MACAU, CHINA - OCTOBER 11: Kyrie Irving #11 of Dallas Mavericks shoots during NBA China Games 2026 between Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena on the Cotai Strip on October 11, 2026 in Macau, China. 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 Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up a two-game preseason set against the Houston Rockets in Macau, China over the weekend, splitting the outcomes. Kyrie Irving had been ready to go for some time now, just awaiting the opportunity to take the court in an official capacity after sustaining an ACL injury on March 3, 2025. Despite fans and players alike anxious to welcome him back, the Mavericks sat a few players in the first of two games, extending the lengthy wait just a bit longer. When it was time to tip-off the second of the two games, there we found Irving, starting alongside Cooper Flagg for the first time.
In what easily could have been a cameo appearance where Irving saw a shot go down and maybe set up a teammate for an easy bucket before taking a seat, we instead got to see Irving get some real burn. In fact, only three Mavs’ players logged more minutes that Irving in the game, and none of them outscored him.
Let that sink in for a moment. A 34-year-old coming off an ACL injury that kept him sidelined for 586 days was the team-leader in scoring. That is not an indictment of the rest of the team, mind you, as the Mavs shot an impressive 48.2% overall, including 37.5% from downtown, while hitting nearly 90% of their free throws. Perhaps some consideration must be given to this being a preseason game in a foreign country, but even still, what Irving did left virtually nothing to be desired. As if to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind, Irving scored the first bucket of the game only 14 seconds into the contest. Better still, it came by way of his trademark wizardry in handling the ball, getting him a lane to drive and finish a reverse layup, then falling on the way down.
After 586 days… KYRIE. IS. BACK.
He led the @dallasmavs in scoring with 17 points in 22 minutes to help Dallas secure the Game 2 victory at the NBA China Games 2026 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yhaPrN9knv
It was as though Irving wanted to send a specific message immediately. As though he wanted to prevent anyone from saying “yeah, but he didn’t…” In that one play, Irving showed he still has the handle, still has a quick first step and can change direction, still can take it amongst the trees and still can get lift for a crafty finish close to the rim. From there, he showed just about everything else, including a shot-clock beating three-ball from well beyond the arc.
Although there may be some days off on back-to-backs and there will surely be the less impressive games that every player experiences, Irving left little to debate about whether or not he is back. If that painfully early (local time) game showed us anything, it’s that he most definitely is back. Irving finished 6-of-13, including 2-of-6 from deep and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. He also had two rebounds, three assists and zero turnovers in 22 minutes.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
The sale raised plenty of questions at the time, some of which have since been answered. There was at least one outstanding question, though: Did the value of the Lakers really increase by $2.5 billion in only one year?
As it turns out, the answer to that question indeed may be yes.
On Friday, Sportico put out its latest batch of NBA franchise valuations. The Lakers landed at exactly $12.5 billion, which put them behind only the Golden State Warriors ($14.5 billion) and New York Knicks ($12.8 billion). For now, those three are the only NBA teams worth at least $10 billion, although the upcoming Las Vegas expansion team figures to change that.
It might seem like a no-brainer that the Lakers are valued at $12.5 billion since they were just sold at a $12 billion valuation. But the notable takeaway from Sportico’s latest projections is how much valuations are on the rise across the entire NBA, not just L.A. Each of the 10 most valuable teams jumped by at least 20% year-over-year.
That’s particularly noteworthy given what happened amidst the Lakers’ latest sale. While Walter, Iger, Kushner and the Buss family have dominated the headlines, minority owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, who owns 4% of the team, isn’t going anywhere.
Chuck “Tiger” Kenworthy, the Soon-Shiong family attorney, told Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times that Soon-Shiong believes “they are still undervalued.” To that point, Iger and Kushner have been telling prospective investors that the Lakers could be worth $30 billion within the next decade, according to Jessica Toonkel and Mark Maurer of the Wall Street Journal. That projection is built on the assumption that “TV and streaming rights double in value,” Toonkel and Maurer added.
Turmoil with regional sports networks has roiled the NBA’s financial ecosystem in recent years. The league is considering creating a “local League Pass subscription,” according to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has already gone on record as being interested in that.
The question is whether the “Line Always Goes Up” strategy is sustainable moving forward, particularly with cost-of-living concerns rapidly increasing these days.
With cord-cutting on the rise and more streamers wanting a piece of the live-sports business, the NBA and other major sports have begun splitting their broadcast rights between more partners. That means more revenue for the league — the latest national TV deal tripled the value of the previous one — but it’s not exactly a consumer-friendly strategy, to say the least. (Unless, of course, you enjoy looking online and/or asking your AI agent to figure out where to watch your favorite team’s playoff games.)
How many ways can the NBA divvy up their broadcast rights before fans start tuning out? How many streaming services will fans have to subscribe to? What’s the limit?
Granted, those inside the industry don’t appear particularly concerned about whether franchise valuations are a multi-billion-dollar bubble.
“There’s nothing magical going on,” Zach Baran, the managing director of Arctos Partners (a private equity fund that purchases stakes in sports teams), told Sportico’s Kurt Badenhausen in September 2025. “It’s perfectly explainable by fundamentals and in the context of the rest of the financial market.”
Irwin Kishner, the co-chair of Herrick Feinstein LLP’s sports-law division, told Tania Ganguli of the New York Times earlier this year that he was “absolutely convinced that we have not reached anything close to a ceiling.” Live sports may be insulated from the impact of artificial intelligence, which could only further bolster the NBA’s financial standing. The NBA has also opened the door to sovereign wealth funds buying pieces of franchises, which in turn has driven valuations even higher.
So, while the $12.5 billion that Iger and Kushner ponied up was an eye-popping, record-breaking price, it might wind up being a steal of a deal in a few years… as long as we aren’t nearing the end of a franchise-valuation bubble after all.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 06: Boston Celtics lead owner Bill Chisholm speaks during a media availability at The Auerbach Center on July 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Boston Celtics franchise is valued at $8 billion, making it the 7th-highest-valued franchise in the NBA, per Sportico’s latest analysis. That trails the Golden State Warriors ($14.5 billion), New York Knicks ($12.8 billion), Los Angeles Lakers ($12.5 billion), Los Angeles Clippers ($8.2 billion), Chicago Bulls ($8.1 billion), and Miami Heat ($8.05 billion).
For reference, the Celtics were the 5th-highest-valued franchise in 2025 and the 6th-highest-valued franchise in 2024, so this valuation marks a slight downturn.
Trailing the Celtics, the Brooklyn Nets ($7.45 billion), Philadelphia 76ers ($7.15 billion), Houston Rockets ($6.9 billion), and Toronto Raptors ($6.5 billion) round out the Top 10.
The average NBA team is worth $6.64 billion, according to data compiled by Sportico. The Golden State Warriors rank first at $14.5 billion, while the Memphis Grizzlies rank last at $4.2 billion
The Celtics were sold at a $6.1 billion valuation in 2025, so in just the last year and a half, the value has ballooned. But it’s nonetheless noteworthy to see other, less successful franchises top the list of NBA valuations.
One major reason the Celtics are not valued higher is that they do not own TD Garden or control its in-arena operations, hospitality, and luxury suite revenue, as most teams ahead of them do. The ownership groups of the Warriors, Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, and Bulls all own their arenas.
Will the Celtics build their own arena?
During an appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” in August, Chisholm was asked whether the Celtics needed a new arena to remain financially competitive with other franchises.
“No, but I do think we need to have an arena that is consistent with the quality and the excellence of the Celtics. We need to create the best fan and player experience we can,” he said.
The Celtics have played at TD Garden since 1995, when it first opened as the FleetCenter. The building is owned by Delaware North, which also owns and operates the Boston Bruins.
“I think we’ve got a really good partner right now on that front and we’ve got a really good location,” Chisholm said. “So making sure that we’re all aligned on that objective, which is creating the best fan and player experience possible and make sure we don’t lose focus on what really matters, which is putting up banners.”
Chisholm has previously expressed a preference for the team to remain in the Garden, the 7th-oldest arena in the NBA.
“My starting point is if we can make it work, we’d love to stay where we are,” Chisholm told the Boston Globe in April. “And making it work means improving the fan experience and the player experience. If we can do those things and remain where we are now, that’s great.”
“And if that doesn’t work there, we’ll think about other places. But my goal here is to see if we ideally make it work where we are, and I think there’s a commitment with us, with the Bruins and Delaware North, with all of that. That’s where we want to end up, and we’re working on it as we speak.”
This past Saturday, the shorthanded Sixers got blown out by the Boston Celtics’ regulars in a preseason game. It was the first of two preseason meetings between the two teams as Philadelphia will host the Celtics this coming Friday in the preseason finale.
By now, it’s well known by sports fans everywhere that the Sixers and Celtics made the biggest trade of the NBA’s offseason this past summer in a move that saw Jaylen Brown go from Boston to Philadelphia and Paul George go the other way. Fans are understandably excited about what Brown can do as a Sixer, but we wanted to take a moment to think about George and how fans feel about him.
The former Sixer was the team’s marquee offseason acquisition just two years ago in the summer of 2024. By almost every objective measure, his two years in Philadelphia were a failure and Sixers fans united in their jubilation not only to bring in Brown, but to wash their hands of the final two years of George’s massive contract. But, in case you missed it after Saturday’s preseason game and got caught up in more losing from the Eagles and Flyers on Sunday, George had this to say about his time in Philadelphia.
Paul George on the #Sixers: “I love those guys…Jo, Tyrese, VJ, JE. I think these long-lasting relationships that you build along the way of this journey here. VJ calls me almost every other week.” pic.twitter.com/nDwpZrPCYd
It did make me wonder, how is George going to be received when he plays a regular season game in Philadelphia in 2026-27 in front of a capacity crowd? Was George merely the biggest source of frustration for fans when it came to the job former President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey was doing or did fans truly dislike George? It certainly seems like George left Philadelphia on good terms with lots of the players in the organization.
Most fans knew Morey was rolling the dice when he unloaded the cap space that had been vacated by the expiration of the Tobias Harris contract and used it all on an aging George. Availability had been a concern for George before he arrived in Philadelphia, so the fact that he wasn’t always in the lineup shouldn’t have surprised anyone. Granted, his performance certainly dipped as well, but George did likely rebuild some of his trade value with a strong postseason this past spring.
As we prepare for the start of another season, George is gone and more importantly in the eyes of many Sixers fans, so is Morey. We’ll see if the Celtics can contend at a high level in 2026-27, but it feels like most Sixers fans have shifted their attention to the Knicks as the team’s biggest rival with both teams likely vying for the Eastern Conference championship this season.
Make no mistake, any Sixers fan that boos George this season when the Celtics come to town would certainly have every right to do so. George’s first season in Philadelphia was a disaster and his second season wasn’t much better until the playoffs. There was a lot more bad than good. But time heals all wounds and with what’s transpired over the last 5-6 months, dating back to some of those good playoff performances from George while he was still in a Sixers uniform, George’s lasting memory in Philadelphia was something we were thinking about.
He’s certainly not going to get any kind of standing ovation this season and we’re not suggesting that either. But Sixers fans, is this someone you’re going to boo vociferously this season or is he just another former Sixer whose tenure in Philadelphia maybe wasn’t as good as you had hoped it would be?
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 5: Ayo Dosunmu #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves moves the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during a preseason game on October 5, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Last week I chose roles and a grading curriculum for the Minnesota starting group. Today, it’s the bench’s turn. Before diving into the individual players, I want to introduce one other stat that will be part of this season-long project: Estimated Plus/Minus (EPM).
You can read about the nitty gritty of EPM here, but I’d offer this big picture overview: EPM is a statistical calculation that looks at a player’s past, their current performance, and most importantly, the context of their plus/minus (game situation, players they shared the court with, etc…) in an attempt navigate all the variables that go into a +10 or -10 night on a basketball court.
As the season goes along, I’ll be tracking the trends of different players in each of the three main EPM categories: Offensive Estimated Plus/Minus, Defensive Estimated Plus/Minus and Total Estimated Plus/Minus. Here are where the numbers stand as we enter the season:
A few standout points:
Holy LaMelo. He is an EPM darling with the 3rd best offensive EPM in the league and 7th best overall EPM behind:
Victory Wembanyama: 7.8
Nikola Jokić: 7.3
Kawhi Leonard: 7.3
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 7.0
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 6.7
Luka Dončić: 6.4
It’s easy to forget how good Donte DiVincenzo was last season and how much of a boon his return will be.
Edwards had a pretty precipitous dropoff from previous seasons where he was the top EPM player on the team. With this roster being built more for him, I’d expect his number to climb back up above 3.0.
Kuminga’s defensive EPM really skyrocketed during his Atlanta stint and enters the season as the third-ranked defensive player in the group. His offense… well, safe to say there is a lot of room for improvement!
The bench minutes distribution will be fascinating to watch with Ayo Dosunmu’s role being the only one that feels set in stone – EPM numbers are making a strong argument for Bones.
That’s it for now with EPM, let’s get to the bench unit’s report card preview!
A reminder about how the grades work:
1. These grades are roles-based, so the stats I’m looking at for each player are different and meant to highlight their team role.
2. Roles on the team can change as the roster and playing time changes—I will alter or add statistical categories throughout the season as needed. Especially in a preseason article, the expectation is that some of these initial stats will change as we get to know the team better.
3. The grade ranges and their correlation to stats are educated speculation based on previous career averages, team role, and minutes expectation. Like the categories themselves, if there is a range that is clearly missing the eye test, expect some tweaks as the season goes along.
4. The season is divided into four quarters; twenty to twenty-one game increments. There will be a mid quarter update (10ish games), quarter, semester and final grades throughout the regular season and series grades in the playoffs.
Ayo Dosunmo: The “As You Wish” Bench Superstar
The Stats: Player Impact Estimate, Points Per Shot Attempt, Overall Estimated Plus/Minus
The Why Behind Them: “Hey Ayo, the offense started a little sluggish, could you come in and help us push it in transition and get some easy buckets?”
“As you wish.”
“Hey Ayo, Jaden is in foul trouble, could you come in and spend the rest of the first half as the primary matchup for the opponent’s best perimeter player?”
“As you wish.”
“Hey Ayo, the other team has a much bigger lineup than us and we could really use help boxing out and rebounding from our perimeter guys – could you focus on that?”
“As you wish.”
The role for Ayo Dosunmo really cemented in my mind during Monday’s preseason game when the backup unit was struggling to rebound, leading to Coach Chris Finch calling a timeout. Out of the timeout, everyone’s box-out effort increased, but the player who was noticeably around/going after every missed shot was Ayo Dosunmo.
Ayo’s expansive skillset as a ready short- or long-term sub for any of the Wolves’ starters (sans Rudy Gobert) is going to be invaluable to this team this season. Foul trouble, rest nights, and injuries will impact this franchise so much less because of Dosunmo’s ability to come in and fill the need for the night.
It is this ability that makes choosing stats to track a little bit more difficult. I’ve settled on Player Impact Estimate (PIE), Points Per Shot Attempt and Overall Estimated Plus/Minus.
Last season, Dosunmo ranked 4th on the team in PIE, behind Edwards, Gobert and Randle. In the playoffs, despite a San Antonio series that really hurt everyone’s numbers, Dosunmo was the best player on the team for guys that played in both series (Donte DiVincenzo was #1 overall but didn’t get hit with the San Antonio blowout tax).
Ayo has always been an efficient scorer, but it wasn’t until I looked closing at his Points Per Shot Attempt (PSA) that I realized how good his last season was: In 45 games with Chicago, he was a 96th percentile efficient scorer (128.6), and in Minnesota, he was in the 91st percentile (124.5). This is a player who knows what parts of his game he excels at and finds ways to lean into them while he’s on the court.
The last stat was probably his least encouraging number: Estimated Plus/Minus. His overall EPM last season was that of a middle of the road player, but that feels like a number that’s been pretty damaged due to seasons playing on some bad Chicago teams. I expect this season to be a bit of a market correction for Dosunmo as that number better reflects the quality of player that he is.
Joan Beringer: “Schrödinger’s Prospect”
The Stats: Minutes Per Game, Offensive Rebounds Per 36, Blocks Per 36
The Why Behind Them: Since Joan Beringer was drafted, all us fans have heard are tantalizing nuggets of information about how much the team loves him, his work ethic, and the flashes they see of a future player he could become. To this point, we’ve seen enough glimpses that make us feel very similarly to an accursed bog witch. But the problem is that it all has been short glimpses, theoretical growth, and projected roles.
It is finally time to set all of that aside, lift open the lid of the box, and finally discover what kind of prospect this franchise has.
There is a reason Beringer is second on this list: After Ayo Donsunmo, he has the most clearly defined role. The Timberwolves will be employing a Frenchman tandem on the center position, and pending foul trouble, (a fair concern) their ideal plan is for their two Eiffel Towers to handle all of the minutes at the center position.
The first and most important stat for Beringer? Minutes per game. I’m choosing this over a fouling statistic because it will prove two things: His fouling isn’t prohibitive to his playing time (cause he will foul!) and his production matches that of an NBA rotation player on a contending team.
The other two are zooming in on two skills that have already flashed in limited playing time: Offensive rebounds and blocks per 36 minutes. For players that played in at least 40 games last season (Beringer’s number), he finished 5th in the league in blocks per 36 and 13th in offensive rebounds. These are the tantalizing glimpses that we’ve seen in limited playing time that if proven to be correct, we’ll have opened the box to find the prospect was alive and thriving all the time.
Terrance Shannon Jr.: The “Left-Handed Falcon Punch”
The Stats: Free Throws Per 36, Field Goat Percentage Under 5ft, Defensive EPM
The Why Behind Them: My Super Smash playing days peaked in 1999 when I was an unstoppable flying force flying through the air with Pikachu, using a spinning quick attack in tandem with a thunderbolt. But you want to know the player that was always my nemesis? Captain Friggin Falcon.
My far superior (and honestly, more noble) strategy didn’t matter since all Falcon had to do was just spam that “B” button over and over again, inducing his fiery punch of instant death. Cue all my best laid plans laid to waste with the words that still echo in my nightmares: “Falcon PUUUUNCH!!”
In the offseason, Canis’ Thilo Widder wrote a great piece about TJ Shannon’s role and biggest value potentially being as a trade piece. Whether he’s here longterm or is being showcased for trade value, his path to success is clear: Spam that “B” button superpower.
From a defensive standpoint, there would be nothing more frustrating than game planning for LaMelo-Ant pick and rolls, lob threats to the bigs and wings, and just when you think you can take a deep breath, here comes the fiery stick-of-dynamite-like attack of the wing from Illinois, not letting your defenders catch their breath for a moment.
So that’s where I’m starting with Shannon Jr. His first two stats are all about relentless aggression on offense. In the post-season, he averaged 2.7 free throws attempted (FTA) per game in a twenty-two minute per game role – a decent chunk of that coming during Edwards’ injury stretch. Last season he took 1.7 FTAs during the regular season, so the number finds itself in the middle with the context of a healthy Anthony Edwards and a coaching staff that has zeroed in on his ideal role.
The second stat is based on this little known quirk about TJ Shannon’s offensive game: He likes to finish at the basket with his left hand. No, I’m serious. Hours of film study has revefaled this heretofore unknown part of his game… and shockingly, only using one hand around the basket led him to having the 2nd worst FG% around the basket on the team, ahead of only 100-year old Mike Conley (miss you Bite Bite!). He just has to be better and the 60% mark would be a big step up from his 52.9% last season.
The final stat I’ll be tracking is about season-long defensive effectiveness and his “A” range falls in the range of a 60th percentile defender, up a decent step from where he finished last year at -1.1 (22nd percentile defender). The advanced regular season stats were not kind to TJ last year – here’s hoping a narrowed offensive role that involves the repeated use of his greatest strength allows him to thrive off the bench this season.
*Additional note after Wednesday’s preseason game: The problem with “B” button spamming is that good coaches will help to prepare their team to be ready for it. Even in a preseason game, it was clear that Indiana defenders knew what Shannon Jr. most wanted to do and were prepared for it which made it a tougher night for the wing from Illinois. This strategy will work against a decent amount of NBA teams, but the best defenses? There is reason to be skeptical.
Bones Hyland: The Vibes Guy
The Stats: Pace and Skelly Cellys
The Why Behind Them: You’ll notice a change in tracked stats for the final stretch of guys here, and that is because the next three players are projected to be more of spot-rotation guys. If I’m wrong and they carve out regular rotation roles, I’ll excitedly add another stat for any of them to reflect the increase. But my guess now is that while these three will see the court, it will be done more based on matchups, foul trouble, or injuries.
To call Bones a vibes guy isn’t meant to diminish his basketball acumen; he had real moments of brilliance in both the regular season and the playoffs. He will have real moments this season as well. However, when the team is fully healthy and clicking on all-cylinders, he’ll have more of a deeper bench role. But when there’s an injury, foul trouble or an “off” energy night, that is going to be his time to thrive.
Stat number one is all about the turbo button. The doldrums of an NBA season are inescapable. Having a deeper rotation player that can offer some of the same things that makes LaMelo’s game so special can make the difference on any given night. Check into a game with the sleepy starting crew, inject some pace, make a logo three and turn to the crown and do your signature celebration. Speaking of…
The last stat is a first for me: A hand-counted celebration/vibe stat. A reminder that those numbers represented are per quarter, but another caveat to add: A “Skelly Celly” stat also carried over to another play hitting and shot and turning to Bones on the bench and throwing the celebration. ALSO a camera shot of Bones on the bench celebrating.
As the only member of the Skelly Celly analytics department, the number that I end up with will be final and ultimate.
Trey Lyles: The Celery
The Stats: 3-Point Percentage and Defensive Rating
The Why Behind Them: The celery role (and another very timely mid-90s reference) isn’t meant to be a dig at Lyles. I mean, Cory Matthews married Topanga afterall! And celery is good for you. It’s full of nutrients, contains lots of water, and can help lower your blood pressure. It’s just… not all that exciting.
Before the Jonathan Kuminga signing, I was ready to make a case for Trey Lyles as a starter and his excellent skillset fit between Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. His 3-point shooting is a real NBA skill and is theoretically better than every other big on the Wolves roster.
The problem is, that may be the only good-to-great NBA skill that Lyles has to offer outside of experience. He deserves time to get his NBA-feet back underneath him, but to go from Europe to a rotation player on an NBA contender is a large ask. He’s got to prove that he can still do it on the defensive end which includes being an effective player at boxing out and ending possessions.
If Lyles can show some improved defensive acumen and physicality on the glass, he has a chance to prove he’s more than just celery: He’s ants on a log.
Jaylen Clark: The Relief Pitcher
The Stats: Steals Per 36 Minutes and Offensive EPM
The Why Behind Them: Confession: There is still a Nickiel Alexander-Walker sized hole in my heart that my gut tells me Jaylen Clark is the most likely candidate to fill. Defensive effort and will is a skill that he has in bunches and one that I will always place a bet on for a long-term prospect. His ideal role on a contending squad is to act like a middle innings reliever – come in for the starter (McDaniels), “pitch” an inning or two guarding the other team’s best player, and sub out with a readiness to come in whenever game situation allows.
His struggles defensively have most to do with seasoning. Knowing when to go off-script and chase a splash play (a block or a steal), and when to calmly move your feet, use your physicality, and stay within the scope of a defensive gameplan. He chases big defensive plays a lot which is fun to watch, but also seems to get him some early hooks to the bench if it leads to being out of position and giving up an easy bucket.
On offense, Clark just needs to be better. Of all the players that saw significant time for the Wolves last season, his -1.8 offensive EPM would rank last on the team and would make him a 22nd percentile offensive player in the league. His cutting is a real skill that should be better utilized with better passers around him, but his longevity on the squad is going to come down to hitting open 3-point shots.
Donte DiVincenzo: The Return of the King
The Stat: Games Played
The Why Behind It: The only expectation that is being placed on our Ginger King is the hope that we get to see him play meaningful basketball. Should he return and prove to be healthy? Well, we’ll start planning for some impactful stats for a playoff run.
Cody Williams: Role Loading…
The Stats: Pending
The Why Behind It: Cody Williams has flashed enough in the first two preseason games that he is a late addition to the projected rotation. These flashes have been a bit of a warning shot to Jaylen Clark believers like myself because if he can come close to matching Clark’s defensive potential, Williams clearly has a much larger offensive bag that includes bits of ball handling and playmaking. The committee is keeping a close eye on the newest young wolf.
And there it is. The report cards are set for the 2026-2027 Timberwolves. I’ll be back after 10 games to offer an update on where these numbers are falling, explain any alterations or tweaks based on early season performance, and have a ton of fun overreacting to small sample size numbers. Happy Wolves season everyone!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 08: Nolan Traore #10 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a 3-point basket during the third quarter of a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on October 08, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Brooklyn Nets won 114-108. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It hard, almost impossible to have a real, encouraging win in the NBA preseason…but the Brooklyn Nets just got one! The Nets defeated LeBron and the Super Sixers on Thursday night. That means we’re also now halfway through the preseason. In this episode of The Brooklyn with Pooch & Collin, we discuss takeaways from those first two games, recap Nets Fest and look at what’s coming on NetsDaily. Let’s talk some ball!
In Episode 48 of The Brooklyn with Pooch & Collin, we touch on:
When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, four teams were added to the revamped NBA. This season, those four franchises are bringing back classic uniforms honoring their ABA roots 50 years later.
The Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs officially debuted their Classic Edition uniforms for the upcoming 2026-27 season on Monday. The uniforms are nearly identical replicas of what was worn half a century ago when they entered the NBA, and now they’ll be worn again in select games this season.
Here’s a look at all four of the new/old looks:
Brooklyn Nets
Formerly known as the New York Nets, the Brooklyn-based franchise will wear its throwback red, white and blue uniforms in 16 games this season. The jerseys and shorts are white with red letters and numbers, along with red and blue down the sides. The Nets will also have a classic court design for games at the Barclays Center.
The Nuggets are completely switching up their color scheme with the throwbacks, using orange jerseys and black letters and numbers. Denver wore these uniforms from 1967-71 when the team was known as the Rockets. They rebranded to the Nuggets in 1974 with a fresh color palette, but the old orange and black will be back for seven games this season with a throwback court design.
The Pacers’ old uniforms aren’t all that different from different iterations they’ve had over the years. Still, the look is a nod to their ABA days with the lighter blue, yellow racing stripe and numbers and white “Indiana” across the chest. They’ll also have a throwback court design when wearing these jerseys at home. Indiana will wear these uniforms in 15 games this season, including seven times at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Similar to the Pacers, the Spurs haven’t undergone any drastic uniform changes over the last 50 years. The Classic Edition is gray with the old “Spurs” font on the chest, harkening back to the days of George Gervin leading the team in the 1970s. San Antonio will wear these uniforms five times at home this season. The throwback court will feature red, white and blue accents in honor of the ABA basketballs that were used and their former logo when they were the Dallas Chaparrals.
When the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976, four teams were added to the revamped NBA. This season, those four franchises are bringing back classic uniforms honoring their ABA roots 50 years later.
The Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs officially debuted their Classic Edition uniforms for the upcoming 2026-27 season on Monday. The uniforms are nearly identical replicas of what was worn half a century ago when they entered the NBA, and now they’ll be worn again in select games this season.
Here’s a look at all four of the new/old looks:
Brooklyn Nets
Formerly known as the New York Nets, the Brooklyn-based franchise will wear its throwback red, white and blue uniforms in 16 games this season. The jerseys and shorts are white with red letters and numbers, along with red and blue down the sides. The Nets will also have a classic court design for games at the Barclays Center.
The Nuggets are completely switching up their color scheme with the throwbacks, using orange jerseys and black letters and numbers. Denver wore these uniforms from 1967-71 when the team was known as the Rockets. They rebranded to the Nuggets in 1974 with a fresh color palette, but the old orange and black will be back for seven games this season with a throwback court design.
The Pacers’ old uniforms aren’t all that different from different iterations they’ve had over the years. Still, the look is a nod to their ABA days with the lighter blue, yellow racing stripe and numbers and white “Indiana” across the chest. They’ll also have a throwback court design when wearing these jerseys at home. Indiana will wear these uniforms in 15 games this season, including seven times at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Similar to the Pacers, the Spurs haven’t undergone any drastic uniform changes over the last 50 years. The Classic Edition is gray with the old “Spurs” font on the chest, harkening back to the days of George Gervin leading the team in the 1970s. San Antonio will wear these uniforms five times at home this season. The throwback court will feature red, white and blue accents in honor of the ABA basketballs that were used and their former logo when they were the Dallas Chaparrals.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 30: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden on January 30, 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 the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks are back in action today, hosting the Wolves at MSG this evening.
By chance, have you heard anything about contract issues and pending extensions? Yeah, me neither.
Here’s the latest from Coach, KAT, and a couple folks in the know.
On discussing mindfulness and personal struggles with his players:
“As a coach, it’s not all about X’s and O’s every single day. Any time you can try to enlighten guys in different areas of life, not just about the basketball court, you try to do that. This is something I thought about doing because I discussed it with a few of my coaches maybe a week and a half, two weeks ago. It was just speaking on being mindful or having mindfulness when it comes to your teammates.”
On holding players accountable while recognizing their personal struggles:
“We have to hold each other accountable, but we also have to be mindful that you may have some s–t going on in your life that may not be good. So we can’t keep trying to beat you up to be better at your job. Sometimes, it’s trying to figure out how to do that while uplifting you because I don’t know what you’re going through at home in your private life.”
To put a bow on this, for now, Karl-Anthony Towns' public response to the Knicks' public statement regarding the front office tabling extension talks until later in the season:
"It was news to me. Very disappointed to say the least. Let's state the obvious. It's business, but…
On learning that the Knicks had paused contract extension negotiations:
“It was news to me. Very disappointed, to say the least. Let’s state the obvious: It’s a business, but there is business on the court for us to handle.”
On his disappointment with the Knicks’ decision and his commitment to defending the championship:
“Obviously very disappointed, to say the least. Let’s be honest here. But even though there was no business done, there’s still business to be handled. After 53 years, we found a way to bring this trophy back to New York, and we intend for it to stay in New York.”
On whether he has considered declining his player option:
“I wouldn’t say I’ve thought about it, because I never thought it would get to this point. But I think right now what’s best for our team is we just focus on the basketball.”
On maintaining his focus on winning another championship despite contract uncertainty:
“We’re all humans, but what I do say is true: My only philosophy since we won and the only thing I’ve had in my mind is how do we win another one. For me, the same focus I came in this season with is the same focus I’ll go into Game 1 with: How do we keep the trophy in New York past just this one summer?”
On Mike Brown addressing the players’ personal struggles and bringing the team closer together:
“It was really cool to have Coach talk to us about being human, about the struggles in life. Us being together and us understanding where everyone is in life and the situations they deal with will allow us to be even more connected and allow us to be an even better team.
“I want to make sure I say that. I have to give flowers to Mike. 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, the ones who were on that court in Game 4, Game 5, who really found a way to get this title back to New York, to be human. I think that’s an amazing thing.”
"League sources tell The Stein Line that Karl-Anthony Towns was the only (extension-eligible Knick) whose camp had been seriously engaged by the Knicks" before Knicks shut down talks Friday…
On the Knicks prioritizing contract negotiations with Karl-Anthony Towns:
“Towns was the only member of that foursome (Josh Hart, Deuce McBride, Tyler Kolek) whose camp had been seriously engaged by the Knicks at the time of Friday’s statement. (They’ve) prioritized talks with Towns over Hart to this point.”
On Miles McBride potentially becoming a trade candidate:
“A likely trade candidate as the season unfolds given the uncertainty surrounding his own Knicks future.”
SAN FRANCISCO – Entering the third week of preseason, Warriors center Kristaps Porziņģis still hasn’t been around the team. But there finally could be some more clarity to this mysterious situation.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr after Monday’s practice said Porziņģis will be at Chase Center on Tuesday as Golden State plays the Los Angeles Lakers in Las Vegas.
“Yeah, he’ll be here tomorrow,” Kerr said. “No update beyond that. But he’ll be in the building meeting with Rick [Celebrini] and the performance staff.”
The Warriors’ regular-season opener against the Lakers in LA is nine days away. Kerr could not say if he’s ruling Porziņģis out for that first game quite yet.
“All that will be determined once we get him back here and have discussions and figure out where he is with all that stuff,” Kerr said.
His absence was a surprise to everyone on the morning of media day before the Warriors departed for training camp in Hawaii. Coaches had seen Porziņģis working out at Chase Center leading up to training camp, but general manager Mike Dunleavy two weeks ago on Sept. 28 announced that Porziņģis is out indefinitely for what’s being described as a “health issue.”
Porziņģis, whom the Warriors acquired from the Atlanta Hawks at last season’s trade deadline for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, was expected to be the team’s starting center for the 2026-27 NBA season. Counting on him to remain healthy is a gamble for multiple reasons. He can be penciled into the lineup when healthy, but his availability is never a guarantee.
Since playing 65 games for the Washington Wizards in the 2022-23 season, Porziņģis’ games played have gone down year by year. Porziņģis played 57 games for the Boston Celtics in 2023-24, 52 for them in 2024-25 and then a total of 32 games last season between the Hawks and Warriors. He played in only 17 of a possible 53 games for the Hawks, and then 15 of a possible 27 games for the Warriors after making his team debut – plus both games in the NBA play-in tournament.
The 7-foot-2 center averaged 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 15 regular-season games for the Warriors. Porziņģis then scored 20 points with five rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots in the Warriors’ play-in tournament win over the LA Clippers. He then was held to just 11 points and one rebound in 15 minutes two nights later when the Warriors’ season ended in Phoenix while being hampered by a sore ankle.
Without Porziņģis, the Warriors started Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Yaxel Lendeborg, Draymond Green and Al Horford in their first preseason game. In their second game, though, Gui Santos replaced Horford, and Kerr has used that starting lineup twice in the preseason.
That same starting group is who most likely will open the season against the Lakers at Crypto.comArena.
“Leaning towards it,” Kerr confirmed. “Al could be in there, but given just where he is minutes-wise per game … if a guy’s going to play 20, which is probably about the limit or where we’d like him to average, it’s just a lot easier to bring him off the bench.
“I also like the idea of having Draymond or Al on the court as often as possible to anchor our defense. So yeah, I’m leaning that way.”
Horford, 40, did not play in Saturday’s game because of a left knee contusion he sustained prior to the Warriors beating the Sacramento Kings. He also did not participate in Monday’s scrimmage and won’t travel for Tuesday’s game, which Kerr says already was pre-planned maintenance for the 20-year veteran.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 30: Philadelphia 76ers managing partner Josh and Marjorie Harris pose for a photo with the mascot after defeating the Boston Celtics 106-93 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Fifteen years ago, Josh Harris, David Blitzer and Co. bought the Sixers for a reported $280 million. In the ensuing decade-and-a-half, the Sixers’ value has jumped up to an estimated $7.15 billion, according to the latest estimates from Sportico released Friday.
The Sixers currently clock in as the NBA’s ninth-most-valuable franchise, just behind the Brooklyn Nets. They’re nowhere close to the Golden State Warriors ($14.5 billion), New York Knicks ($12.8 billion) or Los Angeles Lakers ($12.5 billion), but they aren’t far off from the Los Angeles Clippers ($8.21 billion), Chicago Bulls ($8.13 billion), Miami Heat ($8.05 billion) or Boston Celtics ($8.0 billion).
Their value may only continue to skyrocket, too.
For one, their estimated valuation jumped by 27 percent just within the past year, which was the fifth-biggest jump in the NBA, per Sportico’s Kurt Badenhausen. If the NBA does expand to Las Vegas and Seattle—and the price of the Vegas franchise and new arena does top $12 billion, as expected—that should help push up every existing team’s valuation as well.
The Sixers also had kind of a big summer, in case you hadn’t heard. Not only did they pry Jaylen Brown away from the Celtics, but they also signed some guy named LeBron James to a two-year, veteran-minimum contract.
According to Badenhausen, 15,000 people “put down deposits on season tickets within the first 72 hours” after the Sixers signed LeBron. The Sixers “limited those to half-season and partial plans to allow more people into the building and also boost the revenue yield,” Badenhausen added. (Of course they did.) He estimated regular-season ticket revenue will increase by 50 percent this season.
They’ve also been active on the business side of the organization, as Badenhauser reported:
“Interest on the sponsorship side has been just as active, with revenue projected to grow at least 50% this season. Last month, the team signed a new jersey patch deal with Bloom Energy that is the second-biggest jersey deal in the NBA after the Warriors, according to two people familiar with the details. The 76ers are not doing any sponsor deals less than three years after signing LeBron. That will provide a bridge ahead of the new arena, which will provide further revenue opportunities.”
Even though HBSE won’t have full control of the new arena, being 50-50 partners instead of long-term tenants should further increase the valuation of the Sixers, much like the Chase Center did for the Warriors. Adding a WNBA team to the portfolio in 2030 won’t hurt, either. Until then, having LeBron on the roster should help business keep booming in the short term.
But you know what would really help? Winning. If the Sixers make good on their potential this season and keep LeBron in the fold in 2027-28, it wouldn’t be surprising if they jumped a few spots on next year’s franchise-valuation list.
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA - OCTOBER 3: Collin Murray-Boyles #30 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat on October 3, 2026 at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Quebec, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The thing about exceeding expectations in professional sports is that it either buys time or raises expectations. Under normal circumstances, Collin Murray-Boyles’ rookie season purchased an entire season of leniency and patience. Met with confusion and indifference on his draft night, Murray-Boyles blocked out the noise and responded with one of the more tantalizing rookie campaigns in Toronto Raptors history.
But for Murray-Boyles’ sophomore season, the Raptors find themselves dealing with an extraordinary circumstance in the form of Kawhi Leonard’s return.
With Leonard turning 35 this past June (and having signed a two-year extension that keeps him in a Raptors jersey until 2029), Murray-Boyles (21 years old) might be required to expedite at least part of his offensive development.
If Murray-Boyles doesn’t make significant progression this year, the Scottie Barnes-era Raptors can still push into uncharted territory, but a noticeable leap raises the team’s ceiling to Eastern Conference (and maybe even the NBA Finals).
After two pre-season contests, Murray-Boyles is averaging 9.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 block in 20.5 minutes. He’s also shooting 38.8 per cent from the field (0/2 from three) and 62.5 per cent from the free-throw line.
Here are a few thoughts about the small sample size we have at our disposal:
Off-ball is still a strength
0:00 – Some of Murray-Boyles’ best offensive moments last season came off-ball, particularly when Head Coach Darko Rajakovic got him moving downhill. He’s a big body that consistently sets effective screens, and this often forces defences to respect the chaos with a switch, subsequently resulting in meaningful mismatches. It’s easy to see how this would look with Barnes in Kyle Anderson’s spot, Immanuel Quickley instead of Jamal Shead, and Ja’Kobe Walter and Leonard as the spot-up shooters
0:09 – We’ve seen how effective Barnes is in the DHO anchor role. Murray-Boyles is just as savvy in this position, especially with his processing speed. The key to enhancing this action will be discussed later!
0:22 – Regardless of who he’s playing with (Jakob Poeltl, Barnes, or Anderson), Murray-Boyles will continue to thrive as an offensive-rebounder from the dunker’s spot
0:32 – Speaking of the dunker spot, how many times did we see this beautiful floater during the playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers? With Barnes, Leonard and Barrett applying rim pressure, expect Murray-Boyles to continue to thrive here
On-ball needs more reps
0:00 – I think Raptors fans would like to see more of this from Murray-Boyles, especially during pre-season and contests against weaker opponents. We’ve seen him try this move from the left block before. He’s left-handed, so it makes sense he’s comfortable going away from potential help defenders.
0:10 – Regarding the DHO anchor role in the earlier video, this is the aspect of that action that Murray-Boyles can improve. It’s not a catch-and-shoot three, nor is it an off-the-dribble jumper, but having this type of range as a counter if defences take away the pass or drive would be monumental.
0:19 – This is a pseudo-face-up type of sequence, which we occasionally see from Murray-Boyles. It’s no surprise that even when he tries a finesse move, he ends up relying on his physicality. This will be one of the more fun aspects of Murray-Boyles’ development
0:29 – The obvious highlight is the pass, but that’s a known variable in Murray-Boyles’ game. It’s cool watching him attack the defence off the bounce, particularly with his right hand. The spin in traffic is also a welcome sight.
Pushing for more
It’s normal for Murray-Boyles to look unnatural or uncomfortable with the ball in his hands. However, there’s no doubt in my mind that once he unlocks those layers of his game (whatever that might look like), we’ll all look back and say, ‘Of course that happened.“
It begins with Murray-Boyles occasionally moving away from that short corner or dunker spot area, and instead spotting up in the corner. He averaged less than one three-point attempt per game in his rookie season.
Barnes has noticeably been forcing reps during pre-season, and for good reason; he’ll be relied on in the post-season to create his own shots. Even if Murray-Boyles won’t be called on to consistently generate his own offence, the same philosophy should apply to him too. The Raptors need to raise their ceiling with Leonard in town and Murray-Boyles can lead that movement.
Oct 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja (33) drives to the basket during the second half of a preseason game against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
CLEVELAND — Mario Hezonja’s first preseason outing with the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t go as seamlessly as he likely would’ve preferred. Going from being the star player in Europe to trying to slot into a supporting role in a vastly different league will be an adjustment — both in terms of what he’ll be asked to do on the court and in adjusting to a completely different style of play.
“Last game (against the Boston Celtics), I didn’t do too much out of the scheme,” Hezonja said. “The lenghth. I just got to finish it maybe higher on the rim because…there’s so much space, but the length is substantial compared to Europe.”
Hezonja has NBA experience, but the game looks much different than it did six years ago when he returned to Europe.
“We’re much more quick,” Atkinson said before Sunday’s preseason game when asked about the differences between the NBA and European basketball. “We’re a quick hitter league. We play in transition. You watch a FIBA game or European game, and they’re running the whole 24 seconds.”
There’s no easy way to adjust to a style of play that is vastly different than what you’ve been used to. The way Atkinson believes the Cavs can help Hezonja in this process is by narrowing down what he needs to do on the court.
“He’s just a good all-around basketball player, so I think it’s just defining how [he’s] going to fit with this team,” Atkinson said.
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Hezonja’s second outing showed how he is a good all-around player as he put up 13 points on 5-0f-9 shooting to go along with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Going against a bigger and more physical team in the Orlando Magic likely helped as well.
Atkinson wants to leverage Hezonja’s well-rounded in two key ways, both of which were areas we saw on Sunday.
First, he wants to see him get in transition more since he’s “like a diesel train getting downhill.” They also think they can use size to create mismatches and deep post seals when he gets mismatches in transition. He did this on Sunday, as he got two easy baskets in transition. Someone of his size is difficult to stop when he gets a head of steam.
Additionally, Atkinson wants to see Hezonja as an impactful rebounder, especially on the offensive end. “We’d love to get him into the habit of that with that size and aggressiveness.”
Hezonja demonstrated that he could be impactful there as he cleaned up an offensive rebound and turned it into an and-one basket.
It takes an incredible amount of courage to leave somewhere that is familiar where you’ve had success. It would’ve been much easier for Hezonja to stay in Europe where he could dominate and be a superstar. Instead, he decided to come over here, adapt to a much different game, and play against competition you can’t physically overpower.
He’s accepting and embracing a challenge that he chose to undertake.
“As a challenge, literally, because it’s a lot different,” Hezonja said after Sunday’s game. “Different basketball, different I can go on and go on. There’s so many different things.
“But as I said since the first day that I arrived here, I know how to play, I know basketball, I know the sport. I might be away from the NBA, but I was never away from the game. So, I know what to do, what not to do, especially what type of team we are, what type of help they need. So just trying to fit the role. Thank God I’m super versatile, so I can fit many, many roles on a team and literally whatever they need. I just want to be an impactful winning player for them and help them as much as I can.”
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Luke Kennard #8 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during a preseason game on October 10, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The only time of the year when wins hold as much weight as a loss, the Phoenix Suns are taking advantage of the low-stakes games, getting their entire roster for regular-season play, with 14 players registering playing time in Saturday’s 102-98 win against the Spurs.
Now three games into the preseason, here are the three main questions we want your thoughts on:
Is there a new Grayson Allen in town?
With Devin Booker and Miles Bridges out, Luke Kennard took control of the team’s offensive responsibilities in the Suns’ win over the Spurs, scoring 20 points on 15 shots, including 10 attempts from three. In the first two preseason games, he took just 4 threes, but he, along with the team, adjusted without having a few of their primary scorers for their first win of the preseason.
Similarly, last season, when Devin Booker and other primary scorers would be out, Grayson Allen would take more of a prominent offensive role, highlighted by his 28-point performance in a late February comeback win against the Los Angeles Lakers when Booker and Dillon Brooks were out.
Because of his shooting abilities and experience playing alongside LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Kawhi Leonard, Kennard has experience taking both a front and backseat when his team needs him to, just like Allen did for the Suns before he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
Does Saturday’s performance give you confidence that Kennard can provide the production that Allen did for the Suns?
The starting center battle continues
The Suns are giving equal opportunities to Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach to win the starting center job. Oso started the first two games, while Maluach started the third. Through three games, neither has taken a commanding lead, with Oso’s passing (5 assists against the Spurs) and Maluach’s rebounding (15 boards against the Spurs) standing out.
Giving both of them starting opportunities in the preseason signals that the team has not made a decision yet on who will replace Mark Williams in the starting lineup, and if they have, at the very least they don’t want people to know that they have.
With two preseason games left, who do you think is in the lead, and who do you want to win the competition?
Thoughts on the rest of the West?
Through nine days of preseason games, are there any Western Conference teams that have made statements to you that could cause the Suns some trouble in the regular season?
Golden State Warriors’ rookie Yaxel Lendeborg had a 23-10-6 game, Fred VanVleet with a five-three game in his first contest in nearly 18 months after tearing his ACL, and Kyrie Irving has gotten his first NBA action since tearing his ACL in March of 2025.
Who is on your radar?
On the Suns’ Plate This Week
The Suns will play their last two preseason games before they begin the regular season. They’ll play the Spurs again on Wednesday, but this time in San Antonio at 5 PM AZ time, and then their fifth and final game of the preseason will be on Friday at home against the Utah Jazz at 7 PM AZ time.
The NBC Sports weekly NBA Power Rankings are back, bigger and better than ever. This preseason edition of the rankings puts teams into championship tiers, broken down this way:
• Title Contenders. This is self-explanatory. These are highly talented teams that don't need things to go perfectly to win it all.
• Second Circle Contenders. Teams that could make a run to the conference finals or NBA Finals, but need to answer bigger questions and/or have no margin for error.
• Playoff teams. Teams poised to have a good season and make the NBA playoffs but are not a threat to win it all.
• Play-in teams. Teams that could make the playoffs but likely have to come out of the play-in first.
• Zone of Shame. These are the teams trying to avoid the bottom three worst records (and the lottery punishments that now come with them). The NBA calls that bottom three the "Relegation Zone," which is a terrible name — nobody is getting relegated. The Cleveland Charge and Maine Celtics won't be promoted from the G League to play in the NBA next season. So I'm borrowing a phrase from the great Tom Ziller of Good Morning Basketball and calling it the Zone of Shame. I'm open to other ideas, that's just the best one I heard.
Final note: I know more than 16 teams are listed as playoff teams and more than 20 are at play-in level or above, this ranking is more about potential and expectations than a hard count. That comes much later in the season.
Title Contenders
1. New York Knicks
Last season 53-29 Games in first week: 76ers, at Celtics, Magic
New York has 10 of its top 12 rotation players back from the team that just won 53 games and an NBA title — they are the most complete team in the East, and the one with the fewest questions. The Knicks kicked the Karl-Anthony Towns/Josh Hart contract extension drama down the road, although Towns wasn't a fan of that move. Knicks management saw it as a distraction, and now it's been put off. New York was a good regular season team a season ago (+6.4 net rating, fifth-best in the league) that found a magical groove in the playoffs. Don't be shocked if we get the good team, but not the magical one, for long stretches of the regular season. Watch the Knicks get their rings and see the first banner in 53 years go up to the rafters in Madison Square Garden on NBC and Peacock on opening night (taking on the 76ers).
2. San Antonio Spurs
Last season 62-20 Games in first week: Thunder, Rockets, at Mavericks
In the preseason opener, Mitch Johnson started De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper together, moving Julian Champagnie to the bench. That's the kind of thing to try in the preseason, but it might carry over to the regular season. Those three make a powerful defensive force (especially with Victor Wembanyama behind them), but do they have enough shooting, and will the second unit lose too much shot creation? It may not last, but keeping those three guards happy and dialed in is a legit concern for a motivated team coming off an NBA Finals loss. Big game right out of the gate on opening night, the final game in the NBC and Peacock triple-header to tip off the season (9:30 p.m. ET start).
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Last season 64-18 Games in first week: at Spurs, Nuggets, Clippers
We know how good this team's starting five is, especially with Jalen Williams back and healthy, but what might really scare teams is how strong the second unit has looked in preseason, led by Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell. Those two are lighting teams up with movement and scoring. Also worth noting, rookie big Aday Mara has looked pretty good in the preseason, and while he won't get much run on a deep team like this, if (really, when) they need him for a stretch, he looks like a guy who can help.
Aday Mara has been HOOPING
The #12 overall pick has scored 34 PTS shooting a perfect 15-15 from the field in his first 2 preseason games! pic.twitter.com/fk64WVpmhJ
Last season 45-37 Games in first week: at Knicks, Cavaliers, Bucks, Pistons
A lot of things have to go right — and Joel Embiid's knees have to hold up — for this team to be a true contender, but I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt to start the season. That said, don't be surprised if this team gets off to a relatively slow start. We've seen this before when "superteams" were assembled: When LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined the Heat in 2010, that team started 9-8 while it found its bearings, but went on to win 58 games and reach the Finals. My prediction for the 76ers: Somewhere between December and February, there will be a four-week stretch where they will look like title contenders, but physically they won't be able to hold up when it matters most.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Last season 52-30 Games in first week: at 76ers, Nets
Cleveland is going to win a lot of games and it wouldn't be the least bit surprising if it is the No. 1 seed in the East at the end of the regular season. That is not how the Cavaliers' season will be judged. After four consecutive years of uninspiring playoff exits — including being swept by the Knicks last May — this feels like a make-or-break season in Cleveland. That said, they locked up Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, then filled the hole at the three with Peyton Watson, so Cleveland can largely run this back for a few years.
6. Detroit Pistons
Last season 60-22 Games in first week: Celtics, at Heat, at 76ers
The most interesting development in the preseason has been Ausar Thompson maybe developing a bit of a jump shot. He's not suddenly trying to be a Splash Brother (think more DeMar DeRozan), but in his preseason debut, he went 3-of-3 from beyond 8 feet, including a 20-foot pull-up jumper. Then, on Saturday, he was 0-of-5 in the midrange. A working jumper matters because in the playoffs teams sagged off him and packed the paint (making life even more difficult for Jalen Duren). If Thompson can't space the floor, it becomes increasingly difficult to play him and Duren together in the playoffs. Hit some mid-range shots, and that spacing suddenly looks better. Also, John Collins is a solid addition, but this team is going to miss everything Tobias Harris brought to the table.
7. Houston Rockets
Last season 52-30 Games in first week: Mavericks, at Spurs, at Hawks
It's tough to draw too much of a correlation between a couple of preseason games played in an arena next to a casino on another continent and a regular season NBA game, but the Rockets looked promising in their NBA China games. Fred VanVleet is back and looked comfortable, scoring 17 points and adding seven assists in the opener, while much of the offense still ran through Alperen Sengun, who had a triple-double in 22 minutes. Houston remains the team I think is most likely to challenge the Spurs and Thunder in the West.
Alperen Sengun recorded a triple-double in 22 minutes of action in Game 1 of the NBA China Games!
Last season 53-29 Games in first week: Warriors, Clippers, at Jazz
JJ Reddick may have had to walk this back politically, but he was correct when he said, "I think with this group, probably the first time in my three years here, that I feel like the pieces actually fit together." This is the best roster they've had to maximize Luka Dončić's style of play. This team should be an elite offense and win a lot of games, but their ceiling ultimately depends on Walker Kessler living up to that contract and becoming a defensive force (expect much more drop coverage and much less switching from the Lakers). Also, this preseason, Ziaire Williams has been a key on-ball defender, a role he could thrive in, plus Jake LaRavia and Sandro Mamukelashvili have looked good.
9. Indiana Pacers
Last season 19-63
Games in first week: at New Orleans, Mavericks, at Nets
I am higher on a bounce-back year from Indiana than many pundits. The offense has looked dramatically better and has had a flow, even with a rusty Tyrese Haliburton back in the preseason. It's a very positive sign. Haliburton has a Steve Nash-like impact on a team and an offense because of his pace and style of play, this team was built to maximize that. However, like all the teams at this level in this ranking, the Pacers have questions to answer. For one, how Haliburton and Ivica Zubac mesh will be one thing to watch early in the season.
10. Boston Celtics
Last season 56-26 Games in first week: at Pistons, Knicks
This ranking feels a little low for a Boston team that is going to win a lot of regular season games, but this first ranking is focused on title contention, and I don't believe these Celtics, as constructed, are as serious a postseason threat (I am higher on the potential of the Pacers and Rockets). That said, just having Jayson Tatum back on the court will be welcome, he is a joy to watch. Plus, this team will defend, has depth and athleticism, and will be disciplined under reigning Coach of the Year Joe Mazzulla.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last season 49-33 Games in first week: at Heat, at Magic, Raptors
A huge key to the Timberwolves living up to LaMelo Ball-fueled hype is getting a big season from Jaden McDaniels. Particularly on offense. It's only a couple of preseason games, but he's played with confidence, and that's very promising. This preseason the team has lived up to the hype of being incredibly entertaining, Jonathan Kuminga has been fitting in, and Rudy Gobert is adjusting to catching more lobs. A lot of people think this team could challenge the Thunder/Spurs dominance, if it all comes together, they might.
12. Denver Nuggets
Last season 54-28 Games in first week: at Thunder, Pelicans
Any team with Nikola Jokić has to be considered a potential serious playoff threat, and Denver's potential starting/closing five of Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun is very good — if everyone can stay healthy and on the floor. Particularly Gordon. DeMar DeRozan will provide some scoring punch off the bench, but depth is a genuine concern. That said, if the core five is healthy come the playoffs, the Nuggets are a threat because of Jokić.
Playoff Teams
13. Miami Heat
Last season 46-36 Games in first week: Bulls, at Wizards, at Timberwolves
Giannis Antetokounmpo is praising Heat Culture and has fully bought in, and when you put the league's best downhill player in an uptempo offense, good things happen. Miami is going to be a good defensive team, but questions about depth and how the offense looks when the game slows down in the clutch (and playoffs) are legitimate. The Heat will need to prove they deserve a higher ranking, and opening-week games against Minnesota and Detroit can help with that.
Last season 46-36 Games in first week: Bulls, at Wizards, at Timberwolves
This ranking may be too low for the Raptors — if Kawhi Leonard stays healthy (similar to last season), this is a team that could (and maybe should) be a top-four team in the East. I personally am optimistic about their season and think they will climb from this ranking. The only reason they are not there right now is that I have to see it, and I need to see Jakob Poeltl stay healthy for a season. This will be an impressive defensive team, with Scottie Barnes and Leonard on the wing, not to mention Jamal Shead at guard.
15. Atlanta Hawks
Last season 46-36 Games in first week: at Magic, at Hornets, Rockets
Atlanta will be a fearsome defensive team after trading for Lu Dort to come off the bench, joining a roster that already has Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the perimeter. That defense gives them an identity. They have an All-NBA level player in Jalen Johnson to lead the offense. Most importantly, there is a real sense of possibility and opportunity around a team that was tied to — and their ceiling capped by — Trae Young for so many years. That should excite the fan base.
16. Orlando Magic
Last season 45-37 Games in first week: Hawks, Timberwolves, at Knicks
This is a make-or-break-it-up season in Orlando — this team has the third-highest payroll in the NBA and nothing to show for it (this franchise hasn't made it out of the first round of the playoffs since the animated version of "How to Train Your Dragon" hit theaters). Orlando is running it back, betting on better health from Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, and that new coach Sean Sweeney can make all the puzzle pieces fit.
17. Dallas Mavericks
Last season 26-56 Games in first week: at Rockets, at Pacers, Spurs
This ranking is based on two things: How good Kyrie Irving looked in his one game in China and Cooper Flagg's expected growth in his second season. I also like some of their pickups, such as Santi Aldama, drafting Morez Johnson Jr., and taking a flier on a still-young Zaccharie Risacher. That said, there are still a lot of questions to answer, starting with how coach Dusty May will adjust to the NBA game after college.
After 586 days... KYRIE. IS. BACK.
He led the @dallasmavs in scoring with 17 points in 22 minutes to help Dallas secure the Game 2 victory at the NBA China Games 2026 pic.twitter.com/yhaPrN9knv
Last season 22-60
Games in first week: at Grizzlies, Pelicans, Lakers
Count me among the people excited for this Jazz season — I am picking Darryn Peterson to win Rookie of the Year, and I think Utah is going to be a playoff team in the West. But they have a lot to prove. I expect big years from Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., who flew a little under the radar last season. That said, the loss of Jusuf Nurkic at center to start the season is rough as this team really lacks depth up front (Jackson Jr. may not love playing the five a lot, but will have to early).
19. Phoenix Suns
Last season 45-37 Games in first week: at Trail Blazers, Warriors
The Suns built a new, Dillon Brooks-inspired culture last season and caught the league off guard by playing harder and caring more about each possession than their opponents. I'm less sold that they can replicate that, despite Devon Booker's greatness. The Suns need Miles Bridges to hit his 3s at a higher rate, and while I like the young front line of Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro, a lot is going to be asked of them. This is a solid team but one poised for a small step back.
20. Washington Wizards
Last season 17-65 Games in first week: Bucks, Raptors, at Bulls
Trae Young will get a lot of attention for his passing — he had eight assists in the first quarter in a preseason game against the Pistons over the weekend — but watch them and what stands out is the passing among the big men of Anthony Davis, AJ Dybantsa and Alex Sarr. This is going to be a very entertaining team to watch, how much that leads to winning remains to be seen, but the Wizards will be a League Pass favorite this season.
Last season 42-40 Games in first week: Suns, at Kings
It's just good to see Damian Lillard back on an NBA court again — and in Portland (it always felt off to see him in Bucks green). What looked promising this preseason is how well Deni Avdija seemed to fit and play off the Lillard-and-Ja Morant backcourt, and Scoot Henderson had his moments, too. Making that guard rotation work — don't forget about Jrue Holiday — is new coach Micah Nori, who deserved a shot (and not to instantly be on a lame-duck contract that undercuts his authority). This ranking may be low for a Portland team that will be fun to watch.
22. Chicago Bulls
Last season 31-51 Games in first week: at Raptors, at Bucks, Wizards
It feels like a new era in Chicago. Caleb Wilson is the young star, Matas Buzelis is coming into his own as the potential No. 2 on this team (maybe 1A this season), and there will be plenty of Josh Giddey. There is a lot of changeover. All that change is welcomed and needed, but can lead to a slow start to the season. Add to that Nic Claxton's hamstring injury, and there are legitimate concerns about the defense. Still, there are reasons for hope in the Windy City, which is a welcome change of pace
23. LA Clippers
Last season 42-40 Games in first week: Kings, at Lakers, at Thunder
The season hasn't even started and the Clippers are racked by injuries: Brandon Ingram (Achilles), Max Strus (foot), Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) and Jordan Miller (shoulder) — and that is not including Bradley Beal, who is closer to a return and may be ready by the start of the season (the others won't). The Clippers have an interesting young backcourt with Darius Garland and Keaton Wagler, plus some solid veterans in Derrick Jones Jr., Rui Hachimura and Brook Lopez. In a deep West, it's tough to see this team's path to a lot of wins.
24. Golden State Warriors
Last season 37-45 Games in first week: at Lakers, Grizzlies, at Suns
The Warriors have locked up Stephen Curry, he isn't going to play anywhere else, and that will keep the fans — and the $$$ — flowing in. They also locked up Brandin Podziemski on a deal that feels like a bit of an overpay to me, but isn't outrageous. Yaxel Lendeborg has impressed in the preseason. Both Draymond Green and Kristaps Porziņģis are under contract, although Porziņģis is away from the team with a health issue and nobody knows when he will return. That's kind of the story with the Warriors: When Jimmy Butler gets healthy midseason and if Porziņģis is around, this team can win some games. But how much of that version of the Warriors are we going to see?
25. Memphis Grizzlies
Last season 25-57 Games in first week: Jazz, at Warriors, at Kings
This is a bit of a low ranking for an interesting team — I like what the Grizzlies are building with a front line of Cameron Boozer, Cedric Coward and Zach Edey (with Isaiah Stewart off the bench). Boozer is everything that was advertised and more. The Grizzlies have looked good at moments this preseason, and starting Jaylen Wells makes sense for spacing. That said, I'm not sure this team will win a lot of games in a deep West, but we might be sleeping on them as a play-in team.
No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer showed off his skillset in front of the @memgrizz faithful tonight!
Last season 44-38 Games in first week: at Nets, Hawks, Heat
Trading away fan favorite LaMelo Ball was a bet against Ball, but also a bigger bet on Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel becoming stars in their own right. They have the freedom now. I like the additions of Coby White at the point to replace Ball and Naz Reid at the four, plus Grayson Allen and SF Royce O'Neale give them some solid veterans to lean on. This team has plenty of shooting and could surprise and move up to become a play-in team.
27. New Orleans Pelicans
Last season 26-56 Games in first week: Pacers, at Jazz, at Nuggets
What are we doing here? Running it back with a 26-win roster and betting that Jamahl Mosley as coach will be the difference? Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears should improve, and hopefully the Pelicans get better health from Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray, but what does that really get them? Free Trey Murphy.
28. Brooklyn Nets
Last season 20-62 Games in first week: Hornets, at Cavaliers, Pacers
Julius Randle is a floor raiser and Michael Porter Jr. is going to put up points — increasing his trade value before the deadline — all of which means Brooklyn will win more games than it did a season ago. I was high on Mikel Brown Jr. before the draft and remain bullish on him, and Egor Demin showed how much he's grown at Summer League. All of which is to say, there are reasons for optimism in Brooklyn.
29. Sacramento Kings
Last season 22-60 Games in first week: at Clippers, Trail Blazers, Grizzlies
Sacramento will give the keys to Darius Acuff Jr., and he has had some promising preseason moments playing off veteran big man Domantas Sabonis. The real future pairing was supposed to be Acuff and Maxime Raynaud, but the French big man is going to miss the start of the season with a knee injury, but fortunately it was not as bad as it looked when it happened. Ben Simmons is going to draw an outsized portion of headlines, but we haven't seen enough of him this preseason to have a sense of whether he can really take some of the shot-creation load off Acuff.
30. Milwaukee Bucks
Last season 32-50 Games in first week: at Wizards, Bulls, at 76ers
This team has some interesting players, including Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis and rookie Brayden Burries, and we know Tyler Herro can put up points and will have the green light. I'm a fan of Taylor Jenkins as a coach, but he's essentially opened a particularly brutal basket on “Chopped” of mismatched ingredients — and a number of those players could be gone at the trade deadline, with new ones in their place. It's going to be a rebuilding process in Milwaukee, we'll see which players look like the franchise will keep around for the long term.
