Category: Basketball

New Celtics owner Bill Chisholm shares ‘philosophical pillars' on home arena originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

As soon as it was made publicly known that the Boston Celtics were up for sale, most people speculated that the new owner would want to build a new arena for the basketball team. After all, who would want to spend $6.1 billion on a team just to pay rent to the Bruins?

Bill Chisholm, whose investment group won the bid to purchase the team, does not sound like someone who is prioritizing a new home for the C’s.

Speaking with Chris Forsberg on a new episode of the Celtics Talk Podcast, Chisholm shared the “philosophical pillars” that he and the ownership group share toward the home of the Celtics.

TD Garden is special

First and foremost, Chisholm spoke to the special home-court advantage that the Celtics have at TD Garden.

“I love the Boston Garden,” Chisholm said. “There have been banners raised there. That’s a great place for the fans, it’s a great place for the players. And so that’s a really good place to start.”

Some reverence for the home of the Celtics from the new owner.

The Bruins and Celtics ‘belong together’

While many creative minds envisioned a basketball-centric arena being built potentially outside of the city, Chisholm doesn’t seem to share that same vision.

“Second thing I would say is that the Bruins and Celtics belong together,” Chisholm said. “So no matter what happens, that’s a real priority for me.”

Since their first year in 1946, the Celtics have always shared a home building with the Bruins. TD Garden is owned by Delaware North, the company that owns the Bruins.

The Celtics’ current lease runs through 2035-36 after the team signed a 15-year extension in 2021. Getting out of that lease would be an expensive proposition, but it does not appear to be on the to-do list for the new ownership group.

What’s best for the fans

While all owners have personal feelings and desires, Chisholm said he’s open to hearing the will of the fans when it comes to something that plays such a significant role in their experience following the team.

“The most important thing is we’re going to create the best experience for fans that we can, and we’ll figure out what that is. But that’s kind of how I approach it,” Chisholm said. “We’ll go into it with an open mind, but I think that’s the starting point, those three things.”

Watch Chisholm’s full interview with Forsberg on Celtics Talk:

And on that farm he had some… buckets?

As Knicks center Mitchell Robinson prepared this offseason for what will be his eighth NBA season, he didn’t just work on his hoops game.

He also worked on his coops game.

In an effort to eat healthier and drop some weight, the 27-year-old Robinson made an effort to eat healthier by learning the art of farming in Nashville.

“I started my own farm, so all of my stuff is legit fresh, organic, stuff like that, so kind of moving forward with that,” Robinson said. “Chickens, all kinds of stuff.”

Asked how he learned to farm, Robinson replied: ‘You gotta know people, they’ll teach you a lot.”

Farmer Robinson acknowledged that he did lose weight this offseason, saying he’s around the same weight he was last season, which he says is the right range for him to play at his best.

And that should go hand-in-hand with playing under new head coach Mike Brown, who likes to push the pace at a much faster rate than previous head coach Tom Thibodeau.

“I’m excited to play for him,” Robinson said of Brown. “I’ve been here going on eight years now, third coach. Just get in there and give the same energy I gave the other coaches. Hard work and keep it moving.”

“A lot of conditioning, getting up and down the court,” he later added about Brown’s coaching style. “Putting in a lot of new things that I’ve never seen before. It’s going to be a process, but I’m all for it.”

While injuries limited Robinson to just 17 regular season games last year, he made a big impact in the postseason, playing 18 playoff games and eventually moving into the starting lineup.

Robinson said he doesn’t care whether he starts or comes off the bench this season, and that he’s ready to adjust to playing with whomever he’s on the floor with.

“Same approach as last year,” Robinson said. “We had a lot of success last season, so we just come in with that mindset and see how [Brown] likes us to play and adjust to that.”

Robinson has established himself as one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA, and his relentlessness on the glass makes him a huge asset for a Knicks team in search of an NBA championship.

And while it sounds like Robinson is ready to cook on the floor, don’t expect him to do much cooking in the kitchen.

“No,” Robinson replied when asked if he cooks the food his farm provides.

“Hell no.”

C's owner Bill Chisholm details on-brand first encounter with Mazzulla originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

It took Bill Chisholm less than a week to be introduced to the Joe Mazzulla Experience.

An investor group led by Chisholm first agreed to purchase the Boston Celtics on March 20. Four days later, Chisholm and his wife Kimberly paid a visit to Golden 1 Center in Sacramento to watch the Celtics take on the Kings.

That’s where Chisholm first met Mazzulla — who lived up to his reputation as being incredibly locked in at all times.

Chisholm detailed his first meeting with Chisholm during an exclusive interview with Celtics Insider Chris Forsberg on the Celtics Talk Podcast.

“So, Joe is very intense, obviously — which I love, by the way,” Chisholm said. “The first time I met him was out in Sacramento. I was sitting courtside; the owner of the Kings had invited me to go, so I went, and I wasn’t wearing Celtics gear, and I wasn’t really cheering. I was trying to be polite; it’s their building and everything.

“And after the game, I see Joe across the court — I had never met him; we had never spoken — he makes eye contact with me and he comes straight, beeline to me. I’m like, ‘Oh gosh, here we go.’ And, he comes over, he puts his hand out, and he says, ‘Thirty freaking arenas and all you hear is, ‘Let’s go Celtics.’ I love it!’ And he shakes (my hand) one more time and walks away. And that was it.”

So, yeah. Mazzulla doesn’t change who he is for anybody — not even for the person who just purchased the team he coaches for $6.1 billion.

For his part, Chisholm loved his brief encounter with Mazzulla, who oversaw Boston’s 113-95 rout of the Kings that night.

“That kind of intensity — he was pumped up, it was a good game, and I just love that intensity he has,” Chisholm said.

Mazzulla is about to face his most difficult challenge yet with a Celtics roster that lost Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet this offseason and will be without superstar Jayson Tatum for most or all of the season as he recovers from Achilles surgery. But the C’s signed Mazzulla to a multi-year contract extension in August, so it’s clear the entire franchise supports its head coach.

Check out Chisholm’s full interview with Chris Forsberg on the Celtics Talk Podcast:

• Chisholm discusses how his dream of becoming the owner of the Celtics became a reality.
• Who are some of Bill’s favorite Celtics players of all time?
• How the investment group came together to buy the Celtics.
• What are the goals of the new ownership group?
• Will the Celtics look for their own arena?
• What excited you most about this year’s team?
• Best interaction with Joe Mazzulla so far.

Jared McCain suffers thumb injury on eve of Sixers media day  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

On the eve of their 2025-26 season media day, injuries remain inescapable for the Sixers. 

The team announced that Jared McCain suffered a UCL tear in his right thumb during a workout Thursday.

“McCain and the 76ers are consulting with specialists on next steps and further updates will be provided as appropriate,” the Sixers said in a statement. 

McCain, 21, had been ramping up to return from a left lateral meniscus tear he suffered in January.

He packed in plenty of brilliant moments during 23 games his rookie year. The Duke product scored at least 18 points in nine consecutive games between Nov. 8 and Nov. 24. All told, McCain averaged 15.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per game. 

McCain will now again turn to some of his standout qualities outside of basketball ability. He practices visualization and meditation, always strives for positivity and perspective, and tries not to dwell on factors beyond his control.

“Everything happens for a reason,” McCain said at his exit interview in April. “God doesn’t make mistakes and I know the universe has put me in this position to be injured to learn something. I know I’m destined for something great. I read the book ‘The Obstacle is the Way.’ … Just trying to create any advantage through all the adversity that you go through.

“There’s a saying … ‘Amor fati.’ Just love everything that comes. Even the negative, love everything that comes your way and you’ll find your way back in the positive. So I just try to take that every single day and live with gratitude. … I know I’ll be fine. I know I’ll get back to where I was, even better. Just got to be patient and be present.”

The Sixers had appeared quite well-stocked at guard entering the season — one source of optimism following an injury-ruined, 24-58 season — but McCain’s injury and the fact that restricted free agent Quentin Grimes is still unsigned changes the picture. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Grimes’ camp and the Sixers are “very far apart on a deal.” 

As far as healthy, under-contract guards, the Sixers have Tyrese Maxey, No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe, and veterans Eric Gordon and Kyle Lowry. 

Jared McCain suffers thumb injury on eve of Sixers media day  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

On the eve of their 2025-26 season media day, injuries remain inescapable for the Sixers. 

The team announced that Jared McCain suffered a UCL tear in his right thumb during a workout Thursday.

“McCain and the 76ers are consulting with specialists on next steps and further updates will be provided as appropriate,” the Sixers said in a statement. 

McCain, 21, had been ramping up to return from a left lateral meniscus tear he suffered in January. 

He packed in plenty of brilliant moments during 23 games his rookie year. The Duke product scored at least 18 points in nine consecutive games between Nov. 8 and Nov. 24. All told, McCain averaged 15.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 25.7 minutes per game. 

The Sixers had appeared quite well-stocked at guard entering the season, but McCain’s injury and the fact that restricted free agent Quentin Grimes is still unsigned changes the picture. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Grimes’ camp and the Sixers are “very far apart on a deal.” 

As far as healthy, under-contract guards, the Sixers have Tyrese Maxey, No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe, and veterans Eric Gordon and Kyle Lowry. 

This story will be updated. 

New C's owner Bill Chisholm responds to CBA concerns with clear statement originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Bill Chisholm joins the Boston Celtics at an interesting time in the franchise’s history, to put it mildly.

The Celtics have made 11 straight postseason appearances and have played in two of the last last four NBA Finals, winning their 18th championship in June 2024. But Chisholm, who officially became the Celtics’ lead owner in August, takes over a C’s team that just parted ways with four members of that championship squad (Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet and Al Horford) and will be without its best player (Jayson Tatum) for most if not all of the 2025-26 season.

As president of basketball operations Brad Stevens confirmed earlier this summer, Boston’s roster overhaul was necessitated by the NBA’s second apron, which imposes harsh financial and roster-building penalties on teams that exceed the luxury tax by a certain amount.

While the previous ownership group led by Wyc Grousbeck was committed to spending whatever it took to compete for championships, it’s fair for fans to wonder if Chisholm and his investor group will have the same mindset, especially as the Celtics enter a season with significantly lower expectations.

Our Celtics Insider Chris Forsberg posed that question to Chisholm in an exclusive interview with the new C’s owner on the Celtics Talk Podcast.

“It’s complicated, but I think the spirit of what it’s trying to do is a positive thing,” Chisholm told Forsberg of the second apron’s restrictions. “And as you think about, ‘How do you build champions?’ — not just for one year, but for multiple years — you look at, over the last seven years, I think there’s been seven different champions.

“I want to be a champion every year, and that’s what we’re shooting for. And that’s why you need people like Brad and Joe (Mazzulla), and you need leadership on the court with Jayson and Jaylen (Brown) and Derrick (White) and folks like that.”

In short, Chisholm is well aware of the challenges presented by the second apron and the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. But just like Grousbeck, his goal is to raise banners.

“There (are) some ins and outs there,” Chisholm added. “But at the end of the day, as an investment group, we’ll do whatever we can to make sure this team is a champion, and we’ll work around it.”

That’s a refreshing message for Celtics fans to hear. And even if the C’s take a brief step back in 2025-26 while Tatum recovers from his Achilles surgery, it sounds like Chisholm will give Stevens and Boston’s front office free rein to put together a championship contender as soon as possible.

Check out Chisholm’s full interview with Chris Forsberg on the Celtics Talk Podcast.

Ramp to Camp: Making bold award predictions for the 2025-26 Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Which Boston Celtics player will walk away with some hardware during the 2025-26 season?

With Jayson Tatum sidelined to start the new campaign, his run of four straight All-NBA First Team nods will end. Might someone else slot among the 15 best players in basketball this season? Is there a surprise nominee for a Celtics All-Star candidate? Can someone besides Derrick White muscle their way onto an All-Defense team?

For Day 19 of our Ramp to Camp series, we asked our panel to make one bold awards prediction involving a Celtics player. 

Our intrepid pick: Josh Minott for Most Improved Player.

We checked out the odds over at DraftKings and there are six Celtics players on their preseason MIP board, and none of whom are nicknamed The Lawn Mower. You can get Payton Pritchard (+2200), Chris Boucher (+5000), Anfernee Simons (+5000), Derrick White (+6000), Neemias Queta (+7000), or Luka Garza (+15000). Quick aside: Queta at +7000, while potentially elevating to a starting role and after a rock-solid EuroBasket tournament, almost made us recast our selection.

But we’re sticking with a breakout year for Minott.

Given the Celtics’ need for size and rebounding, we can see Minott kicking down the door to heavy playing time. The 22-year-old has averaged 2.3 points and 1.0 rebounds over his three NBA seasons, meaning even a modest stat line this season is going to pop when comparing his year-over-year increases.

Sure, MIP typically goes to a more established player, often someone who went from key role player to All-Star presence. Maybe we’re a year or two early on Minott’s award. And maybe that’s why Pritchard is so high on the preseason odds list. But we’re staying bold.

We love Minott’s potential. We love his nickname. There’s a chance he can help fill the void in our heart that’s been vacant since Robert Williams III’s departure. 

And we think Minott is going to start his climb to key contributor on Boston’s next title-contending team with his play this season.

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

Jaylen Brown finally makes an All-Defense team.

Brown has long espoused the importance of playing on both ends and takes immense pride in his defense. While he’ll be expected to shoulder a larger offensive load this season, we could see Brown making a point to bring it on the defensive end, and with a larger spotlight on him, he’ll finally get rewarded for his efforts with an All-Defense nod.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

I’m sure everyone would love for it to be Derrick White winning DPOY, but isn’t the most likely scenario Payton Pritchard winning a second straight Sixth Man of the Year? That just feels right.

Five players have won the award multiple times, but only three of them — Kevin McHale, Detlef Schrempf and Lou Williams — have won it in back-to-back seasons. Pritchard belongs there.

Plus, the Celtics are in a tie with the Clippers for most Sixth Man winners in history with five. Pritchard can break that dreaded tie and finally give the Celtics recognition as being a more successful franchise than the Clippers. This is massive.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

Derrick White will be named an NBA All-Star for the first time in his career.

White, who deserved the honor last season, will take on a larger role without Tatum. I can’t help but think that will lead to his best season yet and, ultimately, the recognition that comes with it.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Derrick White for Clutch Player of the Year.

Without Tatum, there will be a lot more end-of-game opportunities to go around, and I think most teams will look to contain Jaylen Brown. So, White seems like an obvious choice to step up. And I think he will be up to the task.

Kevin Miller, VP, Content

Jaylen Brown lands on one of the top two All-NBA teams.

I think there’s the possibility that Brown’s points-rebound-assist totals scale over 40 per game this season, with increased playmaking and rebounding. If he does that, then he’ll be on one of the first two teams.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

Joe Mazzulla wins Coach of the Year, because this award always goes to the coach whose team exceeds expectations.

Doc Rivers won Eastern Conference Coach of the Month THREE TIMES in 2007-08, and lost the entire season award to Byron Scott (one month as West Coach of the Month). It defies logic.

Anyway, Mazzulla will finally win the award he should’ve won in 2023-24.

Kayla Burton, Celtics Pregame Live host

Derrick White makes an All-NBA team.

I know it’s not hardware, but White actually rises to become the No.1 guy with Tatum out and makes more headlines than Jaylen Brown.

Targeting two players on the same team has long been a viable draft strategy when it comes to fantasy sports, and a fairly popular one at that. In football, taking a strong quarterback/wide receiver duo gives managers a foundation they can rely on in any given week. The same team-building concept applies to basketball. This article will highlight some of the best combos you should keep your eyes on when doing preparation for upcoming drafts/leagues.

Top Fantasy Basketball Teammate Duos

James Harden, PG/SG / Ivica Zubac, C - Los Angeles Clippers

Let's start with an obvious one. Yes, the Clippers added Brook Lopez and John Collins to their frontcourt and Chris Paul and Bradley Beal to the backcourt. The majority of the playmaking will still belong to James Harden, and the 28-year-old Ivica Zubac, who broke out with career-highs in scoring (16.8), rebounding (12.6) and double-doubles (59) in 80 games last year, will continue to dominate the minutes at center. The new arrivals will surely eat into playing time for this pick-and-roll nightmare, but that should mean less wear and tear over the course of the season that will keep them fresh when it matters.

Josh Giddey, PG/SG/SF / Matas Buzelis, SF/PF - Chicago Bulls

After a drawn-out negotiation period over the summer, Chicago brought back Josh Giddey on a reported four-year deal worth about $100 million. With that finally getting done, the Aussie can focus on leading an up-tempo Bulls offense that took the third-most three-pointers (42) in 2024-25. Remember, following the All-Star break last year, Giddey cooked to the tune of 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 1.5 steals across 19 contests, racking up 15 double-doubles and five triple-doubles in the process. A similar run during the fantasy playoffs could be the difference in claiming a championship.

Buzelis, who didn't start a game until early February in his rookie campaign, is set to start from the onset of 2025-26. He's an explosive athlete at 6-foot-10, and with Giddey orchestrating an efficient offense, the Chitown native could be primed for a jump in Year 2.

Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG / Evan Mobley, PF/C - Cleveland Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell will presumably be the starting point guard for the Cavs while Darius Garland continues to recover from offseason toe surgery. The 2024-25 All-NBA First Teamer will be tasked with running Cleveland's offense and providing a large chunk of it, too, as last year's starting small forward Max Strus will be out for a significant period of time after undergoing surgery for a Jones Fracture in his left foot in August.

Heading into his fifth season, Evan Mobley should be ready to carry the load while his teammates get back to full health. Last year, he registered a career-high 18.5 points with 9.3 boards, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.6 blocks on 55.7 / 37.0 / 72.5 shooting splits. Don't be surprised if '24-25's Defensive Player of the Year goes above those numbers in 2025-26.

Luka Doncic, PG/SG / LeBron James, SF/PF - Los Angeles Lakers

After an eventful summer for the Lakers, Luka Dončić and LeBron James look poised to lead an upgraded roster back to the postseason in the stacked Western Conference. Dončić was happy to recruit Deandre Ayton to LA, giving him a talented 7-foot lob threat to work with from the start of training camp. The Slovenian looks to be in the best shape of his young career after guiding his country to a quarterfinals appearance in EuroBasket 2025.

James, who appeared in 70 games a year ago, decided that Father Time needs to wait at least one more year. The 40-year-old will be suiting up for what will be an all-time NBA record 23rd season in 2025-26. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 boards, 8.2 dimes, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks a season ago, and there's plenty of evidence suggesting the King will keep torturing defenses alongside his superstar running mate in Dončić.

De'Aaron Fox, PG / Victor Wembanyama, C - San Antonio Spurs

Assuming both De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama are healthy, this dynamic duo will spearhead a new era of Spurs basketball on both ends of the court. Fox only made 12 appearances for San Antonio after they acquired him at last year's trade deadline because of a left pinkie finger injury. Fox is locked in as the starting point guard alongside the Frenchman for their debut in 2025-26.

Wembanyama is expected to be ready to roll for training camp, a tremendous sign for the 21-year-old and the Spurs. Before being shut down for the 2024-25 season, 'The Alien' averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals and an NBA-best 3.8 blocks per contest over 46 outings. It'll likely cost you a top two overall pick in your draft, but Wemby has all the opportunity and tools necessary to provide plus-production in nearly every statistical category.

Nikola Jokic, C / Christian Braun, SG/SF - Denver Nuggets

It feels like all Nikola Jokić has done for the past five years is record one unbelievable season after the next. 'The Joker' has three league MVP awards and two second-place finishes since 2020-21. In 2024-25, he averaged a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 boards and 10.2 assists across 70 outings, adding 1.8 steals and 0.6 blocks. There's no reason to put any sort of limit on Jokić's potential, especially when considering he's still in his prime at age 30.

Although Denver traded for Cameron Johnson and signed Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway, Jr. to bolster their second unit, Christian Braun remains the primary combo target if you're lucky enough to draft Jokić. The Nuggets swapped out Michael Porter, Jr. for Johnson, and despite him assuming the starting small forward spot, Braun has the benefit of pre-existing chemistry with Jokić and experience in Denver's system that gives him the edge. Across 79 games last season, he posted 15.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.1 spg and 0.5 bpg on splits of 58.0 / 39.7 / 82.7, numbers the fourth-year pro should be able to replicate in 2025-26.

Essential Resources for Fantasy Basketball Success

Check out RotoWire'sHow to Play Fantasy Basketball guide for a complete walkthrough, but here is some basic advice:

• Check out custom NBA Fantasy Projections
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• Dive into RotoWire'sFantasy Basketball Draft Kit
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Two potential win-win outcomes for Jonathan Kuminga's stalemate with Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

With the face-off between the Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga reaching Day 87 on Thursday, it’s apparent both sides are wading waist-deep through tedious self-harm. Their summer denouement never materialized, and they’ve plodded into an autumn of annoyance.

With both sides being salty if Kuminga signs the qualifying offer, the surest path to mutual contentment would be a sign-and-trade deal, with the Warriors replacing Kuminga with a player better befitting their win-now vibe and with JK landing in a place that would give him the freedom to chase stardom. Happy them, happy him.

Sign-and-trade options were pondered two months ago and then abandoned. But with training camp beginning next week, urgency induces revisiting. Trade conversations are restarting, according to two league sources.

Failing that outcome, however, conceivably would nudge both sides toward the Blame Game, in which substantive dialogue is overrun by fingers pointing in both directions. As we know from our national discourse, this produces few winners and many losers.

Golden State CEO Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy would be subjected to jobs and darts, as would Kuminga and his representative, Aaron Turner. No doubt a few strays would find their way to Warriors coach Steve Kerr. This is the nightmare scenario.

If Kuminga returns, regardless of contract details, the only way to avoid the toxicity of the blame game is for the Warriors to spend the first month of the season playing well enough to raise “caution” signs around the NBA. Get to Thanksgiving Day with a record no worse than 15-5 and decorated vets Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green productive and in sync. See the reserves punishing opposing second units and Kuminga contributing to success, flashing glorious smiles to convey contentment, if not bliss.

That would give Kuminga and the Warriors a layer of grace, likely enough to squelch the concerns certain to surround them when the ball tips off for the 2025-26 NBA season opener on Oct. 17.

“If he comes back to Golden State, and they get off to a hot start, this could work out,” one Western Conference front office executive told NBC Sports Bay Area. “A lot of things would have to go right, but winning early in the season works for both sides. Maybe Kuminga’s value goes up, and the Warriors – considering the clauses in the contract – can decide whether move him or keep him.”

On a roster with four starters age 35 or older, and athleticism below the league average, Kuminga’s strengths are at a premium with Golden State. He’s quick off his feet, speedy from baseline to baseline, and has enough agility and strength to defend at least three positions.

“There’s a place for him on [the Warriors],” an Eastern Conference scout said. “He’s the only one they have who you know can match up against the other team’s better athletes. Teams in the West like Houston and Minnesota and OKC. Even Portland now.”

Dunleavy entered the summer hoping Kuminga, as a restricted free agent ready to move on, was the chip to lead to someone who might have similar attributes but is more compatible with Kerr’s offense on one end and the team’s defensive schemes on the other. There was interest from at least three teams: Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.

None of the proposals put forth by those potential partners satisfied the Warriors, which is why they pulled back. That was in July into August, and now it’s September. There is incentive to bring this impasse to a conclusion, as they want no part of opening training camp under a drama cloud.

Or, for that matter, the prospect of Kuminga being less than enthused about coming off the bench in a Warriors jersey.

“I keep saying this: I just think if he is this important [to the Warriors], how do you not have him come in in a good mental space?” Turner wondered last week on the “Dubs Talk” podcast. “If he’s not important, let him go. But if he is this important, how do you bring him back not feeling good?

“It’s very confusing to me because it is not how you win in the NBA.”

As we said, there are only two ways this ends well for all parties. A sign-and-trade deal in the coming days, which both sides prefer. Or should that fail, a momentum-generating start that potentially increases the bargaining power of both the Warriors and Kuminga.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Celtics unveil gold City Edition jerseys for 2025-26 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Celtics are taking a break from the color green with their newest City Edition jerseys.

The unveiled the new look, which features a clean, white jersey with gold lettering and numbers.

“A white base accented with gold representing success, achievement and triumph,” the team posted on X. “The word mark and number set are trimmed in black, making this our first uniform to not feature green.”

As an added touch, Red Auerbach’s signature is stitched in to every jersey.

“The Gold Standard – a uniform honoring our storied franchise,” the Celtics wrote on Instagram. “Notable teams, plays and careers are weaved into our DNA, transcending time. To be a Celtic is to be someone who works hard, never gives up and never has excuses. As we look to our past, sit in our present and plan for the future, we will recognize the accomplishments of all that have come before us.⁣”

The gold-lettered jerseys replace last year’s City Edition jerseys, which were black with neon green lettering and numbers. The team has experimented with various looks each year, though the color green has always been a part of those outside-the-box concepts.

The Celtics didn’t announce a schedule for when this year’s City Edition jerseys will make their on-court debut, but their preseason begins on Oct. 8, with the regular season beginning on Oct. 22.