One more sleep to witness history.

The Knicks enter the NBA’s opening week as the reigning world champs and will see the banner(s) go up in front of the MSG faithful in around 24 hours.

How can one not be excited!?

Mike Brown

On Bruce Brown’s toughness, versatility, and fit with the Knicks:

“Bruce, he’s a winner. He shows a level of toughness and versatility — not just defensively; he can guard one through four, but even offensively, he can initiate the offense. Our point guard’s not one that has to come down every play and break his guy down and make the game easier for everyone else. We have a system where we play out of concepts, and Bruce is good enough to initiate the offense, or he’s good enough to be off the ball. So he fits in with how we want to play on both ends, while giving us versatility on both ends. Having a chance to get to know him, he seems like a good guy. He seems like he knows a lot of our guys because he was in the same [draft] class as a few of them. So it was tough from that standpoint.”

On why the Knicks chose James Wiseman over Bruce Brown for the final roster spot:

“When you have a guy that’s 25 years old, that has the length and the athleticism and the talent as a James Wiseman, because KAT’s not athletic like that and Andre was once that, he still has some of it. But to have that at 25 years old, especially with where we’re at as a group, you look for guys that coulda, shoulda, but at his age maybe he still can be a coulda, shoulda. That vertical threat at the rim, the vertical threat defensively, how good he runs, you welcome that at his size and age and athleticism.”

On the significance of facing LeBron James and the 76ers on opening night:

“The reality of it, in coach talk, you want to say every game is the same. That’s what you try to impress upon your guys is, ‘Hey, when we step on the floor, no matter who’s in front of us, you want to give the same focus, energy and effort to the next possession in front of you.’ But because of the talk, because of who he is — he is a large figure not just in life, but in the NBA.

“You also gotta look at the guys they have on the team and the guys they’ve added and the potential of that team and what we accomplished and what we’re trying to accomplish again — all those storylines, with the social media and all that other stuff, it’s pressed upon you, pressed upon you, pressed upon you, so it gets larger than life in general.”

On whether the Knicks and 76ers could develop a rivalry:

“As a coach, you hope it doesn’t, but at times yes, you have to take into account that yes, it can be something that guys think, ‘OK, this is a big game.’ It gives you a little bit more juice, a little bit more energy because of all the stuff around it. Is it gonna be a rivalry at the end of the day? I don’t know. I don’t know where we’re gonna be and where they’re gonna be. … Because of the storylines and all that other stuff with the social media, could it be right now? Yeah, it’s a fun story.”

Josh Hart

On the cause of his right ankle soreness:

“Old age.”

On whether he will be available for the Knicks’ season opener against Philadelphia:

“We’ll see in two days.”

On anticipating the opening-night matchup against LeBron James and the 76ers:

“Wherever LeBron [James] went in the East, I figured that’d probably be our opening night [game]. That will be good for headlines and box office and those kinds of things.”

On the challenges facing the 76ers on opening night as they integrate their new stars:

“Obviously, we have the same team, but sometimes individuals’ expectations are different than what they were before. So it’s different. Especially a team like that, I’m sure they’re gonna have some bumpy times in the beginning of the year because they gotta get used to playing with each other. The media at that point [will say,] ‘They should blow it up and trade everybody’ and those kinds of things. That’s kind of the world we live in.”

On being tired of championship congratulations and wanting to focus on the new season:

“It’ll be cool. Obviously, getting a ring, hanging the banner will be dope. I think we’re excited about that, but also excited to kind of move on from it. You get tired of hearing the congrats. The stories are nice, at times, but we’ve gotta fully turn the page and realise that that’s not the team that we are now. We have to put the work into being a team that’s in a similar position next year.”

OG Anunoby

On the viral Halloween decoration recreating his game-winning tip-in in the NBA Finals:

“That was amazing. That was super cool. Very creative. It was really cool.”

Miles McBride

On the pressure of playing for the Knicks and the team’s championship expectations:

“Nobody wanted to be on a team that had this much potential. And (nobody wanted to) be the guy that quote unquote didn’t show up, didn’t do their job. … I think that New York pressure truthfully played a huge role. Everybody wants to play well, playing for that team. I wouldn’t even say pressure. I’d say confidence, in a sense.

“Like, you have the confidence that you’re playing in the greatest arena in sports, and you don’t want to be the person (who) isn’t locked in.”

Landry Shamet

On the Knicks’ willingness to sacrifice individual roles to defend their championship:

“We want to win for each other. We’re willing to take on different roles and know that we’ve got each other’s back. If Jose’s got it going and my minutes are shortened, awesome, and vice versa.”

On the lack of ego among the Knicks’ backup guards:

“I’ve been … a broken record about it, but you don’t see that. From a backup guard position, that’s very rare, where no ego or ulterior motives get involved. That’s something special that you want to be a part of.”

Jose Alvarado

On the competition and chemistry among the Knicks’ backup guards:

“We compete. We want to get each other better. In order to win, we need everybody on the same page, and we know that.”

Jalen Brunson

On the condition of his championship hat:

“Mine is still not washed; it’s in the bag, and I’m afraid to open it. It smells terrible: Champagne, sweat, cigars, food, beer, tequila.”

The Phoenix Suns continue to fine-tune every aspect of their roster in preparation for the 2026–27 season. They’ve brought in Duop Reath on a two-way contract, waived Haywood Highsmith, extended Oso Ighodaro, and picked up the option on Ryan Dunn. And now? They’ve waived second-year sharpshooter Koby Brea, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

Brea was selected 41st overall in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Kentucky, following an illustrious collegiate career in which he established himself as one of the best three-point shooters in the NCAA. Unfortunately, that shooting ability hasn’t consistently translated to the NBA level.

He appeared in 12 games for Phoenix last season, connecting on 13-of-30 attempts from beyond the arc, good for 43.3%. The hope was that he’d build upon that production through Summer League and the preseason, continuing his development as a reliable perimeter threat. But during Summer League, Brea shot 8-of-28 from deep, good for 28.6%. That was followed by a preseason in which he connected on 3-of-10 attempts, shooting 30% from beyond the arc.

When your primary translatable skill is shooting, and you’re struggling to consistently knock down shots, you become vulnerable. You become expendable. And for an organization that values flexibility throughout its roster, that’s a difficult position to find yourself in.

Unfortunately for Koby Brea, the Suns have opted to move on, leaving one two-way contract spot available as the team continues making its final roster adjustments ahead of the regular season.

The bigger picture here is roster flexibility. Brea showed that he could knock down shots in limited NBA opportunities, but his struggles in Summer League and the preseason put his greatest strength into question. With the regular season approaching, the Suns have decided to open that two-way spot rather than wait for his shooting to come around. It’s a tough business, particularly for a young player. But in Phoenix, every roster spot needs to serve a purpose.

If you had a nickel for every player 7-foot-6 or taller to suit up for the Sixers, you’d have two nickels.

But it’s still crazy it’s happened twice.

The 7-foot-7 Manute Bol and the 7-foot-6 Shawn Bradley both played in parts of three seasons for the Sixers. Tacko Fall is hoping the third time is the charm.

The 7-foot-6 Senegalese big man is back in the NBA after signing a two-way contract this past weekend. When/if he does take the court for the Sixers, it will be his first NBA minutes since December of 2021.

While there’s been intrigue about Fall and his unique size dating back to his days at UCF, it also came with questions about his mobility and ability to deal with elite athletes. Those were doubts Fall let creep into his own mind at times.

His years overseas have put him in a better place.

“Physically and mentally,” Fall said about where he’s improved. “I feel like when you — I won’t even say seven-foot-plus — but when you reach a certain height, there’s a picture that most people have of you of, ‘OK, can he do this? Can he do that?’ Where mentally you might doubt [yourself], but for me, I feel like I was always capable of that, it’s just pushing myself to realize that and be consistent with it, and that also comes with being in great physical condition.”

Luckily for him, there are a couple familiar faces around to help him as he reacclimates to the NBA.

Fall and Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey overlapped in Cleveland in 2021-22. By that time, Gansey was transitioning from assistant general manager to general manager under Koby Altman. Fall was in his third season after two years with the Boston Celtics.

Fall doesn’t take that familiarity for granted.

“Great guy. Always positive,” Fall said of Gansey after practice Sunday. “We joke around. Like he would walk around the court every morning [in Cleveland]. I would see him walk around, and he’s doing the same thing [here], and he’s been like that for years. But I’m happy also. Like I got to come here and see another familiar face, which kind of helps with the comfort level.”

On the court is an even bigger connection. Newcomer Jaylen Brown was teammates with Fall for both of his seasons with the Celtics. The two became extremely close, with Fall naming Brown the godfather of his second daughter.

Even as Fall’s career took him far, far away from Boston, the two remained close.

Imagine telling either of them that they’d reunite in Philadelphia.

“Jaylen is my brother,” Fall said. “We built a great relationship throughout the years, even while I was away. He’s family. … Throughout the years, we built such a great relationship, and for me, I’m very happy that we get to play together.”

But this isn’t just a feel-good story. The Sixers need depth at the backup center position. Fall offers a unique option in several ways.

Once Ariel Hukporti went down with a season-ending Achilles injury, the Sixers had little recourse to make a move. They have 14 of 15 standard roster spots filled, but are hard-capped at the first apron, meaning they’re unable to sign a veteran center to a minimum deal. Their simplest path was adding a two-way player.

In Fall, they get a player with professional basketball experience, both in the NBA and overseas. The 30-year-old has been on a journey since going undrafted out of UCF in 2019. After two seasons in Boston and one in Cleveland, Fall has spent the bulk of his time in China, with a stint in Australia mixed in.

The most obvious strength for Fall is his size. At 7-foot-6 and 311 pounds, he will be the tallest active player in the NBA once he takes the court. It makes it obvious where Fall could fit in the Sixers’ center mix. With Joel Embiid’s health always a concern, those playing behind him are critical to team success.

Fall said going up against Embiid in practice has been “very motivating,” and called the former MVP “probably the best big in the NBA.” That’s what makes it critical to have depth behind Embiid.

With Adem Bona and Jabari Walker (and the currently banged-up Dean Wade and Dominick Barlow) being a little undersized, Fall is an ideal option for when the Sixers come across a bigger opponent — especially if it happens during a back-to-back.

Though he missed all of the preseason and most of camp, the team was intrigued by what they saw prior to his hip injury.

“I did get to see a good chunk of him prior to kind of the injury,” Nick Nurse said. “How I plan on using him, probably remains to be seen. But kind of was intrigued and liked what I saw in the fall. So we’ll see what happens.”

Fall spoke candidly about the scrutiny he’s faced because of his size and perceived lack of mobility. He bided his time overseas, building confidence in himself as a player and person.

Now, he’s just looking for an opportunity.

“I was a little speechless, to be honest,” Fall said about learning he’d been offered a two-way deal. “Like I said, I’ve had quite a few challenges since I left, and … after all these years and after all the hard work, I think it means a lot more.”

Among the Los Angeles Lakers’ reverence as a franchise, their storied history of big men and the substantial trade the Lakers made to acquire him this summer, Walker Kessler is, unfairly or otherwise, entering a pressurized situation. But according to his head coach, JJ Redick, the 25-year-old is ready for the challenges and incubated by plenty of people and resources to make the experience as easy as possible for him.

“I think he wants to embrace that. I think that’s why he wanted to be a Laker and why he wanted to be here was because of the fact that there are stakes every single night when you wear a Lakers uniform,” Redick told reporters postgame on Friday. “We’ve had a number of conversations. We had a long conversation the other day about it. I think the awareness is there. How you navigate that early on, how you navigate that in your first year, there’s no way to predict that because you’ve never dealt with it before.

“But he’s got great support around him. His agent, Aaron Mintz, has been a longtime friend of mine. I’m here to help him. We’re all here to support him. All these guys that haven’t gone through it, there’s nothing like it. I think they all want to embrace it. They all have a chip on their shoulder about it and they want to make Lakers fans proud and I know they will.”

Kessler clearly recognizes the positive environment being fostered and sounds as though he’s taking a healthy approach to all of it, excited for the chance he’s afforded to play for such a renowned organization.

“The support system around me, with my teammates, the coaching staff, front office, I mean, they’re fantastic,” Kessler said following Los Angeles’ preseason finale. “They’re very vocal about, obviously being a Lakers big, there’s a certain legacy with that, but not to look at it as pressure, more so as an opportunity. So that’s kind of the attitude I’m going in with it.”

After appearing in the Lakers’ final two preseason outings, Kessler will make his regular-season debut Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, where he’ll take his first genuine crack at proving himself on the court to the Lakers and their fanbase.

You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.

Last week, Jake Fischer reported the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks “held exploratory trade discussions” around a deal that would send Dalton Knecht to Milwaukee and Jericho Sims to Los Angeles to solve Los Angeles’ roster crunch ahead of the regular season starting Tuesday.

Marc Stein reinforced that notion, indicating Sims is perhaps not the Lakers’ lone target as they seek front-court help and look to trim the roster from 16 players down to 15.

“The Lakers spent the weekend trying to find a workable trade to ship out Dalton Knecht and maybe even bring back a big man — such as Milwaukee’s Jericho Sims as Jake revealed in his Thursday piece — to shave their roster from 16 guaranteed contracts to 15,” Stein wrote. “If no trade can be found, they’ll have to waive Knecht (or someone else) by the cut-down buzzer.”

After delighting early in his rookie season, including a 37-point outburst against the Utah Jazz, and even starting a handful of games, Knecht saw his playing time dwindle as he ultimately fell out of the 2024-25 playoff rotation. Last season, he received another crack at rotation minutes but struggled mightily and became a non-factor by year’s end, logging just 107 minutes from February onward, including the playoffs.

Knecht’s primary allure out of college was his jumper but he’s been merely a good outside shooter in the NBA, converting 36.8% of his 3s through two seasons. His lack of strength and lateral mobility severely hinders his defense while he’s not a threat as a passer or off-the-dribble scorer. His rigid offensive skill-set and detrimental defense have understandably prevented him from carving out a consistent role with the Lakers. He’d have to be a truly elite shooter to mitigate his shortcomings elsewhere and that’s not been the case.

Knecht was not a second-round flier or late-first gamble. He was selected 17th overall in 2024. Him not panning out is a sharp indictment of the Lakers’ front office. Knecht joined Jalen Hood-Schifino as one of Los Angeles’s two top-20 selections since 2020 and neither has established themselves as legitimate contributors during their rookie contracts. Both picks represent team-building failures and reasons the Lakers haven’t been actual title contenders over that span.

You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Bucks fans and fans across the country.

Well, now that all five Bucks preseason games are in the rearview—with the team going 2-3—we wanted to revisit fans’ optimism levels heading into the season proper. Look, I think we all know this year won’t be filled with sunshine and rainbows, and we need to adjust our expectations accordingly, but it’s still worth comparing how we felt before any games were played with how we feel now. There were certainly some bright spots, including:

• Brayden Burries looking as advertised, and Nate Ament showing more than expected (before he was sidelined with an ankle injury)
• Ryan Rollins appearing ready to take another step
• Encouraging signs from Taylor Jenkins—both tactically and rhetorically—with clear directives bucking trends of the Doc Rivers teams

However, there were also some disappointing aspects, including:

• The team, in general, looking bad in stretches (and not just because they were at a talent deficit)
• Kel’el Ware, a prized return from the Giannis trade, having some concerning moments/games
• A few other veterans looking pretty poor in spots (Trent, Kuzma, and even Turner occasionally)

So tell us, has your level of optimism changed after five preseason games?

This is the second of a series of roundtable questions I’m asking the staff here at Peachtree Hoops about the Hawks this upcoming season. The second question: who will have the biggest breakout performance and why?

Wes: For me, Aaron Wiggins has a chance to shine in a featured bench role. The Thunder were so deep that Wiggins often ended up on the fringe of the rotation, but he has legitimate creation ability off the bounce and a good enough, though shaky, feel to be a CJ McCollum-lite bucket getter. 

I think he’ll be a better team defender and passer than McCollum, however, and play in the screen, move and quick decision offense that Quin Snyder has set up. He’s just 27, the same age as Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s breakout last season. Maybe, just maybe, the Hawks can make it three straight Most Improved Player award winners.

Garrett: I’m going with Aaron Wiggins. The Hawks have shown what they can do when players get the right opportunity — just ask Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. I think Wiggins could be the next player to benefit from that environment. He has the tools to flourish in Quin Snyder’s system, and I like the idea of him becoming a dependable sixth man who provides a spark on both ends.

Graham: A couple Hawks spring to mind. I would agree with the sentiment that Aaron Wiggins has an opportunity to really excel here with Atlanta. There should be ample opportunities for corner threes for him here, and he shot 48% in the right corner from three. If he can swing his left corner threes up from 30% this season he becomes another three-point option for Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum, and Dyson Daniels to kick out to the corner to.

But in the interest of something different – prior to his injury – I would have enjoyed to see how Mo Gueye’s development would have looked like this season. Gueye’s improved touch from three-point range in addition to his length and athleticism are still interesting elements to monitor this season. I don’t have anything more to really add; I was just really looking forward to seeing more Mo Gueye.

Asa Newell is also someone I’m really interested to see in Year 2; he had a really encouraging touch from three and could roll to the rim, but it just became harder to play him as the Hawks began to zone in on an automatic playoff berth. Jalen Johnson was in a similar boat in his rookie season, and now I wonder if Newell may follow a similar step in Year 2 where he gets real minutes this season. If he does, I expect him to be productive.

The Dallas Mavericks are just a few short days away from the start of the 2026-2027 NBA season. The Mavericks wrapped their preseason slate with a somewhat dismal 1-3 record, but the silver lining is that they welcomed back Kyrie Irving (who looked very much like the player we remember) and suffered no new injuries in the process.

No new injuries does not mean the Mavericks are truly at full strength, of course. Dereck Lively remains sidelined and likely will be for the foreseeable future. Joining him is newly acquired Santi Aldama. Aldama had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee back on March 17 when he was still a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. That ended his season early and resulted in an absence from which he has still not returned. He sat out all four preseason games.

Strangely, there has been relatively little news regarding Aldama’s timetable for return despite the fact he figures on being a significant contributor. Now on the eve of the season, Mike Curtis reports a small update  

Head coach Dusty May said “he doesn’t know yet” if Aldama will be available for Wednesday night’s season opener. The comment is straightforward, yet somewhat puzzling. Wednesday is mere days away at this point, so the comment seems to suggest a return is imminent, even if not for the season opener. May was earlier quoted as saying Aldama was “getting much, much closer” after a solid practice, and he is roughly seven months to the day removed from surgery.

The Mavericks have played injury news very close to the vest under the new regime of Masai Ujiri, Mike Schmitz and May, so we are in somewhat uncharted territory of how to truly read this messaging. Nonetheless, and at the expense of assuming too much, it seems irresponsible for May to suggest favorable progress and a potential return as soon as this week if Aldama is in fact weeks (or more) away.

Aldama is a seven-foot stretch big that should be able to add a meaningful dynamic to the Mavericks on both sides of the ball. Having him back and at full health is critical to the Mavs’ success this season, especially with Lively expected to be out for an extended period. While we can only speculate on the exact return date for Aldama, the facts seem to suggest that it will be sooner than later.

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

It’s no secret that backup center is currently the biggest question mark for the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster, a situation exacerbated by Ariel Hukporti’s season-ending Achilles injury. As Mike Gansey surveys the NBA landscape for a solution, one name that has come up is current Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse. Per reporting from Marc Stein:

“If Cissé were to be waived Monday and then clear waivers Wednesday, I’m also told that the 76ers and Lakers would have strong interest in signing him to a two-way deal even though neither team currently has a two-way opening.”

However: “The Stein Line has learned, however, that Cissé is a real candidate to be claimed off waived in the event he is let go. Chicago, sources say, has interest in the high-energy big man. I’m told Atlanta also has interest even though the Hawks don’t currently have an open standard spot.”

Obviously, there are a few if-then’s in play here. The Mavericks would need to waive Cisse, no one would have to pick him up off waivers (something Stein thinks would happen), and he would need to select Philadelphia as his two-way spot destination (something I think would have a good chance of happening given the relatively clear path to some playing time).

On Monday, it became increasingly less likely Dallas would be waiving Cisse, as they instead released veteran Dwight Powell.

The Dallas Mavericks are waiving veteran center Dwight Powell, sources tell ESPN.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2026

So I wouldn’t be ordering those Cisse custom black Iverson-era jerseys just yet. Still, the 6-foot-11, 24-year-old is highly athletic and fits the rim-running, shot blocker role the Sixers are looking for in a backup. He’s a name to keep an eye on over the next few days.

More broadly looking at the center position, Philadelphia has a few options at the moment. Joel Embiid is healthy and ready to start on opening night against the New York Knicks. The team also feels good about Adem Bona returning from his foot injury to take the floor after missing the entire preseason. Bona recently had this to say to reporters about making his way back to the court the last few weeks:

“Mentally, it’s been great. I’ve been able to come back. Getting back out there, working with the team. I’ve had amazing practices with the team. It’s been great. I’m feeling good and excited to get back out there on the court. It’s been going good so far.”

He added the following on his availability for the opener:

“Yeah. It’s going to come down to the coaches and the medical staff, but I’m just day to day and I’m excited for (Tuesday) night.”

With Jabari Walker and Dean Wade (though he’s also banged up) available as small-ball five options in certain situations, the Sixers appear set as long as everyone is healthy. For games where Embiid is sitting due to load management on a back-to-back, we would expect recent two-way signing Tacko Fall to assume some minutes. The Sixers have five back-to-backs prior to Dec. 4.

Dec. 4 is a significant date because given the pro-rated nature minimum signings against the salary cap, that is when the team would be able to fill the 15th roster spot with a free agent center option and still remain under the salary cap apron. Kevin Love is one name mentioned often due to the LeBron connection. Another option would be to trade for someone making around the minimum, with Justin Edwards a salary-match candidate with a $2.4 million contract this season and a team option next season that would effectively operate as an expiring. Philadelphia could certainly go the trade route with Cisse, for example.

Undoubtedly, the Sixers would like to have more confident options at their disposal. However, given the strength of the rest of the roster, there are certainly worse problems a team could have heading into a season. We know the front office will continue to monitor the market and look for the best path forward in the days and weeks ahead.

LeBron Log: Debut history, taking charge and a limited-edition SLAM cover originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Are you counting down the hours yet?

On Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, LeBron James will make his regular-season debut for the Sixers and begin his record 24th NBA season. Philadelphia is his fourth franchise and fifth NBA stint, counting his two runs in Cleveland.

It’s happening.

This season will bring the obvious milestones and memorable performances. It will also bring smaller moments that help tell the story of James’ time in Philadelphia. The LeBron Log will keep track of both.

Check back throughout the season for new entries. For now, let’s get started with No. 1.

TEAM DEBUTS

Tuesday’s setting carries its own twist.

James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin at Sixers media day that he had “visions” of playing at Madison Square Garden and finishing his career there. The Knicks’ championship changed those plans.

Instead, James will begin his Philadelphia chapter from the visiting locker room while New York raises its championship banner.

Few road arenas have treated him better. James owns a 24-9 record in 33 games at Madison Square Garden, averaging 28.2 points, 7.4 assists and 6.9 rebounds.

His previous debut games with new teams and stints have not gone nearly as well.

Oct. 29, 2003: Cavaliers at Kings

An 18-year-old James recorded 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals in his first NBA game. He shot 12 of 20 from the floor, but Sacramento won, 106-92.

Oct. 26, 2010: Heat at Celtics

The highly anticipated debut of Miami’s James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh trio began in Boston. James scored 31 points, but the Celtics held off the Heat, 88-80.

Oct. 30, 2014: Knicks at Cavaliers

This is the closest parallel to Tuesday.

James’ return to Cleveland produced a deafening reception and enormous expectations. The Knicks spoiled the homecoming. James finished with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and eight turnovers as New York won, 95-90.

Oct. 18, 2018: Lakers at Trail Blazers

James opened his Lakers career with 26 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Portland still handed Los Angeles a 128-119 loss.

That makes four previous stint debuts and four losses. James averaged 24.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists across those games.

Tuesday gives him his first opportunity to win one. The same franchise that spoiled his Cleveland return will stand in his way again.

TAKING CHARGE

Friday’s preseason finale offered an early example of the smaller moments worth tracking throughout James’ first season in Philadelphia.

With 8:56 remaining in the third quarter and the Sixers leading the Celtics, 69-62, Luka Garza missed a three-pointer. Ron Harper Jr. grabbed the offensive rebound before the ball returned to Garza.

James established position outside the restricted area and absorbed the contact from the 6-foot-10, 243-pound center. The whistle blew for a charge, and the Sixers’ bench erupted.

There was more behind the celebration than one preseason possession.

Maxey said the Sixers had encountered a similar situation during practice. Adem Bona rolled toward the basket with James waiting in his path, but the 41-year-old moved aside. James assured his teammates that he would take the contact once they played an actual game.

“We don’t want Bona running Bron over,” Maxey joked.

James kept his word, putting his body in front of a center during the Sixers’ final exhibition game.

The moment also stood out to 20-year-old rookie Labaron Philon.

“Everybody jumped up off the bench and was pretty happy for him that a guy really that old was still putting his body on the line for us in a preseason game,” Philon said. “That really tells it all. … I hope he can bring that to Tuesday and for the rest of the season. I want to see some more of those.”

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT

James appeared on a SLAM cover before he played a minute in the NBA.

In August 2002, James and fellow high school star Sebastian Telfair shared the cover of SLAM 62. The issue was titled “The Takeover,” and its cover predicted that the two teenagers were about to rule the basketball world.

More than 24 years later, James is back on the cover.

The Sixers star fronts SLAM 265 in his new No. 23 uniform. The cover reads, “This is my last run. Part II,” followed by the title, “Leaving the Legacy.”

The standard edition costs $13.99. It is the first of five covers for SLAM’s December 2026/January 2027 issue and includes 82 pages and a pullout poster.

SLAM also opened a 48-hour ordering window for a $65 Orange Metal version. It will remain available through Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET. Each copy will be numbered, and 24 customers will randomly receive an even rarer Platinum Metal edition instead. A $125 Gold Metal version, limited to 94 copies, has already sold out.

The first cover announced “The Takeover.” The latest is about “Leaving the Legacy.”

Twenty-four years of James’ basketball life, captured by two covers.

Five reasons for optimism about Celtics, and some lingering questions originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics capped a vibes-filled preseason in the most Celtics way possible: Trotting out a starting five in which four players — likely bound for Maine and waived almost immediately after the team’s final preseason tuneup — toppled a Hall-of-Famer-filled starting five of the new-look Sixers, including old friend Jaylen Brown.

Boston produced a 4-0 preseason. Far more importantly, the team doubled down on an identity it started carving out last season and built around three main tenets: Be the hardest-playing team, win the margins, and do both those things regardless of the personnel combinations that Joe Mazzulla puts on the floor. 

There are still a bunch of lingering questions as the regular season arrives — we’ll tackle a few of those in a bit — but let’s start with five reasons for optimism as the Celtics prepare to dive into the 82-game grind. 

1. Jayson Tatum looks ready to be Jayson Tatum

Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

If a longer-than-expected offseason had only one benefit, it is this: Jayson Tatum looks and sounds like he’s back to his old self. Tatum has admitted that he’s in a far better place, both mentally and physically, than when he first returned to action in March. Entering Year 10, and further removed from the Achilles injury that limited his availability last season, Tatum appears ready to shoulder the hefty load the team will heap upon him after its offseason changes.

Tatum checked all the preseason boxes. The scoring looked effortless. He shot the 3-pointer well (38.9 percent). He routinely generated quality looks for teammates. He was active on the glass. The stat line is going to pop this year. Tatum looked like a player who is ready to muscle back into the MVP conversation.

Tatum has always had a great appreciation for some of the stuff that NBA superstars eventually take for granted. He’s repeatedly noted this preseason how the uncertainty he faced a year ago has made him appreciate the minutiae of NBA life, including simply being on the court with his teammates throughout training camp.

“I think when you’re sitting on the sideline for as long as he did, you kind of see the game a little bit differently,” said teammate Derrick White. “I just think that he’s more confident. I thought he looked pretty good last year and so just getting that confidence, getting over the mental hurdle that everybody says is the toughest part about it.”

The bottom line: A healthy Tatum playing at an All-NBA level is the key to Boston remaining competitive in a beefed-up Eastern Conference. The early returns have been encouraging.

2. Hugo Gonzalez’s jumper could change the conversation

Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

We resisted the urge to put this at No. 1.

Gonzalez finished 11-of-20 shooting (55 percent) from beyond the arc in four preseason appearances. That number should come back down to Earth a bit, but hopefully the confidence with which Gonzalez is chucking those triples will not. 

The release looks quicker. The confidence looks higher. Gonzalez shot 36.2 percent beyond the arc in his rookie season — right around league average — but being able to consistently knock down 3s is only going to help keep Gonzalez on the floor for a team overflowing with wing options. 

Still, we marvel at the confidence in preseason situations. Watching Gonzalez and buddy Baylor Scheierman shoot before training camp practices, Scheierman seemed to make everything he hoisted, while Gonzalez could be a bit more streaky. 

Then the games started, and Gonzalez thrived from distance. 

There was a sequence in the final Philadelphia meeting where Scheierman zipped a pass to the corner in transition and Gonzalez went straight into his shot. No hesitation. Just a confident catch-and-shoot 3 on his way to 21 points.

We already knew that Gonzalez will make good things happen on both ends with his activity. The lasting image from his rookie campaign was his willingness to go joust with Joel Embiid in Game 7 of a playoff series. Adding a dependable jumper will only make it easier for Mazzulla to keep Gonzalez on the floor. 

3. Paul George’s defense can make life easier on the offense

Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Doc Rivers made this point on a recent Celtics Talk Podcast: You might not fully appreciate how good George can be, defensively, until he’s on your team. The preseason offered a pretty convincing introduction.

George was a constant disruptor. Even at age 36, he’s active in passing lanes, routinely causing deflections and generating seven steals overall in two appearances. Even more importantly, Boston turned many of those takeaways into transition points. 

Generating some easy points off turnovers could be vital as the Celtics carve out an offensive identity without Brown. But the defense, overall, is intriguing considering how good the Celtics were on that end even before adding two guys like George and Mitchell Robinson. 

Slot George and Tatum at the forward spots, then add White doing All-Defense things at the guard position, and you can see the outline of an elite defense. Add in a Boston team that might be the best rebounding group in the NBA and things get real tough for opposing teams on the margins.

4. Payton Pritchard’s next jump might be as a playmaker

Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Pritchard said it himself before the season: Good things happen when you touch the paint. Watching him pile up 11 assists in a preseason game against Charlotte was a firm reminder.

We know Pritchard can score inside despite giving up size. But, going back through the tape, what stuck out was how often his penetration sucked in multiple defenders and created opportunities for teammates around him. 

Neemias Queta was a frequent beneficiary against Charlotte. That leaves us intrigued by how Mazzulla will deploy talent and how much that combo will play together. 

The Celtics need Pritchard’s scoring in the aftermath of Brown’s departure, but part of any leap he makes again this season could be tied to impacting the game even more as a playmaker. 

Maybe the best part is that Pritchard is setting a tone about roles, doubling down on his assertion that it doesn’t matter if he starts or comes off the bench, he simply wants to pile up minutes and impact winning.

“The starting conversation is kind of funny. To me, a starter is the amount of minutes you play,” said Pritchard. “Do you finish games? Are you playing 30-plus minutes? Then you are a starter.

“How do you impact the game is what really matters to me. I don’t really care — this might be an ego thing — I don’t really care to hear my name called at the beginning of the game. The first five minutes of the game really have no effect on the game. So if that is what Joe thinks benefits our team the most, is me coming off the bench and playing those minutes, then I’m going to do it. And I’m going to try to be the best at those minutes. That’s my only thought process.”

5. Depth remains a Boston calling card … 

Tucker DeVries, Hayden Gray, Gabe McGlothan, and Milos Uzan were part of Boston’s starting five that toppled the Sixers. They were waived a few hours later with hopes they will all land in Maine as affiliated players.

But the success of the “red team” — the deepest reserves, most on Exhibit 10 contracts in camp — was a staunch reminder that Mazzulla can and will lean on depth throughout the roster. As his Game 7 lineup versus Philly showed last season, he won’t be afraid to mix and match as the situation requires. 

Which coincides with the second half of this optimism bullet point: 

… and the development pipeline has some intriguing projects

Rookie Chris Cenac Jr. is incredibly raw. But he’s also still a teenager, and you can see all the potential to impact the game with his size, length, and athleticism. Both him and rookie two-way Dillon Mitchell ought to spend a lot of time with Maine this season, but those reps — and time behind the scenes in Boston’s player development factory — could be key in breeding future depth. 

Heck, even the Celtics’ assistant coaches got important reps this season with Mazzulla handing the head coaching reins to Tony Dobbins, DJ MacLeay, and Sam Cassell at various times this preseason. 

The Celtics are getting contributions from every player and coach on the roster. But now the real games begin and we’ll see if they can maintain the vibes.

The big questions going into the year: 

1. Can Boston stay healthy? 

Tatum missed Game 7 while still working his way back from the Achilles injury; George and fellow offseason addition Mitchell Robinson have to prove they can stay on the floor, even if the team will likely manage their overall workloads. Boston has the ability to lean into its depth, but it also needs to keep its main guys on the floor.

2. How does Mazzulla deploy his depth? 

Mazzulla has no shortage of options in how he crafts lineups. Robinson and Neemias Queta should eat the bulk of the 48 minutes at the center position, but who starts game to game could vary. The bigger question might be at the fifth starter spot. Does Mazzulla lean on a defensive-minded wing (like a Jordan Walsh who got multiple preseason starts with the core starters), or does someone like Baylor Scheierman or Sam Hauser elevate to that spot based on matchups. What combos give the bench the best ability to thrive?

3. How will Boston fill the Brown void?

Replacing Brown will be collaborative for the Celtics. Maybe Tatum gets a whole bunch more shots and fills much of the scoring void on his own. But no one can individually replace what Brown brought to both ends. And the team will have to morph a bit in his absence. Can George (or Pritchard or White) be strong secondary scoring options on nights that Tatum is either struggling or defenses are blanketing? Brown routinely loved taking on the challenge of defending the opposing team’s top scoring options. Even on Day 1 against Cade Cunningham and the Pistons, who takes on the lion’s share of that defensive assignment? 

Answers are coming soon. After nearly six months, it’s finally time for real basketball in Boston again. 

The Los Angeles Lakers revamped their roster this offseason, officially making Luka Dončić the focal point.

As Dončić enters his third season in Los Angeles, he has already seen the legendary franchise be sold twice, but the All-Star guard has remained supportive of the ownership changes as the front office has continued to support him.

Dončić has proven he has what it takes to be a franchise star, leading a team to the NBA Finals when he took the Dallas Mavericks to the title series to end the 2023-24 season. The Boston Celtics beat the Mavericks 4-1.

It may take some time before there’s a better idea of what this Lakers team can look like and what that ceiling might be, but there have been some early glimpses during the preseason.

How much better do you think the Spurs are compared to last season? 

Marilyn Dubinski: It’s hard to put a number to it considering it’s almost the exact same team, with only other new talent guaranteed a main rotation spot yet to suit up, but even so, depth and maturity are already big factors that will make this team even better than last year.  There’s still plenty of room for internal growth from three of their best players in Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Caste and Dylan Harper, Tobias Harris brings depth and dimension they lacked last year, and more improvement from Carter Bryant and interior defense from Tarris Reed will help improve bench play.  If nothing else, the Spurs will be less dependent on their stars compared to last season.

Jacob Douglas: From a talent and experience perspective, they are a level above last year’s team. Dylan Harper looks to be making the turn from impressive rookie to a legitimate star guard. Victor Wembanyama’s passing and vision seem to have taken another step forward. Even Carter Bryant looks more confident and aggressive. The additions of Tobias Harris and Tarris Reed Jr. give them more depth and physicality on the interior.

I do expect their regular season record to dip a bit, however. Mitch Johnson seems set on experimenting with the three-guard lineup which will likely have its ups and downs, even if it’s for the best long term. With fewer teams tanking and San Antonio more likely to rest players, I think we will see a rockier regular season that could potentially pay dividends in the postseason and moving forward. 

Bill Huan: The team has leveled up on paper, as the young core continues to develop and gel. Even so, it’s entirely possible (and even likely) that they won’t get as far as they did last season, strictly due to the erratic nature of sports. Everything broke right for the Spurs during the playoff run, such as their core remaining relatively healthy, and things outside of their control went their way too: avoiding Denver in the postseason and facing an OKC team without JDub all contributed to the Finals run. So even if the team doesn’t make it back to the Finals, seeing the young core take another step forward should be considered a success. 

Devon Birdsong: I think the reality is that this team has finally reached the place where how good they are can really only be determined in the postseason. That being said, they bolstered their weaknesses at power forward and big man depth. At this point, it’s hard to figure out exactly what their weakness will be, and they still won 60+ games with obvious flaws last year. Unless Hector Banana Bread ends up out of the picture, I’d be shocked if they won less than 60 games. They could probably sleepwalk to that number, and you definitely couldn’t say that about them last year. 

Jeje Gomez: The big bet is on internal development, and it seems like a solid gamble. The names are largely the same, but several rotation players should be better. How much better and how much more cohesive can they be in a new starting lineup is the real question. I think the three-guard unit is worth exploring, but I don’t think it will necessarily get the team more wins in the short term. The incentive to not tank for the worst teams could also shave off a couple of wins. But ultimately, this seems like a more talented, well-rounded roster that should at least be as good in terms of seeding as last year’s squad.

True or false: Anything other than another Finals appearance would be a disappointment.

Dubinski: Mostly false (but we’d be lying to ourselves if we claimed we’d be fine with it come June). With so much parity in today’s NBA and teams barely even making consecutive Finals appearances, let alone winning consecutive titles, I wouldn’t kill them for missing the Finals.  However, anything less than a competitive Western Conference Finals appearance would be disappointing, especially when they (and the Thunder) are a clear tier above the rest of the West, and the East is now the deeper conference with more contenders.  (Unless of course their reason for missing the Finals is blown double-digit leads, then it would be a massive disappointment no matter which way you slice it.)

Douglas: False. But anything other than a WCF appearance would be. The Spurs and Thunder are clearly the two most talented teams in the NBA and will likely be fighting for the Western Conference crown for years to come. San Antonio won’t win all of those matchups. But failing to meet them in the WCF would be disappointing.  

Huan: Absolutely false. As I said previously, everything broke right for the Spurs last year, and their success this season shouldn’t just be evaluated on whether or not they return to the finals. The team could very well take another step forward without going on as deep a playoff run, as success should also be measured in the individual growth of the young core and how they all gel, especially in the three-guard lineup. 

Birdsong: Somewhat true, in the sense that the goal at this point should be chasing championships. Obviously there’s the reality that even the Duncan-era Spurs only made the Finals six times, but now that these Spurs have made the championship round, that’s going to be the expectation, especially as Wemby and Co. continue to ascend (and even more so in the event that they don’t). Yes, the young Spurs made their leap early, but that doesn’t exempt them from the weight of expectation. You can ask the Durant-era Thunder about that. I would say the difference is that it wouldn’t be a hopeless disappointment. With Timmy, it always felt like next year could still be their year. I think the same will be true with Wemby, even when they fall short. 

Gomez: True, I guess. When you make the Finals, keep your entire core intact, and add a few pieces, it feels like the expectations should be set high. I doubt anyone would be asking for Mitch Johnson’s head or for a big trade (not involving Fox) if the Spurs get to the Conference Finals and lose, but this team, as young as it is, is built to win big. If that doesn’t happen, I don’t think it would be crazy to call it a disappointment.

What’s your boldest prediction about the upcoming Spurs season?

Dubinski: Tarris Reed eventually passes Luke Kornet in the rotation.  Kornet was arguably the best backup center in the NBA last season before a disappointing playoff run, and that falloff from the playoffs would have to continue well into this season (proving it was no fluke and/or a sign that he has past his prime) for Reed to surpass him, but it’s certainly possible if it means not having to be too dependent on Wemby. 

Douglas: Jayden Quaintance plays meaningful minutes in the NBA playoffs. He will come back from knee surgery recovery in mid-February, ramping back up to a full minutes load by the end of the season. His defense behind Wembanyama will be so good that the team is forced to give him a role. His presence eliminates last year’s team’s problem of defensive drop-off when Wemby sits. 

Huan: This might be more of a hot take rather than a bold prediction, but I can see Castle sacrificing the most in the backcourt logjam. It’s clear that Harper will be the #2 option long-term with a ceiling higher than Castle’s, and Fox is still needed for his reliable ball-handling and veteran presence. Naturally, that would leave Castle as the odd man out, and I can see a scenario where he seems to stagnate a bit. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though, as it’s all a part of the growing pains for a young player and letting him develop some off-ball skills will be beneficial for everyone long-term. 

Birdsong: The Spurs will cut through the Western Conference in both the regular season and the postseason like butter, on the way to the title. The preseason is always the preseason, but I think that a lot of Spurs players have largely downplayed how locked in they’re going to be. A lot of the Western contenders have taken roster hits, and the top-heavy contenders in the East still have some chemistry things to figure out. Barring injury and/or the rise of someone or something completely unexpected, I think this is San Antonio’s year. I don’t just think they’re going to win, I think they’re going to dominate. No one is deeper, no one is angrier, and no one else is so obviously on the rise. 

Gomez: One of the three guards will be coming off the bench by All-Star weekend. I love that Coach Johnson is willing to give the combination a try but, at least right now, it seems like the best option is to play a more traditional, bigger lineup, arguably as soon as Tobias Harris is ready to go. The wear and tear that playing four smaller players and Wembanyama during the entire regular season would entail simply doesn’t seem worth it, unless the starting unit blitzes opponents into submission and the stars get to rest in the fourth quarter. I’m not sure that will happen, so I believe there will be an adjustment made midseason.

After two seasons of collecting top picks in the 2025 and 2026 drafts, the Nets seem ready to compete again. Brooklyn has little incentive to lose on purpose, as the Houston Rockets own swap rights to the Nets’ 2027 first-round pick.

Brooklyn already has forward Michael Porter Jr.,who had a career year in 2025-26. With the addition of three-time All-Star Julius Randle via trade, the Nets now have two players to rely on to create shots. But can the rest of the team’s youth join them for the ride? Let’s dive into what this season should look like.

Scoring combo

The addition of Randle should help address Brooklyn’s offense that ranked dead last in offensive efficiency (108.2 points per 100 possessions) last season. Over the last several years, Randle has proven that he can create his own scoring opportunities, averaging over 20 points a night six of his last eight seasons. But where he should have the most impact is creating looks for others. The power forward has averaged at least 4.1 assists in all of the past six seasons.

Brooklyn can run its offense through Randle, who is capable of initiating through pick-and-rolls as a screener or ballhandler. He should also help put Brooklyn’s other players in more advantageous positions to score. A beneficiary from Randle’s presence will be Porter. The small forward is coming off a strong debut season with the Nets, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 52 games.

Despite the career year, Porter’s efficiency dipped slightly. Adding a scorer and playmaker like Randle should allow Porter to slot into a role as second option with easier scoring opportunities. This year is important for Porter. He’s eligible for a contract extension, so proving that last year wasn’t a flash in the pan will be important for his future with the team.

Despite making three All-Star teams, Randle does have his flaws. He can be careless with the ball, creating turnovers. His defensive effort waxes and wanes on a regular basis. And he’s a career 33.2 percent shooter from the three-point line, making him a suboptimal floor spacer.

But Brooklyn is aiming for respectability, which Randle brings as a proven veteran. And we’ve seen Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez excel in the past despite a limited roster. 

Show-and-prove

The Nets have had seven first-round picks over the past two years. Two of those seven players seem guaranteed to receive consistent minutes: Egor Dëmin and rookie Mikel Brown Jr. 

The sixth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Brown had a decent Summer League. He only played in Brooklyn’s preseason finale after missing time with an injury. At 20 years old, Brown has potential as a shot creator and playmaker at the point guard position. But it will likely take him time to establish a consistent NBA rotation player. 

Entering his sophomore season, Dëmin was spoon fed minutes in his rookie campaign, where he showed that he makes good reads as a passer. Dëmin also shot 38.5 percent from the three-point line. However, he needs to improve as a driver and finisher around the paint to be a starting caliber player. There are high hopes for his second season.

Brown and Dëmin will be given tons of opportunity. And with Dëmin’s 6-9 frame, they both should be able to play in the backcourt together. 

Outside of Randle, the Nets made a couple of moves in free agency, signing center Moe Wagner and guard Keon Ellis to contracts. Reserves Josh Minott and Terance Mann could also see some time.

With very few veterans on the roster there will be opportunities for the five other recent first-round picks. Nolan Traoré, Ben Saraf,Danny Wolf, Drake Powell and Joshua Jefferson will all have chances to crack the rotation. Specifically, Traoré, Saraf, Wolf, and Powell are all entering their second season. They will have to show some progress to justify a long-term roster spot past this season.

Starting caliber

To acquire Randle, the Nets had to send mainstay Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal. Claxton’s defense and rebounding had dipped over the past few years. The center’s departure creates an opportunity for Day’Ron Sharpe to start at the five. Sharpe re-signed on a two-year, $20 million deal during the offseason.

Sharpe has been a per-minute darling over the past several years, dominating opposing backup centers by feasting on the offensive boards and finishing around the basket. Over five seasons, Sharpe is averaging 16.3 points, 13.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per 36 minutes. His work on the offensive glass will be a big help to Brooklyn creating more scoring opportunities. When Sharpe is on the floor, the Nets have played better. Teams outscored Brooklyn by 4.3 points per 100 possessions in 1,160 minutes last year, a figure far better than the -12.9 net rating the Nets had in Claxton’s minutes.

The question is can Sharpe be healthy and withstand a bump in minutes? He’s never played more than 62 games in a season and never averaged more than 18.7 minutes in a season. Also, he will now be matched up with the likes of Nikola Jokić, Karl-Anthony Towns and Bam Adebayo, a step up from his days as a backup.

Prediction

The Nets should be better than last year. The addition of a multi-time All-Star like Randle is a step in the right direction. And the NBA’s arrangement to disincentivize tanking of the draft will make the team naturally more competitive. But that also means the competition will also be trying.

Brooklyn’s lack of depth and heavy reliance on unproven youngsters means it’s unlikely the club will be competing for a playoff spot. Dëmin and Brown will need to wildly exceed expectations for a massive leap. Let’s go with 30-52.

The Knicks entered last season with the highest expectations in recent franchise history. This year, they enter the campaign having finally met them for the first time in 53 seasons.

For many that would be enough, but this squad looks intent on repeating, which would break the NBA’s streak of eight consecutive different title winners. 

With the roadmap already laid out for more or less the same roster, there’s no reason New York shouldn’t be right there once again.

Here's SNY's 2026-27 season preview...

What worked

Head coach Mike Brown was brought in for one reason -- to get his team over the hump behind increased communication, a reformed offensive system, and heavier reliance on their depth. He accomplished all of the above, giving the Knicks a blueprint of a championship season they can fall back on if things get tough.

But Brown’s success wasn’t immediately apparent. As promised, he spent much of the regular season experimenting with schemes and rotations. 

At times, that left some members of the team unsure of their roles. At others, the team was stuck in a rut. But everything clicked beginning with Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs in Atlanta.

Everybody comfortably settled into their roles at once, with the big change being how the team utilized Karl-Anthony Towns' playmaking. Each player locked in defensively and flourished as part of the team concept offensively.

Jalen Brunsoncontinued his postseason heroics while mixing in enough off-ball play to keep him fresh.OG Anunoby put together a historically efficient scoring run.

They found basketball nirvana, entering a flow state of ball movement and abandoning any other motives. How much of this can they carry over with the ground shifting underneath them?

What’s changed? 

While the Knicks brought back most of their championship roster, this team isn’t identical to the one that won it all. They lost Mitchell Robinson, their backup center who was a key man all season but especially in slowing down Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Finals. 

Replacing him is Andre Drummond, another rim-runner with a knack for offensive rebounding, though generally considered a tier below Robinson overall. Drummond will bring durability, free throw shooting and a couple other skills Robinson lacked, but this potential downgrade could impact their title hopes. 

While the rest of the core roster is more or less the same, the conference surrounding the Knicks has improved dramatically. Philadelphia added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown after their Eastern Conference Semifinals beatdown at the hands of New York, Indiana is getting a healthy Tyrese Haliburton back, the Heat added Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Toronto added Kawhi Leonard.

This, while contenders like Boston, Cleveland, and Detroit remain in the picture. Even if the Knicks wholly recapture their magic, facing stiffer competition makes repeating much harder. 

But perhaps the biggest year over year difference is the black cloud that’s hung overhead the past few weeks -- extension talks. Towns, Josh Hart, and Miles McBride can all test free agency relatively soon, with the front office shelving extension talks until later in the season.

Playing through uncertain long-term security can be a distraction, and if the Knicks re-engage on talks before the trade deadline unsuccessfully, it could open a much bigger can of worms. But all parties seem to want to come together on this, so there’s reason for optimism. 

Finally, how does Brown adjust to all of this? Fans shouldn’t expect him to stay content with last year’s playbook and approach, and to continue experimenting with options through this regular season.

He’s mentioned evolving the Towns hub package as well as working in additional pick-and-roll reps for Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. There’s sure to be additional twists on the winning formula as well. 

What to watch

The Knicks open up their repeat run against a slew of contenders, so the first month of the season will serve as an early test of the team’s preparedness. How they set the pace - hangover or hunger - will tell us a lot about the season to come.

It’ll be interesting to see how else Brown messes with his talent. One name that deserves added attention is Mohamed Diawara, who had an impressive though short-lived rookie season. 

He’s arguably the team’s most tantalizing prospect, and as a big wing helps address a couple needs. If he can keep up his 40 percent shooting clip from three and show a little more consistency in his dribble and defensive games, watch out. 

Then there’s James Wiseman, the former second overall pick that was brought into training camp and earned himself the third string center spot. That may not seem like a crucial position, but Towns' recurring foul trouble and the scarcity of reliable backups make him a pivotal piece.

Can he shake off his injury history to recapture some of his lottery upside? 

Bench ball handling is another point of emphasis, with Jordan Clarkson moving more into a wing role and McBride potentially on the chopping block. Jose Alvarado has been their go-to but can have rough stretches, leaving Tyler Kolek as the remaining option here.

Whether we see more opportunities for Kolek or a trade, getting Brunson adequate ball-handling help proved invaluable during last year’s playoffs and will be this year, too. 

Finally, the age old question for any contender. Now that everybody’s individual sacrifices paid off, will they continue to sacrifice, or will some guys now look to cash in on their own success, especially with extensions and aprons being a hot button issue? 

Prediction

The Knicks have some concerns on the margins, but this group is returning healthy and largely intact, giving them some of the best title hopes in the league. The Knicks repeat as champions, 4-2 in the NBA Finals over San Antonio.