He gets that Celtics fans were not excited to see him come to town. It's not personal, but he was the big contract and big name who came to Boston when Celtics president Brad Stevens sent the much-beloved Jaylen Brown to a rival in Philadelphia. That trade — made for financial reasons because of the tax aprons, Stevens said — left a bitter taste in Celtics fans' mouths. One week, those fans thought they were in the mix for Giannis Antetokounmpo, a few weeks later, the man who finished sixth in MVP voting a season ago was gone and replaced by the 36-year-old George.
"Listen, I understand the circumstances. I understand how huge J.B. was, not only for the organization but here in the city. So I didn't take it, personal, to be honest..." George said of his reception. "To be honest, it's fair, but just one foot in front of the other. Hopefully, with how we start this year, they understand this is a new team and something that they can be proud of."
George, who played just 78 games across two seasons in Philadelphia due to injuries and a suspension, said he feels "like I've turned that corner" and his body is right again.
He also said he understands he is not the star of this team. Jayson Tatum — returning from his own injury — is that guy.
"We have a superstar, and that's J.T.," George said. "I'm not here to necessarily steal the shine or try to reinvent who I am....
"I'm here to help J.T. And he's the guy, right? I played alongside another superstar wing (Kawhi Leonard, when Paul was with the Clippers), and we co-existed beautifully. I see myself and that with J.T., being able to play off him, being able to help him."
If he can stay healthy, what George brings to Boston is a high-IQ game, defense, and a scoring threat opponents have to respect. He may not be at his peak, but this is still a nine-time All-Star and four-time All-Defense player.
George and Mike Conley, the other veteran introduced in Boston Tuesday, both said all the right things about Boston's winning culture and wanting to be part of it. Neither has a ring, both said that potential is part of what drew them to Boston.
George gets it if Celtics fans need some time — and some proof of concept — to talk themselves into this team (otherwise those fans spend time trying to dissect Joe Mazzulla's facial expressions during a September press conference). George also knows he has to stay healthy and on the court, telling NBC Sports Boston it would be "unacceptable for me, from a personal level, to not be able to play at least 50 games, 60 games in a season."
While the Celtics have interesting younger players — Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper Jr., just-drafted Chris Cenac Jr. — if this team is going to look like a threat in the East, it's because George recaptured much of his form.
It's just a September press conference, few things will mean less when the games start, but George at least gets it.
"I'm all in and I'm happy to pull along and do my part to try to lead this group back to where I think everybody here feels and wants," George said.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: The sneakers worn by Wendell Moore Jr. #54 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Dallas Mavericks 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
Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) looks down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Training camp is approaching, which means we’ve reached the end of our preseason administrative duties and completed the process of ranking every member of the Phoenix Suns based on who we believe the best players are right now.
To everyone who took the time to vote throughout the process, thank you. These rankings give us a baseline for how we view this roster before the games begin. And once the season is over, we’ll come back, do it all again, and see how much those perceptions have changed based on what actually happened on the court.
So, without further ado, here is your final preseason SunsRank:
#
Community SunsRank
1
Devin Booker
2
Jalen Green
3
Dillon Brooks
4
Collin Gillespie
5
Miles Bridges
6
Mark Williams
7
Jordan Goodwin
8
Oso Ighodaro
9
Khaman Maluach
10
Rasheer Fleming
11
Luke Kennard
12
Haywood Highsmith
13
Koa Peat
14
Ryan Dunn
15
Pat Spencer
16
Jamaree Bouyea
17
CJ Huntley
18
Koby Brea
One of the most interesting aspects of the final rankings is where everyone ultimately landed on the Cornerstones. You want to talk about narrow margins? In the community rankings, the difference between Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks came down to one hundredth of a point, with Green barely edging him out. That’s about as close as it gets.
Here’s how the final Cornerstone rankings shake out:
Personally, I had Jalen Green comfortably ahead of Dillon Brooks. Again, this is all subjective, but if I’m looking purely at skill set, I think Green is the better basketball player. That doesn’t diminish what Brooks brings to Phoenix. The culture shift. The identity. The toughness. The attitude. The example he sets for younger players. A lot of that is unquantifiable.
But if I’m asking myself which player I would rather have on my team, regardless of contract, I’m taking Green. And I think the larger point is what each player means for the Suns’ ceiling. If Jalen Green is your second-best player, I believe Phoenix can go further and accomplish more. If Dillon Brooks is your second-best player, you’re probably looking at a much lower ceiling. You know, like getting swept out of the postseason.
I also factor upside into the equation with Green. If he can finally turn the talent and athleticism we’ve seen in flashes into consistent production, it changes everything. It raises the Suns’ ceiling and creates some interesting decisions for the front office when it comes to his future and a potential extension.
For anyone who ranked Brooks ahead of Green, I don’t fault them at all. What Brooks brings to this team is incredibly valuable and hard to quantify. I just don’t know if I see him as the second-best player on a team that wants to seriously compete.
And that’s ultimately what SunsRank is supposed to capture. Not who has the better contract or who we appreciate more, but who we believe is the better player today. Green has more to prove, while Brooks has already shown exactly how valuable he can be. Now the rankings are locked, the debates are documented, and the baseline is established. The fun part comes next. Basketball gets to tell us how wrong we were.
Wiseman was the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Warriors. He has failed to live up to expectations after opportunities with the Warriors, Pistons and Pacers.
The Knicks are currently at 13 standard NBA contracts – one under the required 14.
James Wiseman #13 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game on February 10, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images
Teams are allowed up to 15, though the Knicks only have room — unless other moves are made — for one more deal to stay under the second apron.
So, it’s a battle for that 14th spot. Whoever wins the competition will convert to a standard contract ahead of the season.
It’s similar to what the Knicks did last year, letting a few veterans – mostly Landry Shamet, Malcom Brogdon and Garrison Matthews – compete for their final standard contract.
Bruce Brown #11 of the Denver Nuggets reacts after a dunk against the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on April 29, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images
After Brogdon’s sudden retirement, Shamet beat out Matthews and ended up being a key bench piece during the team’s championship run. The last roster spot is certainly something that can matter down the line.
NBA training camps tend to be boring in terms of the roster. Nearly every team enters camp with 14-15 standard guaranteed contracts and little drama about who will suit up on opening night. This isn't "Hard Knocks" (at least back when that show had drama).
New York Knicks training camp this year is going to be spicy.
New York has agreed to terms with veteran guard Bruce Brown, bringing him into training camp on a non-guaranteed deal, the team announced.
Brown played in all 82 regular season games for Denver last season, averaging 7.9 points per game and shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc.
This comes a day after the Knicks signed veteran guard John Konchar to the exact same kind of deal. The Knicks also signed big men Ochai Ogbagi and James Wiseman to Exhibit 9 deals on Wednesday.
What that means is that Brown, Konchar, Ogbagi, Wiseman and Drew Eubanks all will enter Knicks training camp on non-guaranteed deals and be fighting for essentially one final roster spot. While there will be some agent spin that the Knicks could keep two of them — they have just 13 standard contracts and two open roster spots — the reality of them staying below the second apron (as mandated by owner James Dolan) means only one roster spot is truly available.
The Knicks did something similar a season ago, with Landry Shamet winning the camp battle and then going on to play a meaningful role in the team's championship run.
It will be interesting to see how this year's Knicks training camp plays out. Will the Knicks lean toward guard depth or another big? Is it simply who plays best? It's going to be an interesting camp in New York.
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 10: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves & Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets talk after the game on April 10, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, 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 Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
While chances of the West’s No. 1 seed are mighty slim for the Los Angeles Lakers, with the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder seemingly lording over the conference, the possibility of a top-four seed and hosting a first-round playoff series is assuredly on the table — despite some skepticism in mainstream circles.
Yet plenty of other teams are contending for one of those spots in what should be another busy Western Conference middle class this season. Mainstays like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets will once again be in the picture. Upstart, youth-laden teams like the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers are aspiring to assert themselves. The Golden State Warriors are old and highly flawed yet talented and still led by a top-10 player in Stephen Curry. The Phoenix Suns will hope to build on their surprising 2025-26 campaign.
To sort this all out, I’m ranking four teams I deem as Los Angeles’ grandest rivals for securing a top-four seed and home-court advantage this spring. Let’s get to it.
4. Utah Jazz
The Jazz are very young. They’ve won 39 games combined over the past two seasons. A top-four seed would be an incredibly dramatic improvement from last year’s 22-60, 15th-place finish out West.
But I am not particularly enamored with the Phoenix Suns, whose starting five feels incongruent (Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges lack reliable shooting and high-feel decision-making), or Portland Trail Blazers, who have major unknowns in projecting what key players such as Ja Morant and Damian Lillard may look like and how they’ll mesh.
Plus, both teams are already bitten by the injury bug; Mark Williams is out indefinitely with a torn labrum while Shaedon Sharpe will be re-evaluated in roughly five months following a torn right meniscus (though this unfortunate setback could help declutter Portland’s guard room).
More than anything, this is a bet on the talent and offensive upside of Utah’s roster. Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson ooze shooting and should fit snugly into head coach Will Hardy’s offensive scheme rich with off-ball movement. Youngsters like Ace Bailey, Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier can fill useful roles. Veteran wings in Josh Okogie and Josh Green will inject athletic and defensive juice into the roster. Jusuf Nurkić‘s screening, passing and rebounding are valuable commodities.
This team will be hard-pressed to vie for home-court advantage but is certainly the most likely of its play-in peers to rise above that tier.
3. Denver Nuggets
The steady erosion of a championship-winning core reached a nadir for Denver last season when the injury-riddled Timberwolves bounced them in the first round. During that series, the Nuggets required more secondary ball-handling, point-of-attack resistance and sprightly athleticism, the latter two of which Peyton Watson, if healthy and available, could’ve instilled. Now, Watson has departed for the Cleveland Cavaliers, leaving them light on the wings and defensively.
In an attempt to remedy some of those shortcomings this offseason, Denver added DeMar DeRozan, Marvin Bagley III, Lonnie Walker IV and Alpha Diallo, all of which feel like fairly half-baked solutions. Despite the Nuggets’ drop-off from title contention, they remain a formidable foe out West.
Nikola Jokić churns out All-NBA First Team campaigns every year. Jamal Murray enjoyed a career-best season in 2025-26 and is just damn good. Aaron Gordon is perhaps the pinnacle of the league’s role player realm: not quite a star but much more than a mere starter. Cam Johnson needs to assert himself more offensively this year but is still a good player whose shooting and movement lather up the Nuggets’ attack.
Although their depth is pretty unproven and Christian Braun must bounce back from a disappointing fourth season, they’ve won at least 50 games and been a top-five offense the past four seasons. They will likely be right back in the mix for a top-four seed alongside Los Angeles.
2. Houston Rockets
Were this a ranking of each team’s postseason prospects, I’d consider dropping Houston down a spot because of my doubts about its playoff offense, even with Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams back healthy. However, VanVleet should stymie some of those turnover woes while Adams can keep mashing on the offensive glass.
Regardless, the Rockets’ brash, athletically charged style of play on both ends is a winning recipe for the regular season. They’ve hosted a playoff series and won 52 games each of the last two years. I expect them to win a ton of games in 2026-27. VanVleet, Adams, Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Marcus Smart, Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard is a tremendous top nine.
VanVleet’s return should slot Thompson and Sheppard into more favorable offensive roles and reduce Durant’s ball-handling load, treating him as a premier play-finisher rather than someone expected to initiate tons of possessions. Adams elevates Houston as an all-time great offensive rebounding group instead of simply a very good one. The Rockets are going to rack up wins this regular season and hope healthier playoff fortunes enable them to finally break through that first-round barrier.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves
I do have some reservations about Minnesota. Donte DiVincenzo’s injury and the departures of Julius Randle and Naz Reid do leave it light on 3-point volume (and the point-of-attack depth is shaky), both in terms of those who can get them up and create them. LaMelo Ball satiates some of that need but cannot do so alone.
Beyond Ball, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert and Ayo Dosunmu, the rotation is thin and in flux. A few names from the Bones Hyland, Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, Joan Beringer and Jonathan Kuminga quintet must solidify themselves as trustworthy contributors, particularly in the frontcourt.
But man, those first five names are dynamite and I’m delighted by the Ball-Edwards backcourt. That’s two offensive infernos who will symbiotically operate together to mitigate each other’s flaws and ease life for the litany of surrounding play-finishers.
Maybe Ball and Edwards don’t gel immediately and Minnesota’s youthful depth doesn’t hit the ground running. The Timberwolves’ win-loss record will suffer as a result. I still believe in their core, though, and expect a big season ahead, one that should pose quite the challenge for Los Angeles to topple for home-court advantage.
Last season the Knicks had several veterans in camp competing for a bottom of the roster spot.
This year, it appears they'll be taking the same approach.
Just hours after signing John Konchar and Drew Eubanks, New York announced that they've also agreed to Exhibit 9 deals with a trio of veteran free agents.
James Wiseman, Bruce Brown, and Ochai Agbaji will join the club for training camp.
As noted by SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley, the Knicks would have to trade a player on the NBA roster if they decide they want to keep two of the veteran additions into the regular season.
If not, they'll likely have to choose between holding onto a big man or a wing.
Wiseman is a former second overall pick who hasn't quite panned out, averaging just 9.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game across five NBA seasons.
He appeared in a combined five games the past two years with the Pacers.
Brown is a former NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets (2023), and he has been praised by many around the league as a glue guy who can contribute on both ends of the court.
The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 7.9 points and 3.3 boards last season in Denver.
Agbaji split last season between the Nets and Raptors, averaging career-lows in scoring (5.1 PPG) and three-point percentage (26.6 percent).
The Clippers traded Leonard to Toronto in June, but the deal was put on hold amid the NBA’s investigation into the LA organization violating salary cap circumvention rules.
The league found wrongdoing and the Clippers’ punishment includes losing five first-round picks and a $30 million fine.
Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers in action during a game against the Sacramento Kings. Getty Images
The trade became official following the NBA’s penalties for the Clippers. Leonard reportedly surrendered more than $7 million in order to “facilitate the trade.”
Leonard waived his 15 percent trade kicker in the deal, which was worth $7.45 million. The bonus was reportedly not allowed because it would have put the Raptors above the first apron hard cap.
The 35-year-old has been at the center of the NBA’s biggest scandal this summer. But Leonard, who was fined $700,000 after the NBA’s findings in the Clippers investigation, has managed to cut ties with LA and rejoin the organization he won an NBA championship with.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are left floundering from the investigation with a potential federal criminal probe in their near future.
Owner Steve Ballmer initially spoke out against the league’s findings and stated that he would fight for the truth. However, Adam Silver discussed Ballmer’s change of heart on Tuesday at the NBA Board of Governors meetings.
LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard reacts on the court during the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Knicks. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostLos Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer congratulates Kawhi Leonard at Intuit Dome. Getty Images
“Putting aside the precise words he chose to use, most importantly he indicated a willingness to accept the league’s decision in this case and the accompanying sanctions,” Silver said.
“There are other inquiries that have nothing to do with the NBA that the Clippers and Steve Ballmer are now dealing with.”
But make no mistake about it: The draft capital the Clippers received from the Raptors doesn’t absolve their cardinal sins on the salary cap.
It for sure doesn’t make up for the penalties the league brought down on the franchise.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the media following the Board of Governors meetings on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. NBAE via Getty Images
In addition to owner/chairman Steve Ballmer being suspended for a year (plus a $30 million fine to the franchise), president of business operations Gillian Zucker being suspended for a year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank being suspended for six months, the Clippers also forfeited five first-round draft picks – one in each in the 2029-33 drafts.
Sending Ivica Zubac to the Pacers for a package that included Bennedict Mathurin (now on the Pelicans), a 2026 first-round pick (drafted Keaton Wagler), a 2028 second-round pick via Dallas and a 2029 first-round pick further accelerated the rebuild that the Leonard trade fully entrenched the Clippers in.
But the Clippers’ loss of first-round picks, and the overall lack of draft capital for the next several years, will make it challenging for the franchise to rebuild.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer sits on the sideline before an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. AP Photo/Ryan Sun
The Clippers received the Raptors’ unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2027 first-round pick swap and two second-round picks as part of the trade for Leonard, in addition to All-Star forward Brandon Ingram and 2023 lottery pick Gradey Dick.
Those are very important building blocks for the franchise in this new era.
But that’ll give them just four first-round picks over the next seven drafts after entering the summer believing they’d have up to nine. And if the Stepien Rule applies to forfeited first-round picks, they’ll have zero first-round picks available to trade until the day of the draft for each first-round pick they have left.
Again, a very challenging place to build back up from.
The Clippers’ future isn’t completely hopeless.
They still have several young or in-their-prime good players on respectable contracts — players who can either develop or be traded for draft capital.
Brandon Ingram’s arrival is a reason for Clippers fans to have a little bit of optimism for the future. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
But the Clippers’ future appears to be a lot bleaker now than it did even a couple of months ago.
And even with the franchise receiving a life raft in the form of multiple assets via the Leonard trade that’ll help keep them from drowning in their own mess, the Clippers will continue to swim against the current trying to stay relevant entering the 2030s.
The little brother franchise in Los Angeles appears destined to leave fans frustrated with no hope in sight.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. - APRIL 2026: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) and Jaden McDaniels (3) interviewed bye ESPN's Jorge Sedano at the end of the game at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Game 6, NBA Playoffs first round. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images
In part two of the Timberwolves Player Previews series, Will dives into the swingmen who may swing the season for Minnesota. If you missed the part one reviewing the guards, it’s just a click away below!
MINNEAPOLIS , MN – APRIL 23: Jaden McDaniels (3) of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to scoring against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
Jaden McDaniels
When Jaden McDaniels said “They’re all bad defenders” when referencing the Denver Nuggets defense in last season’s first round, he announced himself in a major way to a national audience that may have previously overlooked his talents. Us Wolves fans knew he meant business and he did about as much as anyone could do to back that talk up. This season, the pressure mounts to continue that strong play in order to lead this team back to the heights of the Western Conference Finals.
Fans should expect more usage from Jaden this year, even though last year’s usage rate was his career’s highest at 18.6% (per statmuse.com). Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball will spend plenty of time handling the ball, but Jaden will take pretty dang close to a quarter of the team’s shots not because he will be needed to, but he’s just that good. One of his best offensive traits is his cutting without the ball which will lead to easy tone-setting buckets thanks to LaMelo’s passing. We all know he’s a midrange assassin and a capable three-point shooter. We also know he’s one of the most impactful point of attack defenders in the league. The rest of the league and its fans may not know these things just yet, but they will soon.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 26: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena on February 26, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga may just be the NBA’s most polarizing player. Undeniable talent, but some weird contract negotiations and an off-putting dispute with one of the game’s best coaches have put JK in a category of players where people just don’t know what to think about them. Here’s what we know: he’s a blazer in transition, can make tough finishes going towards the rim, and has the body to be an excellent defender. If all those three factors come to fruition, it will be a home run signing.
One of my big things is the difference between players who can shoot vs. the players who are shooters. Kuminga is firmly in the “can shoot” category. Hopefully he can be in the ~35% range, which would be a tick above his career average, according to Basketball Reference. You’d have to think he’ll be able to get some quality looks in this Minnesota offense. We’ve seen it go wrong with him before, but what a difference maker Kuminga could be.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. – APRIL 2026: Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets Game 6, NBA Playoffs first round. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images
Terrence Shannon Jr.
One of my favorite revelations of the late regular season/playoff stretch was just how effective Terrence Shannon Jr. was with the ball in his hands above the break. Another burner, the upside down jersey bandit can absolutely rock the rim when he gets the motor running downhill. One thing I’d love to see TJ show improvement at is his faith in using his right hand. He gets a little too left-handed dominant while attacking sometimes, and if he had a strong right hand there would be that many more baskets for him at the rim.
This is another guy who could be classified as “can shoot”, but I would love to see him graduate to being a bonafide knockdown “shooter”. Bench guys in this league are all judged on how well they can fill their specific roles. If he brings energy and stays in his lane on both ends of the floor, we can call this season a success for him.
SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 9: Jaylen Clark #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 9, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jaylen Clark
The Timberwolves have finally added the final piece to the puzzle, a YouTube sensation. All jokes aside, there’s plenty to be hopeful for when watching Jaylen Clark play basketball this season. The only thing he’s proven beyond a reasonable doubt he can do in this league is be a point-of-attack defender. A graduation to being a guy that defenders can’t help off of could make him a stalwart off the bench. He’s also another guy who could benefit from the LaMelo Ball passing abilities based on of his affinity for cutting without the ball.
Remember, pressure on the rim doesn’t always have to come via the ball being driven to the hoop. Constant movement, especially when there’s scoring opportunities coming from a pass, forces the rim to need to be protected. It seems counterintuitive, but off-ball movement forcing rim protection and defensive rotations can be super helpful in opening up the entire floor for an offense. Bench guys fill roles, and that could very well be a role for Jaylen Clark to fill.
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 12: Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) during the ACC Men's basketball tournament between the Florida State Seminoles and the Duke Blue Devils on March 12, 2026 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Isaiah Evans
I’ll never say no to anyone with Duke Blue Devil pedigree. Especially if he has a 6’6” frame and was a proven shooter in college. Isaiah Evans has all the tools to be an effective 3-and-D player in the league, but he’s going to have to put all the tools together. The game looked a little fast for him in summer league, but some grace for adjustments should be given as the procedural dealings that brought him to the Timberwolves weren’t completed until the Wolves were already in Vegas. I mentioned in a previous preview that the Wolves might be looking for some shooting off the bench, and if he can prove he can provide that, we could see a bunch of Isaiah Evans this winter.
DENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 27: Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz warms up before a game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cody Williams
A luxury tax dodging move added the former lottery pick to the Wolves roster, and there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to what Cody Williams might bring. We do know that at this current moment he can’t shoot, but there are definitely tools there to be honed. Harmony seems to be a focal point for this team this year, and Cody could prove to be valuable if he buys into being a cog in the defensive machine and staying in his offensive lane. At the very least, Chris Finch can throw him out there to punk his brother when the Thunder come to town.
DES MOINES, IA – JANUARY 3: Enrique Freeman #25 of the Iowa Wolves shoots the ball during the game against the Sioux Falls Skyforce on January 3, 2026 at Casey's Center in Des Moines, Iowa. 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 Jasey Bradwell/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Enrique Freeman
Not unlike Zyon Pullin, there are worse guys to have as back-end depth pieces. Enrique Freeman has proven that he can be effective in the scenarios that he’s been given, but don’t expect to see the Puerto Rican-native unless something has gone horribly wrong. He’s more of a traditional power forward, but he’s slightly undersized and the Wolves trotted him out as a small forward for chunks of summer league (for better or worse). Expect Freeman to spend most of his time with the Iowa Wolves.
Wo do you think will live up to their expectations? Maybe a sneaky breakout candidate? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!
BRIGHTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 15: Head Coach Joe Mazzulla & Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during a press conference on September 15, 2026 at The Auerbach Center in Brighton, 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Paul George and Mike Conley Jr.’s introductory press conference at the Auerbach Center on Tuesday delivered on just about everything Boston Celtics fans would’ve expected. Both guys are happy to be in Boston and are eager to try and compete for what would be their first NBA championships.
“The past couple of years have been rough from a physical standpoint and that weighs on you mentally,” George said via the Celtics’ YouTube page. “When you wanna do things that you know your body has a limitation to [it’s tough]. I feel great. I feel really good physically and I’ve worked hard this summer.”
He went as far to call his transition to Boston a “rebirth” and added that he’s been able to strengthen his knee during the offseason.
Now, the easy skeptical response here is, “well, what else is he going to say up at the podium?”
That’s a fair point.
But, what fans wouldn’t have expected to see was the moment when George effectively walked the walk when he took a playful jab at Joe Mazzulla — who we all know doesn’t do “playful.”
The veteran forward joked about the Celtics having perhaps underestimated his capabilities in their first-round playoff series against him in the spring. He laughed and turned to Mazzulla who just gave him a hard stare. The still image of this should live forever somewhere in Boston’s practice facility (if George does anything memorable with the franchise, of course).
Joe Mazzulla’s reaction when Paul George brought up beating the Celtics last playoffs 😭 pic.twitter.com/934OW7ECsV
That’s a man who’s feeling untouchable. For George to think that he can poke their bear and get away with it, he must be feeling like he’s back on the Indiana Pacers.
I mean, did he not see the viral video of Mazzulla sparring in the octagon back in July? He looked like an absolute weapon.
Had the chance to speak with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and watch him train with the great @Eric_XCMMA.
Really fascinating to hear how much MMA has influenced the way he coaches.
He’s clearly put in the work himself. Far more than just a fan of the sport.
George is lucky that Joe didn’t just put him in a guillotine hold right there in the Auerbach Center press room. He should’ve been on thin ice after he earlier had to be corrected by Brad Stevens that the Celtics do, in fact, have more NBA titles than the rival Los Angeles Lakers. Brad had his fastball. He joked that the Cs actually have six more titles than L.A., who subtly claimed five Minneapolis titles from the 1950s.
Also, credit to Mazzulla for having restraint in that moment. He surely wanted to make it clear that disrespect will not be tolerated.
Single-game tickets to watch the new-look Sixers will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Following a tumultuous offseason that included signing superstar LeBron James and trading for former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, there’s more excitement around the Sixers in Philadelphia than there has been in a long time.
James and Brown playing alongside the young backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe plus franchise stalwart Joel Embiid gives the Sixers one of the most complete starting fives in basketball.
After joining the franchise in May, president of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey also acquired notable depth pieces Anfernee Simons and Dean Wade via free agency and drafted guard Labaron Philon Jr. 22nd overall in June’s NBA draft.
The team will debut on the road against the reigning champion New York Knicks on Oct. 20 before coming back to Philly to host the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Sixers’ home opener on Oct. 22.
Sixers fans can purchase single game tickets here starting Thursday at 10 a.m. ET.
New Celtics big man Mitchell Robinson's brother, Zeek, was hit by a car while out for a job on Tuesday, according to the victim's grandfather, who shared the news in a Facebook post.
New Celtics big man Mitchell Robinson’s brother, Zeek, was hit by a car while out for a jog Tuesday, according to the victim’s grandfather, who shared the news in a Facebook post.
Robinson, who was absent from the Celtics’ press conference Tuesday introducing their new players, reshared the Facebook post and wrote, “Prayers for my little brother my dawg can’t catch a break” with a cross emoji and a somber face emoji.
The Celtics said Robinson was absent due to personal reasons.
Mitchell Robinson was originally selected by New York with the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics moved forward with the introductory press conference, which included Paul George and Mike Conley Jr., and said they “look forward to introducing [Robinson] soon.”
Taking to his Instagram Story later that day, Robinson shared a video edit of him getting shots up at his alma mater, Chalmette High School in Louisiana, and a clip of country singer Megan Moroney in her music video for the song, “Wedding Dress.”
Robinson, fresh off a 2026 NBA title run with the Knicks, signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract with Boston in July after spending his first eight seasons with the Knicks.
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) puts up a shot during the third quarter of Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Frost Bank Center. Jason Szenes for NY PostMitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks celebrates after winning the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images
Robinson played a key role in the Knicks’ road to their first championship in 53 years, when they beat the Spurs in five games in June.
The 7-footer averaged 5.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 60 games (16 starts) last season.
He shot 72.3 percent from the field and averaged 4.2 offensive rebounds per game, the latter ranking second in the NBA.
Sacramento is still looking for the right veteran point guard to back up their star rookie, Darius Acuff.
Elfrid Payton is going to get that chance after signing a one-year, non-guaranteed contract to come to the Kings' training camp, reports Michael Scotto of Hoopshype.
Payton has nine seasons of NBA experience, but has played just 24 games in the league over the past four seasons and was not in the NBA last season. The 32-year-old point guard last played in the 2024-25 NBA season, splitting 24 games between New Orleans and Charlotte, and averaging 3.5 points and 6.9 assists a game, but he was never an elite scorer and shot just 32.8% from the floor that season.
That said, he's getting a chance as the Kings look for the right fit.
Sacramento has just 13 standard contracts on the roster and will bring in someone as a backup point guard to fill the 14th roster spot. Theoretically, they could keep both Simmons and Payton (or another player) on the roster to get to 15 players, but that would leave the team less than half a million below the luxury tax and with less flexibility to approach trades. The Kings will likely enter the season with a 14-man roster.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 29: Jake LaRavia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center on October 29, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 116-115. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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 take a look at Jake LaRavia.
When the viral moment last season where a Minnesota Timberwolves fan asked “Who is No. 12?” with Anthony Edwards hilariously responding, “That’s what I’m saying! I don’t know,” Jake LaRavia was catapulted into a bright purple and gold spotlight. Excitement filled the air as it seemed the Lakers had found a surprise gem as he torched the Timberwolves for 27 points while shooting 5-6 from behind the arc that night.
He followed that up with a few more impressive games before hitting a brutal slump that lasted through March. His minutes continued to dwindle into the postseason, where he averaged 15 minutes per game against the Rockets and played in just two of the four games against the Thunder.
Now, with the addition of quite a few new players including Sandro Mamukelashvili, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Quentin Grimes, LaRavia might find himself being outshined by his teammates if he doesn’t tap into his “Who is No. 12?” identity again.
What is his best-case scenario?
The easiest answer is that he finds consistency. While the Lakers played their best basketball in March last season, LaRavia didn’t provide much offensive impact during that stretch. He went 6-25 from behind the arc for the month, only scored in double figures once, and only shot 43% from the field. He did have games, though, where his good effort, hustle and defense impacted the team.
If he could add an offensive bag to his hustle and effort, that would be his best-case scenario. He ended last season shooting 32% from behind the arc. LaRavia found himself open quite a bit, with attention often shifting to Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James, and he struggled to knock down those wide-open threes the team desperately needed.
LaRavia turning into a player who can impact the game on all cylinders adds an extra weapon to a new Lakers team that likely won’t struggle offensively but will need players to do a bit of everything.
What is his worst-case scenario?
Head coach JJ Redick went to LaRavia often last season, even in games he played badly, but that was mostly because the team wasn’t particularly deep. This upcoming season, with a team that has much more talent that can contribute in a multitude of ways, LaRavia’s minutes will likely start disappearing if he’s struggling.
Lakers fans may find themselves asking who number 12 is again, and this time it won’t be a fun viral moment. Was all that hype in the first half of last season just some random momentum he picked up? When his slump kept going and he showed no signs of improving, his worst-case scenario, you could say, started as soon as the lights shone too bright.
What is his most likely role on the team?
With Luka and Austin as the obvious two starters out of the five, LaRavia’s most likely role will be a battle with the newbies as well as Adou Thiero and rookie Cameron Carr, who shined in the Summer League. The best way he can earn minutes is by becoming a player who can contribute immediately when called upon, instead of someone who comes in, steals the ball a few times, but can’t consistently knock down triples. The Lakers likely have better versions of that type of player, particularly in Thybulle.
For many seasons, the Lakers have been in dire need of wing players. We saw LaRavia’s capabilities early on with a few stellar games and then a nice hustle performance here and there, so if he finds consistency, he’ll find the important minutes again.
