Friday afternoon, Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porziņģis announced that he has decided to step away from basketball as he continues to address the autoimmune disorder postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) that has kept him off the court this season.
Traded to the Warriors at the February deadline, Porziņģis appeared in 15 games last season, averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks in 23.7 minutes per appearance. Optimism that the 7-foot-3 center's health would cooperate led the two sides to agree to a two-year, $40 million deal in the summer.
Unfortunately, Porziņģis' case of POTS, which initially became an issue late in the 2024-25 season with the Celtics, flared up and has kept him from returning to the court.
On Wednesday, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Warriors were withholding payment from Porziņģis and considered his absence unexcused. It was also reported that the team was looking to move him via trade, either immediately or after December 15, when most players will be trade-eligible.
Porziņģis said in his statement on Friday that he hopes to "work with (the Warriors) to find a solution that makes sense."
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 14: Naz Reid #0 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on October 14, 2026 at TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston Celtics (6-2) at Charlotte Hornets (3-6) Friday, November 6, 2026 7:00 PM ET Regular Season Game #9 Road Game #4 Emirates NBA Cup Game #2 TV: NBCSB, WSOC TV64, NBA-LP Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, Sirius XM Spectrum Center
The Celtics begin a 4 game road trip with a stop in Charlotte to take on the Hornets. This is the first of 4 games between these two teams this season. They will play again in Charlotte on February 4 and they will play twice in Boston on December 3 and January 23. The Celtics won the series 2-1 last season, winning one game in Boston and one in Charlotte and losing one game in Boston. The Celtics are 83-47 overall all time against the Hornets and they are 39-26 all time in Charlotte.
This is the second NBA Emirates Cup game for both teams. They are part of East Group C, which also includes Chicago, Atlanta and Washington. The Celtics beat Chicago in the first Cup game while the Hornets lost to the Wizards in their first game. The Celtics will visit Washington on November 24 and will host Atlanta on November 27 to complete group play. If they win the group, they will advance to the quarterfinals on December 4 and 5. The Semifinals are December 8 and 9. The Championship is December 11. The Celtics have only made it out of the group stage once, back in 2023.
The Celtics are 3rd in the East with just Philadelphia (8-1) and Detroit (6-2) ahead of them. The Hornets are 10th in the East, 5 games behind 1st place Philadelphia. Celtics are 5-0 at home and 1-2 on the road. The Hornets are 2-3 at home and 1-3 on the road. Their 2 wins at home were over Miami and Washington. They have lost their last 5 games.
The Hornets have several new players this season. They signed Coby White as a free agent. They got Naz Reid in a trade from Minnesota. They got Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale in a trade from Phoenix. And, they got Dennis Schroder in a trade from the Wizards. They drafted Hannes Steinbach (14th) and Christian Anderson, Jr (18th). They also lost several players from last season. LaMelo Ball, Josh Green , Miles Bridges and Tre Mann were all traded. Antonio Reeves and Xavier Tillman both left as unsigned free agents.
After this game, the Celtics will continue their road trip through Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Toronto. They play Dallas and Orlando at home before a West coast trip that takes them through Denver, Sacramento, Golden State, and Washington. They then play one game at home against Atlanta before playing at San Antonio and Dallas. Then it’s home against Charlotte before a game at Brooklyn. They play 8 of 12 games on the road in the month of November.
After this game, Charlotte will play Cleveland at home before a 4 game road trip through Phoenix, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, and Atlanta. They they have a 4 game home stand against Memphis, Chicago, Brooklyn and Washington. Then they play at Boston before the NBA Cup tournament. Then they play at Washington before hosting Toronto, Clippers, OKC, Portland and Philadelphia.
The Celtics have been changing their starting lineup with Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, and Neemias Queta getting starts along with Derrick White, Paul George, Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson. The starting lineup is a work in progress for the Celtics and so it’s hard to predict who Joe will go with from game to game. I’m just guessing that White, Gonzalez, George, Tatum and Queta will start. For the Hornets, I’ve listed the starters from their game notes which are Coby White, Brandon Miller, Sion James, Naz Reid and Ryan Kalkbrenner.
The Celtics still have Devin Carter on the injury report due to illness. After missing the final 3 games of the preseason, Carter was diagnosed with mononucleosis and is without a timetable for a return. However, he is practicing with the Maine Celtics and should return soon. Payton Pritchard was originally questionable with a right eye abrasion after getting hit in the face 3 times against the Bucks. He is now listed as available. Chris Cenac, Jr is out due to G-League assignment.
For the Hornets, Kon Knuepppel returned to the court for the first time this season on Wednesday but left after just 6 minutes and will be out for this game. Former Celtic Grant Williams is out with a hamstring injury. Dennis Schroder is out with a thigh injury. Moussa Diabate is out with a quad injury. I’m guessing that Ryan Kalkbrenner will get the start at center in his place.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Coby White
Derrick White | Getty ImagesCoby White | Getty Images
SG: Hugo Gonzalez vs Brandon Miller
Hugo Gonzalez | Getty ImagesBrandon Miller | NBAE via Getty Images
SF: Paul George vs Sion James
Paul George | NBAE via Getty ImagesSion James | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Payton Pritchard Mike Conley, Jr Luka Garza Jordan Walsh Ron Harper, Jr Sam Hauser Baylor Scheierman Mitchell Robinson Two Way Players Devin Carter Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams Injuries/Out Devin Carter (illness) out Payton Pritchard (eye) available Chris Cenac, Jr (G-League assignment) out
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Hornets Reserves Royce O’Neale Christian Anderson, Jr Grayson Allen Hannes Steinbach Tidjane Salaun Liam McNeeley 2-Way Players Michael Ajayi PJ Hall Kylan Boswell
Injuries/Out Grant Williams (hamstring) out Kon Knueppel (leg) out Moussa Diabate (quad) out Dennis Schroder (thigh) out
Head Coach Charles Lee
Key Matchups Hugo Gonzalez vs Brandon Miller Miller is averaging 22.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He’s shooting 35.9% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc. Although he is struggling from beyond the arc so far this season, he is capable of hitting threes and so the Celtics shouldn’t leave him open or he could make them pay.
Jayson Tatum vs Naz Reid Reid is averaging 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He is shooting 42.3% from the field and 35.0% from beyond the arc. Jayson Tatum should be rested and ready to go in this game and needs to keep Reid out of the paint and off the boards.
Honorable Mention Payton Pritchard vs Grayson Allen Allen is averaging 15.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. He is shooting 47.1% from the field and 49.2% from beyond the arc. He is coming off a game where he shot 54.5% from the field and 71.4% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to stay with him on defense, especially on the perimeter as he is the Hornets best 3 point shooter and can score in bunches.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always the key to winning. The Celtics are 7th the league with a defensive rating of 109.2. The Hornets are 18th in the league with a defensive rating of 112.7. The Hornets are 30th with an offensive rating of 101.5 while the Celtics are 8th with an offensive rating of 115.8. The Celtics are capable of playing lock down defense but there are times when they lose focus and allow their opponents to score way too easily, especially after building a big lead. They need to continue to make defense a priority and play lock down defense in this game for all 4 quarters.
Rebound – Rebounding is also a key to winning every game. It is important to give the Celtics extra possessions and to limit possessions for their opponents. Rebounding takes effort and the Celtics need to give extra effort to beat the Hornets to rebounds. The Celtics are 14th with 43.9 rebounds per game and the Hornets are 10th with 46.1 rebounds per game. The Hornets are 15th with 15.6 second chance points per game and the Celtics need to limit those for the Hornets by putting more effort into grabbing rebounds.
3 Point Shooting – The Celtics are 8th in the league, averaging 40.4 three pointers per game. The Hornets are 3rd, shooting 43.9 threes per game. The Celtics are shooting 35.3% as a team from beyond the arc (13th) while the Hornets are shooting 29.6% from beyond the arc (28th). The Celtics make 14.3 threes a gamem while the Hornets make 13.0 threes a game. The Celtics need to work to get open and move the ball to find the best shots. If the 3’s aren’t falling, they need to take the ball inside. And they need to defend the perimeter or the Hornets will bury them in threes.
Play Hard 48 Minutes – The Celtics need to start out strong and play hard to build a lead. They need to play hard throughout the game, with no let up. Often teams that hustle and play harder can beat teams that try to coast. The Celtics should not underestimate the Hornets and they need to be aggressive on the boards, on defense, in taking the ball to the hoop, in fighting for loose balls and just play harder overall throughout the game.
X-Factors On The Road – The Celtics are facing the distractions of travel and a hostile crowd and they can’t allow those distractions to take away from their focus on the game. The Hornets are home with the home crowd behind them and their own familiar court. The Celtics are just beginning a 4 game road trip and are playing 8 of 12 games on the road this month. They are just 1-2 so far on the road and so they need to figure out winning on the road.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor in every game. Every crew officiates differently. Some call it tight, others let them play. The Celtics need to adjust to how the refs are calling the game and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus from playing the game. The Celtics also have to be aware of the new points of emphasis for this season and try to avoid flopping, off‑arm push‑offs, reckless closeouts, delays before free throws, and illegal screens. They have been especially calling flops and push offs and so the Celtics need to avoid doing both.
Green was ejected from the Warriors’ 116-113 win over the Suns on Monday night. Brooks said immediately following the game that he was trying to “de-escalate” the situation, which began when Green wrapped both arms around Khaman Maluach and threw him to the floor.
Addressing the situation for the first time with reporters after Golden State’s 120-100 win over the Heat on Thursday night, Green called out Brooks’ point of view on their latest altercation.
“He was talking. He came in talking. Putting his chest on my shoulder. That ain’t how you de-escalate,” Green said. “So I just wish he stood on the type of business he was on, instead of running to y’all. Like, ‘I was trying to de-escalate!’ No you wasn’t, bro.”
Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) and Phoenix Suns’ Jalen Bridges (15) get into an altercation on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO/Bay Area News Group via APGolden State Warriors’ Draymond Green, left, throws down Phoenix Suns’ Khaman Maluach in San Francisco, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO/Bay Area News Group via AP
Both players like to play the villain, with their rivalry going back to Brooks’ time with Memphis. A year after their antics gained national attention during the heated 2022 Western Conference semifinals, Brooks took it to the next level, telling ESPN, “I don’t like Draymond at all.”
Green this week, however, said that he “had started to turn a corner” on his view of Brooks.
“Ah, man, he may be who he say he is,” Green said. “But he not.”
Brooks’ actions and response to the altercation only confirmed Green’s initial belief — that Brooks’ tough-guy persona only exists so long as the cameras and microphones are on.
“The words you said on the side of me and walking up to me like that,” Green said. “When you’re de-escalating you usually go to your teammate. But your teammate’s there [on the ground]. So you’re not de-escalating anything.
“By the way, there’s nothing going on. He’s there, I’m standing there. There’s nothing really to de-escalate.”
It depends on your point of view. The scene underneath the basket was reasonably docile until Brooks ran toward Green and shoved him in the back. Green responded by turning around and grabbing Brooks by the jersey near the neck. But Brooks’ teammate had already been thrown down by Green.
But Green gave an even more telling look into his worldview with his explanation.
“You’ve heard of people having short man complex? What’s it called–Napoleon? I got a little bit of that when I’m playing basketball,” said Green, listed at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, “because I’m always smaller than the guys I’m going up against.”
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green argues a call during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. AP Photo/Tony Avelar
Despite his size disadvantage, at age 36, Green has more or less played shutdown defense while primarily playing the five this season, a result of Yaxel Lendeborg’s emergence at the four.
Matched up against Green Thursday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo (6-11, 250) struggled to steamroll into the paint and finished 4-of-9 from the field. When matched up against anyone else, Antetokounmpo converted 3 of 4 attempts from the field and got to the foul line twice.
Green has similarly more than held his own against Rudy Gobert (7-1, 258), Walker Kessler (7-2, 245) and Nikola Jokić (6-11, 284). He’s got to find an edge somehow.
“I’m usually outweighed by anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds. I’m usually outsized from a height perspective, anywhere from 5 to Wemby,” Green said, eliciting laughs. “With that, In order to do what I do, you have to have that certain nastiness to you. …
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors helps up Stephen Curry during a game against the Miami Heat at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“I have to have that tenacity. There’s certain things you cannot allow to happen because if you allow it to happen the next game you play, it’s gonna happen again. Somebody’s gonna try it again.”
And, so, that’s why Green felt compelled to do more than just prevent Maluach (7-2, 250) from converting the entry pass he received in the paint. He had to send a message.
Brooks, then, had to send one back.
And, like the Warriors’ hopes that night, the rivalry was rekindled, just like that.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: The sneakers worn by Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 4: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks down the floor during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on November 4, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you’ve been online recently, you may have noticed that Donovan Mitchell has… pissed off a lot of Cleveland Cavaliers fans.
Twitter is ablaze with criticism. People want him traded. Some regret that he was ever traded for. Mitchell has become the crux of all problems; the shot-chucking ‘dictator’ who will never be the primary option on a championship team.
But everyone has it backwards; Donovan Mitchell needs to shoot more.
Mitchell’s field goal attempts and usage rate are at career lows to start the year.
His assist percentage and shot chart are nearly identical to previous seasons.
That means Mitchell has less control over the offense than ever, despite some insisting that he’s grown into a ball-dominant tyrant.
How did we get here? And why are fans feeling such a disconnect?
Mitchell has always been a scorer more than a passer. He currently ranks in the 41st percentile in assist-to-usage ratio — a stat that tracks how often a player is ending their possessions with an assist rather than a shot attempt or turnover.
This means that roughly half of the league’s players are more likely to get an assist on any given possession than Donovan Mitchell. That can lead to games where it feels like Mitchell is hogging the ball while leaving his teammates hanging.
That gung-ho play style caused some frustration throughout last year’s playoffs, and the complaints have carried into this year.
Fans want to know why Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen aren’t getting the ball. Why do their leads disappear so often? And why haven’t the Cavs gotten over the hump despite a roaring regular season?
Some have identified Mitchell’s lack of playmaking as the problem.
Which, in fairness, is certainly a factor. Cleveland has lost big games in the past due to Mitchell’s shot selection. He doesn’t always make the right decision with the ball in his hands — and that can be difficult to watch as a fan.
But we should reframe this discussion. Let’s start here.
Donovan Mitchell isn’t a point guard. And maybe, he doesn’t have to be.
Shai-Gilgeous Alexander was in the 29th percentile for assist-to-usage ratio when the Oklahoma City Thunder won the championship. He’s in the 0th percentile now.
Some people score; others pass.
The truth is, championship-caliber players are allowed to have weak points. You are not disqualified if you can’t do everything on your own.
Giannis Antetokounmpo never learned how to shoot. Nikola Jokic never became an elite defender. And the New York Knicks didn’t win a championship last June because Jalen Brunson suddenly became an elite playmaker — they won because they delegated more playmaking responsibilities to Karl-Anthony Towns — leaving space for Brunson to do what Brunson does best… score the ball.
All of those teams identified their star’s weakness, and built a roster around them that could insulate them.
The Cavs need a similar solution. They need someone who can take playmaking off of Mitchell’s plate.
Darius Garland was the original fit. And, for a while, he would thread the needle beautifully. He sent the defense scattering into motion while Mitchell would catch the ball against a defense already on their back feet. That dynamic led to 64 wins — but unfortunately, Garland couldn’t stay healthy.
James Harden was the next option. He’s been more available than Garland, which was enough to help bolster the team to an Eastern Conference Finals run.
But Harden’s style differs from Garland’s. He’s slower-paced, favoring a heliocentric style that inhibits stationary spacing around him. The result is fewer chances for Mitchell to attack in motion, nerfing his greatest strength as a slasher who can attack gaps.
All of this has culminated in the Cavs (and fans online) asking Mitchell to be more of a playmaker. But that is a fundamental misunderstanding of who he is — and how you win in the NBA by playing to your strengths.
Let’s back up for a second.
I want to be clear that I am not advocating for Mitchell to go full Dion Waiters and ignore the other four Cavaliers sharing the court with him at any given time. He still needs to pass the ball — and he needs to choose the right moments to assert himself as a scorer.
You can’t win by playing like a bull in a China shop. There has to be a delicate balance between scoring in bunches and releasing control of the offense to someone else. That’s the key here.
Mitchell will never be a point guard. Any system that asks him to make reads at that level will learn the hard way. You can’t force a square peg into a round hole.
You can, however, build a competitive team that understands who Mitchell is.
We know for a fact that Mitchell can go nuclear as a scorer in the playoffs. We’ve seen it multiple times.
But who can grab the reins and facilitate those high-scoring performances? Who is the Karl-Anthony Towns to his Jalen Brunson in this scenario?
The Cavs are still hoping that will be Harden. Additional support from Mobley would be welcomed. Whether that will be enough is certainly worth questioning.
But here’s another cold, hard truth: Making it to the top of the mountain is hard. If we’re being honest, it’s damn near impossible. This franchise had the greatest player alive for 11 seasons and only made it to the finish line once.
Cleveland would need a myriad of miracles to win a championship with this group. Even if everything went right, they could still fall short. That’s just the way it goes.
That’s why sticking true to your identity is more important than anything. Being a bad version of someone else will always be inferior to being the best version of yourself.
I don’t think Mitchell will lead Cleveland to a title through his playmaking. That feels like jumping the shark.
The Cavs do need him to be better defensively and to make better reads offensively, but that doesn’t necessarily mean relinquishing his role as one of the highest-volume scorers in the league. That’s who he is — that’s who the team traded for.
Mitchell needs to be a world-class scorer. Nearly all of his attention on offense should be centered on getting his shot. Passing will always come second. Winning or losing comes down to Mitchell taking and making the big shots. That was the primary difference between him and Brunson last season.
Of course, any team would prefer a superstar who is capable of blending elite scoring with masterful playmaking and impactful defense. But, you work with what you have — and the Cavs have a dynamic scorer, not a floor general.
Accepting Mitchell’s true nature and having the supporting cast insulate him with their playmaking is the most realistic path forward. It’s the only path forward.
Many were quick to remind the backup guard of his playing time during the NBA Finals, or lack thereof.
“Tyler Kolek and Taylor Swift played the same amount of minutes in the 2026 NBA Finals,” one fan wrote on X.
Another said: “Tyler Kolek wishes he could’ve performed for the Knicks in the finals.”
Singer Taylor Swift, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor react during the NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Tyler Kolek and Taylor Swift played the same amount of minutes in the 2026 NBA Finals. https://t.co/kUqeUm7hsB
Kolek averaged 6.6 minutes per game across eight games played during the playoffs. He didn’t see any time in the five games against the Spurs in the Finals.
A third added: “If there’s one thing Taylor and tyler have in common is that they were both sitting court side during the finals.”
Swift was spotted at Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Cleveland alongside her Ohio-born husband Travis Kelce, much to the dismay of Knicks fans.
She was later seen at Game 4 of the NBA Finals and witnessed OG Anunoby’s historic tip-in alongside Knicks fan favorite Mariska Hargitay and Haim sisters Alana and Este. Swift wore a blue shirt that read “Stevie Knicks” in orange letters.
“Well, there it is. Tyler Kolek just rang his Karma bell. No one can save him now.”
Taylor Swift jokes around with a friend before Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
"Don't rip Taylor Swift… she's a New Yorker; she's been coming to Knicks games since you've been at Marquette." @AdamSchein on the Tyler Kolek-Taylor Swift drama
A Knicks spokesperson released a statement in defense of Swift’s fandom.
“Taylor Swift has been a Knicks fan for many years, has a long history with Madison Square Garden, and we are incredibly appreciative of her support of the organization,” the statement read.
When asked the question during an NBA 2K TikTok livestream on Thursday, Kolek said, “At the Knicks games, I would say it’s very performative because they just want to be seen at the game. They’re not necessarily fans.”
“Maybe Taylor Swift? I don’t know if I’ve seen her at any other games,” he added. “I guess she has a lot going on so she can’t come all the time. But it’s a little performative.”
New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek (13) looks for an opening as Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) defends at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 25, 2026. Jason Szenes for NY Post
Others sided with Kolek on Friday.
“Lmao Kolek be knowing. She be rooting for the Knicks but she’s not a diehard. She isn’t Anne Hathaway,” one fan said.
The likeness of James’ face isn’t shown in the advertisement. Instead, it’s just his back and his voice’s likeness.
Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James (23) signals a teammate against the Detroit Pistons in Detroit, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. AP Photo/Paul Sancya
Exclusive: LeBron James sent a cease and desist to the Bron AI sports betting app for this ad that evokes his name and uses his likeness without authorization.
But there’s no question that the resemblance is uncanny, aside from the jersey being word says “Bron” on the back as opposed to “James”.
James has a distinctive back structure and numerous tattoos on his arms that are visible. The Bron AI app video includes them all, or at least those which would be visible from this same angle.
LeBron James’ AI-generated likeness in the Bron AI advertisement (X/@FOS).
And it would be easy to confuse the voice in the video with that of LeBron, given how similar the two sound.
But the way the video mimics LeBron’s walk at the end of the advertisement might be the eeriest moment of all, given how James’ distinct strut and swagger was recaptured.
LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on before a game against the Chicago Bulls in Philadelphia, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. Getty ImagesLeBron James’ AI-generated likeness in the Bron AI advertisement (X/@FOS).LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Oct. 20, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
The biggest difference between this AI-generated LeBron and the one in real life if the hair on AI LeBron’s head, compared to him now sporting a bald look.
Dončić’s likeness doesn’t appear in that same video, but he and his team clearly took issue with how it was portrayed somewhere else in the Bron AI app.
There was no way this likeness was ever going to be allowed to last longer than the few days it was before James’ team put an end to it.
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 23: Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against the New York Knicks during second half of the Celtics Home Opener at TD Garden on October 23, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 107-103. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
CHARLOTTE — Jordan Walsh isn’t thrilled with his start to the season. The 22-year-old has played double-digit minutes in every game and has been tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best players, as is customary.
But at Celtics shootaround Friday morning, Walsh said he was underwhelmed with his impact on the team so far.
“I think it’s been okay,” Walsh said. “I don’t think it’s been good or great or nothing like that. I think it’s been just okay. Haven’t been, like, the best version of myself, but the team’s winning, everybody’s happy, so it’s all good.”
Walsh started the first five games of the season but has come off the bench for the last three. He hasn’t shot particularly well — he’s shooting 38.2% from the field and 30% from three — but it’s all in a very small sample. So far, he’s averaging 4.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 15.4 minutes per night, both numbers slightly lower than last season.
“I haven’t been playing great — but the starting, not starting thing, it’s not about that,” Walsh said. “That’s just kind of like Joe’s thing, like he wants to try new things. Like, that’s fine. But I’m still playing the same amount of minutes. So, I still gotta produce in those minutes. Like, I gotta do that better.”
Walsh isn’t on the court to stuff the stat sheet; his defensive success sometimes shows up as steals or blocks, but more often, it’s more nuanced.
“For me, it’s more about the defensive impact, and a lot of the time that stuff doesn’t really show up in the box score,” Walsh said. “Like, it doesn’t show up how many times I negate a screen, or how many times the star player doesn’t get the ball that possession, just gives up. Like, it doesn’t track that kind of stuff. So it’s never really based off of that, anyway — that’s not where my value lies.”
Walsh’s minutes have been trending downwards as Hugo Gonzalez has slotted into the starting lineup. After playing 18 or more minutes in three of the Celtics’ first four games, he hasn’t played more than 12 minutes since October 27th.
While he knows his counting stats aren’t the priority, he said he wants to see a marked improvement in his defensive impact. It’s an imperfect stat, especially this early on, but he currently has the second-worst plus-minus on the team; the Celtics have been outscored by 10 points in his minutes so far this season (Mitchell Robinson has the worst total plus-minus on the team at -37).
“I still have a standard that I’ve set, and the organization has for me that I need to meet, even if it’s not scoring.”
WHITE PLAINS, NY - FEBRUARY 21: Dink Pate #1 of the Westchester Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Cleveland Charge on February 21, 2026 at Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY. 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 Luther Schlaifer/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
New York’s G League affiliate opens its 2026-27 season tonight against the Maine Celtics in the Tip-Off Tournament. The roster features three players on two-way contracts, a returning fan favorite (hint: he’s great on toast), and a collection of prospects hoping to dribble their way up to an NBA court.
With the Knicks operating near the second apron, Westchester provides a way to develop young players without committing additional standard roster spots. Two-way players can spend most of the season in White Plains while remaining available for NBA duty, subject to a limit of up to 50 games on the active roster. The G League has also given players like Deuce McBride and Tyler Kolek opportunities to get more work. Here’s a peek at the players worth watching.
Dalton Knecht: A second chance in New York
Of everyone on Westchester’s roster, Dalton Knecht has the clearest path to helping the big club this season. The 2024 first-round pick (17th overall) arrived after the Lakers waived him, with New York releasing Kevin McCullar Jr. to make room for Knecht on a two-way contract. This low-risk move could pay off if the former Tennessee star rediscovers his shooting touch and improves his court awareness, which was a criticism raised in the comments section at Silver Screen and Roll.
The 25-year-old made a promising debut for the New York Knicks this week, scoring 10 points on efficient 4-of-6 shooting (including two threes) with seven boards, a dime, and a block in 16 minutes off the bench in a rout of the Bulls. Finding consistent playing time will be difficult, however. With Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Landry Shamet, Pacôme Dadiet, and Mohamed Diawara competing for minutes on the wings, Knecht will probably need an injury or another opening to receive an extended look. (TBH, he already looks ahead of Dadiet.)
Coach Mike Brown has said he’d rather see Knecht playing meaningful minutes in the G League than sitting on the NBA bench. Makes sense. Knecht needs opportunities to shoot, make decisions, and work through mistakes. He has shown he can score, but questions remain about his defense, shot selection, and ability to contribute consistently as a role player.
If Knecht performs well enough, the organization could eventually consider converting him to a standard NBA contract, which would require sufficient roster and financial room. For now, he should get plenty of opportunities to let it fly against G League competition.
Tyler Nickel: A sniper
Speaking of flamethrowers . . . Tyler “Silent K” Nickel might be the most straightforward fit for what the Knicks need. New York selected the Vanderbilt sharpshooter with the 47th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after an impressive senior season. He followed that with a promising Summer League showing and signed a two-way contract.
From what we’ve seen, Nickel moves well without the ball, finds open space, and punishes defenses for leaving him unattended. The big league Knicks have several players capable of creating offense, and a dependable perimeter shooter who doesn’t require many touches could fit nicely alongside them (see: Landry Shamet).
His defense will help determine how quickly the 23-year-old advances. He needs to prove he can handle quicker, stronger NBA bodies while maintaining his shooting efficiency against more aggressive closeouts. Westchester should give him plenty of reps to work on both.
Nickel doesn’t seem to have Knecht’s offensive versatility, but his shooting gives him a clearly defined role. If he can hold his own defensively, he could become a useful option for additional spacing. For the time being, Westchester might have its very own set of Splash Brothers to keep you entertained (at a reasonable price).
Jaden Akins: Defense and versatility
Jaden Akins took a less direct route to New York. Undrafted out of Michigan State in 2025, he spent last season with the Motor City Cruise after earning All-Big Ten third-team and All-Defensive recognition as a senior. His combination of scoring, secondary playmaking, and defense caught the Knicks’ attention. Westchester acquired his returning player rights in September, and he secured a two-way contract before the season.
Akins faces considerable competition at the one- and two-guard spots. His best chance of separating himself is to use his time at Westchester to polish his defense and his work off the ball. Can he defend multiple positions, run an offense for stretches, and make open shots? Can he contribute consistently without committing unnecessary fouls or turnovers? Those qualities will probably matter more to New York than his individual scoring averages.
Dink Pate: Back for another season
The fan favorite returns! Dink Pate returns to Westchester after a confusing offseason. The 6’8” wing, still only 20 years old, averaged approximately 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists across 50 games with the club last season. He subsequently attempted to play college basketball at Providence, but that plan fell through amid questions about his NCAA eligibility. The Knicks signed and waived him on an Exhibit 10 contract, and he returned to Westchester, which already held his G League rights.
Pate has length, can create his own offense, and contributes as a rebounder and passer. His combination of physical tools and professional experience makes him one of Westchester’s more interesting developmental players. Decision-making and efficiency are where he needs improvement.
Unlike Knecht, Nickel, and Akins, Pate doesn’t have a two-way contract. He would need an available two-way or standard roster spot and a new NBA contract to join the big club. Westchester’s rights also don’t prevent another NBA team from signing him. Thus, his time in White Plains is a prove-it run for a broader audience—so we expect to see some inspired hooping from him this season.
Frontcourt depth: Robbins, Dante, and Miličić
Westchester’s frontcourt includes several players who could provide useful depth. Liam Robbins, a seven-footer who went undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2023, is probably the most recognizable. He showed some encouraging work around the iron during Summer League with the Knicks, and Westchester subsequently acquired his G League rights.
Robbins brings size, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability. The big league club could use more reliable center depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond, with James Wiseman slow to make an impression. Robbins could use his time in White Plains to convince the team he deserves a look—perhaps before the front office starts eyeing its surplus of guards as trade bait.
N’Faly Dante, the 6-foot-11 former Oregon center, is working his way back from an ACL injury. His size and athleticism lift our eyebrows, but getting healthy and regaining his previous form will be the immediate priorities.
Igor Miličić Jr., a 6-foot-10 forward out of Tennessee, brings international experience and positional versatility after spending time with the Delaware Blue Coats last season. Improving his outside shooting and defensive consistency would help him take the next step.
The wings: Jourdain, Okani, and company
Westchester also has several forwards competing for rotation minutes. Nick Jourdain returns after averaging roughly eight points and more than five rebounds last season. The former Memphis forward provides rebounding, energy, and defensive effort. His journey from local tryout to returning player is a nice story, even if an NBA opportunity remains a longer shot.
Toby Okani, the former West Virginia wing, brings length and athleticism after spending time with multiple G League organizations. David Dixon, an undrafted forward out of Duquesne, and Tahj-Malik Campbell are also trying to establish roles after joining the training camp group.
The guards: Shooting potential
Westchester’s backcourt includes several capable players. Mitchell Mascari is worth watching after arriving from the Stockton Kings. The 6’5” guard shot approximately 42% from downtown last season, giving Westchester another option to stretch the floor.
Paul Zilinskas returns as a scoring option at guard and on the wing, while Amir “Primo” Spears joins the club after being selected 25th in the 2026 G League Draft. Spears brings extensive college experience, including a productive stint at UTSA, and spent last season playing professionally in Mexico.
The road begins in Maine
The three two-way players will receive the most attention this season, although we’ll also keep an eye on Pate (‘cuz he’s kinda electric). The rest of the roster will compete for minutes and try to establish themselves as dependable professional players. Westchester opens its Tip-Off Tournament schedule tonight at 7 p.m. against the Maine Celtics at the Portland Expo, then faces the same opponent at the same venue Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Both games will air on MSG Network.
They had to do so once again on Thursday, when Thompson’s Miami Heat came to town.
At least Steph Curry (who had 29 points in the Warriors- 120-100 win) managed to make light of this at one point in the game, when he pointed at his former teammate and gave a thumbs-up during a brief pause in the action.
Steph Curry pointing at Klay Thompson when the Golden State Warriors played the Miami Heat on Thursday. (@NBA).
A clip of Steph doing so went viral on social media, tallying over three million views since the NBA’s X account posted it on Thursday night.
Even though Thompson (who didn’t see what Curry did) didn’t look too enthused during the viral clip, comments he made about reuniting with Curry postgame show how heartwarming it was for him.
“It was fun. It was really fun. He’s still super crafty still to this day,” Thompson, who had 11 points in the loss but blocked one of Curry’s shots at one point, said.
Klay Thompson looking at at fan after Steph Curry pointed at him. (X/@NBA).
“What Steph is doing, I got to see it every night and it became normal, but to see it as an opponent it was incredible, especially that he’s nearing 40 and he moves like a young athlete. It’s all the respect in the world for him. He deserves all the accolades and adulation and money. He’s just 1 of 1 and the game is going to miss him when he does hang it up,” he added, per Yahoo Sports.
Thompson wasn’t the only Splash Brother to allude to their respective careers reaching their twilight last night.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, Nov. 5, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“It’s definitely surreal, but it’s also a blessing we’re still playing. Every time we play against him it’s one closer to the end. Just trying to appreciate it,” Curry said to NBA TV after the game.
It’s awesome for fans to see these two relishing what’s left of their time on the court together, even when they’re playing for different teams.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Jalen Smith #25 of the Chicago Bulls goes up for a shot on Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Chase Center on March 10, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors have contacted the New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks to gauge the organization’s interest in a potential trade for center Kristaps Porzingis (or really his contract), per a report by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. With Porzingis likely headed for retirement and accepting the Warriors withholding his salary, Siegel reports that he is expected to accept a significant buyout from his $20 million salary. The Dubs front office is trying to use his contract as a trade exception in the next month to solidify the team’s depth without limiting their options at the trade deadline.
“Among the many teams the Warriors have contacted since the start of the season, as reported earlier on Friday in our weekly newsletter, ClutchPoints has been able to confirm with league sources three teams in particular: the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and New Orleans Pelicans,” Siegel wrote.
The Warriors interest in Pelicans wings Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones has been reported on for years, and the Dubs reportedly called New Orleans about center Yves Missi earlier this season as well. However, the fact that the two sides have not previously agreed to a deal should leave fans skeptical that a deal will happen now (especially months before the trade deadline).
Siegel’s reporting suggests the Warriors and Bucks were not close to a deal for Myles Turner, with different evaluations of his contract’s value. As for the Bulls, Siegel highlighted center Jalen Smith.
“Going back to the topic of potential trade suitors for Porzingis, the Warriors showed interest in Bulls’ center Jalen Smith in a potential Porzingis-oriented deal with Chicago, but the Bulls have not shown a willingness to make such a move at this time, sources said,” Siegel said. “The Bulls are wanting to evaluate their roster and potential moves closer to the trade deadline unless draft compensation is included, despite opening the year as one of the worst teams in the NBA.”
Smith would be an excellent to the Warriors current front court depth. While he lacks the explosive ceiling that Golden State hoped to get from Porzingis, he is an incredibly well rounded role player who would give head coach Steve Kerr another center who can shoot threes other than 40-year old Al Horford.
The 10th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, Smith never found his footing in Phoenix and was quickly viewed around the league as a bust before finding consistency with the Indiana Pacers. Over the past five seasons, split between Indiana and Chicago, Smith has averaged 9.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks on 50.1%/34.3%/74.9% shooting in 18.0 minutes per game (254 games, 76 starts).
Still only 26, Smith has been the primary starting center for the first time in his career this season. While he is posting career highs in minutes (22.5), points (11.0), rebounds (7.8), assists (1.8), and blocks (0.9) per game so far this season, the Bulls are 1-7 and have been among the worst teams in the league. Slated to be a free agent at the end of the season, Smith seems destined to be traded before the deadline for a package built around second-round picks. The question is, will the Warriors be able to convince the Bulls to make that move before the new year?
The Warriors only have two tradeable second round picks, one in 2030 and another in 2033. One added enticement they could add to a deal with the Bulls, who have notoriously cheap owner Jerry Reinsdorf, would be to take back either Buddy Hield or Zach Collins alongside Smith. The Warriors would likely waive either player, but would effectively be taking $18-$19 million off the Bulls books. Assuming the Bulls agreed to a buyout with Porzingis in the $6-8 million range that Siegel speculates, Bulls ownership could save around $10 million.
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 5: Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 5, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center 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
Sometimes all it takes is a spark, however small, to start a fire and change a team’s trajectory. Even if that spark comes against an opponent you wouldn’t necessarily consider quality.
The Phoenix Suns’ 117-104 victory over the Orlando Magic might be that spark, although with Houston and San Antonio staring them down on the schedule over the next few days, there’s a chance we won’t look back at this game as the moment that ignited some great blaze. But there were things we witnessed that can be deposited into the old adjustments bank, lessons that could serve as valuable reference points when trying to manufacture future victories.
One of those lessons, as obvious as it might seem, is that feeding Devin Booker early remains one of the best ways to give this team an opportunity to win basketball games.
Booker is the $57 million man, and constructing a roster that forces him to assume duplicative responsibilities within the starting lineup isn’t exactly ideal. Too often, we see Booker drift away from his natural role as a shooting guard and become the primary playmaker, tasked with creating opportunities for everyone else rather than focusing on what he does best.
Against Orlando, we saw something different. In the first half, Booker went 8-of-13 from the field, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, scoring 23 points while establishing himself as the focal point of the offense.
Granted, this was the Orlando Magic. Quality opponents have demonstrated the ability to scheme Booker out of games, as we saw earlier this season against a shorthanded Oklahoma City Thunder team. And that’s precisely why the argument for having a quality facilitator persists.
When you have somebody capable of assuming the responsibility of distributing the basketball, opposing defenses have another variable to account for. They have to dedicate attention to disrupting that player’s ability to initiate the offense, which can create more opportunities for Booker to operate as a scorer. And when Booker gets going early, it creates opportunities for everyone around him. As he begins to command the defensive gravity we know he possesses, teammates find themselves with more space and cleaner looks. The hope is that by the time an opposing defense figures out how to slow him down, Booker has already inflicted enough damage to force them into scrambling, opening up opportunities for the rest of the roster to capitalize.
Getting Devin Booker engaged early should be the North Star for this team. If opposing defenses are finding ways to take the ball out of his hands, then it’s the coaching staff’s responsibility to scheme ways to get it back into his hands in situations where he can be effective.
Here’s a fun stat for you. Throughout his career, Booker has attempted 13 or more field goals in the first half of a game 110 times. In those games, the Suns have a .582 winning percentage. And when Booker does what he did last night, shooting 60% or better from the field while attempting at least 13 shots in the first half, that winning percentage climbs to .727. What’s interesting is that since the acquisition of Bradley Beal prior to the 2023-24 season, Booker has attempted 13 or more field goals in the first half 30 times. The other 80 times occurred pre-Beal, with 46 occurring alongside Chris Paul.
Devin Booker went 8-of-13 in the first half against Orlando.
Fun stat:
When Booker attempts 13+ shots in the first half, the Suns are 64–46 (.582) in his career.
When he shoots 60% or better on 13+ first-half attempts? That winning percentage jumps to .727.
I’m certainly not breaking any new ground by suggesting that your most skilled scorer should be looking to score early and often, especially when doing so creates opportunities for the players around him. But that’s exactly what we witnessed against Orlando. Booker scored only seven points in the second half, yet he added four assists as Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges began finding more opportunities to contribute offensively, benefiting from the defensive gravity Booker had established earlier in the game.
Perhaps this needs to become a point of emphasis for the coaching staff, along with a mental adjustment for Booker himself. Because when you look at the rosters he’s played alongside since Chris Paul left town, it’s difficult to argue that they’ve consistently been constructed to maximize his greatest strength, which can create a malaise and affinity for falling into distribution responsibilities rather than getting yours.
Playing alongside Bradley Beal, whose availability was frequently compromised by injuries, eventually led to stretches in which Eric Gordon or Tyus Jones ran the offense. Now Booker finds himself sharing the backcourt with Jalen Green, another player whose natural instincts lean toward scoring rather than facilitating. None of those combinations has been particularly conducive to allowing Booker to operate consistently in the role where he’s most dangerous.
While there are legitimate criticisms of Booker’s game, particularly his struggles executing in clutch situations and the difficulties he encounters when more physical defenders impose their will on him, those concerns shouldn’t prevent us from recognizing what he does well. When Booker establishes himself offensively early, forces defenses to react, and creates opportunities for his teammates to capitalize, that’s the version of Devin Booker this team needs. And when that approach contributes to a much-needed victory, it deserves recognition and applause.
The Suns aren’t going to solve every roster deficiency overnight, and the challenges of getting Booker quality looks against better competition aren’t going anywhere. But there’s something to be said for simplifying the approach and putting your best player in positions to succeed. Orlando provided a reminder of what happens when Booker dictates the offense rather than reacting to it. If Phoenix is searching for a spark that can become something sustainable, getting Booker going early seems like a pretty damn good place to start.
Since the Lakers acquired Walker Kessler over the summer, most of the conversation regarding his play, and subsequent impact, has been tied to the cost paid to land him.
The multiple years and millions of dollars, the draft picks and swaps, each have served as footnotes after every game thus far.
While fair given what the Lakers need from him going forward, it has also put increased emphasis on his raw production rather than influence. If you’re into that kind of thing, Kessler’s per-game numbers are solid. His 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and four stocks nightly will play. However, it doesn’t capture the full spectrum of his impact.
On offense, Kessler is still navigating life as Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves’ screener. It’s an entirely new world compared to the barren guard groups he played next to with the Utah Jazz.
Things like timing, pick angles and court-mapping will take time. But the early results have been encouraging nevertheless.
After his dunk-centric eruption on opening night, defenses have already begun selling out in the paint to take away his lob and cut chances.
Due to this, Kessler has not been able to duplicate his scoring outbursts, but it hasn’t lessened his value to the offense either. A direct result of teams loading up and tagging Kessler — often with multiple defenders — is that it has created open shots from the perimeter, as seen in the clips below.
Walker Kessler scored just 2 points, but his roll gravity drew Utah’s defense and created wide-open threes. The Lakers went 20/47 (43%) from deep. pic.twitter.com/y7X8Ui6GAG
Kessler’s roll gravity also extends to his rebounding ability. As one of the league’s best second-chance creators, and simply being a massive person, Kessler often draws multiple players to him whenever a shot goes up.
This fear is well warranted. The Lakers’ offensive rebound percentage jolts up nearly 10% when Kessler is on the floor compared to off. Like a black hole, this sucks up defenders from the corners and creates quality looks for shooters. The Lakers are currently shooting 43.9% from the corners this season, the second-best mark in the league.
Beyond the attention Kessler attracts on offense simply from existing, his omnipresence is probably best demonstrated with the impact he’s had on the Lakers’ defense.
As the backbone and backline, Kessler’s presence in the paint has allowed the team’s wings to be extremely aggressive shocking the ball with the trust that the center will clean up any mistakes. This disruptive style has resulted in the Lakers being one of the best defenses in terms of forced turnovers.
And when his teammates do get burned for gambling or getting blown by, Kessler has been iron-clad protecting the basket.
Not only are opposing teams shooting just 26.9% of their shots at the rim when Kessler is on the floor — would rank fourth-best in the NBA — they are also missing once he meets them there.
Among the 12 players who have defended at least 50 shots within six feet this season, Kessler ranks first in defended shooting percentage against (45.1%) while also contesting the second-most attempts behind only Victor Wembanyama, according to the league’s tracking data.
Last night Walker Kessler contested 14 Warriors shots, they made 3 of them. Some, were missed threes, but a lot were contests in the paint including five blocks. pic.twitter.com/9RThoBA0DI
Kessler’s deterrence and effectiveness in shutting off the paint is not solely due to his size.
His height and frightening wingspan do help, yes. But what drives his success is his impressive motor. With every second jump contest, race down the floor and closeout to a 3-point shooter, Kessler’s care factor is never in doubt. That goes a long way to actualizing his defensive upside.
Despite how hard he ultimately tries, the Lakers are learning firsthand that Kessler can’t be everywhere at once. This is never more true than the defensive drop-off once he’s on the bench.
Through their first nine games, the Lakers have allowed a defensive rating of 110.1 with Kessler on the court compared to 117.2 when he’s been off. That’s a discrepancy that is the equivalent of the team performing like the eighth-best defense versus the 26th.
While his individual numbers will likely fluctuate nightly, and even quarterly, as illustrated by his dominant final frame — 10 points, five rebounds, four blocks and a steal — against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, Kessler has proven to be more than suited for the role bestowed upon him.
He may not be the thundering force that Dončić is or as crafty as Reaves, but Kessler’s job as the Lakers’ silent protector has been as critical to the team’s strong start.
It won’t always look like he’s had a good game in the box score. But just watch how that opposing ball-handler goes wide-eyed and makes a U-turn when the giant in purple and gold makes his stand.
More than any numbers can ever quantify, Kessler’s game is measured in fear. And the Lakers are benefiting from it so far.
All stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise stated. You can follow Alex on Bluesky at @alexregla.bsky.social
During a TikTok stream where the pair were playing NBA 2K, New York Knicks guards Tyler Kolek and Miles “Deuce” McBride were asked a question: who was the 'fakest' celebrity fan they encountered during the Knicks’ championship run? Kolek didn't hesitate to name a major celebrity.
Kolek promptly named pop superstar Taylor Swift, who made headlines for her courtside appearance at Game 4 of the Knicks’ series against the San Antonio Spurs on June 10, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. Swift was spotted in a custom blue-and-orange T-shirt with the pun “Stevie Knicks,” accompanied by her longtime friends Mariska Hargitay, Alana Haim, and Este Haim.
"I don't know if I've seen her at any other games… It's a little performative," Kolek said during the live stream.
McBride, laughing, agreed with Kolek's assessment but was quick to warn his teammate: "I would agree. The Swifties aren’t going to like that answer."
Saving himself from the potential backlash, Kolek quickly clarified his remarks. He suggested that her busy schedule might simply prevent her from attending more often.
McBride teased Kolek for trying to backtrack and from the wrath of Swift’s loyal fanbase.
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 10: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 10, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors Kristaps Porzingis saga is expected to come to an end before the end of the year, according to a report by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Porzingis, who re-signed with the Dubs last season on a partially guaranteed two-year, $40 million deal, opted not to join the team for training camp and has accepted not receiving payments, seemingly deciding to retire. However, hoping to make the best out of an unexpected situation, the Warriors are hoping to use Porzingis’ salary essentially as a trade exception. While that was all known, Siegel’s reporting suggests the front office is expected to trade Porzingis by December 16th.
“For starters, Porzingis’ time with the Warriors is over,” Siegel wrote. “He will not be playing another game for this franchise, as ClutchPoints reported on Oct. 23 before the team’s first game of the season, and it’s almost a given he will be traded, likely within the next 30-40 days… Much like how the Warriors traded for Dennis Schroder in the middle of December during the 2024-25 season, only to re-aggregate him in a bigger deal for Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, league sources are anticipating a similar strategy this time around with Porzingis.”
Siegel notes that players who signed free agent contracts this offseason will all become trade-eligible on December 15th, which will also give teams more options on that day. Moreover, December 16th is the deadline for a player to be traded and still be eligible to be aggregated in a deal at the trade deadline in February. So while it’s definitely possible for a deal to be made sooner, that effectively becomes the deadline for the Warriors front office if they would like to make a smaller move with Porzingis that would leave them flexibility to still go looking for bigger fish at the deadline.
Siegel’s reporting does not even engage with a scenario where the Warriors do not trade Porzingis in December. It’s worth wondering if they would simply hold onto him until the trade deadline if they did not receive an offer that enticed them enough before. With the Warriors 6-3 and looking like a legit playoff team, though, the front office should be less inclined to slow play adding depth to the roster.
