Category: NBA

Micky Van de Ven had a bad five minutes on Tuesday in Norway.

Tottenham's equaliser had been ruled out for a foul by him - a decision which caused him to argue bitterly with the referee.

Moments later he absolutely clattered into one of Bodo/Glimt's attacking players, earning him a yellow card and a talking to. He looked fit to burst.

I immediately cast my eye around the team to see who could calm him down. Then I remembered he was the captain and none of his team-mates appeared comfortable trying to rein him in.

As it turned out, Van de Ven didn't completely lose it. He stayed on the pitch and headed in the goal which sparked another comeback - but he trod a very thin line that night in Norway - something Spurs keep doing this season, not just from a disciplinary point of view, but in other areas too.

With the departure of Son Heung-min and injury to James Maddison, two of the obvious leaders in a Spurs shirt are now absent. Cristian Romero is captain, but it would be generous to describe him as an even-tempered presence on the field.

Van de Ven was the obvious choice to take over the armband on Tuesday, but Thomas Frank is going to have to ask some of the squad's other players to take a leading role as well.

The goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, Joao Palhinha and maybe Pedro Porro need to shoulder some of that burden.

Either that or Tottenham's January plans will need to have 'leadership qualities' at the very top of the agenda.

Deciding which players to target and which to avoid is the foundation of any winning draft strategy. This year, however, a few key players are causing serious debates among fantasy analysts. Are they breakout candidates or injury risks waiting to happen? We're looking at five of the hardest players to rank—the ultimate boom or bust list for your 9-category fantasy basketball league.

Most Difficult NBA Fantasy Players to Rank

Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

Leonard has been productive the last two seasons. In 2023-24, he averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.1 three-pointers. Last season, he provided 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.1 three-pointers per game. He played 68 games two seasons ago, but just 37 games last year.

Leonard's injury history is what makes him so difficult to rank. He has played in 57 or fewer games in four of the last five seasons. However, he has been productive when he is on the floor. Since joining the Clippers, he has averaged 24.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.1 three-pointers over five seasons. The Clippers improved their depth by adding John Collins, Bradley Beal, Chris Paul and Brook Lopez during the offseason, but Leonard is still expected to lead the team alongside James Harden. Leonard's current ADP on Yahoo is 45. If he plays in around 65 games, he will likely be worth it for managers who drafted him. However, if he plays fewer than 50 games, he can really bring down your fantasy squad.

Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

Markkanen was great in his first two seasons with the Jazz, averaging at least 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in both campaigns. He also shot at least 48.0% from the field in each season. His efficiency then plummeted last season, leaving him to shoot 42.3% from the field. That contributed to him averaging just 19.0 points per game. His production on the boards also took a hit with him providing just 5.9 rebounds per game. Injuries and the Jazz tanking down the stretch left him to play in only 47 games.

Markkanen has never played in more than 68 games in a season in his career. In five of his eight seasons, he has played fewer than 60 games. He has shot 45.5% from the field for his career, so were his first two seasons with the Jazz a fluke when it comes to his efficiency? The Jazz could be one of the worst teams in the league, so could we see Markkanen rested down the stretch again? When he's at his best, Markkanen is a great fantasy option. However, there are a lot of question marks that make him difficult to rank.

Kristaps Porzingis, Atlanta Hawks

Porzingis was plagued by a mysterious illness at times last season. It got so bad that he even lost his starting job with the Celtics during the playoffs. He played just 42 games during the regular season, averaging 19.5 points and a career-low 6.8 rebounds. It was the first time that he averaged fewer than 20.0 points in a season since his second season in the NBA.

With the Celtics looking to cut payroll this offseason, Porzingis was traded to the Hawks. He could see time at power forward playing alongside Onyeka Okongwu, or he could spend significant minutes playing center. The Hawks certainly have the depth to play smaller lineups with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Zaccharie Risacher and Luke Kennard all projected to come off the bench. With his ability to rack up blocks and three-pointers, while also providing plenty of scoring, Porzingis can be an extremely valuable fantasy option. However, he has played fewer than 60 games in all but three of his seasons in the league. In what will be his 11th NBA season, it might not be realistic to expect him to remain healthy.

Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets

Porter has spent his entire career with the Nuggets. He is coming off one of his most valuable fantasy campaigns, averaging 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.5 three-pointers last season, while shooting 50.4% from the field. Still, that didn't stop Denver from trading him to the Nets in a deal that landed them Cameron Johnson and some needed cap flexibility to improve their bench.

Porter will go from being a main running mate for Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to a Nets team that doesn't have many scoring options behind Cam Thomas. Porter has never finished a season with a usage rate higher than 22.7%. He could blow past that mark this year, which would seem to increase his fantasy value. However, it's not certain that he will remain on the Nets for the entire season. If he gets traded, he could assume a smaller role with a contender. If he isn't traded, there is the chance that he gets added rest days down the stretch if the Nets are out of the playoff hunt. With an ADP of 61 on Yahoo, Porter has the potential to be a significant value, or a colossal flop.

RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors

From a counting stats standpoint, Barrett just had the best season of his career with averages of 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.8 three-pointers. However, he shot only 63.0% from the free-throw line and averaged a career-high 2.9 turnovers. He was also limited to 58 games for the second straight season.

The Raptors traded for Brandon Ingram last season, but he didn't play for his new squad because of an ankle injury. Immanuel Quickley was also limited to 33 games because of injuries. With both Ingram and Quickley on the floor this season, Barrett could see his usage rate and opportunities for assists decline. However, Ingram hasn't exactly been a pillar of health, playing 55 or fewer games in three of the last four seasons. If he is sidelined again, Barrett could be thrust right back into a fantasy-friendly role. Even with that in mind, he'll still need to improve his free throw shooting if he's going to live up to his Yahoo ADP of 77.

When LeBron James was asked about how a former defensive player of the year and a former No. 1 overall pick could elevate the Lakers roster, the superstar instead offered a different offseason addition’s name first.

“And Jake,” James added quickly during his Lakers media day news conference after a question about center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart.

Jake LaRavia’s signing came with less fanfare than the moves that brought Smart and Ayton to the Lakers, but the 6-foot-7 wing hopes he can be equally as influential in a quiet connector role behind some of the league’s biggest stars.

“We got a lot of dudes on this team that can score, a lot of dudes on this team that can put the ball in the bucket,” LaRavia said Wednesday at Lakers training camp. “So I'm here to complement those players, but to also just bring energy every day on both sides of the ball.”

Read more:LeBron James looking at slow ramp-up to Lakers season

The 19th overall pick in 2022, LaRavia is a career 42.9% three-point shooter, averaging 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. After beginning his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings last season, playing in 19 games. His team option wasn’t picked up, putting the 23-year-old on the free agency market.

The Lakers, in need of three-and-D players to pair with Luka Doncic, were quick to call.

“To get a young player — a young player in free agency for a team that is trying to win a championship — it’s an incredible opportunity for myself and our player development department to have him continue to grow,” coach JJ Redick said last week. “Jake, I’m very high on him. His level of commitment to what we’ve asked of the guys this offseason has been very high.”

Two days into training camp, LaRavia said he’s been asked to guard four different positions. He’s played often with Doncic’s group and marveled at the five-time All-Star’s impressive array of shots. One of his main objectives during training camp will be to understand how to best to space the court when the ball is in Doncic’s hands.

“It's gonna make my life so much easier playing with someone like that,” LaRavia said.

LaRavia, who was born in Pasadena but moved to Indianapolis as a child, grew up rooting for the Lakers. Following his father’s fandom, LaRavia said he idolized Magic Johnson.

Read more:'Angry' Deandre Ayton not taking his 'last chance' for granted with Lakers

Now sporting the purple and gold himself, LaRavia is realizing that the team is bigger than just basketball, he said. Compared to his experiences in Memphis and Sacramento, it is obvious the Lakers brand stretches globally.

While suddenly in the spotlight, LaRavia has tried to keep a low profile. He was married a few days before training camp started. He relishes the chance to go unnoticed at local restaurants.

He wants to be recognized only for his wins on the court.

“I understand what this organization wants every year, which is championships,” LaRavia said at media day. “It's a winning organization, and my one goal being here is just to continue to provide rings.”

Gabe Vincent fully participates in practice

James was held out of practice for the second straight day Wednesday, but still participated in individual drills, Redick said. Guard Gabe Vincent, who missed the first day of training camp, returned to practice and appears to still be on track to play in the Lakers’ first preseason game in Palm Desert on Friday against the Phoenix Suns.

Smart (achilles tendinopathy) and rookie Adou Thiero (knee) remained out, although Smart stayed on the court after practice for extra shots. Redick said Tuesday he expected the 31-year-old guard to be fine by the end of the week.

Forward Maxi Kleber sat out as a precaution after tweaking his quad during conditioning Tuesday and will get an MRI exam, Redick said. Kleber, who missed almost all of last season with a foot injury after being traded to the Lakers in February, said at media day he was entering the season fully healthy.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov is currently in the recovery phase after having major knee surgery.

It was five days ago that Barkov went under the knife to repair a torn ACL and MCL on his right knee, an injury he suffered the day before during a training camp practice at the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale.

According to the Panthers, Barkov is expected to miss anywhere from seven to nine months due to the surgery.

On Wednesday, with the NBA’s Miami Heat were taking part in their own training camp practice on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

Barkov, who apparently felt that five days post-surgery was more than enough time to wait, was seen using crutches on the court of FAU’s Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena while paying a visit to the Heat players and coaches.

Over the years, Barkov has been spotted at plenty of Heat games and he hasn’t been shy about saying he’s a big fan of local basketball squad.

The feeling is apparently mutual.

Just ask Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra, who has gotten to know Barkov a bit over the past couple decades.

“He’s so inspiring,” said Spoelstra. “I love for all the guys to see him over there. It’s been an electrifying run that they’ve had the last three seasons, and he’s a major part of it. Yes, he has the talent, but when you start diving into what everybody says about his character, his leadership, his mentorship, about all the right things. He moves a locker room because of what he’s about. That’s real talent.”

As Barkov stood on the sideline, watching practice while leaning on his crutches, several Heat players, coaches and executives, including Alonzo Mourning, came over to say hello and wish him their best.

Panthers captain Sasha Barkov visiting Heat practice today. From Alonzo Mourning, to players and staff, everyone coming by to say hello and check in on him. Wearing a brace and on crutches, Barkov looked upbeat. pic.twitter.com/ig2KKbWRGy

— Will Manso (@WillMansoWPLG) October 1, 2025

To his credit, and to the surprise of no one who knows him, Barkov was all smiles, full of positivity.

“It is heartbreaking to see him on crutches, but then you talk to him and he’s saying, ‘Oh, no worries. I’ll be back in five or six months,’” Spoelstra said, adding that while he loves Barkov’s spirit regarding his recovery, he joked that the Panthers’ medical staff would probably not want Barkov giving out timeline estimates just yet.

“I love that guy,” said Spo. “I love everything he’s about.”

Barkov’s Panthers will play their final two preseason games against the Tampa Bay Lightning – Thursday in Tampa and Saturday in Sunrise – before hosting the Chicago Blackhawks for Opening Night on Tuesday at Amerant Bank Arena.

As for the Heat, their preseason slate begins on Saturday when they meet the Orlando Magic in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Photo caption: Jun 22, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, UNITED STATES; Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) speaks to the fans during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Cooper Flagg is already a household NBA name, thanks to his offensive highlight plays through high school, college and, recently, summer league. But through the first few days of Mavericks training camp, the No. 1 pick understands the defensive culture head coach Jason Kidd is conjuring. 

“Utilizing our size and using that to our advantage,” Flagg said Tuesday. “We have a lot of tall, lengthy, positionless players. Covering a lot of ground with our length will be an advantage for sure.”

Dallas has finished in the bottom half in defensive rating (according to Cleaning the Glass) in 13 out of the last 15 seasons, a disappointment considering some of the accomplished ball-stoppers who have come through the organization during that span. But with a healthy Anthony Davis, the arrival of veteran assistants Frank Vogel and Jay Triano — along with the addition of Flagg — the expectation for the Mavericks is to be a versatile, aggressive defense. 

Flagg, who stands 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, joins the likes of Davis, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford in arguably the NBA’s most physically imposing frontcourt — on paper. It’s going to take much more than that for the Mavericks to turn their defensive fortunes around, but Flagg’s presence gives the organization a much-needed jolt in its retooling efforts. 

Kidd referenced the importance of creating “championship habits” and the value of communication, all of which starts on the defensive end. Flagg’s versatility lends itself to a Mavericks coaching staff that plans to use him in various ways, from chasing smaller guards around the perimeter to playing alongside Davis as a small-ball big.

[Get more Mavericks news: Dallas team feed]

During summer league, Flagg was particularly effective as a help defender from the weakside, using his lateral quickness to rotate and shrink the floor (he averaged 1.5 steals and 1 block), but training camp is much more advanced in terms of play calls and schemes. There will be a natural adjustment period for Flagg as he becomes more accustomed to his new teammates and coaches. He has spent the first few practices watching and learning tendencies and spacing, and studying defensive drills. 

“The communication and dedication to playing hard and doing it on both ends,” Flagg said. “Having five guys on the court communicating with each other and [buying] in to get stops on every possession.

“It’s different terminology, you just gotta get accustomed to it. Sometimes I mess up and say an old terminology I used at Duke. But if you say something, it’s better than saying nothing and just letting your teammate know where you are. Any communication is good.” 

Offensively, Flagg should serve well as a secondary playmaker alongside D’Angelo Russell. His Vegas stint was largely positive in that aspect, sharing playmaking duties with Ryan Nembhard and being tasked with creation — typically with pressure in front and around him. Kidd has been impressed with how Flagg has operated with and without the ball and praised his overall IQ and attitude toward the game. 

“His ability to dribble and pass is going to be one of his strengths because he does it at a high level,” Kidd said over the summer.

“Just trying to take it one step at a time and enjoy the process every step of the way,” Flagg said. “Don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I’m really excited.”

Zach LaVine perfectly roasts Malik Monk, Keegan Murray's Kings leadership styles originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

On the first day of NBA training camp Tuesday, Kings guard Zach LaVine couldn’t help but poke fun at two very different teammates — the always-outspoken Malik Monk and the usually quiet Keegan Murray — for the way they communicate on the court.

Asked who was the most vocal on Day 1, LaVine brushed off the idea that leadership could be pinned to just one player.

“I know you guys always want to pick out somebody, like who has the best voice and who’s the leader,” told reporters at Golden 1 Center. “You know, unless you have somebody that’s a big talker on the team, everyone has used their voice individually.”

LaVine explained that different players step up in different moments, whether it is veterans setting the tone or role players chiming in to keep the energy high.

“I speak up when I need to, obviously, and then DeMar [DeRozan] speaks to the group,” LaVine added. “You know, Doug [McDermott] talks, Dennis [Schröder] says some stuff, Malik [Monk] doesn’t stop talking.”

Monk, now in his fourth season with Sacramento since signing in 2022, is coming off a career-best campaign, averaging 17.2 points and 5.6 assists, and already has built a reputation as one of the most talkative personalities on the roster.

For LaVine, it was not surprising to hear from Monk, who never has been shy about making his presence felt. What was surprising? Hearing from soft-spoken Murray.

“Even Keegan said something today, so I think it was good,” LaVine joked.

Murray, the Kings’ No. 4 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has posted career averages of 13.3 points and 5.6 rebounds. But for LaVine, hearing him speak up carried just as much weight as his production on the floor.

If Day 1 of training camp was any indication, Sacramento’s leadership will not rest on just one voice — it will be shared across the roster.

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Zach LaVine perfectly roasts Malik Monk, Keegan Murray's Kings leadership styles originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

On the first day of NBA training camp Tuesday, Kings guard Zach LaVine couldn’t help but poke fun at two very different teammates — the always-outspoken Malik Monk and the usually quiet Keegan Murray — for the way they communicate on the court.

Asked who was the most vocal on Day 1, LaVine brushed off the idea that leadership could be pinned to just one player.

“I know you guys always want to pick out somebody, like who has the best voice and who’s the leader,” told reporters at Golden 1 Center. “You know, unless you have somebody that’s a big talker on the team, everyone has used their voice individually.”

LaVine explained that different players step up in different moments, whether it is veterans setting the tone or role players chiming in to keep the energy high.

“I speak up when I need to, obviously, and then DeMar [DeRozan] speaks to the group,” LaVine added. “You know, Doug [McDermott] talks, Dennis [Schröder] says some stuff, Malik [Monk] doesn’t stop talking.”

Monk, now in his fourth season with Sacramento since signing in 2022, is coming off a career-best campaign, averaging 17.2 points and 5.6 assists, and already has built a reputation as one of the most talkative personalities on the roster.

For LaVine, it was not surprising to hear from Monk, who never has been shy about making his presence felt. What was surprising? Hearing from soft-spoken Murray.

“Even Keegan said something today, so I think it was good,” LaVine joked.

Murray, the Kings’ No. 4 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has posted career averages of 13.3 points and 5.6 rebounds. But for LaVine, hearing him speak up carried just as much weight as his production on the floor.

If Day 1 of training camp was any indication, Sacramento’s leadership will not rest on just one voice — it will be shared across the roster.

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De'Anthony Melton's Warriors return is reunion both sides wanted all along originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – De’Anthony Melton only played six games for the Warriors last season, yet that extremely small sample size justified why the front office and coaching staff saw him as such a perfect fit. 

The Warriors went 4-2 in those games, winning the two Melton started, which were against the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the previous season’s reigning Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks. But Melton’s campaign was over by the middle of November after a knee injury sustained in that win over the Mavs was later revealed as a torn ACL that required season-ending surgery. 

Losing Melton was disappointing for a number of reasons. Finding ways to ensure his Warriors career hadn’t come to a complete end quickly became a focus for the front office. 

“I’d say we kind of put a pin in it, took note, and said if we have an opportunity to bring him back at some point, let’s try and do that,” Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said Wednesday. “Fortunately enough, we were able to do it. Made a long summer of it, but got him signed and ready to go. He’ll finish up his rehab stuff and be with us soon.” 

Melton’s return to the Warriors became official Wednesday, but he hasn’t been medically cleared from his knee surgery. The veteran guard is doing individual work while the rest of the Warriors go through training camp practice. Melton will be re-evaluated in four weeks, ruling him out for their regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Adding salt to wound last season, the Warriors traded him to the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 15. The move essentially was to use his contract so they could acquire Dennis Schröder as the Warriors had gone from starting the season 12-3 to losing seven of their next 11. 

“Business is business,” Melton said Wednesday. “I mean, I probably would have traded myself too, especially given the way the season was at the time. They needed someone, especially with my contract, that could come in and play and help the team. So I felt no type of way.” 

Melton understood the situation and wasn’t left in the dark. Dunleavy and coach Steve Kerr had conversations with him to let Melton know his contract could be moved to help the team, making their message clear of their hopes for his future in a Warriors jersey. 

The Southern California native is well versed with everything off the court in the NBA. Melton was selected in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets and spent all of summer league with them. He then was traded to the Phoenix Suns later in the summer before his rookie year began, only to be traded one year later to the Memphis Grizzlies, where Melton played the next three years. Melton spent two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers but seemed to have found a home in the Bay as a Warrior. 

From the offseason program, to training camp in Hawaii, preseason and the few weeks he played for the Warriors, everything felt right. Even after his injury and trade, Melton never forgot what it was like to be a Warrior. 

“Ultimately, it’s so much love here,” Melton said. “The medical staff, they do such a great job with my body and just keeping me right. I think those reasons and then just the coaching staff and the team and the short-lived time we had together, it was amazing.” 

Melton’s contract last season played a larger role than anyone could have ever imagined. The domino effect of adding Schröder with it helped lead to the Warriors trading for star forward Jimmy Butler. 

“We got a Butler out of it, too,” Melton joked. 

Familiarity is in the building for Melton, making his integration back into the locker room that much easier, as well as his transition to the court once the training staff allows him to. He knows the offensive and defensive system and will be right there to absorb and learn any new wrinkles. 

Around the locker room, the only face that’s missing – aside from the players sent out in the Butler trade – is Kevon Looney. Like the rest of the league witnessed as he went through his rehab, Melton saw just how strong a healthy Warriors team can be with Butler now in the mix. 

“You just saw the spark come back,” Melton said. “You saw guys were up, guys were ready and you could just see how quickly he got acclimated with the team. As soon as he got there they went on a run and started beating quality teams without any practice. I think seeing stuff like that, it just motivated me that this could definitely be something special. … Health is the biggest thing for us, you know. 

“Staying healthy, I think we’re a dangerous team. For sure.” 

Melton is back to where he always wanted to be. He’s champing at the bit to be part of the equation again, but the trust he developed from all parts of the Warriors’ brass from top to bottom has him believing patience will pay off and he’ll be swimming in the fruits of his labor when it’s all said and done.

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Weighing pros, cons of Warriors' veteran roster additions for 2025-26 NBA season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors strolled into summer with a plan that required flexibility. They would find a way to resolve the Jonathan Kuminga matter and then fill their roster around the nine players already under contract.

They recognized their needs, identified players to fill them, entered negotiations with those players and . . . waited.

And waited.

And waited.

The wait ended Tuesday, the eighth day of autumn and one day into NBA training camp. Incumbents Gary Payton II and Kuminga are back. The new last-minute roster additions are as expected: Seth Curry, Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton.

Golden State’s front office it believes it has a squad capable of contending in the unyielding Western Conference. Moreover, one that can ride its talent and big-game experience to a deep NBA playoff run. Decorated veterans Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green were and are on board with the plan.

We know what Payton brings. We know what Kuminga can bring, and what he wants to bring. But it’s the three new acquisitions that, aside from the vagaries of health, could determine the success of the team. All three should be beneficial, though they come with pros and cons.

Seth Curry

PROS: The Warriors need perimeter shooters off the bench. Curry, along with Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski, can terrorize second units. Curry led the NBA in 3-point shooting accuracy at 45.6 percent. His career percentage from deep, 43.3, is second among active players (his more celebrated brother is third).

Curry is a 11-year NBA veteran who has appeared in 41 playoff games, with his 46.8-percent shooting from deep testimony to his efficiency on the big stage. This addition allows coach Steve Kerr to concoct lineups that provide the spacing of his dreams.

CONS: Seth’s defense always has been his most visible liability. He’ll give back some of his buckets on the other end.

VERDICT: Smart move for quality depth. Considering the immense value of deep shooters in today’s NBA – with defending champion Oklahoma City leading the way – Golden State is fortunate that an affordable, low-maintenance individual was available. It doesn’t hurt that he’s the baby brother of the team’s superstar.

Al Horford

PROS:Horford is a high-character professional who should fit nicely with Curry-Butler-Green leadership council.  Moreover, Horford’s floor spacing offsets the lack of spacing afforded by forwards Butler and Green. Horford is a career 37.7-percent shooter from deep but dipped to 36.3 percent last season. Sharing the floor with a Curry should put him closer to the 44.6 and 41.9 percent he shot in the previous two seasons in Boston. How deep is Horford’s playoff resumé? He has played more postseason minutes than anyone on Golden State’s roster.

Kerr has been seeking a floor-spacing big man ever since Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica left the roster three years ago. It’s why general manager Mike Dunleavy signed Dario Šarić in 2023 and drafted Quinten Post in 2024. Horford, 39 years old and still playing solid defense, is a significant upgrade.

CONS: The Warriors have a platoon of “uncles,” and he’s the oldest. Even if uninjured, it’s reasonable to assume he will miss 12-15 games. He’s one of several pet projects for Dr. Rick Celebrini.

VERDICT: Wise move. It’s a risk, but it’s calculated – and very much worth taking for one season at $5.7 million, considering he’s slotted to play 24-28 minutes per night.

De’Anthony Melton

PROS: Melton was a splendid fit last season, earning the starting backcourt spot alongside Stephen Curry ever so briefly before sustaining a season-ending injury to his left ACL last November. If healthy, he likely would have remained the starter.

Melton has been working out, and if he’s healthy – his rehab could carry into the season – his shooting and defensive ability should give him an edge to reclaim that role.

CONS: Melton is coming off surgery to repair that torn ACL and, more concerning, has a history of assorted injuries, the most serious being problems with his back. He’s another project for Celebrini, who has a good track record (see Porter Jr.) managing physiques requiring frequent maintenance.

VERDICT: Very good move, considering the team’s knowledge of Melton’s history and how well he fits the culture. It has potential to be a great move if his defense remains solid and he’s able to play 65-70 games.

In summary, the Warriors’ long-delayed roster remake provides more flexibility and weapons than the one that opened the 2024-25 season. They’re better than they were last October, but whether they are significantly better will be determined mostly by health.

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Knicks fans get the privilege of seeing their team before 28 other fanbases to kick off this 2025-26 season, as New York prepares to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday in the NBA’s Abu Dhabi Games. Though the core of the roster remains intact from last year’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals, a new head coach and roster spot battle make these exhibitions more intriguing than usual.

Here are the five biggest things to watch this preseason for the Knicks...

How the starting five evolves

After the Knicks’ defeat at the hands of the Pacers, a lot of attention turned to their starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns. Whether by choice (playing more Miles McBride for Hart) or by force (Mitchell Robinson’s injury) then-head coach Tom Thibodeau heavily relied on that five despite declining returns, until he was forced to switch with his back against the wall.

Many expect the Knicks to go with the adjusted five of Robinson in for Hart, or perhaps McBride, under the new leadership of Mike Brown. These games should give us some clarity on what to expect, or serve as a stage for some experimentation.

Ultimately, New York will need to be comfortable with a combination of looks in a matchup-dependent league with a couple of injury-prone options for that fifth spot. Expect a fluid process, perhaps newcomerGeurschon Yabusele gets a chance, but no final decisions anytime soon.

The new-look offense

One of the biggest changes expected from Coach Brown this season is the injection of a quicker, facile offense. He’s preaching an increased tempo, output from three, and means to get paint touches, a large part of the promise in hiring him to replace a Conference Finals-reaching coach. 

How this actually conveys on the floor is still a mystery. Brown stated Brunson will get the ball in his hands to close games; how bought in will he be to the new system in the prior 43 minutes? 

As part of his wish for 40+ threes a night, Brown wants Brunson taking more on catch-and-shoots. If that happens, who is going to be generating that shot for him, and how? There are real roster limitations to consider — Towns as a playmaker has been a mixed experiment — should we expect much more ball handling out of Bridges? 

It should be fun watching this play out in a low-stakes environment. It will obviously take a good bit into the regular season for this team to really click, but the seeds will be planted in the coming days and weeks, and we can get a glimpse of what’s to come. 

Different team emphases

Under Thibodeau, no matter the matchup or roster change, the Knicks would inevitably fall neatly back into their Thibs-ball identity: slow the pace, pound the glass, play smashmouth defense. While some of these qualities won't be going anywhere, this will be the first time in years fans see the Knicks emphasize new things on the court and maybe culture a new identity.

It will be interesting to see what that is. Brown has been less revealing on the defensive specifics, but expect the Knicks to still favor offensive rebounding with Robinson healthy and the many bigs around him.

Previously, New York exclusively played drop coverage in pick-and-roll and emphasized protecting the rim above all, sometimes sacrificing too many open threes to the opposition. What will Brown’s fundamentals be, and how will he get Towns to buy into the scheme?

Battle for the final training camp spot

As of right now, the Knicks currently have two veteran options for one open minimum slot this season — Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet. They can also trade one of their young pieces to make room for both vet guards.

Shamet spent most of last year rehabbing a preseason injury with the Knicks before rejoining the team for some solid spot minutes down the stretch and in the playoffs. Brogdon is two years removed from winning Sixth Man of the Year, but has battled injuries throughout his career while bouncing between lottery teams since that award.

Potentially dealing one of Tyler Kolek or Pacome Dadiet, two of few remaining team prospects, just to make room for a 10th or 11th man is an aggressive move, but also the type a championship-contending team sometimes needs to make. Neither played a material amount of NBA minutes their rookie year, so this preseason on may be serving partially as their tryout.

While preseason may be low-stakes for the fans and starters, it could be deciding some players’ livelihoods. Let’s see what the Knicks end up doing for their final roster spot, and if its ultimate recipient can be an impact guy in the playoffs.

How the young core looks

Beyond making the roster, it’s imperative the Knicks see some dividends from their current crop of young talent. Their last batch of knockout draft picks have been largely dealt, along with most of their upcoming picks, and the current roster is as capped out as can be.

While they will have some future flexibility, ensuring their only prospects for the foreseeable future develop positively is key to current and later success. Injuries and randomness happen, and the Knicks will find themselves depleted at some point this postseason, badly needing somebody to step up.

It could be Brogdon or Shamet, or the hero could be a homegrown project. Even if they aren’t ready this year, the young players blossoming into real talent on team-friendly contracts will help the Knicks remain competitive beyond the peak of this core.

Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy details team's plan for Seth Curry's contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors are a family affair.

From the front office to the coaching staff and — with the Warriors’ signing of Seth Curry — even on the court.

Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy made it known just exactly why they signed the younger Curry.

“I think any time you can add shooting in this league in this day and age, a guy who’s, what, top two, second-best 3-point shooter of all time by percentage — a couple other guys in this building today, they’re top three,” Dunleavy said Wednesday. “So, all about adding shooting. We’re looking forward to having him.”

Curry, who isn’t yet with the team, is a career 43.3-percent shooter from long range — seventh best in NBA history and six spots ahead of his brother Steph, who sits 13th at 42.3 percent.

While it took time to put pen to paper due to the Jonathan Kuminga situation, Dunleavy says the Warriors are expecting Curry to be at practice on Thursday.

Of course, that’s not the end of it, as Dunleavy stated the team still has to figure out some numbers to make it all make sense.

“As far as the season goes, yeah, he’s on a one-year deal, and we’ll figure it out as we go,” Dunleavy said. “There’s some cap and apron stuff that we’ve got to deal with, but that’s something for our strategy team to figure out.”

For now, the Warriors boast a pair of literal Splash Bros. And in a league where shooting the ball is all-important, it seems like it will be a solid fit.

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