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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Tuesday, September 29

Ivica Zubac Rapidly Building Chemistry With Pacers Core in Minicamp

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Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac reported strong early progress developing chemistry with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam during a players-only minicamp. Zubac noted that playing with Haliburton feels remarkably natural thanks to the point guard's exceptional basketball IQ. To better handle Indiana's fast pace, Zubac focused on improving his conditioning over the summer and has worked on expanding his shooting range, though his primary focus remains executing his established strengths.

Pascal Siakam Developing Early Chemistry With Pacers Teammates

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Pascal Siakam is making strong progress developing chemistry with Tyrese Haliburton and newly arrived center Ivica Zubac after participating in the Indiana Pacers' recent players-only minicamp. Zubac noted that playing alongside Haliburton and Siakam feels natural due to high basketball IQs. Siakam looks to anchor the frontcourt as the Pacers prepare for the upcoming season with an emphasis on conditioning to handle Indiana's high-octane pace.

Anthony Davis Adopts Wait-and-See Approach to Wizards Extension Talks

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Entering his first full season in Washington, 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis stated he will wait until the season is over before holding discussions on a long-term contract extension. Currently earning $58.5 million with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, Davis is focused on staying healthy following left hand ligament damage and helping the Wizards change their culture. He praised offseason additions like AJ Dybantsa, Khris Middleton, and Deandre Ayton for signaling a competitive mindset.

Jayson Tatum Feeling Explosive and Refreshed Ahead of 2026-27 Season

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At Celtics Media Day, Jayson Tatum reflected on spending last season on the bench recovering from a torn Achilles, noting that watching from a coach's perspective helped slow the game down. Now 16.5 months removed from surgery and fully healthy with a clean bill of health, an extended offseason has allowed him to focus on gaining strength and explosive power. Analysts noted his increased patience, with Brad Stevens expressing complete confidence in his stellar outlook.

Dylan Harper Makes Bold Starting Lineup Declaration at Media Day

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San Antonio Spurs backcourt partners Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle were featured in a GQ Hype cover story during media day, outlining their championship ambitions. Harper made his stance clear regarding his sophomore role, stating bluntly, "I ain't coming off no bench." Coming off an impressive rookie campaign and strong playoff performances where he averaged 14.1 points, Harper's desire for a starting role presents an interesting challenge for head coach Mitch Johnson alongside De'Aaron Fox.

Stephon Castle Reflects on NBA Finals and Outlines Championship Goals

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San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle featured in a GQ Hype story alongside Dylan Harper, declaring, "We finna go back," to emphasize the team's championship aspirations. Reflecting on last season's NBA Finals against the Knicks, Castle described the Madison Square Garden crowd as "underwhelming" compared to Oklahoma City's arena. Castle scored 23 points in a Game 3 Finals victory as the young Spurs prepare to take on expanded roles this upcoming season.

Christian Braun Focuses on Increasing Three-Point Volume and Efficiency

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Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun stated that increasing both his three-point volume and efficiency was his primary developmental focus during the offseason. After connecting on 30.1 percent of his deep shots across 44 regular-season appearances in 2025-26 following a 39.7 percent campaign previously, Braun is emphasizing a confident shooting mindset: "Shoot more. Make more. Don't hesitate." A return to form will help provide vital floor spacing alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Jalen Green Works With Steve Nash to Enhance Playmaking Skills

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Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green revealed that improving his playmaking and pace were major offseason focuses, including working with Hall of Famer Steve Nash. Green averaged 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 32 games in 2025-26. Nash's mentorship aims to help him better read the floor and control game tempo to boost his offensive impact in transition opportunities.

Thomas Bryant Aims for Consistent Role in Second Year with Cavs

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Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant is preparing for his second year with the team after posting 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season. While his three-point shooting and spacing can be erratic, Bryant has shown he can be a serviceable backup when given consistent minutes. With roster changes and a year in the system, he looks to provide reliable minutes behind the team's frontcourt.

Myles Turner Focuses on Internal Expectations and Leadership for Bucks

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At Milwaukee's media day, Myles Turner discussed organizing a team minicamp in Texas to build camaraderie among new players. Emphasizing his role as an 11-year veteran leader, Turner stated that he wants to set a strong example through his actions and work ethic. Dismissing outside media narratives, he asserted that the team's only expectations are internal, focusing on the daily requirements needed to win and mesh alongside new frontcourt partner Kel'el Ware.

Tyler Herro Embraces New Era and Team-First Goals With Milwaukee Bucks

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During Bucks Media Day, Tyler Herro discussed his transition to Milwaukee following the trade from Miami, expressing excitement about starting a new era of basketball. Dismissing notions that he is replacing Giannis Antetokounmpo, Herro emphasized that his focus is entirely on the group rather than individual stats. He praised the organization's warm welcome and aims to help lead his new teammates, coach Taylor Jenkins, and the rest of the roster to as many wins as possible.

Kristaps Porziņģis Sidelined Indefinitely With Undisclosed Health Issue

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The Golden State Warriors announced that Kristaps Porziņģis will be out indefinitely due to a health issue discovered just before media day, causing him to miss the start of training camp and their trip to Hawaii. Acquired at last season's trade deadline, Porziņģis recently signed a two-year, $40 million extension with $3 million guaranteed next year. His absence forces veteran Al Horford into an expanded role while placing increased offensive pressure on Stephen Curry and the team's depth.

Moses Moody Sidelined with Injury Until Midseason Mark

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Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody will be sidelined with an injury until the midseason mark of the upcoming campaign. Alongside teammate Jimmy Butler's injury, Moody's absence leaves open minutes in Golden State's rotation, potentially clearing the way for rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg and other young contributors to play crucial roles during the early portion of the 82-game schedule.

Jimmy Butler Sidelined with Injury Until Midseason Mark

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Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler is expected to be sidelined with an injury until the midseason mark. Before training camp, Butler hosted a players-only camp in San Diego, where rookie Yaxel Lendeborg briefly played alongside veterans Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Butler's absence creates an early-season opportunity for younger players to step into crucial roles in the Warriors' rotation.

Brice Sensabaugh Focuses on Defense and Playmaking This Summer

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Utah Jazz guard Brice Sensabaugh is putting in intense offseason work, focusing heavily on defense and playmaking after struggling defensively in his first three seasons. Jazz executive Austin Ainge noted Sensabaugh has had a particularly good summer. Sensabaugh aims to improve his shot selection, increase his rim pressure, and elevate his defensive consistency to secure a regular rotation spot and maximize his offensive talents.

Kevin Porter Jr. Reflects on Strong Season and Future Outlook

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Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. is coming off a strong season averaging 17.4 PPG, 7.4 APG, 5.2 RPG, and 2.2 SPG across 38 games. Known for his confidence and downhill scoring, Porter faces questions regarding his fit due to his 32.2% three-point shooting and high turnover rate. With new backcourt additions on the roster, his future with the Bucks remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract.

Kawhi Leonard Returns to Toronto as Preseason Questions Unfold

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As NBA training camps open across the league, attention turns to major roster shifts and injury recoveries, including Kawhi Leonard's notable return to Toronto. Teams navigate preseason storylines focusing on newcomer fits, contract disputes, and medical rehabilitations as organizations prepare for the challenges of the upcoming 82-game regular season.

Cooper Flagg Featured in Dallas Mavericks Preseason Preview and Rankings

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Reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg is central to the Dallas Mavericks' 2026-27 preseason outlook as the team builds its starting five around him. Analysts and players alike have offered guidance to the young star, with Draymond Green advising Flagg to develop his post game and utilize his growing height to maximize his scoring and overall impact on the floor as the Mavericks prepare for the new regular season campaign.

Kel'el Ware Featured in Early 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Evaluations

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Kel'el Ware appeared in recent 2026-27 fantasy basketball draft coverage and ranking discussions as teams and analysts prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Training camps officially opened across the league following media day festivities, setting the stage for rookie evaluations, roster battles, and early power rankings as players gear up for preseason action and the start of the regular season.

Darius Acuff Embraces Starting Role and Low Expectations in Sacramento

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No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff Jr. approached his first NBA media day with the maturity of a veteran, confirming he will be the starting point guard for the Sacramento Kings during the 2026-27 season. Acuff highlighted his early chemistry with Domantas Sabonis and guidance from veterans like Malik Monk and Zach LaVine. Fueling his competitive fire with the team's low external expectations, Acuff's singular focus as the new face of the franchise is simply to win games.