ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 30: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during a game at State Farm Arena on March 30, 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Since the Boston Celtics added Paul George to the roster, there have been concerns about his ability to stay healthy. After all, this is a player who suited up for 78 regular-season games over two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. We’re all basketball fans here, so let me put that in percentages: in George’s two seasons with the Sixers, he played in 47.6% of their regular-season games.
Fortunately for the Celtics, wing depth is not an area of need. In fact, it’s the one area where Joe Mazzulla has an abundance of talent to call upon. So, should George be forced to miss time, either due to injury or minutes management, there’ll be numerous young wings waiting to make the most of any additional opportunity.
Hugo Gonzalez will likely be at the front of that line. Heading into his sophomore NBA season, Gonzalez will undoubtedly look to continue his development, earning a larger share of the rotation minutes as a result. As we saw in Summer League, the Celtics clearly have a plan for the young forward, and that plan will likely involve him improving as both an on-ball creator and perimeter threat.
There’s no doubt that Gonzalez can improve away from the spotlight of the NBA floor. Yet the best path forward is usually the one that involves honing your talents against other NBA-level players. Gonzalez clearly understands this concept, as he’s spent all summer working toward playing 30 minutes per night at the highest level, even though he knows that such a significant role is unlikely in the upcoming season.
“I just think that you just need to be prepared,” Gonzalez said when speaking at the Celtics Media Day on Monday, Sept. 28. “Like, if you’re gonna play 30 minutes every night, even though you might not, you need to be prepared for it. So, the night that it comes, you’re just ready for it.”
Gonzalez isn’t the only wing in Mazzulla’s rotation who will look to take advantage of any additional minutes that become available on an ad hoc basis. He is, however, the highest-ceiling talent who can slot into multiple wing positions. Therefore, it’s logical that he’s preparing for such a high-minutes event. Still, that doesn’t mean he’s hoping to benefit from someone else’s struggles.
“I hope PG is available for 82 games,” Gonzalez noted. “We’re trying to build something as a team, not thinking about who’s going to play and when … you just need to be prepared for it so the night that it comes, you’re ready for it.”
The truth is, if George is out of the rotation — for whatever reason — Gonzalez is the most logical stand-in. His defense and effort will ensure Boston’s rearguard doesn’t nosedive, while his (albeit under-construction) tertiary playmaking/shot creation can be serviceable in the right matchups.
George isn’t the only wing Gonzalez could stand in for, though. Jayson Tatum could find himself having his minutes managed at points in the season. There’s a legitimate chance Boston splits back-to-backs, with George sitting one side and Tatum the other. On those nights, Gonzalez — and likely others — would see their minutes naturally increase.
Brad Stevens is constructing a roster full of workaholics. There are a number of high-motor, high-effort young players on the roster this season. Should George, Tatum, or any other veteran need to miss time, there will be someone waiting to get on the court and seize a chance to prove themselves, and honestly? When you have a team with multiple injury concerns, there’s no better way of hedging your bets.
TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks speaks at a press conference during media day at Knicks Training Facility on September 30, 2024 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks were back in the spotlight Monday morning during Media Day.
Everybody sat at the desk and discussed this and that the other thing, so I had plenty to go through for a first gathering of quotes before I dig deeper to offer more comprehensive bulletins in the next few days.
For now, here’s a bunch of what was said during Monday’s Media Day.
"Regardless of what we accomplished, moving forward, our standard and how we approach our process is going to be really critical for us. We can't afford to have any slippage in our process."
On turning the page from last season’s championship:
“What we accomplished was amazing…. Keeping your core is always something that’s exciting, especially when that core has had success… but we have to understand this is a new season, new team, and we’re going to face new challenges over the course of the year. We’re going to hit adversity… and we’re going to embrace it.”
On maintaining the Knicks’ standards after winning the championship:
“Regardless of what we accomplished, moving forward, our standard and how we approach our process is going to be really critical for us. We can’t afford to have any slippage in our process.”
On embracing adversity early in the season:
“A lot of people tend to shy away from adversity, especially early on because you get scrutinized. I actually yearn for it. I yearn for it early because I want to make sure we as a group can handle it.”
On experiencing New York’s reaction to the Knicks’ championship:
“My wife and I walked into the Polo Bar, and I was at the bottom of the steps, and everyone clapped.”
On the Knicks’ contract-extension situations:
“We try to talk about everything. We don’t want to leave elephants in the room. Leon and his group have been good. I have a lot of faith in them, the players and agents.”
On the pending extensions for Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart:
“First thing is, we try to talk about everything. we don’t want to leave any elephants in the room. that’s something Leon and his staff have been very good at — some would say the best in the NBA.”
On the NBA’s second apron and how it impacted the Knicks’ offseason:
“When it comes to contracts and second apron, on my grandkids, if you ask me to give you two facts about second apron, I can’t do it. I have no interest. Leon trusts me with stuff on court, and I trust”
On new Knicks center Andre Drummond:
“Watching him in the gym, he’s a little quicker and more explosive than (I) thought.”
On Karl-Anthony Towns’ offseason weight loss:
“I don’t know. I haven’t checked his body weight.”
On continuing to use Karl-Anthony Towns at the elbow:
“We started the season with an offense with him at the elbow. We just did different things.”
Karl-Anthony Towns talks about the Knicks losing Mitchell Robinson and signing Andre Drummond this offseason:
"I was very surprised that Mitch wasn't going to be back here with us. I think all of us were, so it was a surprise to everybody. Thought something would get done there,… pic.twitter.com/Mhd7SYc7pf
“I’ve made it known that I want to play here; I’ve been a fan since a kid. I would like to get one done. I’d like to get it done and step on the floor and feel as comfortable as possible.”
On his comfort level if extension negotiations continue into the season:
“I think in this situation there’s no comfortability to be had.”
On Mitchell Robinson leaving the Knicks and Andre Drummond arriving in New York:
“I was very surprised that Mitch was not going to be back here with us. I think all of us were. Surprise to everybody; thought something would get done there, but we have Andre, someone I’ve respected a lot from afar and someone I’ve been a fan of. One of the best rebounders of our generation. To be able to play with him and also learn a little is going to be awesome.”
On starting over after winning the championship:
“Just get back to the drawing board, start at 0-0. Be hungry, be willing to do whatever it takes again to win it again.”
On losing weight during the offseason:
“I thought my wife thought I looked good. In the offseason, I always lose the weight. I use the offseason to give my body a chance to recover and rest.”
On bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy to his wedding:
“I couldn’t have a wedding without Larry.”
Jalen Brunson talks about the Knicks being able to handle winning:
"I have the utmost faith in these guys. I don't know about Josh, we'll see how he acts" 😂 pic.twitter.com/YihB62ezmw
On losing Mitchell Robinson and adding Andre Drummond:
“It was tough. That’s my guy. I think no matter what I’m happy for him. It’s definitely difficult but you love to see someone advance generational wealth. Getting Andre, we’re execited. I think he can be a big piece to this team.”
On his confidence that contract situations won’t affect his teammates:
“I have the utmost faith in these guys. I don’t know about Josh, we’ll see how he acts”
On playing through his wrist injury during the playoffs:
“It was painful. I played through it. I did what I had to do to make sure I was right. I didn’t think I needed surgery. If that was case, I would have maybe done it sooner. I feel good. We’ll see.”
On what the Knicks learned about needing each other to win:
“As a group, we figured out we needed each other to win. We needed to be on the same page. … It wasn’t necessarily a turning point, you just do what you’re supposed to do every day.”
On how the opening weeks will reveal the Knicks’ identity:
“The first couple of weeks of the season are going to show us who we are.”
On the biggest lesson he has learned about winning:
“Just about not being satisfied, I think is the biggest takeaway moving forward.”
On his championship summer:
“It was the longest, shortest summer ever, but it was well worth it.”
On experiencing a championship in New York:
“I remember when the Yankees were in the World Series and just the electricity the city had. It just made you want to be a part of something like that.”
On his favorite “SNL” skit from his hosting appearance:
“Ask me in like a week, I still haven’t really watched it”
Josh Hart was asked how important it is for him to get an extension done with the Knicks:
"You always want to get it done, kind of as soon as possible. You don't want that trickling into the season because whenever there's uncertainty, there's going to be a lot of questions.… pic.twitter.com/pg1ieFZC6t
On returning after the championship summer and pursuing another title:
“The weight of the jersey was extremely light this summer. This morning, it was a bit heavier. I think we’re all excited for the opportunity to do it again. … We’re not satisfied to just get one.”
On the Knicks writing their own history as defending champions:
“At the end of the day we write our own history. It shows the significance of the CBA and the second apron, but at the end of the day, that’s the past and it holds no precedence over what the future is gonna hold.”
On his future with the Knicks:
“I’m a Knick, love to be a Knick.”
On whether he expects to sign an extension before the season:
“Do I think it’s going to get done? I don’t think it’s going to get done. Once start of seasons, I want to focus on playing. I’m sure that’ll add a little extra weight to the jersey.”
On wanting to complete an extension before the season:
“Do I think it’s gonna get done? There hasn’t been much movement or conversation. I would love for it to get done.”
On handling his contract situation:
“At the end of the day, it’s a business. … You never know what’s going to happen. For me, as long as I wear this jersey, I’m going to play as hard as I can. Hopefully we figure it out. … If some of these things aren’t finished by February, it might be a different situation.”
On wanting contract uncertainty resolved sooner rather than later:
“You always want to get it done as soon as possible. You don’t want that trickling into the season. Whenever there’s uncertainty, there’s going to be rumors. At a human level, it can wear people down and impact”
On Jalen Brunson’s “SNL” performance:
“I thought he was fine. He doesn’t have a future in acting.”
On whether teammates’ contract-extension situations could become a distraction:
“I have no input in all that but our guys are resilient and tough and no matter what’s going on, we’ll be alright.”
On his infamous Instagram Live:
“I was just trying to be me a little bit.”
On losing Mitchell Robinson and adding Andre Drummond:
“I think we’re just going to miss Mitch. That’s our guy, one of my good friends. We all love Mitch. We’re going to miss him, but bringing in Drum helps.”
On his favorite part of winning the championship:
“In the moment. Seeing everyone; we know how long the days and seasons are.”
Q: "You have one of the best poker faces in the NBA"
On being told he has one of the NBA’s best poker faces:
“I don’t know what that means.”
On Mitchell Robinson leaving and Andre Drummond joining the Knicks:
“Everyone’s sad to see him go, but that’s how it goes in the NBA. Andre’s a great player, played against him for years now. We know he can help us a lot.”
On Mohamed Diawara’s potential:
“Endless upside”
On making an iconic play during the Knicks’ championship run:
“I mean, yeah, I don’t think really about it that much. But I know it was a big play. Makes me happy that I brought joy to everyone. Hopefully do something like that again”
On reviewing his missed shots and improving his jumper:
“I don’t like missing shots, so whenever I’m missing shots, I always review the film, see what I did right or wrong”
On watching his Game 4 game-winning tip-in again:
“Just watching it back, seeing all the excitement from the fans, my teammates, and then KAT getting the tip on the last play”
Sep 28, 2026; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) talks to reporters during media day at Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There would have been a very easy answer for Jayson Tatum to give at Media Day.
Jaylen Brown is in Philadelphia now, and with him goes at least some of the oxygen that fueled years of “who’s the alpha in Boston?” conversations. Joe Mazzulla is calling this season the beginning of a “new era.” Tatum is entering Year 10 in Boston, healthy again after an offseason spent getting his body back to where he wants it. From the outside, there is considerably less ambiguity than there used to be about who sits at the center of the Celtics universe.
So when Tatum was asked at Media Day whether this was now “his team,” he could have said yes.
Instead, he pushed back on the question itself.
“It’s not a simple thing of, ‘Is this my team?’” Tatum said. “I don’t know if that’s the answer you’re looking for.”
If you were looking for a spicy viral clip, it wasn’t. His actual answer was probably more revealing.
“I understand the roles that we all play on this team. Everybody’s role is different. That’s what makes us a team,” Tatum said. “We all bring something different on a daily basis to make the group better, add towards winning, make this organization better. So it’s not just my team. I got 14 other teammates that I’m going to lean on, and we all need each other to be better every single day.”
Jayson Tatum on leadership:
“Leadership is about a lot of different things awareness is the biggest one. Self awareness, awareness of the group and just understanding.” –@CLNSMediapic.twitter.com/rUoYGLWkoC
There’s an obvious irony to all of this. The Celtics have probably never looked more like Tatum’s team from the outside.
The partnership that defined most of his career is over. In his Media Day press conference, Tatum called Brown’s departure “tough,” acknowledging the business side of the NBA while saying he was grateful for what the two accomplished together.
Now, their separation is going to invite a different kind of attention.
There will be more questions about leadership. More attempts to decipher Tatum’s body language. Probably plenty of nights when every good or bad thing Boston does becomes some referendum on what Tatum looks like without Brown beside him.
But if anyone expected Tatum to respond to all of that by suddenly puffing his chest out and declaring himself the unquestioned owner of the franchise, they probably haven’t been paying much attention.
Tatum has never really taken the bait
“Very comfortable,” Tatum said when asked about taking on a leadership role. “This is Year 10, so just been through it all. Leadership is about a lot of different things. Self-awareness is the biggest one. And awareness of the group. Understanding we all have roles, and that we’re in this together.”
For years, the conversation around Tatum and Brown often seemed determined to force one of them into saying something the other could resent. Who was better? Whose team was it? Could they coexist? Did one need to defer to the other?
Tatum never really played along. Even as he became the more decorated player and eventually the face of the franchise, he rarely seemed interested in turning that into some public declaration of status. Monday was more of the same.
Derrick White said Tatum has become more vocal every year since White arrived in Boston, but he also pointed to the quieter part of his leadership.
“He definitely has his own unique way of being a leader,” White said. “He puts in the work, everyone sees him here … you come in here, like I gotta reach that level.”
That sounds much more like the Tatum Celtics fans have come to know: less interested in commanding a room than in showing up, putting in the work and gradually becoming more comfortable speaking when the moment calls for it.
None of that means his role hasn’t changed. Brown’s departure guarantees that it has.
And perhaps the clearest sign of that change isn’t anything Tatum said Monday. It’s who is now standing beside him. Tatum spent part of his Media Day availability talking about how much he watched Paul George growing up.
“He definitely was one of the guys that, when I was coming up, I used to watch a lot of film on,” Tatum said. “Just that archetype of a two-way player, 6-foot-9, scoring at all three levels.”
Jayson Tatum discusses getting to know Paul George, noting that he grew up watching and studying his game.
George happened to be standing in the back of the room while Tatum said it.
When Tatum finished, the two dapped each other up, with George joking, “That was sentimental.”
There’s something a little strange, and probably pretty cool for Tatum, about that reversal. One of the players he used to study is now joining his team at 36 years old, entering a locker room where Tatum is the established Celtic and George is the newcomer learning how he fits around him.
A new cast around the same centerpiece
George enters Boston as a nine-time All-Star and one of the most accomplished players Tatum has ever played alongside. But George has already talked about his arrival in Boston partly through the lens of what his own experience can offer Tatum.
George said Monday that his years playing beside Kawhi Leonard can help him build an on-court relationship with Tatum. He also talked about Tatum having “a lot on his shoulders.”
George’s comments reveal something the “whose team is it?” framing misses. The hierarchy around Tatum has changed even if Tatum’s approach to it hasn’t.
Brown is gone. George arrives as an older star with experience playing next to another elite wing. White and Pritchard are both carrying larger responsibilities than they were a few years ago, while a collection of younger players are still trying to earn Mazzulla’s trust.
Tatum doesn’t have to announce himself as the leader of that group for everyone else to understand where he sits within it. His language hasn’t shifted dramatically, just the circumstances around him.
He’s also entering this version of the Celtics feeling considerably better physically.
“I feel great,” Tatum said. “Having this offseason to get stronger, get more explosive, or just work on my body in totality. I obviously feel much better than I did this time last year.”
George, who knows something about losing major time himself, said he thinks Tatum had a “tougher injury than I had” and expects the time away to ultimately make him better, forcing him to see the game “through a different lens” and changing his hunger.
There’s a strange symmetry to the relationship now. Tatum once learned by watching George. Now, George arrives in Boston with experiences that may help Tatum navigate a very different stage of his own career.
"To have this opportunity is amazing… I wish I was here a lot sooner. Not to discredit anywhere I've been, but since I've been here, it's just been nothing but happiness."
Of course people are going to ask whether this is finally “his team.” It’s the kind of framing sports conversations tend to demand, even if the person at the center of it has spent years showing little interest in the question.
Tatum didn’t suddenly discover some new philosophy of leadership Monday. If anything, his answer reinforced the one he’s been showing Boston for years.
He knows his role.
He knows how much bigger that role has become.
He just doesn’t seem to need ownership of the Celtics to prove it.
Sep 28, 2026; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Mitchell Robinson (4) talks to reporters during media day at Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Moments after Hugo Gonzalez stepped down from the podium at Boston Celtics Media Day, the door on the righthand side of the Auerbach Center cracked open and Mitchell Robinson poked his head out.
“Oh my god,” he exclaimed, as he saw more eyes looking back at him than he probably expected. There was a special energy in the room from the moment that the monster-truck driving big man arrived (though he clearly hasn’t found a proper parking space for said truck).
His availability fittingly ended in jovial fashion. As Robinson stood up to walk off the podium, he pointed to the yellow Gatorade on the desk and made sure we all knew how nasty it was.
It immediately became clear what sort of personality the Celtics had added when they signed Robinson in the offseason — a radiant one.
They also got quite the player.
“It’s a fresh start,” Robinson said months after leaving the reigning champion New York Knicks to join the rival Cs. “I just want to take the challenge to come here. We played against this team so many times, and they got on us multiple times. You know, and now that I can be a part of it and see how it is over here, I’m loving it so far.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just Boston getting on New York. The battles went both ways and Robinson was a huge part of that.
I’m sure the Celtics hated to see that man checking into games — I know I did. His nose for the offensive glass puts an unmatched strain on opposing defenses. You can play 24 seconds of great defense, force a miss, and then Mitch just creates an extra possession with a big board.
Per Databallr, Robinson’s 21.1% teammate miss offensive rebounding rate was the best in the NBA last season. At the same time, the Celtics scored the fifth most points off of second chances. The two are a match made in heaven.
“Mitch is one of the best bigs in the league and super efficient, and you know his ability to impact games,” Joe Mazzula praised. “Yeah, I’m upset that we’re not going to be able to foul him anymore. But that’s just how it goes. So he’s ours, and I think he’s going to make a big impact for us, and also help our Luka [Garza] and Neemi[as Queta]. His experience, and obviously coming off of a championship we can learn a lot from him.”
Robinson shared that Mazzulla wasted no time fostering a connection. The Celtics head coach paid him a visit down in Nashville this summer. The two clearly bonded over Mazzulla’s use of the Hack-a-Mitch strategy in years past, and Mazzulla’s willingness to apologize for regularly exploiting Robinson’s 50.8% career free-throw percentage.
“At first we had a little issue because I’m like, ‘you got to say sorry for fouling me,’ but he apologized.” Robinson joked. “Now we’re on the same team. So, you know, it’s going to be great. Just to build together and stuff like that.”
Robinson made it clear that he appreciates how the Celtics, as an organization, see their players as people instead of just players.
As for the free throws… he’s been working on them. A lot.
“I’ve been shooting a lot of free throws,” he emphasized. “A lot of free throws. I’ve been getting very confident with my free throws, my shooting touch, and stuff like that.“
Two core Knicks made it clear they’re uncomfortable with their contract situations.
As hope dwindles on the prospects of extension agreements before the season, Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart applied tacit pressure on the Knicks by outlining the potential distractions and negative impacts of uncertain futures.
“I think in this situation, there’s no comfortability to be had,” Towns said on Media Day. “That’s probably the best answer to that.”
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns speaks to the media during media day at the Knicks training facility in Tarrytown, New York, Monday, September 28, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The Knicks have offered Towns well below his max extension of four years, $277 million, asking the All-Star to take a pay cut from his current salary while navigating the second apron. The sides are far apart and unlikely to reach an agreement before the real games start Oct. 20.
After trade rumors sapped Towns’ focus and performance for much of last season, the 30-year-old said he wants contract security “to feel as comfortable as possible.”
He can sign up until the end of June.
“I made it known I want to play here. I’ve been a fan since I was young. I would like to get one done, of course,” said Towns, who can become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 if he doesn’t get an extension and declines his $61 million player option for next season. “Obviously I would like to get it done so I can feel as comfortable as possible.”
Hart further detailed the distractions of lingering negotiations, noting that expiring deals often lead to relocation via trade. He revealed Monday that an extension before the season is unlikely because discussions stagnated.
“You don’t want that trickling into the season. Because whenever there’s uncertainty, there’s gonna be a lot of questions, there’s gonna be a lot of rumors,” Hart said. “At a human level, sometimes that can wear people down and it can affect how you go out and handle business on a day-to-day basis, just some of that uncertainty.
“So obviously that’s something that you want to get done so that you don’t have to deal with that and focus on that. But we know that at the end of the day, it’s a business. You have situations like that and you never know what’s going to happen. For me, as long as I wear this jersey, I’m gonna play as hard as I can for my guys and this city and hopefully we can figure that out. But we know it’s a business and we know if some of these things aren’t figured out by February (the trade deadline), it might be a different conversation.”
Hart’s current deal carries a $22 million team option for the 2027-28 campaign, so the Knicks have him under control contractually for two more years. He’s been eligible for an extension since August and would rather not negotiate during the season.
Under an edict from team owner James Dolan, the Knicks are avoiding the second apron of the luxury tax – a mission that gets trickier when Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby become eligible for extensions next year.
Mitchell Robinson was already a casualty of the second apron, having left in free agency to the Celtics because the Knicks didn’t want to spend to keep the center.
Hart hopes he’s not another one.
“Are things going to get done? There hasn’t really been much movement or conversation with that, so I don’t think it will get done,” Hart said. “But I would love for it to get done. Once the season starts, I’ll probably have that mentality of ‘I don’t really wanna deal with this, I want to try and focus on playing the season.’ I’m sure there will probably be a little extra weight to the jersey. You don’t know the certainty of your situation and obviously it affects home life. There are certain things that you might want to do, but you’re like ‘I can’t, because I have no idea what the situation will be in two months, three months, four months, in a year, if I’m gonna be here or not.’ You don’t know. But hopefully, like I said, I’m a Knick, I’d love to be a Knick and I love the city.”
Soon after that answer from Hart, the electrical power at the practice facility shut down and the lights turned off. It gave Hart an opportunity to prematurely end his availability.
Knicks guard Josh Hart speaks to the media during media day at the Knicks training facility in Tarrytown, New York, Monday, September 28, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostKnicks guard Josh Hart is illuminated by a video light after a power failure while speaking to the media during media day at the Knicks training facility in Tarrytown, New York, Monday, September 28, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
But Hart continued.
He wanted to make a point about the unresolved contract extensions – Miles McBride is also eligible and unsigned – and finished Media Day with reasons to be concerned.
“I would hope that that stuff gets done,” Hart said. “At the end of the day, we’re humans and I think what sometimes gets lost is that we are people, that we all have lives and things that we have to deal with and fix. I wish I could sit there and say it wouldn’t have any weight or any bearing, but you never know. Some people can handle it great and some people can really struggle with it and that can kill their performance. I hope it gets done, but we’ll see.”
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 03: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on February 03, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Myles Turner has spent the majority of his offseason building.
From making a $1 million commitment to help fight food insecurity and advocating for animals to traveling to Morocco with the NBA Players Association to broaden his worldview, the common denominator is the same: Turner doesn't want to just lead by example, he wants to build something that lasts.
While Turner has long been committed to making an impact beyond basketball, this particular season of growth follows a season of transition on the court.
While the first season didn't go as he hoped, it's no surprise that Turner's offseason pursuits mirror the mindset he's bringing into the season ahead.
"It's funny, I think people want to call it a rebuild, but I just call it building," Turner told NBC Sports' Mary Omatiga.
"We're building towards something, and I think we're all excited just to kind of roll the ball out and get going."
In the conversation below, the newly elected Vice President of the NBPA opens up about why community work is important to him and the example he wants to set both on and off the court. Turner also reflects on his first season in Milwaukee, his reaction to Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure, and more.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Mary Omatiga: Myles, congrats on your new role! Vice President of the NBPA Executive Committee. What does it mean to you to have been elected by your peers?
Myles Turner: First off, thank you so much. It means everything to me. Just to have the respect of my peers, and just being around as long as I have been, for them to put that trust and faith in me to be the voice for the 450 and PLYRS UNTD over the next three years is a huge honor for me and not something that I take lightly.
You’ve had quite a busy off-season. In June, I know you went to Morocco with PLYRS UNTD. What was that experience like?
Turner: It was formerly called One Court, and I had some experience with the NBA Players Association in the past. I joined them in Milan a couple of years ago, and that was my first time really just immersing myself in the Players Association.
I had been to a few of the meetings. I had listened in, but they offer so many things off the floor for us as players to really advance our careers. Obviously, what we do on the court is amazing. The money that we make in this league is unbelievable, but the opportunities that they present are real.
I wanted to join them in Africa this summer just to see what else I could take in, and I'm glad I did. We got to be a part of some investment summits. We did our own little version of like a Shark Tank out there, where we got to help people with their own startups, get their pitch off. With that, you kind of see what it takes to do it on your own.
The cultural experience was unreal. That was my first time really being in an Arab state, and it was actually really cool. They were super friendly. We had some of the best accommodation! Man, I can go on and on and on. But I definitely suggest it for our brothers in this league to take advantage of the PLYRS UNTD opportunities.
Courtesy of PLYRS UNTD
How did that experience change your perspective on life?
Turner: I think for me personally, it's funny how Africa gets depicted. I had been to Tanzania before in the past. I did some work with Malcolm Brogdon and his Clean Water Initiative, but there are so many different parts of the continent.
When I got there, I just think that culturally, even with the religion, it's so amazing just how dedicated they are. I feel like things move so fast here in the States, but they take time out of the day, every single day, to make sure that they pray, to make sure that they're with their families, and to make sure they're together.
What may seem so small and minuscule to some people, to me, left a big impression. Just the fact that the entire nation itself just kind of abides by a certain set of rules, it was really cool.
Courtesy of PLYRS UNTD
Courtesy of PLYRS UNTD
You’ve also been making an impact a little bit closer to home. Your foundation recently made a $1 million commitment to help fight food insecurity. Why now and why this cause?
Turner: The cause is called Empowering the Masses, and it was founded by Ms. Tammy Johnson. I have some ties to it back in the past. To make a long story short, a few years ago, I had a not-so-great game, and a fan had kind of trolled me on Twitter. He reached out to me and asked for, like $100 on Venmo.
I'm a little petty too, so you know I sent him a penny, and I said, "Here's a penny for your thoughts." He kind of took that and got salty about it. But then, after that, fans started Venmoing me pennies. The next person Venmoed me two cents, like, "Here's your two cents."
The two cents turned to $1, $1 turned to $10, and I basically said, "Any fan that Venmos me, I'm going to match it." At the time, Texas went through a very bad freeze back in 2021. It left a lot of people without resources. Because you know, down South, we're not really used to the cold weather.
I was able to raise close to $100,000, and I gave to Empowering the Masses back then. I just wanted to continue my relationship with them because I love the stuff they're doing. It is a million dollars, but it's also a long-term investment. It's a million dollars over the next 10 years. They create opportunities, and they're giving people tangible tools and resources within the South Dallas community.
Courtesy of Operation W.A.R.M
I feel like some people don't lack ambition; they just lack access and opportunity. So that's what this million dollars will be able to do — give to this food pantry.
They're more than just a food pantry. It'll also give opportunity to essential workers, and they have phlebotomy classes. They have volunteers come in and actually build up their resumes. I think it's about teaching people to fish, not just necessarily giving them a fish. So I just like that this is a long-term pledge as opposed to just a one-time donation.
You and your fiancée — congrats on the engagement, by the way — started the Casper Foundation to advocate for animals. What made you guys want to get involved in that?
Turner: My entire life, believe it or not, I've always been a cat guy. I'm essentially trying to give a voice to the voiceless when it comes to cats.
We are an animal foundation; I just shed a little more light on cats. You look at adoption numbers, and dogs are usually the ones that are taken first.
I have such a unique platform being in the NBA and having the social media reach that I have. I have an opportunity to get a lot of these shelters off the ground. They may be doing the work, but they may not always have the reach or the social media platform that they need to get these animals adopted. So that's essentially where we come in.
Courtesy of The Casper Foundation
Courtesy of The Casper Foundation
Last year we did a tunnel walk with our teams. We had dogs and cats that were up for adoption go down our tunnel like it was an NBA pre-game fit walk. We were also able to have our wives and girlfriends come out and have events at certain [local] shelters.
Today, we literally just got back, and I was able to get a partnership with Purina and Friskies. They donated a thousand pounds of food, so we're going to share that at about three different shelters in the Wisconsin area. Little things like that are important to me to give a platform to these animals that can't speak for themselves.
It seems like this off-season you really invested a lot of time into social impact and philanthropy. Why are these responsibilities important to you at this stage of your career?
Turner: One of the first things I did when I got in the league was create my 501(c)(3) nonprofit, called W.A.R.M. It stands for "Workers and Role Models, " and I essentially try to live out exactly what I'm trying to get communities to do.
I've been doing a lot of community work back when I was in Indiana. I was there for 10 years, and we did great impact work there because that's where I called home for so long. But I wanted to stretch that further than just my playing market. I wanted to give back to my hometown. I wanted to get back to my current market, and eventually take it nationwide.
The money I've been able to amass, it's amazing, but it's also about giving back to the people that helped you get that money in the first place. I never wanted to turn my back on the people that helped me [get here].
It's also about being a role model. These younger guys coming into the league, they're trying to get their things off the ground as well. I want to make sure I provide an example of what it's supposed to look like and how you're supposed to not just give dollar amounts, but you live by what you're doing.
That's what W.A.R.M. stands for — going out there being about the things you say you're about.
Courtesy of Operation W.A.R.M.
I was listening to a podcast where you talked about NBA players having face value. You guys aren’t under helmets or hats. People know you, and you can build off of that.
How do you want your face value to translate off the court?
Turner: When people actually see me in person, it's so different. You see us athletes play on TV as these "larger-than-life" people, but when you actually get to meet us, a lot of us are dope individuals, man. What I'm just trying to get out there is that the fact that, yeah, my job is cool, but at the same time, I'm a human being as well.I want people to realize that.
When I am out there, and people do see me in person, I think it's important just to have that human connection. We're not just always talking hoops. We're talking about life, our goals, our dreams, and how we build things. That's why I think the face value is important... it just speaks volumes to just watching us on the television screen.
NBA athletes, to your point, do have that advantage. We don't wear hats. We don't wear helmets. People get to see us for who we are at all times. That's amazing, not only for philanthropic things, but for branding or letting grandma see you back at home, you know, whatever it may be.
We’ve talked a lot about your growth in the offseason, but I know that this year was also a year of transition for you. What did your first season in Milwaukee teach you about yourself?
Turner: Resiliency. I think that no matter what happened last year, I was always a constant professional. I try to carry myself as such, win, lose, good day, bad day. I mean, there are no bad days in the league. It's all a matter of perspective. What we do is amazing, the money that we get to make, the child's game that we get to play every day.
I don't ever consider days as necessarily bad days, but [I'll say] down days. You work through everything, and I think that's what I was able to do. That's what I was most proud of, being able to kind of keep my head through what people would describe as dark times. But again, I think it's always just a matter of perspective.
There are people out here who are really suffering and if me suffering is losing a basketball game, then you know I'm living a pretty damn good life.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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You said others would describe it as "dark times". How would you sum up your first year?
Turner: You said it, just a year of transition. I wanted to embrace being uncomfortable. Imagine you're doing your job. You're in the same exact place for 10 years straight. You know what's going to happen every single year. I've had the same medical staff. I had the same strength coach. I've had the same front office. Everything was consistent.
Then, just to shake something up, out of nowhere, I mean, of course, there's going to be struggles that come with it. As tumultuous as it may have seemed, I enjoyed the mental growth that I was able to have going through it from a different side and perspective. It's always crazy making a decision to go to my division rival, but you get to see things from both perspectives.
I think there were a lot of things that I learned, but more than anything, I was just happy that I chose myself and I made a decision for myself.
A big reason for coming to the Bucks was because you wanted to remain competitive, and obviously, Giannis [Antetokuonmpo] was a big part of that.
Turner: It doesn't change my competitive mindset whatsoever. I think that, coming into the situation, obviously, the initial pairing was to be with Giannis, but this is a business. At the end of the day, that man has to take care of his family. That man has to do what's best for him. All I can worry about is the future, and that's exactly where we're at.
So you know, take things day by day, keep continuing to compete, and the best things happen after that.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on November 17, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
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Where were you when you found out he got traded?
Turner: I was in Switzerland, actually. I was in Geneva, and it was funny. I guess it happened like late at night here, and it was only like 2 or 3 p.m. over there. Obviously, it set the internet on fire and whatnot. But yeah, I was [out of] the country.
You said it best: basketball is a business; people come and go, but the one thing that hasn’t changed for you is your desire to remain competitive.
You’ve talked about how getting to Game 7 and getting to that grand stage in the NBA Finals has really changed your perspective on basketball itself. Do you still think about the finals?
Turner: Oh yeah, there's not a day that goes by that I don't. To get that close to accomplishing your biggest goal and your biggest dreams and having it all crumble right before your very eyes, of course, it leaves a lasting impression on you. But at the same time, it also keeps that fire burning.
I feel like, you know, in that moment, when you do win a championship, at times people get complacent. They feel like they've done it all. They did everything they were supposed to do.
For me, getting that close and not being able to accomplish the ultimate goal just leaves the door open for me to get back.
I know I'll be back in the finals. It's one of those things that I manifest, and I speak out loud, and I just want to continue to work to get there. But it's not just going to be given to me; at the end of the day, there's going to be trials and tribulations to get there, and I'm ready for it all.
What moment specifically comes back to you from the Finals?
Turner: I don't know if it's a specific moment. Obviously, you know, when Tyrese [Haliburton] went down, that was the biggest moment for everybody. But for me personally, it was just going into halftime with the lead and having an actual chance to win the game. It's not like we were getting blown out. It's not like we were down and out. We had a real opportunity, and things just didn't go our way.
I think there's a combination of things that it takes to win the NBA Finals. Part of it, is that you have to get lucky. Unfortunately, we just got a little bit unlucky.
How is that experience still fueling you?
Turner: It's just that desire to get back. There's no greater stage in basketball than the NBA Finals. You're the only show on TV. Overseas hoops, for the most part, are done. Everybody's watching you, especially in a Game 7 [setting]. So, just to get back to that moment, to have that adrenaline rush, to be able to play in front of your friends and family, and a lot of people who may have been doubting you in the past — it's a beautiful moment. There's nothing more poetic about being in a moment like that.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 19: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the game against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Six of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 A.J. Mast/NBAE via Getty Images)
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JUNE 22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JUNE 19: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Six of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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After everything you’ve gone through over the last year, what does this upcoming season represent for you?
Turner: It's funny, I think people want to call it a rebuild, but I just call it building. I think that for me personally, you have a bunch of guys with a chip on their shoulder coming together, and everybody kind of feels like they have something to prove. You get a whole bunch of competitive guys under one roof, man, who knows what'll happen?
We're building towards something, and I think we're all excited just to kind of roll the ball out and get going. It's a beautiful thing when people are kind of counting you out. So when you actually go out there and start kicking ass, then you know, it's like, "Oh, where did this come from?"
Do you feel like you personally have anything to prove?
Turner: The only thing I have to prove is to just keep proving things to myself. I've made it this far in my career. I'm 30 years old, still in my prime, and I'm really just working on my leadership. I want to continue to keep proving that I can lead a group, lead a team, and hold myself high through any situation.
"I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round. I know that for sure."
LeBron James sat down at media day in his Philadelphia jersey (still getting used to that) and talked a lot about process and fitting in with his new teammates, but at the end of his remarks, he made sure the bar is set high for this team — they are potential contenders. This team has not only LeBron but also Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid (who reporters said looked noticeably thinner), and a quality bench. The bar is set high.
When asked what drew him to Philly this summer, LeBron talked a lot about his close relationship with Tyrese Maxey — and he said agent Rich Paul's whiteboard (from Paul's podcast) was right.
"I had a list of five teams that I was interested in," LeBron said. "I think if you saw my agent [Rich Paul] in his podcast, you saw his whiteboard and whatever — I love him to death — but he had his whiteboard up there, and he had all his LeBron teams up there...
"I have a really, really good, I would say great relationship with Tyrese, and we talked a lot. I kind of picked his brain a lot on not only where he see his career going, how he see the franchise here, how much he believes in the franchise, and if I was to come here, how does he see me fitting in? Do we think it'd be a plus, or do we think it'd be a negative? Because I understand what my personality and what comes with me, sometimes it could be a negative...
"But I think our relationship, kind of, when I broke a lot of the teams down, I broke a lot of the franchises down that I could possibly play for. He was one of the main deciding factors."
Joel Embiid has a brief answer and a big grin when asked about recruiting LeBron James pic.twitter.com/WDpuQznaDL
LeBron also confirmed in a conversation with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that he had "visions" of finishing his career with the Knicks in Madison Square Garden, but the team's title changed that.
Here are some other highlights from LeBron James' comments at media day.
What will be his role on the court on such a stacked roster? "Whatever the team needs for me to do. I think the luxury of my game is I can do everything. Literally, I can do everything."
On himself and everyone needing to sacrifice: "If we want to accomplish something that's really, really important, like if we say that we want to do something special, there will be a collective sacrificing — in a good way. Sometimes in sports, people hear sacrificing, you automatically people start thinking negative about it. It's not a negative thing. You can sacrifice one or two more shots, that gives you one or two more bursts of energy in the fourth quarter to slide over and take a charge... So it's not a negative when people say, "Okay, you have to make a sacrifice," or your role may change. If we're trying to do something special, which I believe we are, then that's a positive."
On what his experience brings: "I've seen everything that this league has to offer, on the floor and off the floor. So, I hope that every single day, with my approach to the game, approach to the work, that it can translate to every single guy, and even guys that's been able to win at the highest level. So, looking forward to that to that challenge."
Will LeBron play one year or two in Philly? Is this where he ends his career? "I don't want to speak into the future right now. I think that would be doing a disservice to myself on just living in the moment, especially knowing that I am where I am in my career. So, me trying to focus on what the future looks like would be like, I wouldn't be giving myself grace. I'm more in the present now, understanding that I'm in year 24."
On the 76ers fans: "I'm super excited to get in front of these fans. They know sports, they know ball, and if you're not doing what you're supposed to do, they're gonna let you hear it — and I'm excited about that. That's holding people accountable... I'm excited to just be a part of this, to be a part of the feeling, be a part of the vibe, and to go out and play for something that's more than myself, more than the players in the locker room, but for the whole city."
On those fans needing to be patient while this comes together: "It's going to take time. It's going to take time. I think people, sometimes they don't really want to work, and everyone wants like instant oatmeal. You just put the oatmeal in the bowl, you put some water in it, throw it in the microwave, in a minute and a half, you got something... If you want to do something special, it takes time, and it takes every single day doing things that you may not want to do because it's like the same thing over and over and over and over and over... In order for us to be great, we have to do things that are just not comfortable. We have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. That is the best way to expedite being great. You have to fall in love with doing things that's uncomfortable, and if we can do that, then we can be a great team."
CAMDEN, NJ — Joel Embiid's health has been a major question mark for the Philadelphia 76ers in recent seasons, and with LeBron James now in the fold, it could ultimately determine whether the franchise can fulfill its championship aspirations.
As the 7-foot center enters his 13th overall season in Philadelphia, Embiid gave a health update to reporters at the team's media day.
"I'm feeling pretty good," Embiid said at The Penn Medicine Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on Monday.
Embiid noted that there's a plan in place for him to try to keep healthy to "play as much as possible" and be at his "best" for the postseason.
"Going into the year, I want to play as much as possible," he said. "We got a plan. We're going to execute it to make sure I stay healthy and then be at my best when we get to that time. So whatever way we get there, we're going to execute it."
Embiid enters training camp looking noticeably leaner than he has in recent seasons. The work Embiid put in during the offseason has not gone unnoticed, including by James, the 76ers' marquee offseason addition.
"Joel is one of the most talented guys that we have in the world, and obviously we all know that for him it's just been about health. How can he stay healthy to be the best version of himself? Be the best version of himself to be the best version of us as a team?" James said on Monday.
"I've seen him put in a lot of work on his body, putting a lot of work in his game, a lot of work on his mental season. That is a big upside, not only for us as his teammates, but I guarantee it is for him. I don't want to speak for him. You guys have talked to him, but I guarantee that's a good feeling for him."
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has dropped a considerable amount of weight. pic.twitter.com/Of1rI0aZS6
Embiid has struggled to stay in the Sixers' lineup in recent seasons due to his health. He's combined to play 96 regular-season games over the last three seasons and has not played more than 40 games since his MVP season in 2022-23.
Last season, Embiid underwent an emergency appendectomy on April 9 that kept him out for the Sixers' final two regular-season games, their play-in game against the Orlando Magic and the first three games of their first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
The Sixers center appeared in just 19 games during the 2024-25 season after the team deemed him medically unable to play because of persistent knee issues. Those problems stemmed from a torn meniscus in his left knee suffered the previous season, an injury that required surgery and sidelined him until late in the regular season.
TARRYTOWN, NY – The saying “to the victor go the spoils" certainly applied to the NBA Championships over the past four months, as any member of the New York Knicks who came into proximity to anything worth spoiling certainly took advantage.
From appearances on the jumbotron at the US Open to hosting duties on "Saturday Night Live," NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has helped the Knicks enjoy an offseason befitting a team breaking the championship curse of this basketball-crazed city, following their five-game throttling of the San Antonio Spurs.
It wasn’t just the five-game victory that broke a 53-year-old curse, but the way it was accomplished. New York trailed by double digits in each game and cemented themselves in NBA lore with a Game 4 comeback for the ages, trailing by 29 points before a furious rally that culminated in OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds left.
During the team’s media session at their practice facility 30 minutes north of New York City, reality set in about what the Knicks need to do to become the first team since the Golden State Warriors in 2017-18 to repeat as champions. The team will still get bombarded with the chant “Knicks in 5” from their rabid fanbase until someone dethrones them.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown, who was an assistant on those Warriors title teams, made it clear that although few changes were made, he is excited to move forward with his new group of players.
The roster was largely intact, with nine of last season's top 10 contributors returning for a chance to run it back. Mitchell Robinson, the team’s defensive stalwart, signed with the division rivals Boston Celtics on a three-year, $47.39 million contract, and the team signed veteran Andre Drummond to fill the void.
“It’s a new season and a new team, and we’re going to face new challenges and adversity throughout the course of the year. And upholding our commitment to our standard. It's not going to change. Our standard of sacrifice, being connected, having a competitive spirit, having a belief in each other in the process. That’s our primary focus going into this year,” Brown said.
“We can’t afford to have any slippage in our process. We can’t afford to decline with our focus and energy in our daily habits. We have to understand that the media and public scrutiny is going to come.”
Defending champion Knicks are not satisfied
First up, their championship defense will begin against the retooled Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 20, featuring newly signed LeBron James (who would have joined the Knicks had they not won the title) and Jaylen Brown, who was traded from the Celtics, along with mainstays Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
The Knicks know that winning another championship begins and ends with Brunson, who averaged 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in the NBA Finals with 45 points to close out Game 5, while playing with a painful wrist injury.
Brunson, who admitted it was the "longest, shortest summer ever," says he feels good after offseason wrist surgery in July and is honored and grateful for the off-court opportunities, as he will also appear on an episode of “Law and Order: SVU” in November.
But Brunson reiterates that the goal and focus is on the court and winning another championship, while leaving last year where it is, turning the page, and moving on.
“Not being satisfied, I think, is the biggest takeaway moving forward. You still want to figure out how you can grow as a person and as a player. So I will use that experience. As a group, we figured out that we need each other to win, obviously. We need each other to be all on the same page."
"I have all the confidence in the world in my teammates. Not so sure about Josh Hart; we'll see how he acts," Brunson said jokingly.
“The weight of the jersey was extremely light this summer. This morning, it was a bit heavier. I think we're all excited for the opportunity to do it again. We're not satisfied to just get one,” Hart added, while answering some of his questions in the dark as the lights went out at the Madison Square Garden Training Center.
Contract extension updates
While the championship glow is still shining, a few players with unsettled contract situations loom large for the team’s future. Brown said that the front office, including general manager Leon Rose, talks about everything concerning the roster, saying, “We don't want to leave elephants in the room. I have a lot of faith in them, the players and agents."
The 31-year-old Karl Anthony Towns has two more years on his contract, including a player option for the 2027-28 season worth $61 million, and said "there's no comfortability to be had” when discussing a possible extension. He is eligible for a four-year, $272 million contract.
"I've made it known I want to play here,” said Towns, who said he has dropped weight in his memorable offseason, which included getting married and honeymooning in Africa. “I've been a fan since I was young. I would like to get one done, of course. Get it done so I can step on the court and feel as comfortable as possible”
Hart has a team option in his deal for next season worth $22 million.
"You always want to get it done, kind of as soon as possible. You don't want that trickling into the season because whenever there's uncertainty, there's going to be a lot of questions,” he said. “There's going to be a lot of rumors, and at a human level, sometimes that can wear people down, and it can affect how you go out and handle business on a day-to-day basis, just some of that uncertainty.”
Tyrese Haliburton sat down for Indiana Pacers media day and made sure to every reporter in the room knew his latest injury update.
"Before you ask a question, I am healthy. I'm 100%. There will be no restrictions," Haliburton declared on Monday, Sept. 28. "That is not news. There's no source. I am the source. I'm good. I'm ready to go for the year."
That is most certainly good news for the Pacers, who enter the 2026-27 NBA season coming off a rough campaign in which Haliburton didn't play at all while rehabbing from the torn Achilles he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Haliburton also endured a frustrating case of shingles that slowed his recovery.
During the 15 months he hasn't played, Haliburton kept tabs on all the doubts that formed about his ability to regain his All-Star form and the Pacers' viability as a contender. He already expressed shock last month upon learning his first game back from injury for Indiana's regular season opener won't be on national television.
"You guys know the type of person I am. You know that I search for any type of negativity at all times," Haliburton said on Monday. "My screenshots folder, my bookmarks folder on Twitter is pretty crazy. That's just who I am. That's always going to be who I am. The last 16 months have allowed for a lot, a lot of material for me and that's fun. That's going to make the year fun for us ... As a team, we have a lot of bulletin board material."
Haliburton said he expects Indiana to compete for an NBA title again with center Ivica Zubac joining the team's core at last year's trade deadline.
How Haliburton looks with him remains an unknown until it actually happens. The 26-year-old point guard has been playing 5-on-5 against team personnel and teammates in recent weeks and posted a video on social media completing a between-the-legs dunk to demonstrate his progress.
Haliburton mentioned having to "rebuild who I am" during this rehabilitation process and noted, "the first time that I fell and the gym didn't gasp, that's when I felt normal again."
"I feel great. I can only say it so many times," Haliburton said. "I'm looking forward to getting back on the floor and you guys being able to see it for yourself."
When the Jazz made the blockbuster trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. last February, a vision was put into place. A vision of a healthy Walker Kessler pairing up with JJJ to create the most daunting defensive rim presence in the NBA.
Everyone was on board. Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, Will Hardy, Danny Ainge, Austin Ainge, the Jazz fanbase. Everybody bought in but Kessler, who apparently wanted to do everything in his power to not play in a purple mountain jersey ever again.
According to Marc Stein in his latest post of “The Stein Line” substack, Kessler’s camp told Jazz officials that he was “determined” to go the qualifying offer route this summer, and hit unrestricted free agency in 2027.
Kessler was set to leave Utah no matter what. Nothing could have convinced him to stay.
Walker Kessler's camp successfully convinced Jazz officials that he was absolutely determined to go the qualifying offer route this summer had he stayed in Utah and then proceed to unrestricted free agency next summer, per @TheSteinLine
This alleged sentiment contradicts an instagram post that Kessler made to Utah Jazz fans in the midst of free agency rumors in June.
“I’ve seen what’s being said, and I want it to be clear that I have always wanted to be here — I love this city, these fans, my teammates, my coaches — that’s real to me. You don’t grow roots where you don’t want to be,” Kessler wrote to Jazz fans via Instagram on June 17, 2026.
The entire Kessler-Utah saga is a perplexing one. Why did Kessler have so much reported animosity towards the idea of playing for the Jazz? Even before Utah acquired JJJ, Kessler and the Jazz could not agree to terms on his rookie extension, failing to come to an agreement before the September deadline last season.
Kessler only played five games before succumbing to a season-ending shoulder injury, and even then, the Jazz showed confidence in the big man. In a recent interview with team reporters Eric Spryopolous and JP Chunga, Austin Ainge claimed that he wanted to bring Kessler back for another season.
“ We really valued Walker. Walker’s a good player,” Austin Ainge said. “We were planning on keeping him. But that offer got high enough that we thought it was the right move to make for the Jazz for building a championship team.”
Austin Ainge on the Walker Kessler trade:
“ We really valued Walker. Walker's a good player. We were planning on keeping him. But that offer got high enough that we thought it was the right move to make for the Jazz for building a championship team." pic.twitter.com/6wTuRYeaGY
Austin Ainge was diplomatic in that interview, and while he was mostly truthful about the Kessler situation, what wasn’t mentioned was that Kessler ultimately did not want to play in Utah. Had Kessler been really committed to play for the Jazz, it looks like the Jazz would have happily had the fifth-year center back in 2026-27.
Kessler in L.A. hurts the Jazz for 2026-27. It is a noticeable falloff from Kessler as your starting center to Jusuf Nurkic — assuming that they are still trying to run a three-big lineup with Markkanen and Jackson at the three and four. But getting four first-round picks for a league-average center who has had an injury history already in his first four seasons in the NBA, is a fantastic deal.
It’s still weird to think about how the Kessler era in Utah ended. In his rookie season, it seemed that Utah had found its Rudy Gobert replacement for a fraction of the price. The Jazz were set to have another all-NBA defender for the next decade. He finished third behind Paolo Banchero and Jalen Williams, both of whom are all stars now.
To think that he would only play four years for Utah after how great the marriage started is disappointing.
Expect some boos to rain down at the Delta Center when the Lakers visit Salt Lake City on Oct. 25.
James slightly deflected that question at media day on Monday at the 76ers training facility when asked about the structure of his two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season, and whether he's looking at it as his last stop.
Instead, the four-time NBA champion said he is approaching his 24th season in the NBA, and his first back in the Eastern Conference in nearly a decade, by being in the "present."
"I'm just looking at it every single day on how I can be the best version of myself for this franchise while I'm here. I can't speak into the future right now. I think that would be doing a disservice to myself, just living in the moment, especially knowing that I am where I am in my career," James said.
James chose the 76ers over the reported interest of the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. The 76ers become the fourth franchise James will play for, marking the first time he will play in a new uniform since the start of the 2018-19 season.
In joining the 76ers, who were swept by the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs last season, James will be teamed up with his close friend Tyrese Maxey, who served as a "major factor" in his decision to return to the East Coast.
After announcing his free-agent signing with the 76ers, James posted on social media that it was his "last decision" and that he wasn't "going for money."
The NBA All-Time Leading Scorer noted on Monday that while he'll not have a Year 24 season again next season, he will see "what happens" regarding a 25th season.
"Me trying to focus on what my future looks like, I wouldn’t be giving myself grace. I’m more in the present now, understanding that I’m in Year 24," James said. "... I just like being in the moment, and we’ll see what happens."
TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 28: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to media during the Toronto Raptors media day at Hotel X on September 28, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Early during Kawhi Leonard’s highly anticipated 2026-27 Toronto Raptors Media Day availability, he fielded a question from The Toronto Star’s Doug Smith on what he learned about himself in the past year.
His response hit the Los Angeles Clippers fanbase like a wall more daunting than the one in their home arena:
“I need pressure or I need a winning situation.”
TORONTO, CANADA – SEPTEMBER 28: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to media during the Toronto Raptors media day at Hotel X on September 28, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
During Leonard’s seven-year stint with the Clippers, they accumulated a 325-229 record (.586). His tenure had a promising start, with a second-round appearance and a trip to the Western Conference Finals in his first two seasons. Leonard then missed the 2021-22 season with an ACL injury and the Clippers never recovered. Los Angeles eventually added three first-round exits to their resume in the ensuing years.
During his lone campaign in Toronto, the team went 58-24 (.707) and ultimately captured the city’s first NBA championship.
“The city took a liking to me, even before we won the championship,” said Leonard. “People were thanking me for how well I was playing and leading the Raptors to a historic playoff run.”
In addition to highlighting the energy and the people, Leonard is excited for his son to experience Toronto.
“My son was born here, now he’s back home, and he seems happier,” added Leonard.
While any worries about his off-court life can be cast aside, it’ll undoubtedly be what happens on the court that determines whether or not Toronto ultimately provides Leonard with his ‘winning situation’. While there are many fascinating pieces on the team, no one is more important to determining this team’s ceiling than Scottie Barnes. As brilliant as Leonard is, he has often required dominant on-ball players next to him, specifically during his Clippers run.
In his final season with the Clippers, Leonard finished with a 33.4 usage rate, good for the third-highest in the league. He played with James Harden (until he was shipped off to the Cleveland Cavaliers) and Darius Garland, who finished with usage rates of 33.1 and 29.9. Both would have finished higher than anyone on the Raptors last season:
Brandon Ingram: 26.9
RJ Barrett: 25.7
Scottie Barnes: 23.4
Despite that, Leonard has seemingly bought into what Head Coach Darko Rajakovic has planned schematically.
“I can play off anybody…I can catch and shoot,” said Leonard. “I’ve played with limited shots before.”
While it’s admirable of Leonard to publicly concede touches, the Raptors desperately need him to be the type of bucket-getter that they had hoped Ingram would be, especially in the post-season. Still, as defences load up on Leonard, it’ll be important for Barnes to meet those on-ball expectations.
Barnes is excited for the responsibility:
“Just trying to work on my offensive game in those iso and late-game situations is where I can take that next level,” said Barnes.
Before the Q&A started, Leonard quickly set the tone. He wasn’t going to address the cap circumvention situation. Instead, he proceeded to show off a charm and charisma that previously eluded him. From joking about K’wine & Dine to addressing his viral laugh, Leonard seemed loose and willing to be vulnerable.
“I’m not going to stop laughing because people thought it was funny,” said Leonard.
The pressure and expectations won’t stop building in Toronto either, but it seems like this version of Leonard is built for it and more.
"Hey, everyone, thanks for coming," Leonard said Monday, Sept. 28. "I’m excited to be here. I know why some of you guys came – you want to hear about the investigation – but in talking with the NBA and (National Basketball Players Association), I think the best decision is to move forward and focus on my time being a Toronto Raptor."
Leonard, who had previously played one season for the Raptors in 2018-19 and helped deliver the franchise’s only NBA championship, agreed to a two-year, $115 million contract extension with the Raptors on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
After his one season with the Raptors, Leonard became an unrestricted free agent and opted to sign with the Clippers, where he played six seasons.
"I don’t really go back and think too about it too much about it," Leonard said when asked to reflect on his departure from the Raptors. "Cause when you think, the next year was COVID, and I kind of made my decision to go to LA based off my family. I’m a big family guy, had a lot of older people in my family that I was able to spend time with that passed away.
"And just seeing babies be born and their cousins and nieces – that was all great for me, and I can’t take that back. Those times, cherished, and being able to see family and hug them before they passed, it doesn’t make me think about the basketball aspect of it too much."
The seven-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP will lead Toronto alongside forward Scottie Barnes and guard RJ Barrett. Although Leonard said he didn’t want to take questions about the Clippers and the investigation, he did say he felt the Clippers "weren’t too competitive last year," as they struggled to a 42-40 record. Los Angeles qualified for the play-in game but lost to the Warriors and missed out on the playoffs.
"I need pressure," Leonard said. "I need a winning situation. I want to try to win."
Toronto, which made the postseason last year without Leonard and was eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, should be competitive in a deep Eastern Conference.
"I already was a distraction for the past 70 days and wasn’t able to meet my teammates and do any of that minicamp stuff with them," Leonard said. "So moving forward, I just want to talk about the Toronto Raptors today. I did release a statement that you can go back to. So, yeah, like I said, I just want to focus on basketball and being a Toronto Raptor. Like I said, I’m excited to play and be in the city."
The four-time NBA champion made his first public appearance at the 76ers media day on Monday, Sept. 28 at the team's training facility in Camden, New Jersey. James reportedly had several other suitors interested in adding him to their respective rosters, including the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.
He ultimately chose the Sixers and signed a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option. In Philadelphia, the NBA superstar will look to lead the franchise past the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time in two decades alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown, the latter whom the 76ers traded for in the offseason.
USA TODAY Sports is on-site and providing live coverage of James' first media day with the 76ers. Here are some of the notable quotes from the 76ers' media day:
LeBron makes joke at start of 76ers news conference
As LeBron took the podium for his news conference, the 22-time NBA All-Star began with a joke as he removed his name tag from the table.
Why did LeBron James choose the 76ers? Relationship with Tyrese Maxey
How did James settle on the Sixers? Here's his response:
"I had a list of five teams that I was interested in. I saw my agent on his podcast and saw his whiteboard. I love him to death. He had his whiteboard, and he had all his LeBron teams up there. So I had a group of teams that I was interested in. And I have a really, really good, great relationship with Tyrese (Maxey). We talked a lot, and I kind of picked his brain a lot, not only about where he sees his career going, how he sees the franchise here, and how much he believes in the franchise. And if I was to come here, how does he see me fitting in? Do we think it'd be a plus, or do we think it'd be a negative?
"Because I understand my personality and what comes with me. Sometimes it can be a negative. I understand some people maybe can't handle what I may bring to the table and I was just asking all the questions that I could ask him and it wasn't just one conversation. But I think our relationship (and) when I broke a lot of the teams down, when I broke a lot of the franchises down that I could possibly play for, he was one of the main deciding factors."
Here's what James said about playing alongside Embiid and helping him in Philadelphia:
"Got to get here first. Not even one day in being in the facility. I am just looking forward to obviously seeing what his process is as well. Joel is one of the most talented guys that we have in the world, and obviously we all know that for him it's just been about health. How can he stay healthy to be the best version of himself? Be the best version of himself to be the best version of us as a team?
"I've seen him put in a lot of work on his body, putting a lot of work in his game, a lot of work on his mental season. That is a big upside, not only for us as his teammates, but I guarantee it is for him. I don't want to speak for him. You guys have talked to him, but I guarantee that's a good feeling for him."
What LeBron James said about retirement
How many more years does James have left? He spoke on that and how his contract in Philadelphia is set up, where there's a player option for next season:
"I'm just looking at it every single day on how I can be the best version of myself for this franchise while I'm here. I can't speak into the future right now. I think that would be doing a disservice to myself. Just living in the moment, especially knowing that I am where I am in my career. Me trying to focus on what the future looks like would be like, I wouldn't be giving myself grace. I'm more in the present now, understanding that I'm in Year 24. It won't be another Year-plus 24, you know what I'm saying? It's just like being in the moment and just seeing what happens."
What LeBron James said about role with 76ers
What will James' role be in Nick Nurse's system? His response:
"Whatever the team needs me to do. I think the luxury of my game is that I can do everything. Literally, I can do everything."
The Sixers haven't made it out of the second round of the NBA playoffs since 2001, when Allen Iverson led them to the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. With a star-studded lineup that includes others such as Maxey, Embiid, Brown and VJ Edgecombe, how does James see expediting the chemistry with the group?
He noted that while it will "take time," the best ways to expedite it are times before practice, film sessions, bus and plane rides, and falling in love with "doing things that's uncomfortable."
That said, James made his expectations known: He wouldn't have come to Philadelphia if he didn't think the 76ers had championship expectations.
"I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round," James said.
James said he's excited to be a part of the "vibe" in Philadelphia as he gets acclimated with his new city. He mentioned that the Philadelphia sports fans know "ball" and that they'll hold players accountable "if you're not doing what you're supposed to do."
So, what's been his experience with 76ers fans in the past as a visitor, and how is he expecting his relationship to change now as a member of the City of Brotherly Love?
"It's been both," James said of his relationship in the past with Philadelphia fans. "It's been like, 'Okay, we respect the way you play the game because we know the game and we know the history of the game and we see so many players play, but we hate you. You're not with us, we hate you.' And I love that. I actually really love it. I really thrive under that circumstance.
"But yeah, it's always been mutual respect with myself and the Philly fans, and we'll be on the same side now guys. I need a little hate, so I hope we can just get some people that's not real Philly fans, and we just put them in the crowd so I can just get that attention. But it's been great. ... I actually came here in high school as well and played at The Palestra my senior year, and it was that same type of atmosphere."
James' first official game as a Sixer will come on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden when the Sixers open up the 2026-27 NBA season against the defending NBA champion New York Knicks. His first home game will be Thursday, Oct. 22 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of James' former teams.
