Auerbach and Popovich lack: He successfully led two different franchises to dynastic runs with the 1990s Bulls and the 2000s Lakers.
An argument against Jackson, and in favor of another coach being the greatest of all time, was that Jackson coached some of the greatest players of all time in Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. And that’s before even mentioning other key players to the dynasties Jackson led such as Pau Gasol, Ron Harper, Lamar Odom, Toni Kukoc and Horace Grant.
But Auerbach had Hall of Fame players such as Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek and Sam Jones, to name a few.
Popovich had Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili and Kawhi Leonard.
Coaching great talents is a prerequisite for becoming an all-time coach.
Among all the all-time coaches, Jackson stands above them all.
LANDOVER, MD - CIRCA 1983: Michael Ray Richardson #20 of the New Jersey Nets in action against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1983 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Richardson played for the Nets from 1983-86. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brooklyn Nets could be in for more ABA-related fun during the 2026-27 season.
Last week, the team announced plans to celebrate the franchise’s 60th anniversary with an “ABA Night” on November 18. This week, a Sacramento Kings fan account on X discovered the NBA filed to trademark the term “ABA CHALLENGE SERIES” and an accompanying wordmark in late June.
The USPTO also has it listed as “live” and “pending.‘’
🚨BREAKING: The NBA may be planning a special "ABA Challenge Series" this season.
— Trademark filed on June 23 with intent for "live basketball games and basketball exhibitions" — League celebrating 50th anniversary of ABA-NBA merger with 4 ABA teams rumored for Classic unis 🧵 pic.twitter.com/U5MWZ6Vq5G
The Nets are shedding some light on their ABA roots this season. On ABA Night, they’ll give away a Julius Erving bobblehead giveaway. Peter Vecsey reported that all living players and coaches from the 1974 and 1976 title teams will be in attendance.
What exactly does the Nets ABA Night (Nov. 18) mean? I’m told all the living players and coaches from the franchise’s only two title teams (‘74 & ‘76) will attend…
There’s been no official word from the league or the Nets on whether or not there’s more to the scheduled “ABA Night,” although the “Challenge Series” might indicate that something larger is in the works.
The Nets are one of four NBA teams to have originated in the ABA, the other being the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs. To our knowledge, they’ve yet to announce anything formally related to a the trademark filling either.
Brooklyn will face the San Antonio Spurs twice (December 23 and March 18), the Denver Nuggets twice (March 1 and March 25), and the Indiana Pacers four times (October 25, November 1, January 11 and March 15).
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 25: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns talks to the press after the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
No, this is not an attempt to get birthday wishes from our faithful Bright Siders.
But I was thinking about some outrageous things that would be great to see from the Suns this season. Some bold takes. What better way to wish for some wild outcomes than to do it while blowing out some candles? That way, you can’t hold me accountable for any of this. When in Rome…
Let’s get freakishly optimistic and speak some things into existence.
Disclaimer: Again, these are NOT things I am predicting. Just speaking into existence in an alternate reality where things go according to… Suns fans. Yes, I am going to get greedy.
1) Devin Booker revenge tour season + enters MVP conversation
What if it just finally happens? What if this is the year Devin Booker catches everyone by surprise and unleashes a new level to his game? Why not? He’s still just 29 years old, going on 30 in October, and this is an age that many players have had career years in the past.
He finished 4th in voting in 2021-22 after leading the Suns to a 64-win season, so it may take a lot from both a personal and team perspective, but he’s been in the conversation before.
Just when everyone seems to have taken a collective step back on his hierarchy in the NBA star food chain… this could be the moment he strikes. What if he has his best season yet and the Suns crush expectations? They’ll have to pay attention to him again.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: Devin Booker of the USA Men's National Team poses for a photo with his 2 medals as he returns to the hotel after winning the Gold against France on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. 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 Brian Choi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
2) The Phoenix Suns just SMASH expectations, win 54 games
Devin Booker is in MVP conversations, after all. I don’t know why I picked 54, but it just felt right.
Most betting sites have them in the 38-40 win range, so this would be exceeding those expectations by quite a bit. Even with their win total being 46 a year ago, Vegas does not believe in the Suns for the second season in a row.
54 wins likely puts them in the top-4 in a loaded Western Conference, so yeah. This is entering best-case scenario territory. They start the season hot, beat bad teams, stay healthy, and Devin Booker has the year of his life.
PHOENIX, AZ – APRIL 27: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a free throw during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round One Game Four on April 27, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
3) Khaman Maluach breaks out a year early
This one may be a little more realistic. But let’s make even this one bold. He takes the starting job from Mark Williams, and it has nothing to do with injury. He runs with it after filling in as a spot starter in back-to-backs and gains Jordan Ott’s trust. Most expect gradual production and improvement from him in year two, and at his age that’s reasonable. But why not a full-on breakout?
Summer League Khaman carries into the regular season, takes the starting center job, and never looks back for the next decade. Let’s get even bolder. How about he enters the top 10 center conversation in the back half of the season?
We’re not just talking about looking competent; we’re talking about looking like a future franchise cornerstone.
CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 2: Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a free throw during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on April 2, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
4) Jalen Green takes a leap
Jalen Green is in a weird position right now. We call this “young player with high expectations” purgatory. When you’re drafted as high as Green, you are held to another standard. Some view him as a negative asset due to his contract; some say he’s still young enough to warrant being a “sleeper” breakout pick.
I’m not going to say anything bold like stardom, but becoming the type of player that everyone said he couldn’t be. Playmaking improves. Defense improves. Catch-and-shoot numbers improve. Improved shot selection, which increases his efficiency. It’s not a pure PPG breakout, but rather, a breakout in the areas we all want to see improvement in.
We don’t need a flashy leap. The boring, intangible, and efficiency-led leap is what I am wishing for.
5) Koa Peat is the steal of the draft
Koa Peat exceeds our wildest expectations and forces himself into the rotation. Not only in the rotation, but he becomes a staple of it. He and Maluach showcase a very promising 4-5 combo that is versatile, strong, athletic, and has high upside.
Rival GM’s will long be asking themselves why they didn’t take him sooner. We are due for a player like that, so I will speak it into existence.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 14: Koa Peat #18 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on July 14, 2026 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
That was a whole lot of optimism, delusion, and manifestation taking place all at once. Thanks for sticking through.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley begs to disagree by saying team general manager and President of Basketball Operations, Rob Pelinka, has been assembling a team that will be better next season.
“I really want to see the Lakers do well,” Barkley said on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.” “First of all, I’m a big Luka fan, a big Austin Reaves fan. …Luka [Dončić] and Kyrie [Irving] took the [Mavericks] to the Finals, come on, man. This team is probably better; this team is probably just as good as that team.”
Luka Doncic during an NBA game with the Los Angeles Lakers. Getty Images
As Barkley said, Pelinka has been quietly reconstructing the Lakers roster to fit better around Dončić as they are fully engaged in making the team better around him.
The first move they made was keeping Reaves playing alongside Dončić for at least the next three-years by giving him a four-year $185 million contract extension that includes a player option for the final year.
With Reaves extended, it was time to clean house as the team ended up wiping out its starting five that won a playoff series last season, and even parted ways with future Hall of Famer LeBron James, who informed the team they could move on from him as he would be departing last June.
The main request that Dončić had for Pelinka over the offseason was finding him a big man.
Los Angeles Lakers took a team trip to Luka Doncic’s home country of Slovenia during the offseason. Andrej Tarfila/Shutterstock
On top of that, the team also went out and got San Mamukelasvili, Koven Looney, Colin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, and Zaiarie Williams, and acquired Cameron Carr in the NBA Draft.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 5: Amber Nichols of the Capital City Go Go looks on before the G League Playoff game against the College Park Skyhawks on April 5, 2022 at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2022 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards have promoted Amber Nichols to vice president of basketball operations and player personal, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported Tuesday.
The Washington Wizards are promoting Amber Nichols to Vice President of Basketball Operations and Personnel, league sources told @hoopshype. Nichols was previously Washington’s Director of Amateur Evaluation. Prior, she was General Manager of the Capital City Go-Go G League team. pic.twitter.com/9ev4mqItSM
Nichols previously served as the Wizards’ director of amateur evaluation. Before that role, she served as general manager of the Capital City Go-Go — Washington’s G League affiliate.
Wizards general manager Will Dawkins praised Nichols’ role in the team’s draft evaluation process. The Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa and Felix Okpara in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to honor Jackson, who coached the team to five titles, with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena. A ceremony unveiling the statue is set for April 9, when the Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
"Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason," Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement announcing the ceremony. "His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. After he accepted my dad's invitation to join the Lakers, Phil's unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves."
Jackson first came to the Lakers in 1999, at a time the Lakers were the most talented team in the league, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. However, getting all those players on the same page was the issue. Jackson came in with the gravitas to make everyone listen — especially Shaq, who has said at that point in his career he needed a coach who could stand up to him in his eyes and tell him no. Jackson did (and at points Kobe paid the price). Shaq played arguably the best basketball of his career under Jackson and the Lakers three-peated with that team.
Jackson left, but returned a few years later to patch things up with Kobe and win two more titles with the Lakers in the Kobe and Pau Gasol era.
For much of his time with the Lakers, Jackson and Buss dated and got engaged in 2013, only to break it off three years later.
Jackson becomes the ninth person from the Lakers organization with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena, joining Riley, Shaq, Kobe, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson and Jerry West. The one surprising name not on that list: Dr. Jerry Buss.
Welcome to our Lakers Season Preview Series! For the next several weeks, we’ll be writing columns every weekday breaking down the biggest questions we have about every player the Lakers added this offseason. Today, we look at Adou Thiero.
The Lakers used this offseason to revamp their entire roster, getting younger, faster and more athletic as they move into the Luka Dončić era. One of Los Angeles’s key figures in this transitional period — who falls under each of those three categories — is 2025 second-round pick Adou Thiero.
Following a season riddled with injuries hindering him from establishing any modicum of a presence in JJ Redick’s rotation, fans anticipated a leap in Summer League. It took the athletic, high-flying forward a game or two for the play to slow down for him and to start showing glimpses of progression between rookie and sophomore seasons.
The majority of Thiero’s 25 appearances last season were in garbage time as he recovered from his various lower-body injuries. He did, however, earn enough trust to appear in six playoff games, though he averaged just a hair under six minutes per game.
Thiero averaged 15.4 points, six rebounds, three assists and 1.8 steals in his five games in Las Vegas before sitting out the Lakers’ Summer League finale with a wrist injury. He jumped off the screen (almost literally) in every contest, though, flashing powerful dunks, vicious blocks and a vastly improved defensive arsenal.
The Lakers have a gaping hole at power forward and plenty of suitable options alongside Thiero, like Jarred Vanderbilt, Ziaire Williams and Jake LaRavia, competing for a defined role in the frontcourt. But what would Thiero’s path be?
What is his best-case scenario?
Thiero is already one of the best pure athletes in the league, so he fits naturally off the ball next to Dončić and Austin Reaves offensively. Where he could really carve out a role in the rotation this season is by taking a sizeable leap on the other side of the floor as a versatile defensive wing.
Despite limited production last season, Thiero displayed plenty of potential as a connective perimeter defender, grading out in the 64th percentile as a ball screen navigator and the 80th and 83rd percentiles in pick pocket rate and passing lane defense, respectively, according to Basketball Index.
He has a keen awareness of where to be when defending off the ball. Couple that with his natural athleticism and he could be a threat from anywhere on the court.
Watch below as Thiero plays as the tagger off the ball while LeBron James and DeAndre Ayton guard the pick-and-roll. Guarding Scottie Barnes in the corner, Thiero slides over early enough in the action to disrupt the rolling Jonathan Mogbo, then reads Immanuel Quickley’s eyes as he passes to Barnes, who is lifting up to the perimeter. Thiero covers nearly 15 feet of space to steal the ball and create a transition look for the Lakers.
The fully idealized version of Thiero develops a reliable perimeter shot, turning him into the highly-coveted 3-and-D wing archetype. He made just one 3-pointer in three attempts last season. In 12 South Bay games, he shot 10-of-20. Through seven Summer League appearances (California Classic and Vegas), he shot 2-of-14 (14.3%). Thiero not only needs to show an ability to knock down the deep ball, but also the willingness to attempt it.
In regards to his fit alongside Dončić, think of Derrick Jones Jr.
What is his worst-case scenario?
Plenty of underlying proclivities stand in the way of Thiero becoming the version of himself that the Lakers need — namely, the aforementioned lack of perimeter shooting and an already checkered injury history.
Los Angeles drafted Thiero as he was still recovering from a left knee injury he suffered while at Arkansas that sidelined him for the first portion of his rookie season. Later in the year, he was sidelined for five weeks with a right knee MCL sprain. When a player as athletic as Thiero suffers multiple lower body injuries early in their career, that’s usually a cause for concern.
What if he never develops a deep ball? Does he turn into another version of Vanderbilt? Are the injuries this early in his career a problem? Could they become one?
What is his most likely role on the team?
Thiero has a ton of room for growth this early in his career. Although his natural athleticism pops on the court, he still needs to develop the intangibles and floor spacing that separate him from many of his counterparts. That being said, there still is a role that needs to be filled in the frontcourt.
He came to Los Angeles as a work in progress, but, to his credit, he has already showcased an ability and willingness to improve his craft.
We will know as early as training camp whether Thiero made an impactful enough leap in his game to elevate beyond just a fringe rotation player.
The Los Angeles Lakers have announced the club will honor former coach Phil Jackson with his own statue at Crypto.com Arena.
The statue will be unveiled in April, according to the Lakers.
It’s hard to imagine fining a more deserving candidate who not yet honored at the Star Plaza plaza alongside the likes of Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Jackson, 80, guided the Lakers to a three-peat in 2000, 2001 and 2002 when Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were co-stars. He also helped lead the Lakers to back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010 with Bryant and Paul Gasol propelling the team.
In all, Jackson won 11 NBA titles as a coach, and six of those came with the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan.
In addition to coaching and employing the triangle offense, Jackson earned the nickname “Zen Master’’ for incorporating Eastern philosophy, meditation, and mindfulness when coaching his players.
In his book “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success,’’ Jackson wrote, “There’s a Zen saying I often cite that goes, ‘Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.
“The point: Stay focused on the task at hand rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.”
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: The sneakers worn by Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz during the game against the Chicago Bulls 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14: Kobe Bryant #24 and Phil Jackson, head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate after defeating the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 14, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. The Los Angeles Lakers won 99-86 against the Orlando Magic. 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 Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Another Lakers coaching legend will be given high honors by the Lakers.
On Tuesday, the franchise announced that Phil Jackson would be the newest to be cast in proverbial bronze as he would receive a statue outside Crypto.com Arena. The unveiling ceremony will be on Friday, April 9, 2027 ahead of the team’s game against the Wolves.
“Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” Jeanie Buss said in a statement released by the team. “His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. After he accepted my dad’s invitation to join the Lakers, Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.”
Jackson led the Lakers to seven Finals appearances and five titles across two stints with the purple and gold. He was the coach who finally took the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant Lakers over the top, guiding them to their three-peat. He then returned after a brief hiatus away from the team, mended fences with Kobe and eventually helped the purple and gold to two more titles in 2009 and 2010.
Jackson holds the franchise record for wins with 610 and added 118 wins in the postseason as well. In fact, the Lakers made the playoffs every year Jackson was in charge.
He’s generally regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the league’s history and was recognized as such in the NBA’s 75th anniversary celebration, where he was named one of the 15 greatest coaches. Joining him on that list was Pat Riley, who had his own statue unveiled by the Lakers earlier this year.
Jackson is the ninth member of the franchise to receive a statue. Joining him, along with Riley, are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Jerry West
Lakers' Kobe Bryant and coach Phil Jackson share a few words during Game 4 of the 2010 NBA Western Conference semifinals in Dallas. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Phil Jackson will be the next member of the Lakers to receive a statue outside Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers announced on Tuesday that they have commissioned a statue of the coach who led them to five NBA championships — with help from Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol and others — that will be unveiled April 9 when the Minnesota Timberwolves are in Los Angeles for the next-to-last game of the 2026-27 season.
The statue will be designed and created by Omri Amrany of Rotblatt Amrany Studio.
Jackson had already led Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles during the 1990s when then-Lakers owner Jerry Buss hired him before the 1999-00 season. He ended up coaching the team in two stints — winning three championships with Bryant and O’Neal as his stars from 1999 to 2004 and two more with Bryant and Gasol leading the way from 2005 to 2011.
Jackson’s 11 championships are the most for any NBA coach, a record he claimed from former Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach (nine).
“Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement released by the team. “His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game.
“After he accepted my dad’s invitation to join the Lakers, Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.”
Jackson will join Bryant, O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, Pat Riley and Jerry West as former Laker players and coaches, along with Chick Hearn, with statues at Star Plaza.
The Lakers will unveil a statue of another legendary coach late in the 2026-27 season.
The franchise announced Tuesday that it’ll unveil a statue of Phil Jackson, who won five NBA championships in 11 seasons with the Lakers, on April 9, 2027 outside Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson waves three fingers signifying the team’s three consecutive NBA championships in 2002. REUTERS
The team is set to host the Timberwolves that night in a nationally-televised game on ESPN.
“Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. After he accepted my dad’s invitation to join the Lakers, Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.”
After guiding the Bulls to six NBA titles from 1991-98, Jackson took over the Lakers coaching reins ahead of the 1999-2000 season, leading the franchise in one of its best eras: Five NBA titles (seven NBA Finals appearances), including three consecutive championships from 2000-02 and back-to-back titles in 2009 and ‘10, while he was head coach from 1999-2004 and 2005-2011.
Jackson is the Lakers’ all-time leader for the most regular-season games coached (902), most playoff games coached (181), most regular-season game wins (610) and most playoff wins (118).
Kobe Bryant (left) won all five of his NBA titles with Phil Jackson as his coach. AP
The Lakers reached the postseason every year under Jackson, including nine 50-plus-win seasons and two 60-plus-win seasons.
Jackson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and was named one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history as part of the league’s 75th anniversary celebration in 2022.
He’ll become the ninth person the franchise honors with a statue, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Pat Riley and Jerry West.
Shaquille O’Neal (right) won his first three NBA titles with coach Phil Jackson (left). REUTERS
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 10: Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns and Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns talks to the media after the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 10, 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
You may look at the Suns re-signing Mark Williams to a three-year, $38 million contract as unnecessary. He hasn’t exactly been the picture of health throughout his career. And while he played 60 games last season, 15 more than his previous career high, that still left him 22 games short of a full 82-game season.
So why pay him $11.7 million for 2026–27? You have second-year center Khaman Maluach waiting in the wings, along with third-year big Oso Ighodaro providing versatility behind him. On the surface, you could make the argument that Phoenix didn’t need to spend that money on Williams.
I’ve talked ad nauseam about the optionality his contract provides in both the short and long term. If he plays well, you have a quality center on a team that isn’t going to be center-centric. If he struggles, or if Maluach exceeds expectations early, you have a highly tradable contract.
But I’m not worried about any of that today. What stands out right now is how versatile the Suns suddenly are at center. Between Williams, Maluach, and Oso, Phoenix has options depending on what a matchup calls for, and that is one area of the roster that doesn’t feel like it should create much anxiety entering the season.
Phoenix is not a city, or a franchise, that has known much stability at center. Three seasons ago, it was Jusuf Nurkic and Drew Eubanks. Two seasons ago, it was Nurkic and Mason Plumlee. And before that, you had a player with all of the promise but none of the mental toughness to allow it to come to fruition. Too often, the Suns have been stuck with lumbering, limited bigs who check only a couple of the boxes you want from a productive center.
Those boxes? Rim protection. Rebounding. Finishing. Screening. Athleticism. And if you want to add a bonus skill, the ability to stretch the floor. Throughout the organization’s history, Phoenix has gotten two of those six attributes and had to make do.
The beauty of this year’s roster is that Williams, Khaman Maluach, and Oso Ighodaro each check multiple boxes, which gives Jordan Ott the ability to play chess rather than checkers.
Williams graded in the 91st percentile with an A in rim protection, according to BBall Index. He also earned an A in defensive rebounds per 75 possessions, an A- in offensive rebounding talent, an A in offensive rebounds per 75 possessions, and an A in finishing talent, where he ranked in the 93rd percentile.
There is still room for improvement as a screener. His screening talent graded out at a C+, although he earned an A in both screen assists per 75 possessions and roll man possessions per 75.
What Williams did last season was play within the confines of the offense and complement what was happening around him. At times, it felt like he was underutilized, especially when certain mismatches presented themselves, and Phoenix continued to lean heavily into perimeter play.
Still, there’s a reason the Suns paid him. Mark Williams is a quality NBA center. Is he top 15 at the position? Probably not. But when you look at his contract within the context of the league, the value becomes much easier to understand. At an average annual value of $12.7 million, Williams ranks 34th among NBA centers. When you start talking about production relative to price, that is where Mark Williams can provide real value.
Maluach is your wild card, the kid who will be 20 years old when the season starts and showcased plenty of potential this summer in Las Vegas. He still has a lot of work to do, but he already possesses the rim protection, rebounding, finishing, and athleticism you want from a lottery pick. And screening? Stretching the floor? He might eventually be able to do both of those effectively as well. Heck, he shot 40% from deep in Las Vegas this past Summer League, and did so on 20 attempts.
If the progression continues and the opportunity follows, Maluach could become something special, not only as a prospect, but potentially as a franchise cornerstone. We don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but the skill set he brings gives Jordan Ott another piece he can weave in and out of games to disrupt opposing teams.
I think back to last season against the Denver Nuggets, when Ott put Maluach on Nikola Jokic after Jokic had been dissecting Phoenix from the high post all game. Maluach didn’t stop him, but he slowed him down. He forced Jokić to look at different angles and work harder to complete passes because of the length, tenacity, and disruption Maluach brought. That matters because disruption was a major part of what made the Suns successful last season. Maluach fits directly into that identity.
And then you have the advanced metrics darling, Oso Ighodaro.
When you look at the six attributes of a quality big, he doesn’t check every box. His rim protection graded as an A, according to BBall Index, while his defensive rebounding came in at a B plus. His offensive rebounding talent, however, ranked in the 12th percentile and earned an F. As for stretching the floor? That probably isn’t entering his repertoire anytime soon.
What Oso does possess is athleticism, finishing ability, elite screening for the position, and the versatility to switch onto the perimeter. That last part makes him an especially useful defensive option for Jordan Ott. In the modern NBA, having a big who can survive away from the rim and defend multiple types of players is incredibly valuable. Oso gives Phoenix exactly that.
When you put those three players together, you get a level of optionality at center that Phoenix hasn’t had in quite some time. I guess technically since last season, although the hope is that we see much more of Maluach this year.
When all three are healthy, the Suns can dictate pace, adjust to matchups, or respond to whatever an opponent throws at them. And if they aren’t all healthy, there is still viable depth behind whoever is available. You don’t have to sprinkle in starts for Chimezie Metu simply to survive the NBA calendar.
That versatility could end up being one of the unsung strengths of this roster because center is not the featured position in Phoenix. This isn’t Denver or Philadelphia. It’s a complementary position, one that needs to be occupied by capable players who understand their role, embrace it, and thrive within it. Williams, Maluach, and Ighodaro all have the ability to do exactly that.
Phoenix doesn’t need one center to do everything. It needs the position as a whole to provide enough answers over the course of 82 games. Williams gives you proven production. Maluach gives you upside and disruption. Oso gives you versatility and mobility. None of them is perfect, but together they cover a hell of a lot of ground. For a team built around Booker, Green, Bridges, and Brooks, that may be exactly what the position is supposed to look like.
