PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 16: The sneakers worn by LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against the Boston Celtics during the 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 16, 2026 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Sixers’ most anticipated opener in years will begin with a reminder of how last season ended.
Five months after sweeping Philadelphia out of the playoffs, the Knicks will receive their rings and raise their first championship banner since 1973.
LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and the rest of the Sixers’ new lineup will then attempt to interrupt the celebration.
Philadelphia will then face a challenge that has historically favored the team holding the celebration.
Defending champions have gone 63-16 in their first home game the following season, according to an NBC Sports Philadelphia review of NBA game logs dating to 1947. They have won 79.7% of those games with an average point differential of plus-8.1.
Banner night was not always Opening Night. Before the 2000s, champions sometimes began the season with several road games. For this review, NBC Sports Philadelphia used the defending champion’s first home game of the following season.
Because documentation of early championship ceremonies is incomplete, the review uses each defending champion’s first home game as the consistent historical comparison.
The 2020 Lakers split their celebration. They received their rings before their home opener but waited until fans returned later that season to unveil the banner.
The overall trend has continued in the modern NBA.
Defending champions have gone 23-7 over the last 30 seasons. They have outscored their opponents by an average of 6.3 points.
The seven visitors that won were the 1998-99 Atlanta Hawks, 2000-01 Utah Jazz, 2002-03 San Antonio Spurs, 2006-07 Chicago Bulls, 2011-12 Miami Heat, 2017-18 Houston Rockets and 2020-21 Los Angeles Clippers.
All seven made the playoffs.
Four reached at least the conference finals. The Spurs and Heat won the championship. Houston came within one victory of the Finals in 2018. The Clippers reached the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history in 2021.
The same pattern extends beyond the last 30 seasons.
Only 16 visiting teams have beaten a defending champion in this setting. Thirteen reached the playoffs. Three won the championship: the 1948-49 Minneapolis Lakers, 2002-03 Spurs and 2011-12 Heat.
Winning an October game did not create those postseason runs. Strong teams are often selected to play in these matchups. It still shows the caliber of opponent that has typically been capable of interrupting a championship celebration.
Chicago produced the most lopsided example.
The Bulls watched Miami celebrate its 2006 championship and then handed the Heat a 108-66 loss. It remains the largest margin of defeat for a defending champion in the 79-game sample.
Chicago won 49 games that season. The Bulls met Miami again in the first round of the playoffs and completed a four-game sweep.
The Sixers franchise has been the visiting team in five defending champions’ first home games, including one during its years as the Syracuse Nationals. It lost all five.
Syracuse fell 107-83 in Boston’s first home game as defending champion in 1957.
The Philadelphia-era Sixers are 0-4. Three of those games came against Michael Jordan’s Bulls.
They lost 110-90 in Chicago in 1991. They returned for another Bulls celebration in 1996 and lost 115-86. One of the ropes holding Chicago’s banner snapped during the ceremony, leaving it hanging unevenly above the court.
The Sixers went back to Chicago the following season and lost 94-74.
Their most recent appearance came in San Antonio on Nov. 2, 1999. The Spurs raised the first championship banner in franchise history and beat the Sixers 89-76.
Those results have little connection to the current team. They do provide another measure of how difficult these nights have been for the visitor.
The Sixers’ results have been much different in their own first home game after winning a championship.
The franchise is 3-0. The Syracuse Nationals beat the Fort Wayne Pistons 114-113 in overtime after winning the 1955 championship. The 1967 Sixers opened their title defense with a 103-87 victory over the Lakers. The 1983 Sixers beat Washington 117-114.
The Knicks are also 2-0 in their first home game after winning a title.
New York beat Boston 114-107 after winning its first championship in 1970. Three years later, the Knicks began their next title defense with a 101-100 victory over Detroit.
Tuesday will be their third such game and their first championship ceremony in 53 years.
James has experienced this setting from the visiting side four times.
He lost with Cleveland in Boston in 2008, with the Lakers at Golden State in 2022 and with the Lakers at Denver in 2023.
His lone victory came on Christmas Day in 2011.
The NBA lockout pushed the start of that season to Dec. 25. Dallas raised its first championship banner before hosting Miami in a rematch of the previous season’s Finals.
The Mavericks did not receive their rings that afternoon. Owner Mark Cuban had waited until the lockout ended so returning players could help design them, leaving too little time to have them ready for the opener.
James finished with 37 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in Miami’s 105-94 victory. The Heat went on to win the championship, giving James the first title of his career.
Brown experienced the other side two years ago.
He scored 23 points when Boston raised its 2024 championship banner and beat the Knicks 132-109. He will now be with the visiting team while New York holds a celebration of its own.
One game cannot answer the larger questions surrounding the Sixers. The previous banner-night winners also show why Tuesday should not be dismissed as an ordinary opener.
The teams that have beaten a defending champion in this setting have usually continued winning long after the ceremony ended.
Brooks posted a photo of himself in a Suns uniform on his Instagram story on Sunday night and wrote, “Thanks Matt for cleaning up that stench in the locker room before I came #culture,” while having the song “Back Down,” by 50 Cent playing.
“Thanks Matt for cleaning up that stench in the locker room before I came #culture”
Dillon Brooks trolls Kevin Durant on a social media post.
Since Brooks made the post to his story, Durant, who now plays for the Houston Rockets, has not responded to the Suns forward.
The two have had an ongoing beef with one another since 2025, when Brooks was included in a historic deal that sent him to Phoenix, which included Jalen Green, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, Daeqwon Plowden, a first-round pick, and multiple future second-round picks.
During last year’s playoffs, Durant and Brooks were seen getting into a heated exchange with each other, and it has raised speculation that Brooks told Durant he was “never that guy.”
Kevin Durant was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. NBAE via Getty ImagesDillon Brooks has inserted himself into the drama between Kevin Durant and Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
As the two are in the middle of a standstill with one another, it comes after Durant reposted Ishbia’s comments on X and wrote, “#blameKD even though KD stayed on top of his game at 36 and got u back this “culture” you love so much. Aye, Matthew acts like I got arrested for a DUI or sumn. Back to threads”
Durant went and added another repost shortly after and wrote, “U should be giving Thanks every chance u get. You don’t have to pay me an absurd amount of money to play for another team.”
With the NBA season on the horizon, Durant’s Rockets will meet Brooks’ Suns three times this season, when they play their first game on November 7. November 25. and on February 5 for the series finale.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 07: Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the preseason game at the United Center on October 07, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The season begins for the Phoenix Suns this upcoming Wednesday as they make the trip to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s a season that carries plenty of promise and uncertainty as the team looks to build upon the foundation established last year, when it won 45 games and shattered its preseason over/under of 30.5 wins.
But that team ultimately finished as the eighth seed, lost its inaugural Play-In game, and was eventually swept out of the playoffs. So what does this season have in store?
Over the next four days, the Bright Side of the Sun writing staff will share our thoughts on this team as we work toward making our final predictions for the upcoming season. And the first question on the board is a relatively straightforward one.
What is your biggest reason for optimism heading into the season, and what is your biggest concern about this team?
There’s plenty to be optimistic about when you look at this version of the Phoenix Suns. They’ve firmly established an identity and possess continuity, two things that teams around the league are constantly trying to identify and develop. That alone puts Phoenix in a position to be competitive and potentially become a difficult opponent early in the season.
But my biggest reason for optimism is the intriguing balance this roster possesses between young players who will have an opportunity to develop before our very eyes and veterans who can keep the team competitive night in and night out. I’m optimistic that this blend will provide quality basketball that’s enjoyable to watch and translate into wins.
As for my biggest concern, I ultimately land on the three-point shooting conundrum. This is a team that attempted the fifth most three-pointers in the NBA last season while finishing 12th in three-point shooting percentage. If that volume remains relatively consistent while the percentage declines, which I believe is a legitimate possibility given the roster construction, it’s going to create some significant challenges offensively.
The Suns might find themselves needing to win more games on the defensive side of the ball than the offensive side simply because consistent perimeter shooting could be difficult to come by. Sure, there are players coming off the bench who can knock down shots from deep, but how much volume are they realistically going to receive?
If the defense isn’t consistently holding opposing teams to manageable point totals, how difficult is it going to be for Phoenix to overcome deficits when the shots aren’t falling? Without reliable three-point shooting, the margin for error becomes increasingly narrow, especially when you’re trying to work your way back into games. And that concerns me.
So what does the rest of the Bright Side writing staff have to say? Here are their biggest reasons for optimism and concern heading into the 2026–27 Phoenix Suns season.
Brandon Duenas: The bench is the popular answer for optimism, and it’s the correct answer. We’re talking about how deep this team is despite losing its starting center until at least February. Just let that sink in. The trio of Gillespie, Kennard, and Goodwin off the bench is such a luxury.
The biggest concern has to be the health issues, which contradict our strength, but also make a case for it (depth) being so necessary at the same time. Injuries happen. They’ll be better prepared for them this season. We’re just hoping they don’t snowball like they did last season.
Holden Sherman: For the first time since maybe the 2021-22 season, not only do the Suns appear to have continuity and good vibes around them, but also empirical evidence that they should feel optimistic. The team shocked many last year and has reason to believe they can build on last season by keeping the roster mostly the same and upgrading at starting power forward with Miles Bridges.
Bruce Veliz: The biggest reason for optimism for me is that this bench unit looks deep and can work well together. We already saw last year that Collin Gillespie can lead the unit, and players like Jordan Goodwin and Oso Ighodaro can work well off him. Not to mention the youth with Ryan Dunn, Rasheer Fleming, and Koa Peat at the forward position, it has the potential to be one of the league’s best.
My biggest concern for this team is that there is still no true point guard next to Booker to help alleviate the playmaking duties. With Jalen Green working with Steve Nash this offseason, there is some light at the end of that tunnel. It’s just all about waiting to see it work in real time.
Tom Mildenberger: The biggest reason for optimism is the bench. They are going to push our regular-season win total, and the Suns are going to need them to if they want to stay out of the Play-In tournament. The starting lineup is going to have games where they hit threes, and we’re all going to think, “Wow, we are really good.” But they’ll have just as many games where they don’t. You can also pencil in some inconsistency, especially early in the season, from the second-timeline guys who are going to be counted on this season, mainly Khaman, Dunn, and Rasheer. Gillespie, Kennard, Goodwin, and Oso aren’t just going to have to be good; they’ll need to be consistently good. I think they will meet that challenge in the regular season.
My biggest concern will continue to be injuries. We’re already down our starting center, and Miles Bridges has already limped off the court. While he’ll be available when the games count, his preseason reps have been limited. Obviously, losing Devin Booker for an extended period would have us hitting the under, but I’m also concerned about nagging injuries. The core four need to gel. What they’re lacking in star power, they’ll need to make up for in chemistry. The bench can lift them up through the regular season, but that doesn’t carry over to the playoffs, where it’s best-on-best. If guys are in and out of the lineup with soft tissue issues all season, they’ll never develop the chemistry they need.
Kevin Humphreys: My biggest reason for optimism heading into the season is how deep this team is. I understand the shooting limitations that this roster has on paper, but I expect Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to both take jumps in three-point shooting efficiency this season because they will be taking ‘better’ shots, plus Gillespie and Kennard are snipers. I trust Devin Booker as the Suns’ main playmaker and scorer to win games, and I trust Jordan Ott to configure the rotations to give Booker, Green, and Brooks opportunities to get up shots.
Defensively, this team should be one of the best five defenses in the NBA and have the depth to give opposing teams 48 minutes of hellish defense for 82 games. They will force a ton of turnovers, run off misses or makes, and be one of the most fun teams to watch in the NBA this season.
CJ Savage: Optimistic about: Has to be seeing what Man Man Maluach can do as a starting (hopefully) center. Close second would be the promise, as yet largely unfulfilled, of Jalen Green.
Concernedabout the physical and mental decline of Devin Armani Booker. I know he’s said he’s ‘in love’ with basketball again, but what caused him to drop out to begin with? When you are dating the Kardashians and jet-setting, you no longer, IMHO, have basketball/winning a championship/HOF as your primary concern. I think the trajectory now, unless things change for him this season, is that of a former teammate of his, Chris Paul: great player, not quite enough to get a team to the promised land.
Mark Bowser: Optimistic about: I do think we’ll see Jordan Ott take a year 2 jump in the head coach role. I often lean on analytics and look at former video coordinators who became head coaches, and at their progression from year 1 to year 2. It’s honestly a mixed bag. But I believe he has the work ethic and intensity to be closer to an Eric Spoelstra (+4 wins) than a James Borrego (-16). I expect better rotations and more emotion at the right moments. Concerned: Inability to sustain injuries or foul problems at the 5 position. I thought this was a strength pre-Mark Williams’ injury. Maluach and Ighodaro are a respectable and complementary pair. If either is unavailable, all the options behind them are marked with question marks. I do not think Huntley or Reath provide enough meaningful rotation minutes, and the small-ball options each have limitations.
Where do you land? What are you optimistic about? What concerns you?
SAN FRANCISCO – Warriors superstar Steph Curry avoided a serious injury scare Sunday that had thousands of fans holding their breath at Chase Center.
Sunday was the Warriors’ open practice, where fans flock to get a look at their favorite players in a relaxed environment. The Warriors went a little more intense than in years past but still kept it light. About 45 minutes in, there was a heaviness of a dark cloud hovering over the court when Curry limped his way to the locker room.
Curry went to make a move on De’Anthony Melton when his sneakers squeaked and his body got stuck. He tapped Melton, bounced the ball hard twice and favored his right leg limping to the sidelines. Curry caught his breath and then kept limping down the hallway and to the Warriors’ locker room.
Steph Curry limps off the court at open practice and he just went back to the locker room @NBCSWarriors
The main concern was that Curry, 38, injured the same right knee that held him out for more than two months last season. Luckily for Curry and the Warriors, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Curry has a sprained right ankle, per the Warriors, and did not injure his knee.
“He said he’s fine,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after practice.
Kerr shared that he spoke with Curry in the training room and that he was in good spirits. No further diagnosis has been shared, nor has a conversation with the Warriors’ medical staff.
Like everybody in the building, Kerr certainly was worried for the worst when he first saw Curry in discomfort and admitted his heart skipped a beat.
“Always, always,” Kerr said. “He’s fine. I went and talked to him after he went downstairs, and I went in the training room. He’s doing fine.”
The Warriors have been cautious in Curry’s ramp-up leading to Wednesday’s regular-season opener in Los Angeles against the Los Angeles Lakers. Less is more in making sure Curry is as healthy as possible entering his 18th season. He has scrimmaged less and has been part of fewer and fewer higher-intensity portions of practice.
Curry played a little under 18 minutes per game in the preseason and averaged 13 points while shooting 44 percent from the field (20 of 45) and 41.9 percent from three (13 of 31).
Gui Santos was on the floor when Curry came up short, but his fear wasn’t at an all-time high because of his teammate’s reaction.
“Of course we were scared,” Santos said. “But it’s Steph. He’s tough. He’s going to be good. Tomorrow he’s going to wake up and be good. We were definitely worried. … The way that I saw him walking off the court, I didn’t think it was something really bad.”
The Warriors already are being tested from a plethora of health problems. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody continue to rehab leg injuries, and an illness has kept Kristaps Porziņģis away from the team for the last three weeks. Curry wasn’t the only concern from Sunday’s open practice, too.
Brandin Podziemski and Charles Bassey did not participate. Bassey was seen having his right knee wrapped in ice, and the Warriors are saying he’s dealing with right knee tendinitis. Kerr did not know why Podziemski was absent but did confirm he practiced prior to the open session.
Now, it’s another game of wait and see on Curry’s health days before the regular season begins.
Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther has been diagnosed with a left knee sprain and is expected to miss the opening weeks of the 2026-27 NBA regular season, including the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 22.
The team announced that Strawther suffered the injury during a preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers and will be sidelined as he undergoes rehabilitation.
Strawther sustained the injury in the third quarter of the game on Oct. 16 when his leg got caught under his body, causing him to bend and land awkwardly. After undergoing an evaluation by the Nuggets' medical staff, it was determined that he had suffered a left knee sprain.
Strawther will be re-evaluated in approximately six weeks to determine if he is healthy enough to resume basketball activities.
Selected by Denver as the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Strawther has started 18 games in his career and averaged 7.2 points over 57 appearances last season.
The 30-year-old Simmons, who did not play last season, was set to make his return to the league with Sacramento for the 2026-27 season, but he now will have to wait another year before potentially taking an NBA floor again.
Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons went on to have a roller coaster of an NBA career throughout his first nine seasons in the league before stepping away last season.
Between injuries and inconsistencies in his game, Simmons never truly lived up to his full potential, despite winning Rookie of the Year in the 2017-18 season and making two All-Star and All-Defensive Teams.
In two preseason appearances with Sacramento, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.
Ben Simmons’ first NBA season with the Kings is over before it even started.
The veteran guard, who Sacramento signed in free agency this summer, is believed to have torn his Achilles at practice on Sunday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, citing sources.
Just in: Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons is believed to have sustained a torn Achilles tendon at practice Sunday, sources tell ESPN. A suspected season-ending injury for Simmons after rejuvenated and impressive training camp and preseason performances. pic.twitter.com/v4HBvCbgQF
The 30-year-old Simmons, who did not play last season, was set to make his return to the league with Sacramento for the 2026-27 season, but it appears he will have to wait another year before potentially taking an NBA floor.
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 12: Raptor the mascot of the Toronto Raptors performs during a break in the action while wearing a throwback Huskies jersey during NBA game action against the New York Knicks at Air Canada Centre on November 12, 2016 in Toronto, 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 Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On the 80th anniversary of the 1946-47 Basketball Association of America (BAA) season, the Toronto Raptors get a rare opportunity to mark the occasion of the city’s first professional basketball team. But, unfortunately, they probably won’t take it.
The National Basketball Association as we know it has its roots in the BAA, which later went on to merge with the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949, to create an early version of the NBA. The Association of America had its first game on November 1st, 1946, where the New York Knicks faced off against the Toronto Huskies in the Maple Leaf Gardens.
Right there at Church and Carlton, the Huskies lost their first game by two points, ending in a 68-66 loss for Toronto: the team would only play one season in the BAA, collapsing by 1947. But! En-route to making history (and failing soon after), the Huskies established the first brand identity for Torontonian professional basketball.
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 12: Raptor the mascot of the Toronto Raptors performs during a break in the action while wearing a throwback Huskies jersey during NBA game action against the New York Knicks at Air Canada Centre on November 12, 2016 in Toronto, 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 Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The blue jerseys are striking, bold, and a massive departure from anything the Raptors have done aesthetically in a long time. While taking on the Huskies’ colours is not reinventing the wheel, doing so would be a great callback not only to 80 years since the beginning of the BAA, but to the Raptors’ 2016-17 tribute to the Huskies, and those great years with Lowry and DeRozan.
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 08: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors tips off against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Huskies night as the Raptors commemorate the Toronto Huskies with throwback jerseys during NBA game action at Air Canada Centre on December 8, 2016 in Toronto, 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 Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who would say no to the idea of a cute, giant dog on the hardwood, at least for a few nights a year?
The Raptors have had a somewhat stale brand identity over the years. It seems that the franchise has become allergic to divergence from the red-black-white colour scheme it’s maintained on-and-off for the past 20 years.
While there have been reports that the team will, next season, finally rebrand and bring back purple as a part of the team’s visual identity, my heart goes out to the Husky that could have been. It feels like every year, each time has a million jerseys. And the Raptors have maybe two good ones. And that’s being generous.
The Huskies have come back before, with the 2009-10 Raptors sporting it, but with Chris Bosh’s departure, so to went the sense of fun from the Raptors’ design choices.
Now, are either of the previous jerseys total works of art? I wouldn’t go that far. But, beyond being charming, these jerseys reflect Canada’s role in the history of basketball, something that can be easily ignored. In a league of 30 teams, with 29 of them being American, the Raptors should fight tooth and nail to set themselves apart, and remind their opponents that the basketball league they know and love started right here in the 6ix.
The Raptors have not yet announced their City Edition jerseys for this year, and the Husky look would be a perfect fit. But, it is entirely likely that they will choose to take this year to honour the retirement of Kyle Lowry by turning him into a Raptor, and putting that illustration on a city edition jersey.
The Raptors have unveiled a Kyle Lowry-themed logo ahead of his jersey retirement this upcoming season 7⃣
Cool. Fine. And if it came down to it, nine out of ten times, I’m probably making that call as well.
But, every time I think about those jerseys, I remember DeRozan dropping 41 points and whipping the Celtics in them, on a bright blue and white court. And I wish that the Raptors would do a better job commemorating their roots.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors controls the ball against Mohamed Diawara #51 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter of a preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 15, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last weekend without official NBA content popping up our timelines, folks.
Last couple of sleeps before the next time you hit the sack there’s another (or multiple!) new banners hanging from the MSG rafters.
On delegating responsibilities to his assistant coaches and veteran players:
“My coaches can do their job, they can teach, take the lead in the areas that they need to, going by the practice plan and then on top of that, our veteran players, especially with the new guys, they can coach those guys because they kind of got a feel and they kind of know what we’re expecting on both ends of the floor.”
On his emotions ahead of the Knicks’ championship ring ceremony and banner raising:
“Obviously I’m going to be filled with a lot of different emotions. That’s a special moment. I’m going to be a little selfish, but for me individually, not only that, for my family, for the people in the organization, the team, the players, the other coaches, but just as importantly, the city of New York and the fans of the Knicks all around the world … so to see that happening while knowing the history of it, and knowing how hard it is to let alone get there on top of winning it, it’s going to be an awesome feeling with a ton of emotion inside. We’re all human, the trick is now to really appreciate and enjoy that moment and still try to lock in and get ready for the game and know you got to move forward once it’s over.”
On the challenges of defending an NBA championship:
“There are a lot of challenges in trying to do that. That’s why it hasn’t happened in the NBA in the last eight, nine years. In all of sports, you don’t hear a ton about back-to-back champions in the modern sports world no matter what sport it is you’re playing. The added quote, unquote pressure that some people may allow to seep in as the year goes on, there could be more jealousies, that the team is not connected, and people forget about sacrificing for the betterment of the team. Everybody has naturally been telling you how great you are the whole summer, and so you think you’re great, and you don’t have to go through and/or embrace the process like you did when you got there the first time because you think you know and it’s just going to happen in moments when you think it needs to happen. There’s a lot that can impact it.
“And for me, the biggest thing is trying to make sure our group understands that this is a new season, it’s a new team, and there are new challenges in front of us. Therefore, it’s not about the end result, we have to really make sure we focus our energy and effort on the process, by embracing all the details of the process. And if we do, that’s going to give us our best opportunity to do it again.”
On how the Knicks will handle being the hunted team:
“That’s another one, everybody likes to play the Knicks anyway, especially in MSG, and now it’s just an added carrot to the whole deal. We have a mature group, and that’s one of the main things that gives me — I don’t know if hope is the right word — but gives me hope that we’re going to take this or embrace this process like no other. I truly believe that the maturity of the group is going to help when it comes to all of it, not just being The Hunted, but handling being patted on the back all year, and media scrutiny that we’re going to be under and pressures of the other things that we’re going to be under. I think that’s what’s going to help a ton.”
On Jalen Brunson’s superpower:
“His focus and determination.”
On OG Anunoby’s superpower:
“His potential with his size, his athleticism, and his skillset.”
On Karl-Anthony Towns’ superpower:
“His skillset and his size.”
On Mikal Bridges’ superpower:
“His versatility.”
On Josh Hart’s superpower:
“His ability to connect the group, with sacrifice and determination.”
On his expectations for the Knicks’ bench:
“I’m excited about it. I’m looking forward to giving guys an opportunity that they might not have gotten before.”
On replacing Mitchell Robinson’s contributions following his departure to Boston:
“I talked to our guys about this. When I was in Golden State, we had a really good team the year we won back-to-back (2017 and 2018) and KD [Kevin Durant] left after that [after the 2019 season] and everybody thought that, rightfully so, we were going to go into the tank, because you can’t replace KD with one player. In 2022, we won it again, we basically had the same core minus KD. We replaced him basically with a young Jordan Poole, Otto Porter and Andrew Wiggins. And collectively, those three guys plus the rest of the group just brought a little bit more to the table, and we were able to get it done in 2022. So it’s no different with Mitch. Mitch is a great player. We’re not bringing Andre [Drummond] in here to quote, unquote be Mitch. Andre’s going to be Andre, but that means everybody else has to give a little bit more defensively, and has to give a little bit more when it comes to offensive and defensive rebounding,”
On the Knicks fans and how New York celebrates its championship teams:
“It’s like no other. This is my fifth championship that I’ve been a part of in some really good cities.
“Love you guys, love your energy. Keep bringing it, because we’re looking forward to having another fun year.”
On the improved Eastern Conference and increased competition:
“You see what goes on. A lot of teams got better, and it’s good. Excited for all of the other teams; you love when the competition’s high. Who doesn’t love that?”
Andre Drummond
On developing his jump shot throughout his NBA career:
“I did it when no one was watching. … So here we are, 15 years later, s–t, better late than never, right?”
On the skills that have allowed him to remain in the NBA entering his 15th season:
“Be a master of what I do. I mean, I’m able to rebound the ball at a high clip still. Obviously with the addition of the three-point shot, being able to be a good pick-and-roll defender, and just a great locker room guy altogether is really what keeps me around.”
On his passing ability and how his game has evolved:
“I love to pass, I love to see the floor, and I play well in the pocket. … The game is changing, [my] guards like to score, and I throw the pocket pass in.”
Jalen Brunson
On Andre Drummond establishing his own identity rather than replacing Mitchell Robinson:
“not coming in to be Mitch, he’s coming in to be himself.”
On Mike Brown taking time to build a personal relationship with him:
“He came down to Jersey in the summer, and we sat, had dinner, talked for two-and-a-half, three hours, whatever, and did not talk about basketball or what we were gonna do. So that just tells you who he is. That’s a genuine dude, and he just wanted to get to know all of us before we got into our jobs and to see what we had to do as a team. But it’s just genuinely who he is.”
“I want y’all to know I’m ready for y’all. Y’all not ready for me, I’m applying all pressure on y’all all summer…Y’all was sleeping on me…All gas no brakes-that’s gone be me rest of my life”
— Dink Pate’s 12 straight for Westchester wins last game of year, Mark Pope courtside pic.twitter.com/RP4ZHvJrfo
On Mike Brown addressing the team’s personal struggles and contract uncertainty:
“Mike talked about mindfulness. He talked about the situation to all of us openly, and we all talked as a team, as a family — the coaches and players — and it’s still so amazing to see how connected this team is, to see how much of a family unit we really are.
“It was really cool to have a coach talk to us about being you, about the struggles in life, and us being together and understanding where everyone is in life and the situations they deal with as a family, as brothers, that will allow us to even be more connected and allows us to even be a better team. That was an amazing job by him as our leader to approach the elephant in the room and to allow us, the players and the coaches and the ones who are on that core into Game 4, Game 5, who really found a way to get this title back to New York, allowing us to be human.”
Josh Hart
On Andre Drummond’s skill set:
“Way better passing than I thought he was.”
On Mike Brown’s leadership style and personality:
“Honestly, I didn’t know he was a military baby until you said it. Obviously, he’s someone who commands attention and respect and those kinds of things.”
“Now, he’s super chill. He’s a great person, lets us know, holds us accountable when we’re out there not doing what we’re supposed to do.
“He’s more of a ‘Who let the dogs out’ kind of guy.”
On McBride’s desire for a contract extension and the possibility of future negotiations:
“No doubt, he would love to get that. But at the end of the day, you work for the Knicks and it takes two sides to get a deal done. And if the Knicks aren’t ready to do extensions right now, then we just gotta buckle up and go have a great season. He’ll be a free agent this summer, but we’ll see. We’ve got a great relationship with [president] Leon [Rose] and the front office. We’ll see: there may be opportunities during the season, maybe in the near future. Who knows where we’ll be able to have those conversations.”
On McBride’s contributions to the Knicks and his willingness to play through injury:
“We’ve spoken to the Knicks throughout the summer. Miles, like any player in his position, would love to get an extension. I think he’s earned it. He’s been a huge part of where that organization has gone over the last three or four years. He’s been their sixth man. A lot of people don’t realize how hurt he played last year in the playoffs. He had abdominal surgery that caused him to miss a couple of months. He came back and he wasn’t really right yet, but he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to be there for his teammates.”
Joel Embiid, on facing the Knicks on opening night: "I don't really feel like watching that whole ceremony, so I guess I'll be in the locker room."
"It's the first game…The way I see it is taking it day-by-day, slowing getting better…It's about the process that it takes to… pic.twitter.com/tdExscxMlX
On the Philadelphia 76ers being the biggest threat to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference:
“The East has caught up with the West. You have the 76ers, obviously, you have the Toronto Raptors, you have Giannis [Antetokounmpo] with Miami, I think they’re still a few pieces away. But to me, if I had to pick one, it would be the 76ers. Nick Nurse won a championship [as coach of the Raptors in 2019]. Nick Nurse had to figure how pieces worked when he was in Toronto. And when you have guys that have high IQs — Jaylen Brown is a Finals MVP, LeBron James is [not just] arguably the greatest player but one of the smartest players to play the game of basketball. That’s not going to be a hard adjustment. … Offensively I see them getting out and running. I could see them being probably the best transition team offensively in the league. But I also could see them figuring things out on the fly while they’re still winning games during the regular season. And I also see LeBron James bringing out the best in Joel Embiid.”
On how Mike Brown should handle Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract situation:
“KAT is an emotional guy. And if I’m Mike Brown, the biggest thing is from a personal side, I would just want Towns to know that he’s loved on a day-to-day basis. That don’t mean that there’s not going to be times where you have to call him out in film, but if I’m Mike Brown, I’d go the extra mile to extend my love, whether that’s on the road, him meeting him for breakfast before shootaround, maybe dinners, just to let him know his value. And to let him know that he’s a huge and the most important part of this team. … It would be through actions and less through words.”
On the challenges of defending an NBA championship:
“The first thing is health, obviously. The second thing is getting through the regular season knowing that everywhere in every game that you play, you’re going to get everyone’s best shot. But last but not least is having everyone continue to lose themselves in the team and play agenda-free basketball. Because what ends up happening is when you win a championship, because of the praise that you get in the offseason, everyone starts to believe that they were the reason and guys come back and want a bigger role, instead of staying and playing and being a star of that role that helped them win the championship.”
On Jalen Brunson’s development into an elite player and leader:
“Offensively, I believe that Jalen Brunson over the last three years before Giannis was injured, has been consistently the best player in the Eastern Conference. But last year we saw him take that leap of accountability. We saw him doing the little things of fighting to get over screens. We saw him doing things of getting back in transition and getting extra possessions by taking charges. We saw him take over a Game 4 in Madison Square Garden in the second half to direct traffic and get buckets. We just saw leadership, right? We saw a guy in probably the hardest market to play in, have composure, have leadership and be able to perform on the biggest moments. But I think the most important thing is that he accepted the challenge of actually playing defense and playing enough defense where he wasn’t a liability. But also playing defense where the Spurs couldn’t hunt him out on the big stage. … He’s one of if not my favorite players in the NBA, but history tells us that we haven’t had a back-to-back champion in the last 8-9 years.”
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 14: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs smiles before the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 14, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Every year there’s an abundance of lists that come out about the NBA’s players, coaches and teams, and none matter more than the general manager survey released before the season. The latest one was published on Thursday, and according to most top executives, Victor Wembanyama is primed to have one of the greatest seasons of all time in 2026-27. He got the most votes to win Defensive player of the Year as well the majority for the MVP crown, and the San Antonio Spurs are the favorite to win the title.
Holy moly, such a season hasn’t been logged since the great Hakeem Olajuwon in 1993-94. Keep in mind that the NBA’s DPOY award started in the 1982-83 season, yet even if it existed earlier, the only bigs who could have arguably won it, earned the MVP and led a team to the chip were Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Yet don’t forget that Michael Jordan claimed both awards in 1987-88, but his team lost in the Eastern Conference Finals. LeBron James would have been the first to accomplish this feat since Olajuwon, but he got robbed of the DPOY in 2012-13.
Olajuwon, who played three years at school and didn’t simultaneously win both awards until he was 31, was already on a tear when he turned 23. That was in his second season and at that age had already ascended into one of the most devastating players in NBA history. He was skinnier then, but an athletic marvel who could down turnaround jumpers with ease and soar through the lane. He wanted the big moment, and in Mirin Fader’s biography about him, there is a great line where he defended himself against complaining teammates for taking a shot with multiple defenders on him because he was the one paid to take that shot.
Wembanyama is only entering his fourth season and will turn 23 on Jan. 4. He has gotten closer to his grown man body every year and like the young Olajuwon, needs to be defended with all five players plus is a factor in fourth quarters, as he averaged 6.3 points in those periods during the playoffs.
At this point, the only heavyweight on his level is Nikola Jokić, yet most GMs picked him over Wemby as the best center. That won’t be for long if he keeps improving at rapid speed and one example of how he has is the speed and timing of his pick-and-roll defense from his rookie year in 2023-24 until now. He impacts the game in more ways, so when his playmaking catches up to the Joker, he’ll jump to his own tier. He may never turn into the wow-passer Jokić is, but Wembanyama has the talent to average a triple-double, too.
In 2026-27, the race for the MVP should come down to Wemby, Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jokić, assuming they stay healthy, because they have a chance to win enough and put up incredible numbers. Wemby being the best in the league at guarding two players at once and creating a big intimidation factor with his shot blocking, will give him an edge over the field, while double-dipping for the other award.
Notably, only three of the last 10 GM polls have correctly predicted who would win the MVP award. Three of the last 10 polls also predicted the correct champion, but two of those were very easy to call since they were the Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry-led Golden State Warriors. Still, lots of those teams that were picked to win and didn’t were not as deep as the current Spurs. Don’t be surprised if Dylan Harper, who most GMs picked to have a breakout season, produces like an All-Star off the bench because he was already a major player to end last postseason.
Next season, the Spurs will have a target on their backs, but it won’t matter much because they have good coaching and a surplus of motivated talent spearheaded by Wemby. Most GMs don’t always get it right, but they believe he’s going to take over the league like only the most special have, so maybe opposing teams should take the survey as a bad omen.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 15: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on October 15, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country.
This week’s question asked about Kevin Durant’s future in H-town. James asked the question this week if we thought the Rockets could trade KD, so we figured it best to get your opinion.
Houston moving on from Durant at the deadline likely means there is a prerequisite of the team underachieving this year, because Durant has a player option the following season. If the team is not living up to expectations, he’s probably not coming back. The Rockets will need to move him before they lose him for nothing.
So this question isn’t just about Durant, ultimately. It’s also about if the team will be in the position where moving him at the deadline is the better option than certainly losing him in free agency.
Here’s what you said:
The vast majority of you feel Durant is here to stay. It may be just wishful thinking on my part, but I’m a little more bullish on Durant leaving no matter what happens this year (short of a Conference Finals or Finals run), because that’s just his nature. Whether the Rockets see it that way and want to get ahead of it is another story entirely. We’ve already been told that KD was at the “top of the list” of the Rockets’ problems last year. I just don’t know if the front office sees it that way.
Don’t forget to make your way over FanDuel. They are ready to roll with title odds, parlays, player props and more. The Rockets are +2700 to win the title. That’s a nice payout on a $100 bet, if you’re feeling confident. Kevin Durant is a +2700 for MVP, while Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson are at +12,500.
Thanks for voting. We’ll back soon with more Reacts.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 10: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles against Luguentz Dort #0 of the Atlanta Hawks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 10, 2026 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. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This is the first of a series of roundtable questions I’m asking the staff here at Peachtree Hoops about the Hawks this upcoming season. The first question: which newly acquired player will have the biggest impact for the Hawks this season?
Wes: I think Luguentz Dort will bring a level of toughness, defensive versatility, and an ability to play his role on offense that the team desperately needed. Now that the reins are in the hands of Jalen Johnson to run the show, Dort will fit in as a corner three-point shooter who has tons of experience operating around a star player.
But clearly, defensively is where he’ll make his name. He’s a bigger body than even all-world defender Dyson Daniels, so he, Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker can share the load of taking on the other team’s best perimeter player depending on the night.
Malik: I’ll have to agree and say and say Lu Dort. I think he was the biggest addition to the team this offseason, and it’s because of what he brings to the defensive side of the ball. He’s going to make life easier for Dyson Daniels, and he could guard almost every position on the floor. The Hawks’ defense was good last season, but it’s going to be even better with Dort in the fold.
It’s also hard not to mention the championship experience he’ll bring to the team. That will go a long way for a team that’s looking to be contenders.
Garrett: Luguentz Dort. To me, he was Onsi Saleh’s biggest addition this offseason. The Knicks exposed Atlanta’s struggles with physicality in the playoffs, and Dort directly addresses that issue. He’s one of the league’s best defenders, embraces tough assignments and knows what it takes to win in the postseason. That combination is a major plus for a Hawks team looking to take the next step.
Graham: I really like the deal to acquire Aaron Wiggins, I think he’ll have more of a positive impact than expected, but it’s hard to overlook just what Lu Dort is going to bring. It’s not just what Dort brings – which I’ll discuss in a moment – but the commitment the Hawks have made stylistically, and philosophically.
Dort’s shooting struggles in the postseason are well documented, as are those of Dyson Daniels. It’s going to be difficult to have both of those players out in crunch-time, but on the defensive end of the ball the Hawks have made a clear commitment to a defensive mentality. Now, Dort can be included into ‘chaos’ lineups which can involve Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Daniels, Dort, Johnson, and Okongwu – every single one of those players can hold their own defensively and excel (Johnson is more than capable of this when he applies himself to do so).
The Hawks may have an offensive ceiling with Daniels and Dort on the floor, but they have the defense to still bring a net rating in those scenarios. If Dort and Daniels can improve their three-point shooting and sustain it in the postseason, then the ceiling is removed for this squad. With Dort, the Hawks can have at least two plus defensive wings on at all times. The versatility he provides to what the Hawks can now run out on the court lineup-wise is a big step forward.
Dort himself will bring a toughness, a mentality that the Hawks will thrive off of, and championship experience to learn from. Everything Dort brings will only help Atlanta grow on and off the court as they try to take the next step; Dort is the perfect acquisition for the Hawks’ next phase of their journey. The message is clear: it’s defense first.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 16: Allen Graves #22 of the Toronto Raptors goes up for a layup against John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter of a preseason game at Little Caesars Arena on October 16, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Allen Graves has had a bit of a rough outing in the Raptors’ preseason games, but his coach sees things as going all according to plan.
In two games played, the forward has averaged just over 19 minutes of playing time, posting numbers of seven points, five and a half rebounds, and an assist and a steal a-piece per game. Less than stellar from a first round pick, especially considering that the scoring is being done at a clip of 25% accuracy, while shooting just over nine percent from three.
Offensively, Graves has struggled, especially in his last game, where he was four for thirteen, and missed all five shots from three. However, the rookie can’t be faulted for what he’s doing: after all, he’s just following his coach’s directions.
On the 14th of October, Darko Rajaković was asked about Allen Graves’ feel for the game despite his inaccuracy (the night before, the forward had shot 16% from three). The coach’s response?
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 16: Allen Graves #22 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons during a preseason game on October 16, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
“I don’t care if the shot is gonna fall or not.”
“He’s a great shooter,” Rajaković continued, intently. “I promise him this morning, the first time when I see him, that he does not take open shot when I see him, I’m going to sit him on the bench. It’s going to be simple as that.”
It’s this type of confidence and championing of his players that has characterized Rajaković‘s tenure as the Raptors’ head coach. This type of leadership and standing by players who are down can be instrumental in keeping a locker room united, but at the same time, the coach is not simply making a leap of blind faith.
“He’s a great shooter,” repeated Rajaković, as if drilling a lesson into schoolchildren who were liable to forget if not reminded. “He has a great feel for the game and yesterday was a typical rookie game playing for the first time in front of home crowd. That was such a typical game, I was so happy for him to get in a foul trouble, to miss shots, and I think that was awesome.”
It is this clear willingness to let a player develop that is a big part of what sets the Raptors apart as an organization. A few rough preseason games aren’t something to be ashamed of, in the mind of Darko Rajaković. They’re a learning experience, and more than that, a milestone for a young player. Showing flashes of greatness on the court are not being prioritized over working on oneself — yet.
It seems for now, Allen Graves will be given the room to make mistakes, to brick jumpshots, and take all the missteps that one might take in an NBA game, in the service of maturing into a well-rounded player. It would be nice if everyone was afforded the luxury of time and external validation that seems to be happening here. But, even if that can’t be the case, it’s good to know that some NBA coaches have real heart.
It seems that Rajaković was channelling his inner Dion Waiters when he spoke to the media last week.
More Waiters: "I’d rather go 0 for 30 than 0 for 9 because you go 0 for 9 that means you stopped shooting.That means you lost confidence."
After an exciting offseason with a lot of movement, the NBA season opens this week.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Heat. LeBron James took his talents to the 76ers. Luka Doncic is now the head of the snake for the Lakers. The Knicks are poised to try to repeat as NBA champions after breaking a 53-year title drought. Victor Wembanyama hopes to put his 7-foot-4 body in the way.
There’s a lot of intrigue. A lot could happen. But in the meantime, here are our very early NBA awards predictions:
MVP: Luka Doncic
Doncic has taken over the Lakers after James left in free agency following an eight-season stint in Los Angeles. Last season, Doncic led the league in scoring (33.5 points) and was third in assists (8.3). This offseason, he put his fingerprints all over the roster, including urging the Lakers to acquire Walker Kessler at center. Doncic then hosted a minicamp in Slovenia for the first time in his career to build chemistry. Doncic is all in. He wants to win his first championship. He wants to carry the 17-time championship Lakers back atop the league. And he feels wronged after finishing fourth in the MVP race last season despite his eye-popping stats. Here’s to guessing we’re going to see the best out of him yet.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic (77) warms up before a preseason basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Getty Images
Sixth Man of the Year: Ajay Mitchell
Did you see what Mitchell did to the Lakers in the second round of the 2026 playoffs when the Thunder swept LA? Mitchell looked like a star. He averaged 22.5 points. He met the moment. Rob Pelinka, Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations, brought him up unprompted as the type of player the Lakers need to find in the draft. In his third season expect him to make even more leaps.
Defensive POY: Victor Wembanyama
No one will compete with Wembanyama for this award for the foreseeable future unless he somehow fails to meet the 65-game threshold. Wembanyama is a beast on defense. He alters shots. He blocks shots. He can run the floor. His 7-4 height and 8-foot wingspan leave stars looking like G League players against him.
Victor Wembanyama (1) of the San Antonio Spurs looks to rebound against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a preseason basketball game at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. Getty Images
Rookie of Year: Cameron Boozer
The hype is real, folks. Boozer might be the No. 1 option on the Grizzlies soon. He’s going to have high usage. He’s going to be a double-double machine with his shooting and rebounding ability. He impressed in summer league play in Las Vegas and the preseason, and he appears poised to make a major statement.
Coach of the Year: Nick Nurse
If he can turn the 76ers into championship contenders, he should win this award. There are so many cooks in the kitchen, including James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Nurse is going to have to figure out how to manage egos, how to keep everyone engaged and involved and how to make a bunch of alpha superstars willing to star in their roles. It’s a tall task. He’s working with some of the world’s top ingredients. Now it’s up to him to see if he can make a cohesive recipe. If he does, props to him. We’ve seen too many other superteams wildly fail, including the Nets, who never made it past the second round of the playoffs with Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant on the roster.
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse calls to his players during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Boston. AP Photo/Charles Krupa
Most Improved Player: Amen Thompson
Thompson made leaps last season and here’s to betting that trend is going to continue this year. Now that Fred VanVleet is back, Thompson is going to get way more scoring opportunities. He apparently dramatically improved his jumper over the offseason. He has the basketball IQ and natural talent to keep transforming his game, and he’s going to play for a very competitive Rockets team. His growth has been marked and should continue rapidly.
Western Conference winner: Spurs
Wembanyama is next in line for the face of the league behind James. He wants to be the best. You can see it in the way he advocates for himself, the way his emotions spill out and the way he plays on both sides of the court. Well, we saw the origin of his villain story develop in real time last postseason when the Spurs blew double-digit leads in each of their four losses to the Knicks in the Finals. Wembanyama isn’t going to allow that to happen again. Most of the greats had to get knocked down before rising to the top. Expect nothing different from Wembanyama, who has a talented team behind him in Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell and Tobias Harris.
Eastern Conference winner: Knicks
No one had the Knicks winning the championship on their bingo card last season. We won’t make that mistake this time around. Jalen Brunson is a superstar. OG Anunoby is now a legend. And the team is returning 10 of its 12 rotational players. The Knicks are the favorites in the East until proven otherwise.
NBA champion: Spurs
Wemby’s time has arrived. You can feel it. It’s similar to how the air feels different ahead of a major storm. We all knew it would be a matter of time before he owned the league. What we didn’t know was how quickly it would happen.
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