AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

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

Tuesday, September 29

Derrick White Confident He Fixed Shooting Struggles Ahead of New Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White addressed his shooting woes from last season, where he shot 39.4% from the field and 32.7% from three-point range. During media day, White expressed confidence that he has corrected those flaws after analyzing what went wrong. Despite the efficiency struggles, he posted career highs in points (16.5), assists (5.4), steals (1.1), and blocks (1.3) while earning All-Defensive First Team honors and finishing sixth in DPOY voting.

Marcus Smart Joins Houston Rockets to Provide Defensive Edge

AutoDraft Pro AI

Entering his age-33 season, Marcus Smart signed with the Houston Rockets, bringing his trademark tenacious defense and veteran leadership to Ime Udoka's squad. Over recent seasons, Smart's games played have fluctuated, and his offensive numbers show declining assists and a career 33% three-point rate. While questions linger about his ability to address the Rockets' need for clutch scoring and rim pressure, his defensive tenacity is expected to bolster the bench rotation.

Monday, September 28

Baylor Scheierman Ready for Expanded Role with Celtics

AutoDraft Pro AI

At Boston Celtics Media Day, Baylor Scheierman stated the revamped roster is "just gonna hoop." After bulking up and improving his quickness over the summer, the third-year guard aims to lean into his quarterback skills, on-ball reads, and versatile defense. Following a successful sophomore season averaging nearly 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists, Scheierman is expected to be a key cog in the rotation.

Draymond Green Embraces New Rules and Praises Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green has fully embraced coach Steve Kerr's new rule eliminating traditional turnover leeway for him and Steph Curry. Coming off his new one-year, $27.7 million contract, Green is anchoring the Warriors' defense while helping integrate rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Green expressed strong early impressions of Lendeborg's high basketball IQ and seamless fit following impressive sequences in recent team practices and scrimmages.

Yaxel Lendeborg Primed for Major Rookie Role Alongside Curry and Green

AutoDraft Pro AI

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is drawing high praise from coach Steve Kerr and veterans Steph Curry and Draymond Green. The 6-foot-9 forward is expected to play a heavy rotation role early in the 2026-27 season while Jimmy Butler III recovers from knee surgery. Lendeborg, who aims for Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie honors, showcased his versatile skills, high basketball IQ, and ability to complement Golden State's stars during recent team scrimmages.

Danny Wolf Discusses Locker-Room Chemistry and the Brooklyn Nets

AutoDraft Pro AI

During Brooklyn Nets Media Day, Danny Wolf shared insights on locker-room chemistry, comparing team culture approaches across the NBA. Wolf, one of the final players to speak, aligned with the team's overarching theme of building a competitive environment. His comments followed introductions of incoming veterans like Julius Randle, Keon Ellis, and Moe Wagner, who are expected to anchor leadership roles and mentor younger players as the Nets prepare for preseason action.

Jaylen Brown Embraces New Era and Sacrifice with Sixers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jaylen Brown donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform at media day following his blockbuster trade after ten seasons in Boston. Teaming up with LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey, Brown emphasized the necessity of personal sacrifice to achieve a championship. Teammates and rivals alike adjusted to the surreal new dynamic, while former co-star Jayson Tatum expressed gratitude for their past success.

LeBron James Kicks Off Philadelphia 76ers Tenure at Media Day

AutoDraft Pro AI

LeBron James officially kicked off his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers at media day, donning a Sixers jersey after signing a two-year, $8 million contract. Aiming for a championship alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown, James was seen sharing lighthearted moments with teammates during the chaotic and fast-paced event. He prepares to face son Bronny and return to Los Angeles on Christmas Day.

Brandin Podziemski Changes Approach, Focuses Solely on Hoops

AutoDraft Pro AI

At Golden State Warriors media day, fourth-year guard Brandin Podziemski debuted a fresh hairstyle and a dialed-in mindset, stating his season will focus purely on hoops and winning games rather than making headlines. After facing fan scrutiny for past comments about succeeding Steph Curry and Draymond Green, Podziemski is tuning out social media and aiming to let his play on the hardwood speak for itself as he embraces his evolving role with the team.

Jalen Brunson Fully Cleared For Knicks Title Defense After Offseason Wrist Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Fresh off hosting 'Saturday Night Live' and winning Finals MVP through a painful left wrist tendon injury, Jalen Brunson is fully cleared for training camp as the New York Knicks begin their title defense. Brunson discussed adjusting to roster changes, maintaining discipline, and the patience he learned while spending the summer in a cast following his early July surgery, as the Knicks prepare to raise their first championship banner in 53 years.

Michael Porter Jr. And Brooklyn Nets In Ongoing Extension Talks Entering Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Extension talks between the Brooklyn Nets and Michael Porter Jr. are ongoing but lack urgency as training camp opens. Set to earn $40.8 million on an expiring deal, Porter stated he is not focused on money and hopes to lead the Nets alongside young talent. GM Sean Marks emphasized looking for consistency, leadership, and a step forward on defense from Porter, who averaged 25.6 points through January before dropping off down the stretch last season.

Aaron Gordon Prioritizes Health to Avoid Soft-Tissue Injuries

AutoDraft Pro AI

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is focused on his health for the 2026-27 season to avoid soft-tissue injuries after playing in just 36 regular-season games last year due to a right hamstring strain and a calf injury. Gordon plans to invest significantly more time warming up and cooling down. The 31-year-old veteran is fully ready to go ahead of the upcoming campaign, aiming to increase his availability for his teammates after consecutive injury-riddled seasons.

Julian Champagnie Unfazed By Starting Role Uncertainty

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Antonio Spurs swingman Julian Champagnie stated he is not paying attention to whether he starts or comes off the bench, focusing instead on helping the team contend following their NBA Finals loss to the Knicks. Coming off a career year averaging 11.1 points and 5.8 rebounds across 82 games, Champagnie faces uncertainty in the starting lineup due to Tobias Harris. However, fresh off signing a three-year, $45 million deal, he remains a key piece for San Antonio.

Anthony Davis to Defer Extension Talks with Wizards Until Next Season

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Wizards star Anthony Davis announced at media day that he plans to finish the upcoming season on his current $58.5 million contract before addressing extension options. Davis, who holds a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season, emphasized performing at a high level first and sitting down for key conversations with the front office once the campaign concludes.

Ben Simmons Slams Critics and Declares Full Health at Kings Media Day

AutoDraft Pro AI

Newly signed Sacramento Kings forward-guard Ben Simmons forcefully pushed back against critics claiming he lost his passion for basketball. Simmons, who missed the entire 2025-26 season rehabilitating chronic back and leg injuries, clarified that physical limitations, not lack of love for the game, kept him off the court. Now healthy, the veteran on a non-guaranteed minimum contract aims to compete daily and serve as a reliable backup point guard.

Stephen Curry Fully Cleared for Camp Following $116 Million Warriors Extension

AutoDraft Pro AI

Stephen Curry confirmed his knee is fully healthy with no limitations for training camp after signing a two-year, $116 million extension with Golden State. Feeling stronger after missing 39 games last season, Curry expressed supreme confidence in his physical condition and readiness to lead the Warriors. When informed at media day that pundits expect Golden State to miss the postseason, Curry dramatically walked away from the podium.

Ja Morant Expresses Openness to Any Role in Trail Blazers Backcourt

AutoDraft Pro AI

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant reaffirmed his readiness to contribute, stating he has no issue coming off the bench if it helps the team win. Portland's management retains high confidence in the two-time All-Star following his acquisition from Memphis, where he averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists over 20 games last season. Fully recovered from a prior elbow sprain, Morant is focused solely on helping Portland win.

Brandon Ingram To Miss Start Of Season After Achilles Surgery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Clippers forward Brandon Ingram will miss the start of the 2026-27 season after undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn Achilles tendon and a heel issue. Acquired from Toronto for Kawhi Leonard, the 29-year-old averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season. Interim president Trent Redden noted no fixed return timeline, though recovery is shorter than a full tear. Ingram played through pain last year before discovering the injury.

Bronny James Adjusts to Lakers Career Without Father LeBron

AutoDraft Pro AI

Bronny James is navigating his first NBA season without his father on the Los Angeles Lakers, admitting it feels like LeBron is not here after moving to Philadelphia. Entering his third year, Bronny wants to prove himself independently as a secondary ballhandler and point-of-attack defender in JJ Redick's new scheme. He bonded with teammates during a trip to Slovenia and is excited to face his father when the Lakers host the 76ers on Christmas.

Luka Dončić Leads Lakers After Hosting Slovenia Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Luka Dončić expressed excitement about assuming leadership for the Los Angeles Lakers following LeBron James' departure. Dončić stated he 'really wanted' newly acquired center Walker Kessler via trade from Utah. To build chemistry with nine new players, Dončić hosted a team mini camp in Slovenia, where he is fully healthy entering training camp after missing last postseason with a strained hamstring. The restructured squad is setting its sights squarely on an NBA championship.