Browsing: training

Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov is currently in the recovery phase after having major knee surgery.

It was five days ago that Barkov went under the knife to repair a torn ACL and MCL on his right knee, an injury he suffered the day before during a training camp practice at the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale.

According to the Panthers, Barkov is expected to miss anywhere from seven to nine months due to the surgery.

On Wednesday, with the NBAâ€s Miami Heat were taking part in their own training camp practice on the campus of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

Barkov, who apparently felt that five days post-surgery was more than enough time to wait, was seen using crutches on the court of FAUâ€s Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena while paying a visit to the Heat players and coaches.

Over the years, Barkov has been spotted at plenty of Heat games and he hasnâ€t been shy about saying heâ€s a big fan of local basketball squad.

The feeling is apparently mutual.

Just ask Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra, who has gotten to know Barkov a bit over the past couple decades.

“Heâ€s so inspiring,†said Spoelstra. “I love for all the guys to see him over there. Itâ€s been an electrifying run that theyâ€ve had the last three seasons, and heâ€s a major part of it. Yes, he has the talent, but when you start diving into what everybody says about his character, his leadership, his mentorship, about all the right things. He moves a locker room because of what heâ€s about. Thatâ€s real talent.â€

As Barkov stood on the sideline, watching practice while leaning on his crutches, several Heat players, coaches and executives, including Alonzo Mourning, came over to say hello and wish him their best.

To his credit, and to the surprise of no one who knows him, Barkov was all smiles, full of positivity.

“It is heartbreaking to see him on crutches, but then you talk to him and heâ€s saying, ‘Oh, no worries. Iâ€ll be back in five or six months,â€â€ Spoelstra said, adding that while he loves Barkovâ€s spirit regarding his recovery, he joked that the Panthers†medical staff would probably not want Barkov giving out timeline estimates just yet.

“I love that guy,†said Spo. “I love everything heâ€s about.â€

Barkovâ€s Panthers will play their final two preseason games against the Tampa Bay Lightning – Thursday in Tampa and Saturday in Sunrise – before hosting the Chicago Blackhawks for Opening Night on Tuesday at Amerant Bank Arena.

As for the Heat, their preseason slate begins on Saturday when they meet the Orlando Magic in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Photo caption: Jun 22, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, UNITED STATES; Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) speaks to the fans during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

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MARYLAND
HEIGHTS, Mo. — The St. Louis Blues
practiced Wednesday with as much of their opening night lineup as
possible, with a few exceptions, and the purpose was to get it ready
with the regular season opener just over a week away on Oct. 9 at
home against the Minnesota Wild.

But
the first practice group will be one that is utilized on Thursday
when the Blues play the second-to-last preseason game, and last home
preseason game, against the Ottawa Senators.

“Not
definitively but like 95 percent of it, yes,†Blues
coach Jim Montgomery said.

Jake
Neighbours and Alexey Toropchenko each was left off the top group
with what Montgomery called general soreness. Neighbours in fact
skated with the extra group following the main group, but
Toropchenko, who toe-picked in the first period and fell hard
backside into the boards, did not skate.

“Weâ€ve
got to get the continuity of our lines and everybody being together,â€
Montgomery
said.
“The last two home games, we had the (Robert)
Thomas
power play unit playing and last game we had the (Dylan)
Holloway-(Jordan)
Kyrou
unit playing together and we wanted to give them both most of the
power play time and tomorrow night, weâ€ll do our usual one minute,
one minute. Weâ€re not getting a lot of power plays but that seems
to be the way the league is going.â€

Neighbours
would have been slotted alongside Brayden Schenn, but it was Mathieu
Joseph there on Wednesday, with Nick Bjugstad, a center by trade but
someone versatile to play either spot, on the right wing, a position
the Blues are eager to see someone grab.

“All
along, we were going to play him a couple games at center, a couple
games at wing,†Montgomery
said of Bjugstad.
“That was part of it. Weâ€ve been putting everybody there kind
of-sort of with Schenn and Neighbours; heâ€s a little sore today so
we didnâ€t put him out there, but he usually would be playing.â€

The
job seems wide open.

“Until
we find one,†Montgomery
said.
“I think players have had good moments, players have had off
moments, so to answer your question, I donâ€t think anyoneâ€s
clearly grabbed it, no.â€

Bjugstad,
signed to a two-year, $3.5 million contract on July 1, doesnâ€t mind
whatever spot the Blues put him.

“I
told them Iâ€m comfortable at either spot,†Bjugstad
said.
“It depends on how the lineupâ€s sitting, what the needs are
obviously from that standpoint. For me, Iâ€ve done enough of both at
this point. Center is the natural. Thatâ€s what I grew up playing
obviously and was drafted us, but I donâ€t know. Iâ€m indifferent
Iâ€d say on wherever Iâ€m at. Iâ€ll go wherever. I made that clear
Iâ€m just trying to help the team. Wherever that is, whatever that
fit is, Iâ€ll do it.â€

Bjugstad
has played in two preseason games, and although itâ€s been more
bottom of the lineup with younger linemates, there seemed to be more
offensive bite Wednesday.

“I
thought he was good out there,†Montgomery
said.
“I noticed a lot more offensive plays happening. Now maybe thatâ€s
because he was with Schenn, I donâ€t know. But it seemed like he was
involved with a lot more offensive opportunities.

“He
made a high-end pass on the one drill that we did where he
toe-dragged and went backhand to the backdoor to ‘Snuggyâ€. Those
are the kind of plays I hadnâ€t seen before, so it looks like heâ€s
pretty comfortable at right wing. I talked to him before training
camp began and he said heâ€s comfortable at center or right wing.â€

If
the Blues can get Bjugstad

Also
a versatile choice: Oskar Sundqvist, who has experience at either
center or wing. Sundqvist was centering Milan Lucic and Nathan Walker
on Wednesday.

“Heâ€s
an option,†Montgomery
said.
“We know he can play there. His defensive stick is so good down low
and he covers over for people. Itâ€s hard to get away from him being
there as a coach.â€

–
– –

Donâ€t
discount the seventh defensive spot being an open competition this
late into camp.

And
itâ€s Hunter Skinner thatâ€s making
things very interesting for Matthew Kessel, the assumed seventh D-man
heading into training camp.

“Everythingâ€s
a battle. Itâ€s training camp,†Montgomery
said.
“The people that go out and grab it, itâ€s like third-line right
wing, have we had someone grab it yet? No, so thatâ€s why weâ€re
continuing to look at people. We know what our top six is going to
look like. We know what our top eightâ€s going to look like.â€

As
for Kessel?

“Heâ€s
had some really good moments,” Montgomery
said.
“Last night, I thought he was good red line in. I thought red line
towards our net, there were sometimes he could have made more
assertive, more aggressive plays to end plays, and thatâ€s something
I feel has been Kesselâ€s issue, probably why heâ€s been in and out
of the lineup is because of that. Heâ€s a great kid, heâ€s working
on it and he continues to work hard. Heâ€s doing a good job.â€

We
know who will not be starting here. Not this season, anyway, is 2023
first-round pick (No. 29 overall) is Theo Lindstein, who is playing
in North America for the first time. The lefty will be
Springfield-bound at some point.

“This
is a tough situation,†Montgomery
said.
“When you come over for your first time, youâ€re in your first
(season), not only is he getting used to the pace of play and smaller
rink, but heâ€s getting used to living in North America for the
first time. So thereâ€s a lot going on. I think heâ€s had days
where heâ€s been really good and heâ€s had days where he looks, I
donâ€t know if overwhelmed is the right word, but he looks like a
deer in headlights at times because thereâ€s a lot being thrown at
him.â€

Observations From Blues’ 5-3 Preseason Loss Vs. Stars
ST.
LOUIS – Dylan Holloway scored
twice, but the St. Louis Blues are now winless in four preseason
games after a 5-3 loss against the Dallas Stars at Enterprise Center
on Tuesday.

Former Blues First Overall Pick Announces Retirement After 17 NHL Seasons
Former 2006 St. Louis Blues first overall pick Erik Johnson has retired from professional hockey after 17 seasons in the NHL.

Blues Prospect Wins KHL Rookie Of The Week For Second Consecutive Week
St. Louis Blues prospect Mikhail Fyodorov has won the KHL rookie of the week for the second consecutive week.

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Dream Girl Ellie is a proud member of the Dark Arts.

While already a decorated champion on the indies, Dream Girl Ellie is always striving to learn even more about her craft as pro wrestler. Fortunately for her, her coaches are loaded with experience, both in the ring and in life.

During a recent interview with WrestleZoneâ€s Ella Jay, Ellie opened up about her experience learning under WWEâ€s Aleister Black and Zelina Vega at their invitation-only training gym, The Dark Arts. According to Ellie, one of Blackâ€s most important lessons is not only improving his students as athletes, but also as humans.

“Itâ€s actually really funny because with Aleister, heâ€s helping everyone come out of their shell in a confident way,†she said. “I was very confident when I would wrestle, but the real me wasnâ€t for a hot minute. I mean, everyone goes through their phase and stuff, but I think being there and he always says it, heâ€s like, ‘Iâ€m not just making you a better athlete, Iâ€m making you a better person.’â€

“Thereâ€s little things. There was stuff I didnâ€t think about,†Ellie continued. “Thereâ€s a gym in the school, and we always wipe down our equipment. And itâ€s one of those things where heâ€s like, ‘If youâ€re doing it here when you go to the gym, youâ€re going to do it there no matter what.†Youâ€re going to see something and be like, ‘Oh, let me go pick up this piece of trash.†Again, heâ€s making you a better person. So if youâ€re at the gym and you see cloths on the floor, Iâ€ve picked them up and I donâ€t even think about it anymore. Itâ€s just like normal.â€

Ellie Also Focuses On Psychology & Character

As a long-time fan of pro wrestling as well, Ellie is admittedly sometimes in disbelief of her opportunity to train with Black and Vega. Still, this disbelief comes with immense gratitude as the Florida native is able to further hone her skills, such as in-ring psychology and character work.

“From a fan standpoint sometimes Iâ€m like, ‘Wow, I actually know these people.†Then like I see them on TV and I was like, ‘Oh my god.†But from just a wrestling psychology standpoint, Aleister himself looks at wrestling so differently than everybody else,†Ellie said. “Zelina, sheâ€s such a great, I donâ€t want to say character because sheâ€s herself, but sheâ€s such a great character. We honestly have really, really good chemistry in the ring.â€

Watch our full interview with Dream Girl Ellie:

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NBA training camps have officially begun!

Monday marked the arrival of media day for most of the league’s 30 teams, with on-court practice beginning Tuesday — exactly three weeks before the Oklahoma City Thunder will raise their 2024-25 NBA championship banner.

We’ve got you covered as you dig into the 2025-26 season, with roster breakdowns for every team, top storylines, looming decisions and lingering issues to keep an eye on for the next few weeks.

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WSH

Guaranteed contracts: 10
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Managing expectations, Trae Young and Dyson Daniels

No extension for All-Star Trae Young and a possible new deal for All-NBA defender Dyson Daniels are the two biggest storylines coming out of Atlanta’s offseason. However, how this revamped team manages expectations will play a huge role in how we determine its success this season..

The Hawks added Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard and Asa Newell to a roster that lost to the Magic in the play-in, and according to ESPN BET, Atlanta now has the fourth-best odds to win the Eastern Conference. Keep in mind that since the 2017-18 season, Atlanta has missed the playoffs five times and has advanced past the first round only once.

As for the two extension candidates, Young is eligible to sign up to a four-year, $229 million deal through June 30, and Daniels is eligible up until Oct. 20. The Hawks last season signed Jalen Johnson to a five-year, $150 million rookie extension on the last day before the start of the regular season.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The last day to extend Dyson Daniels

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option for Zaccharie Risacher

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 12
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Frontcourt minutes

In a period of six weeks, the Celtics lost Jayson Tatum to an Achilles injury, traded Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta and saw Luke Kornet sign in San Antonio. Plus, last week, veteran Al Horford signed with Golden State. Those five players combined to start 184 games last season, averaging 61.3 points per game.

This past postseason, the Celtics gave 99.5% of their center minutes outside garbage time to Horford, Porzingis and Kornet, per Cleaning the Glass.

How the Celtics replace their production will come down to the committee of Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, Xavier Tillman and Josh Minott. In six starts last season, Queta averaged 9.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. He recently averaged 15.5 points per game for Portugal at the FIBA EuroBasket.

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Tatum feels ‘no pressure’ to return sooner from Achilles injury

Celtics star Jayson Tatum explains why there is no pressure to return quicker from his Achilles injury.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The contract of Neemias Queta becomes guaranteed

• Oct. 21: The salary protection of Jordan Walsh increases from $200K to $1.1 million

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Baylor Scheierman

Extension candidates:

• Jordan Walsh

• Anfernee Simons

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 1
Two-way:2

What to watch for:Player development, the minimum salary floor and roster cuts

From a development perspective, Brooklyn has eight players on first-round rookie contracts, including Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf and Drake Powell. The Nets also became the first team in history to select five players in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft. This offseason, they traded for former top-15 pick Kobe Bufkin and returned Dariq Whitehead and Noah Clowney for their third years.

Sixteen players on the current roster are 26 years old or younger, and Brooklyn will have to reduce its roster to 15 players by the start of the season.

With 15 players already on guaranteed contracts, the easy answer is to waive the three players on partial or non-guaranteed contracts: Jalen Wilson, Tyrese Martin and Drew Timme. Brooklyn has to spend 90% of the salary cap by the first day of the regular season, and by waiving all three, the Nets would fall below the minimum floor. They are currently $1.9 million over it.

To reach the floor, Brooklyn can either guarantee each of the three players and then waive them, keep all three but at the expense of a guaranteed contract, or use some of the available $13.6 million in cap space in a trade.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contract of Michael Porter Jr.

• Oct. 21: The contract of Jalen Wilson ($88K to $382K) increases in protection

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the fourth-year team options of Kobe Bufkin, Dariq Whitehead and Noah Clowney

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Roster availability, player development and final roster cuts

Expect the words “availability” and “player development” to be repeated often during training camp.

Last season, the Hornets ranked second in missed shots and used 36 different starting lineups. LaMelo Ball has played more than 60 games only once in five seasons and has missed at least 25 in the past three. Brandon Miller played only 27 games last season, missing the remainder of the season recovering from right wrist surgery. The trio of Ball, Miller and Miles Bridges started just seven games last campaign.

From a development standpoint, the Hornets have seven players on first- or second-round rookie contracts, including Tidjane Salaun, the sixth pick in the 2024 draft. Last season, Salaun averaged 21 minutes per game and shot 33% from the field and 28.3% on 3-pointers.

The Hornets also have decisions to make with their roster. They currently have 15 players with guaranteed contracts — and Moussa Diabate with no protection. Diabate started eight games at center last season and is expected to be part of the Hornets’ rotation.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 22: The protection of Moussa Diabate increases from $0 to $250K

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Tidjane Salaun and fourth-year team option of Brandon Miller

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts:15
Partial/Non:0
Exhibit 10: 1
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Who will start at small forward?

The Bulls eliminated a preseason distraction when restricted free agent Josh Giddey signed a four-year, $100 million contract in early September.

With Giddey signed, the focus in training camp is the open competition at small forward between Kevin Huerter and Isaac Okoro.

Since March 1, Huerter averaged 32.3 minutes per game and averaged a team-high plus-7.9, as the Bulls went 15-3 in their final 18 games when Huerter was on the floor. Okoro was acquired in the swap for Lonzo Ball, and he gives Chicago a physical defender but less spacing offensively when he is on the court.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The last day to extend the contract of Dalen Terry

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Matas Buzelis

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 11
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 5
Two-way:2

What to watch for:Donovan Mitchell’s workload and Lonzo Ball

It was no coincidence that Mitchell playing the fewest minutes in his career played a role in the All-Star playing 71 games last season, his most since 2018-19.

But because of injuries to Darius Garland and Max Strus at the end of the season, how the Cavaliers continue to manage the workload of Mitchell comes with questions.

Garland underwent toe surgery on June 9 and has resumed basketball activities. Strus underwent surgery on Aug. 26 for a Jones fracture in his left foot and will be reevaluated in three to four months.

The Cavaliers did acquire Ball in the offseason as a replacement for Ty Jerome and insurance while Garland is recovering. After missing two seasons recovering from multiple left knee surgeries, Ball played 35 games last season with Chicago but missed the last 23 games with a right wrist injury and played more than 30 minutes just once.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Jaylon Tyson

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:2

What to watch for:The first starting lineup

What a difference six months make.

Last spring, injuries decimated the Mavericks’ roster, leaving them with the league minimum of eight players available for games at times.

Head coach Jason Kidd now has the welcome challenge of selecting a starting lineup from one of the deepest teams in the NBA as the Mavericks enter training camp. Out of the 15 players on the roster, only rookie Cooper Flagg did not start an NBA game last season.

D’Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson will likely form the backcourt, but Kidd has a decision on which two players complement Anthony Davis in the frontcourt.

The candidates are Flagg, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.

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Jason Kidd doesn’t consider Kyrie ‘ahead of schedule’

Mavs coach Jason Kidd dismisses reports that Kyrie Irving is ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 22: The salary protection of Brandon Williams increases from $200K to $850K

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the fourth-year team option of Dereck Lively II

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Ben Tenzer’s first season and future finances

Tenzer was elevated to executive vice president of basketball operations after GM Calvin Booth was fired along with head coach Michael Malone on April 9.

Since his promotion, Tenzer and his staff have reshaped the Nuggets, trading for Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas while signing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr.

The next task on the to-do list? Navigating rookie extensions for Christian Braun and Peyton Watson.

Braun averaged a career-high 33.9 minutes and started 77 of the 79 games he played. This is the third year in a row that Braun has played more than 75 games (he played all 82 in the 2023-24 season). He also joined Dyson Daniels as the only two players in the past two seasons to increase their scoring by more than eight points per game.

Watson averaged career highs in minutes played, field goal percentage and points per game last season. He also posted a plus-11.7 points per 100 possessions in the minutes played with Jamal Murray, Braun, Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic.

Since the 2022 offseason, Denver has been aggressive in extending its own players, signing Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Murray and former players Porter and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Jokic, Johnson, Braun and Watson

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the fourth-year team option of Julian Strawther and third-year team option of DaRon Holmes II

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Continued player development

The Pistons, after going 14-68 to land at the bottom of the East in 2023-24, were one of the great comeback stories last season.

Detroit became the first team to triple its win total in one season and became only the sixth team in league history to increase its win total by at least 30 games.

The obvious question entering this season is whether Detroit can be more than a first-round team, one that could potentially contend with the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

“I don’t think we truly understand who our players can be at this point,” GM Trajan Langdon told The Athletic. “I just think it’s too early for us to truly understand what the best way to press the proverbial gas pedal is right now. So we’re gonna try to be patient with that and let our young guys continue to develop.” One area of success for Detroit last season was improving its 3-point shooting percentage from last in the league in 2023-24 to a respectable 17th.

The Pistons replaced Malik Beasley, Dennis Schroder and Tim Hardaway Jr. with a healthy Jaden Ivey and free agents Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green this offseason. They also return four of the five starters on a roster that lost to New York in the first round, including All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Ron Holland and fourth-year team options of Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 12
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for: The role of Jonathan Kuminga and final roster spot

The Warriors avoided a training camp headache when Kuminga signed a two-year contract, 24 hours before his qualifying offer was set to expire.

With Kuminga now under contract and ineligible to be traded until Jan. 15, the goal for training camp and the early part of the season is carving out a role not only off the bench but with the starting unit.

Kuminga started 56 games the past two seasons, averaging at least 15 points in each, but his role was reduced at the end of last season and first round of the playoffs. “The lineup with Jimmy, Jonathan and Draymond doesn’t fit real well, frankly. It just doesn’t,” Kerr told 95.7 The Game in April. The Warriors were minus-28.2 points per 100 possessions when Kuminga, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green were on the court together. That lineup did improve in the second-round loss to Minnesota. The Warriors were plus-9.4 points when all three were on the court, and Kuminga averaged 19.5 points, shooting better than 50% in the second round.

As for the final roster spot, the Al Horford signing leaves Golden State $2 million below the second apron. Barring a trade to clear out money, the Warriors cannot have 15 players on their roster to start the season. They are allowed to sign a player to the prorated veteran minimum starting on Nov. 11.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 1
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Who starts at point guard and the big lineups

The Rockets were already thin at the guard position before starter Fred VanVleet tore his right ACL in an offseason workout.

Now with VanVleet out indefinitely, the burden falls on Aaron Holiday, Reed Sheppard and potentially Amen Thompson. Since the Rockets are $1.2 million below the first apron, they are not allowed to sign a player to their final roster spot unless they make a trade because they are hard capped at the first apron.

Holiday has played 140 games, including four starts, since Houston signed him in 2023. In his lone start last season, he had a season-high 25 points. Meanwhile, Sheppard averaged 12.6 minutes per game and shot 33.8% on 3-pointers. The addition of Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela also gives coach Ime Udoka options in the frontcourt. “It’s to be determined,” Udoka told Ben DuBose of RocketsWire, referring to who will start alongside Durant and Alperen Sengun. “I do think Jabari [Smith Jr.] showed tremendous growth this offseason, and obviously he started the majority of his time here, before the injury. But we’ll take a look at everything. We feel we have incredible depth this year and a lot of versatility, so we could go a number of different ways, as far as that. I think some of that will be proven in training camp.”

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Windy: Durant wants to be in Houston ‘long-term’

Brian Windhorst explains Kevin Durant’s contract status with the Rockets and his desire to stay with the team.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The deadline to extend the contract of Tari Eason

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Reed Sheppard and fourth-year team option of Amen Thompson

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Life without Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner

There was a strong case entering Game 7 of the NBA Finals that Indiana would have been one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference this upcoming season.

Then, in a period of 10 days, All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles and the Pacers’ longest-tenured player, Myles Turner, defected to the Milwaukee Bucks. Indiana was plus-8.0 per 100 possessions when the two players shared the court in the regular season, and they led the team to average 118.9 points per 100 possessions.

How the Pacers fill the Haliburton void is by expanding the roles of Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin. Over the past two seasons, McConnell averaged 18.2 and 17.9 minutes per game, respectively. Nembhard has never averaged more than 29 minutes in his career.

Mathurin averaged 16 points for a second time in his three seasons and led all reserves in postseason points. He started 49 games last season, averaging 16.7 points and six rebounds.

Expect the center position to be filled by a rotation of Jay Huff, James Wiseman and Tony Bradley.

Huff started two games last season with Memphis, and Wiseman is coming off an Achilles injury.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Kawhi Leonard and buy-in from the veterans

It is highly unlikely there will be a resolution to the alleged salary cap circumvention the Clippers are under investigation for, but that does not mean Leonard and the team are not under the microscope.

The Clippers have been adamant, both publicly and privately, that Leonard was not paid additional compensation for a sponsorship deal, despite owner Steve Ballmer and minority owner Dennis Wong investing in the company, Aspiration. Blocking out the public noise from the Leonard investigation and most importantly, getting buy-in from their veterans, could determine if the Clippers advance past the first round for the first time since 2021.

The Clippers signed veterans Brook Lopez, Chris Paul and John Collins in the offseason. The trio started 96% of their games played last season and are now likely to come off the bench.

The addition of Paul and Bradley Beal could also impact the role of Kris Dunn. Last season, Dunn started 58 games and averaged 24.1 minutes.

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Kawhi: Allegations of no-show deal not accurate

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard responds to allegations he had a no-show deal with Aspiration.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:LeBron James

The last time we saw LeBron James playing basketball, the 40-year-old was limping off the court in a first-round series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was eventually revealed that James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee.

“I have a lot of time to take care of my injury, my knee, the rest of my body and make sure I’m as close to 100 percent as possible when training camp begins in late September,” James told The Associated Press in June.

James is set to enter an unprecedented 23rd training camp. Where he is healthwise will still play a big role in the Lakers’ success this season.

“It remains to be seen,” James told ESPN when asked about his planned participation in training camp and the preseason. “Obviously I want to be out there as much as I can … but we know where I’m at and the coaching staff knows where I’m at as far as getting to a place where we’re all good as far as getting on the court.”

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Frontcourt depth

Memphis over the past two seasons has been besieged by injuries.

And it hasn’t gotten any better, with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey undergoing surgery in the offseason. Edey had surgery on June 10 on his left ankle and Jackson on July 2 for turf toe.

Jackson was cleared to begin ramping up basketball activities and is expected to play in four to six weeks. Edey, meanwhile, is expected to return in six to nine weeks.

Without either player on the court, Memphis is left with a frontcourt of Santi Aldama, Brandon Clarke and Jock Landale. Clarke had a high-grade PCL sprain in March and missed 18 games, including the first round of the playoffs. He will have another procedure to address knee synovitis and will be reevaluated in six weeks.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Ja Morant, John Konchar and Brandon Clarke

• Oct. 31:The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Zach Edey

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 12
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:2

What to watch for:Tyler Herro and the offense

The Heat are in a unique situation with Herro.

The All-Star answered the call last season, playing a career-high 77 games and averaging at least 20 points for a fourth straight season. He shot a career-high 47.2% from the field and averaged a career-high 5.5 assists per game.

His production should warrant discussion on a long-term extension. He has two years left on his contract and is eligible starting on Oct. 1 to sign a three-year, $149.7 million extension. The first year of the extension in 2027-28 starts at $46.2 million, nearly $6 million less than the maximum allowed.

“Pay me now or pay me later, whatever it is,” Heat president Pat Riley said after the season. “We’ve already talked about it. I talked about it with Tyler, and so we’ll see what happens as we plan. The numbers are getting pretty big for a lot of guys. Max salaries in this league, who do they go to? I mean, who do they go to and who is really? If you’re going to make $70 million a year, who are those five or 10 guys that deserve that? But Tyler definitely is deserving of the thought of an extension. But are we going to do it? We haven’t committed to it, but we’re going to discuss it and I’ve already talked to him about it. He’s cool.”

Paying Herro now comes with risk, considering the six-year veteran underwent surgery on his left ankle and is expected to miss the start of the regular season.

If an extension is not reached, both sides would then be eligible to negotiate a four-year extension next summer for up to $207 million.

As for the offense, Miami traded for Norman Powell in the offseason, but there is still a void to fill with Herro now sidelined for the early part of the season. The Heat were minus-8.6 points per 100 possessions when Herro was off the court and went 12-21 after the Jimmy Butler trade, ranking in the bottom 10 in offensive efficiency. They were 14-26 in clutch games (3-12 after the trade) and lost a league-high nine games when leading by at least 15 points.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Tyler Herro and Nikola Jovic

• Oct. 22:The $978K salary protection of Pelle Larsson increases to full

Extension candidates:

• Nikola Jovic

• Norman Powell

• Tyler Herro (as of Oct. 1)

• Andrew Wiggins (as of Oct. 1)

• Terry Rozier

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 1
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Who starts at point guard, Kyle Kuzma and the final roster spot

There were already questions about who the Bucks’ starting point guard would be this season, long before Damian Lillard was waived and stretched in July due to his Achilles injury

Who starts in his place could come down to Ryan Rollins, AJ Green or Kevin Porter Jr. Rollins started 19 regular-season games and Game 4 of the first-round series, and averaged 10.1 points and 3 assists, and shot 48.6% from the field and 45.2% on 3-pointers in those starts. Green, on the other hand, might be better suited for the sixth man role having started only seven of his 73 games last season. For a third straight season, he shot greater than 40% on 3-pointers. Porter has the most career starts (150) of the three players, mostly during his time with the Rockets.

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There is no denying Kuzma was a disappointment, and especially in the postseason. In the first round, he shot 34.3% from the field and 20% on 3s. Prior to that, in the 2021 postseason with the Lakers, he shot 29.2% and 17.4%, respectively.

The final roster spot in Milwaukee was thought to come down to Andre Jackson Jr. or Amir Coffey, but then Milwaukee signed Thanasis Antetokounmpo to a one-year guaranteed contract.

The Bucks could still keep Jackson or Coffey, but likely at the cost of former second-round pick Tyler Smith.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

• AJ Green

• Andre Jackson Jr.

• Kyle Kuzma

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:The growth and development of Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Joan Beringer.

The Timberwolves gave up a future unprotected first-round pick to San Antonio with the hope that Dillingham would be the replacement for Mike Conley Jr. Dillingham is coming off an uneven rookie season in which he appeared in only 49 games and averaged just 10.5 minutes per game. With Conley in the last year of his contract, can Dillingham become a reliable rotational player and eventual starter?

Dillingham and Shannon will be relied on more with Nickeil Alexander-Walker departing for Atlanta. In the 12 regular-season games Shannon was in the rotation, he averaged eight points and shot 51.4% from the field. He followed up the 2024-25 season by averaging 22.7 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in three summer league games.

In just the first game of summer league, team executives took notice of Joan Beringer. He blocked 10 shots and has the ability to crack the rotation as a backup to Rudy Gobert.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The deadline to extend the contract of Donte DiVincenzo

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team options of Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Health and perimeter defense

The Pelicans went through an injury-plagued season, losing Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones and Zion Williamson for extended periods of time.

The injuries led New Orleans to start 47 different lineups and win just 21 games.

All four players are under contract, but, once again, health will play a role if the Pelicans want to compete in the Western Conference.

Williamson has played in just 46% of regular-season games since being drafted No. 1 in 2019 and has never appeared in the playoffs. Murray tore his right ACL on Feb. 1 and had surgery four days later. Murphy and Jones will play in the preseason and are expected to be ready for the season opener. The Pelicans also got help at the guard position by drafting Jeremiah Fears and trading for Jordan Poole.

On the court, will the Pelicans’ weakness be perimeter defense?

After All-NBA defender Jones, coach Willie Greene is relying on Poole, Murphy, Williams, Jordan Hawkins and rookie Micah Peavy.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The deadline to extend the contracts of Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole

• Oct. 31:The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Yves Missi and fourth-year team option of Jordan Hawkins

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 11
Partial/Non: 5
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Bench depth

After the Knicks were eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals, the priority this offseason was improving a bench that ranked last in minutes per game. Their starters, on the other hand, averaged 94 points, the second most since the 1986-87 season.

The quest to strengthen their reserves ranged from internal development of their former draft picks, Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek, to exploring trades and seeking lower-cost options in free agency.

Although Dadiet, Kolek, Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson remain, New York went out and signed Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele in early July and also signed Malcolm Brogdon, Garrison Mathews, Landry Shamet and Alex Len to non-guaranteed contracts.

On the surface it looks as if New York’s bench has improved.

But because Yabusele signed for part of the tax midlevel exception, New York is hard-capped at the second apron. If the Knicks want to keep two of the players on non-guaranteed contracts, they’ll have to trade either Dadiet, Kolek or McBride.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The deadline to extend the contract of Karl-Anthony Towns

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Pacome Dadiet

Extension candidates:

• Karl-Anthony Towns

• Mitchell Robinson

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:2

What to watch for:Expectations, Nikola Topic and Ousmane Dieng

With any team coming off a championship, there is always the risk of a letdown.

But Oklahoma City does not fit the mold of the usual defending champion after handing out nearly $800 million in new contracts to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell.

Though the Thunder return 14 out of 15 players from last season (Dillon Jones was traded to Washington), there is room to improve, with 12 of the returning players at 26 years old or younger.

One of those players is 2024 lottery pick Topic. The guard sat out last season rehabbing from a torn left ACL but averaged 10.8 points and 5.8 assists over six summer league games.

With such a deep roster, there is also the question of whether time has run out on Dieng. After landing at the 11th pick in the 2022 draft, Dieng has averaged just 14.6, 11.1 and 10.9 minutes in his three seasons, respectively. He had four games of double-digit points last season, including 21 against Milwaukee. He is extension eligible until Oct. 20 and will be a free agent next offseason.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The deadline to extend Ousmane Dieng

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Nikola Topic and fourth-year team option of Cason Wallace

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 5
Two-way:2

What to watch for:Desmond Bane and health

When you trade four first-round picks for Bane and then extend Paolo Banchero on a $239 million contract, the goal is to compete for the playoffs — and not just the final spot. The Bane addition has not only shifted the odds in the Eastern Conference but also addressed a weakness on the court for the Magic. Bane improves a roster that ranked last in 3-point shooting the previous two seasons. He shot greater than 38% from 3 the past five seasons.

Despite losing in the first round in consecutive seasons and not advancing to the second round since 2008-09, Orlando has the third-best odds to win the East, according to ESPN BET.

Last season, the Magic lost Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner to season-ending injuries. Suggs underwent surgery on March 2 to remove cartilage in his left knee and has played fewer than 54 games in three out of his first four seasons. Wagner was in consideration for Sixth Man of the Year before he tore his left ACL in December. He was averaging 12.8 points and 4.9 rebounds at the time.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

None

Guaranteed contracts: 12
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Joel Embiid, Paul George and Quentin Grimes

The physical and emotional state of Embiid is one of the bigger storylines in training camp.

From a health perspective, Embiid has played 58 games the past two seasons, including 19 in 2024-25. He underwent surgery on his left knee in February 2024 and this past April.

Embiid also recently gave a lengthy interview to ESPN and talked about his distrust with the organization. “That goes back to the trust thing,” he said. “Once you cross that — you can’t expect me to be part of a team meeting again. That’s just not going to happen.” Embiid was referring to information leaked after a team meeting last season.

The addition of George was supposed to help Philadelphia contend in the East. Instead, George played 41 games and averaged his fewest points since 2014-15. Since the 2019-20 season, George has played more than 60 games only once. He had left knee surgery on July 14 and his status to start the regular season is unclear. “I don’t think there’s a timeline,” George said at media day, “just how the body is doing as we’re ramping up the work.”

The 76ers and Grimes continue to be at an impasse over their negotiations for a long-term contract. He has until Oct. 1 to sign a one-year $8.7 million qualifying offer and will remain a restricted free agent if the deadline passes. In the 28 games after he was traded, Grimes averaged 21.9 points on a career-high 46.9% shooting from the field. He had 16 games of 25-plus points or more.

Grimes continues to be affected by a lack of teams with money to spend, the 76ers’ current finances and the logjam in the backcourt. In consecutive years, Philadelphia has drafted guards Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe. But McCain recently suffered a torn UCL in his right thumb and is out indefinitely.

Not including the qualifying offer, Philadelphia is $21.7 million below the second apron.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 1: The deadline for Quentin Grimes to sign a qualifying offer

• Oct. 20: The contract of Adem Bona becomes guaranteed

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third year team option of Jared McCain

Extension candidates:

None

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for:The organizational reset and Mark Williams

There is a shift in roster-building philosophy under Suns owner Mat Ishbia.

Gone are the days of a championship-or-bust mindset, trades for high-priced veterans (Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal) at the cost of draft capital, limited financial flexibility and veteran coach hires (Frank Vogel, Mike Budenholzer).

Those principles are now replaced with a first-year head coach (Jordan Ott), a revamped front office, nine players age 26 years old or younger and roster optionality. The Suns are no longer a first- or second-apron team.

“We have young players that are ascending instead of players that are descending,” Ishbia told the local “Burns & Gambo Show.” “We have players that want to be here, that are buying into the Phoenix Suns’ culture.” One of those players Ishbia is referring to is Williams. Acquired in a draft-night trade with Charlotte, Williams is rookie-extension eligible until Oct. 20. After the All-Star break, Williams averaged 28.6 minutes, 15.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and a career-high 1.3 blocks. His 44 games played were a career high.

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Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams

• Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Ryan Dunn

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:2

What to watch for:The starting five and future financial flexibility

With the emergence of Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, does Portland shift Jerami Grant to a sixth-man role?

Since he was acquired from Detroit in 2022, Grant has never come off the bench in Portland.

He played fewer than 50 games last season for only the second time in his career and shot below 40% for the first time since his rookie season. He also saw his point production decline from 21.0 to 14.4. Avdija averaged a career-high 16.9 points last season and started 54 games while Camara was named All-NBA second team defense last season. He had 11 games of three steals or more and started 78 games. Sharpe started 52 games last season and averaged 18.5 points.

The Jrue Holiday $34.8 million salary next season took a significant bite out of the Trail Blazers’ cap flexibility. Portland could still have room next season but only if Sharpe and Camara do not sign extensions.

Sharpe is eligible through Oct. 20 and Camara June 30.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Defense

The Kings went through an uneven 2024-25 season, firing head coach Mike Brown and then trading De’Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine.

Doug Christie, Brown’s replacement, has a full training camp to evaluate a roster that struggled defensively, most noticeably after the trade deadline.

The Kings gave up 121 points per 100 possessions and were minus-7.1 when LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis shared the court. For comparison, Sacramento was plus-14.0 per 100 possessions when former King Jonas Valanciunas replaced Sabonis. The Kings also had the league’s worst 3-point defense (38.1%) and gave up 14.5 3’s per game this past season, which tied for sixth most in NBA history. Sacramento went 18-31 when outscored from 3.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The deadline to extend the contract of Keegan Murray

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Devin Carter

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for:De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama

We originally had the backcourt of Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper as the “what to watch for” in Spurs camp. Then Harper partially tore a ligament in his left thumb, requiring surgery. He is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season but probably will sit out the preseason.

Outside of evaluating how the three players complement one another, the on-court chemistry of Fox and Wembanyama is next on the list.

The duo played only five games and 120 minutes together. In the small sample of possessions, they gave up 118.3 points per 100 possessions and were a minus-4.3.

Fox had surgery to repair the extensor tendon in his left fifth finger. He then announced on media day that he suffered a hamstring injury and could be out to start the regular season.

If Fox and Harper are not ready to start the season, expect a larger role for Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year.

Wembanyama was on pace to be named Defensive Player of the Year before he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder on Feb. 21. He had surgery in late March.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The deadline to extend the contracts of Jeremy Sochan

• Oct. 21:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Stephon Castle and fourth-year team option of Victor Wembanyama

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Roster availability and defensive identity

Add Toronto to the list of teams where health will play a huge role in whether the Raptors can contend this season for a playoff spot.

Out of the five key players on the roster — Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl — only Quickley has played more than 64 games in a season since 2022-23. Because of an ankle injury Ingram suffered in New Orleans, this preseason will be the first time to see how he fits with the four players. Even without Ingram last season, the Raptors went 22-21 after Jan. 13. That improvement from the start of the season (they started 8-31) is a result of a defense that ranked second in efficiency and first in opponent effective field percentage since that date.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The last day to extend the contracts of RJ Barrett and Ochai Agbaji

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Ja’Kobe Walter and fourth-year team option of Gradey Dick

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for: Taylor Hendricks and the final roster spot

Last season was supposed to be a breakout season for Hendricks.

In the 23 games the former top-10 pick started in 2023-24, Hendricks averaged 9.2 points, while shooting 47.9% from the field and 40.4% on 3-pointers.

Then three games into the 2024-25 regular season, the forward sustained a fractured right fibula and dislocated right ankle injury. He would eventually have surgery and sit out the remainder of the regular season.

Hendricks has been cleared to play, evident by his participation in the NBPA sanctuary runs in Spain this summer.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Player development and final roster spot

The Wizards open training camp with open competition at every position and an unprecedented 10 players on first-round rookie contracts: Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, Malaki Branham, Cam Whitmore, Will Riley, AJ Johnson, Kyshawn George and Dillon Jones. They have 13 players 26 years old or younger.

But two of those players, Coulibaly and Sarr, are likely sidelined for the preseason. Coulibaly had surgery on Sept. 12 to repair a ligament tear in his right thumb. Sarr suffered a calf injury on Sept. 1 and sat out the remainder of EuroBasket.

Besides evaluating their young players, the Wizards have to reduce their roster by one player before the start of the season. They have 15 players on guaranteed contracts and one player (Justin Champagnie) with no salary protection.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The deadline to extend the contract of Malaki Branham

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George and fourth-year team option of Cam Whitmore and Dillon Jones.

Extension candidates:

Exhibit 9, Exhibit 10 and Two-way contracts

The inclusion of an Exhibit 9 or 10 in a player contract was introduced in the 2017 collective bargaining agreement.

Exhibit 9

This type of contract protects a team in case a player is injured in training camp.

For example, the New York Knicks signed Marcus Morris Sr. and Landry Shamet to Exhibit 9 contracts in September. If either player is injured during training camp and then waived, New York is responsible for only $15,000 in salary.

But Tristan Thompson’s non-guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers does not have an Exhibit 9. Thompson was not eligible because Cleveland at the time of the signing had fewer than 14 players (not including two-way) under contract. If Thompson suffers a season-ending injury, the Cavaliers are then responsible for his full salary.

Exhibit 10

A player who signs an Exhibit 10 is eligible to receive up to a $77,500 bonus (on top of his G League salary) if he signs a contract with an NBA team’s G League affiliate upon being waived from the parent club. To receive the bonus, a player must remain with his G League team for at least 60 days.

Two-way contracts

Two-way contracts are considered an extension of the regular roster. Each team can have three players on two-way contracts without counting against the 15-man roster limit.

• A two-way player will be paid a flat salary of $578,577 for the 2024-25 season.

• The salary does not count toward the salary cap and luxury tax.

• No player on a two-way contract may be on the active list for more than 50 games during the regular season.

• The deadline to sign a two-way player is March 3.

• Two-way players are not eligible for the playoffs.

Only players with three years of service or less can sign a two-way contract. A player with four years of service is also allowed to sign a two-way deal only if he missed a season because of an injury.

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LeBron James won’t be available for the start of Lakers training camp.

Head coach JJ Redick announced Tuesday that James is dealing with “nerve irritation in the glute” and will have a slow ramp-up to the regular season.

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“Nerve irritation in the glute” doesn’t come with a boilerplate prognosis. From Redick’s explanation, it doesn’t sound like a significant concern. But for a 40-year-old, 23rd-year NBA veteran with more mileage on his body than most anyone in the history of professional sports, any ailment comes with concern.

Hence, the slower ramp-up for James in training camp.

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“It’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up leading up to opening night for him,” Redick told reporters at practice on Tuesday. “In year 23, uncharted territory here.”

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Redick then acknowledged that the Lakers might not have optimally managed James’ reps last preseason.

“I felt in talking with performance and talking with [trainer Mike Mancias] and LeBron, he probably did too much last year in camp. Which was great for me as a first-year head coach to get buy-in from him.

“But it will be a slower process with him leading into the first game. He’s obviously got 22 years so far of wear and tear on his body. He’s dealing with a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute. We’re playing the long game with LeBron.”

James had a relatively healthy regular season in 2024-25 while playing in 70 of the Lakers’ 82 games. It was his second-highest game tally since playing a full 82-game season for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018-19 season.

But his injuries were high profile. Foot and ankle soreness kept James out of the All-Star Game after he’d played in 20 straight. He suffered a sprained MCL in a Game 5 playoff loss to the Timberwolves that would have sidelined him for multiple weeks had the Lakers not been eliminated with the loss.

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The Lakers are hoping James can stay relatively healthy for a run at a title playing alongside Luka DonÄić in what could be his last NBA season. Limiting wear and tear during training camp would likely be the call whether or not James was dealing with an injury.

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  Dave McMenaminSep 30, 2025, 07:11 PM ET

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  • Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.
  • Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — LeBron James was sidelined to open training camp Tuesday with what Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick called “a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute.”

James, who turns 41 in December, will become the first player in league history to have played 23 seasons when the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors on opening night next month.

Redick said “the goal” was for James to be recovered in time for the Warriors game, but the coach did not rule out James participating in at least one of the Lakers’ six preseason games.

“It’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up leading into opening night for him,” Redick said of James. “Obviously in Year 23, it’s uncharted territory here.”

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Redick said that James “probably did too much” in training camp last fall to show “buy-in” and ready himself and the team during Redick’s maiden voyage as a head coach.

“It’ll be a slower process with him leading into the first game,” Redick said. “He’s obviously got 22 years so far of wear and tear on the body and he’s dealing with a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute.

“So, we’re just playing the long game with LeBron.”

James told ESPN on Monday that “it remains to be seen” how much he planned to participate in training camp this year.

“I’m still ramping things back up,” James told ESPN. “I’m not where I want to be. But I mean, I don’t want to be where I want to be right now in September. So, I got some time and I’m looking forward to the process of getting there.”

James’ camp met with the Lakers’ brass leading up to training camp with a directive for the team to be “overly cautious” with the four-time champion in the early going to preserve him for a hopefully long playoff run, sources told ESPN.

James, who averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds for L.A. last season, came into that campaign declaring his intention to play in all 82 games. He played L.A.’s first 23 games before struggling in early December, leading to an eight-day absence when he sat out two games to address soreness in his left foot. This after James played in three out of the Lakers’ six preseason games last October.

L.A. opens up its six-game preseason slate against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert, Calif. on Friday.

James will not play against the Suns, sources told ESPN. Redick said “it would be nice” to have James suit up for at least one preseason game, however.

“We would love to have that happen,” Redick added.

While James watched practice in street clothes Tuesday, Lakers guard Austin Reaves said he still made his presence felt.

“You know, it’s Bron, he’s always going to observe kind of communicate [what he sees],” Reaves said. “I think that’s the approach that he’s going to take right now, [which] is just being one of our vocal leaders. That’s what he’s done his whole career.”

Redick said that the Lakers also did not have Gabe Vincent (left knee management), Marcus Smart (left Achilles tendinopathy) and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee swelling) available for full participation in their opening practice. Redick added that Vincent should be available for the preseason opener against the Suns.

As for the Lakers who did play to begin training camp?

“Uh, Luka [Doncic] was pretty good,” Redick said with a smile.

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Mr. Thomas has been one of the names to have broken out in Major League Wrestling. Often the veteran would find himself helping another like Alex Kane within the Bomaye Fight Club. Now the Philadelphia native is focused on building on the momentum he has created in the last year in MLW. Itâ€s one of the big reasons Thomas decided to sign a new deal with the promotion.

“There is very little loyalty in this business unfortunately,†he said. “MLW has always been loyal to me. I worked a good amount of time without a deal and was okay with that and was always loyal to the brand. I put in my time and effort, so when it was time to sign again, there was nowhere else I would rather be when it comes to my ability to have input into what I do, the matches, things of that nature.

“The schedule is more to my liking. I like to live a normal, peaceful, successful life outside the wrestling world. Right now, MLW allows me the ability to do that. Not to say the schedule wonâ€t become more intensive as we move forward with things changing in life. Iâ€m prepared for that. I think itâ€s the perfect split between real life and professional wrestling that people donâ€t tend to have.â€

 For the star, who got the Mr. Thomas name based on what his cleaning lady would call him over the years, MLW is the top priority. This is why you wonâ€t see him doing much outside that arena. He also takes a more fight camp approach in between matches.

“The last time I stepped in the ring to practice so to speak on a Tuesday or Wednesday and tried to work on my skills, I immediately tore my ACL. In this aspect of wrestling, I try to limit my injuries as much as possible,†Thomas explained. “I have a very close strength and conditioning coach I work with here in Tampa two and three times a week. Weâ€re doing a lot of different things that arenâ€t necessarily shooting the ropes, doing dropdowns, leap frogs, drills of that nature.

“We try to incorporate more real-life aspect training into what goes into wrestling. There is more than just doing grapples and things like that. And between you and I, my timing is perfect brother so I donâ€t have to brush up on that. Likely, I know whatever I have coming up, Iâ€ll always be paired off with a top-notch individual in this wrestling world we live in. Iâ€m not in there solo. Iâ€m in there with people I know and trust and are capable of bringing me up if needed and vice versa.â€

He is grateful to be stepping foot in the ring with the likes of Satoshi Kojima. Thomas has enjoyed getting the chance to spotlight his skills in a singles capacity. At the same time, the performer enjoyed the dynamic between himself and Alex Kane.

“We were kind of thrown together,†he said of their origin story. “Iâ€ve known of him before. We really just meshed. Luckily enough to be on the same page as someone. Iâ€m a little older than him, but Iâ€m not saying that I was there to babysit or guide him. But [I could] set him in the right ways and try to figure out what works best for him, his character, my character, how we can play off each other. It worked out for the best.

“He went from being an unsigned, no-name person that gets drafted to MLW in the 2021 draft, we popped up our first time together and he is the MLW Openweight champion. We steamrolled through everyone he won the world title, black world champion, it was good to see the highs and lows. I learned a lot from him, and I  hope he learned from me. We really worked together as a team inside and outside the ring. We traveled together, hung out together, and we still talk every day. That relationship canâ€t be broken. We did have our one-on-one match in the Opera Cup last year. I think weâ€ll probably do that at some point when the time is ready. I donâ€t know if heâ€ll ever turn on me or Iâ€ll turn on him, but weâ€ll see what happens when the time comes.â€

Thomas has his sights set on dethroning new champion Mads Krügger in the Chamber of Horrors match at Slaughterhouse on October 4. Other participants revealed thus far include Matthew Justice and CW Anderson with two other mystery participants. The Long Beach event will air on YouTube and beIN Sports.

“As much as I love surprises, I hate surprises,†Thomas said. “CW Anerson is a great veteran and competitor from the ECW days. Weâ€ve had our feud the last year, year-and-a-half where the Rogue Horsemen went up against the Bomaye Fight Club  with Matthew Justice on the same team in the War Chamber, which I came out victorious in,  for the record. When it comes to cage matches this year, Mr. Thomas is 1-0 amongst everyone else. With that being said, Mads is just fresh off a world title victory and hate to say it transition champion possibly.

“I want that belt more than anything in life right now. The way it is being described to me is we get in this cage and fight til someone becomes world champion. I know there will be weapons involved and we will be caged in and not sure there will be something at the top as much as I or Matthew Jusciee want to jump off and dive through everything. I will be a very safe wrestler this weekend. Iâ€m going to utilize my technical ability instead of jumping off things or going through things, but I will take a shortcut and hit someone over the head with what is available to me at that moment because anything goes.â€

As for who the other two getting added to the mix, Thomas has his suspicions. No matter who it is, heâ€ll be ready to take them down a peg.

“Iâ€m not spoiling anything because I don’t ask questions, but the things Iâ€ve seen and heard and tweets I read in between the lines is we got someone new coming in who might have been around a few times,†Thomas hypothesized. “Someone who might have just gotten let go from somewhere else, which is fine. Iâ€ll tell him the same thing as Iâ€ll tell anyone else. Donâ€t come to MLW thinking this is your meal ticket to the top because you have to go through a lot of other people to get through the top spot in the company, me being one of them.

“I will fight and do whatever it takes to make sure my spot is not taken by some guy who got released or couldnâ€t politic himself into getting re-signed somewhere else. That is a personal shoutout to anyone who wants to Tick Tock, times ticking, this sun dial bullshit of time and measurement is, I donâ€t want to hear about it. Come see me to my face in LA on October 4 and weâ€ll see who walks out world champion.â€

Winning the top prize in MLW would mean a lot to Thomas. In his eyes, it would signify confidence from the company and confidence within himself that he could rise above the rest.

“For me, the world title being my first singles title in MLW would be crazy,†the challenger added. “I would love that more than anything. Itâ€s exactly what I’m going for. Iâ€m on to bigger and better things. Everyone once and a while I get grouped with the Bomaye Fight Club thinking I was just a sidekick or bodyguard or the strategist,  whatever you want to call me. Iâ€m on my own now. I have a name to prove to myself now. In the ring, outside the ring with everyone watching.â€

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The Chicago Blackhawks are at the halfway point of training camp. One week from today, they will be in Sunrise to take on the Florida Panthers in their first game of the season. Florida will raise their second straight Stanley Cup banner while the Blackhawks continue to try and build to become a team like that again.

Halfway through preseason, there are a lot of things to be figured out. Who is going to fill out the lineup at forward and defense? Who will earn what role? There are three more games, all at home, and a handful of practices to go before things will be truly set.

The truth is also that the decisions made for opening night can be changed for every game after. A lot of young players are going to be in and out of the lineup throughout the season.

When the Hawks do reach opening night, however, you can expect the lineup to look something like this:

Andre Burakovsky – Connor Bedard – Ryan Donato

Teuvo Teravainen – Frank Nazar – Tyler Bertuzzi

Colton Dach – Jason Dickinson – Ilya Mikheyev

Nick Foligno – Lukas Reichel – Landon Slaggert

Extra – Sam Lafferty, Oliver Moore

This would mean that the Blackhawks start Ryan Greene in the AHL and that Landon Slaggert is healthy enough to go on opening night. Oliver Moore could draw in, but it is hard to place where he’d fit in with these lines over guys who clearly earned spots.

Colton Dach brings something to this group that they don’t have much of, which is grit, tenacity, and toughness. He is not afraid to get in someone’s face if he feels it necessary.

Sam Lafferty, in his third tenure on the team, will probably make the team, but he won’t be in the lineup regularly. He’ll for sure play, but keeping younger players out in his favor every night would not be wise for the development plan.

Although he has been in trade rumors, Lukas Reichel should be in (at minimum) a bottom-six role as long as he’s in the organization. He has looked good in recent preseason games, and he has a huge final week of camp ahead of him to cement that role.

If this ended up being the top six, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to anyone. Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, although young, deserve the opportunity to work as a two-headed monster down the middle. There are some good wings on each of their lines to help them.

Alex Vlasic – Sam Rinzel

Wyatt Kaiser – Artyom Levhunov

Nolan Allan – Connor Murphy

Extra: Louis Crevier

There are five defensemen on the Chicago Blackhawks who are locks to make the team if healthy. Some of them came in feeling like they needed to prove themselves, but there is no doubt that Alex Vlasic, Sam Rinzel, Wyatt Kaiser, Artyom Levshunov, and Connor Murphy are the five most NHL-ready players in the organization on the blue line.

Matt Grzelcyk is in camp on a PTO. There is no need for him to make the team over any of the younger players that the Blackhawks have competing for spots. They have Connor Murphy there to be the veteran on the unit, and they don’t need a second.

Jeff Blashill said that Grzelcyk will only make the team if he feels that there isn’t a younger player who deserves the spot. Well, there are about three guys who have a case.

Based on the way he’s played through the first half of camp, Nolan Allan deserves that job. Right behind him is Kevin Korchinski, followed by Ethan Del Mastro. Allan’s physical presence in their most recent game against the Minnesota Wild serves as a reminder of what he can do when he’s out there.

Kevin Korchinski will get his chances this season. He is mostly relied on to be a puck-mover, but the rest of his game is still coming together. As for Del Mastro, it’s been a tough go for him in the games he’s played, mostly in a larger role, which may see him get some more seasoning in the AHL to start. If any of these three on the outside looking in have a strong end to the preseason, however, we may be singing a new tune come next week.

Spencer Knight

Arvid Soderblom

Spencer Knight is going to be the team’s number one goalie. This is the first time in his young career that he will enter a season as a true top guy for a team. The prize in the Seth Jones trade for Chicago was Knight, and he’s ready to show why. So far in the preseason and camp, he’s been brilliant.

As for the backup spot, Arvid Soderblom came into camp with the edge because he was good in his role last year, but Drew Commesso is coming up fast. Although both played very well up to this point, the Blackhawks ultimately decided to get Commesso down to the Rockford IceHogs to continue in his development. Soderblom will serve as Knight’s primary backup.

Can anything change here?

Anything can change with these projected lineups before opening night next Tuesday. Ryan Greene could force the Blackhawks to take him over Oliver Moore or Lukas Reichel. One of the three defenseman left off could force Nolan Allan to begin his season in Rockford. There could be an unforeseen injury that changes everything.

There are still three preseason games (all at home) to go against the Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues. That stretch begins on Tuesday against the Wings, which will feature a combination of players fighting for the final spots and roster locks.

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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Trae Young isnâ€t quite at “disappointment†yet when it comes to his lack of a contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks, but heâ€s close.

Young, speaking at the teamâ€s media day on Monday, was asked about not having a new deal entering training camp this fall. Young is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension with the franchise. Though he tried to downplay it a bit and insisted that his focus was elsewhere, itâ€s on the back of his mind.

“I don’t know [about] the word disappointment. I mean, maybe, for sure,” Young said, via ESPNâ€s Ohm Youngmisuk. “For me, I’m so focused. I’m more happy about the team that we got going into this season. I’m blessed, bro. I wasn’t stressing about anything. If something happened, it happened. If it didn’t, I still got time.”

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Young averaged 24.2 points and a league-high 11.6 assists per game last season while picking up the fourth All-Star nod of his career. The Hawks went just 40-42 last season, however, and missed the playoffs for the second straight campaign under head coach Quin Snyder.

The former No. 5 overall pick out of Oklahoma is entering the eighth season in the league. He has two years left on a five-year, $215 million deal he signed with the franchise ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, and heâ€s got a player option on that contract for next season before he hits free agency in 2027.

Though Young can still get his extension done, itâ€s unclear where the two sides are at on that front.

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Regardless, Young is trying to focus on getting the Hawks back into the postseason. The team made several major moves this past offseason, including bringing in Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics and Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Minnesota Timberwolves. They also struck a one-year, $11 million deal with Luke Kennard in free agency.

“I’m focused on this team. I’m focused on right now,” Young said. “I got a great team going into the season that you can’t say I’ve had [before]. So I’m even more excited about that. Who knows what the future is for me. But right now I’m here and I’m present like me and Coach [Snyder] have been talking about. I’m ready to go.”

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After shocking the NBA by trading for Luka Doncic, Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka compared piecing together a roster midseason to “trying to build an airplane in the sky.â€

This year, the Lakers get their full runway.

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Retooled and locked in from what Pelinka called an “intentional and productive offseason,†the Lakers officially begin training camp Tuesday in El Segundo as Doncic starts his first full season in L.A.

With the team set for media day Monday, here are five questions entering the preseason:

Will this be the end of LeBron James†Lakers era?

Lakers star LeBron James stands on the court before facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs on April 27. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The Luka era has arrived. But does that mean the LeBron era has to end?

For the first time in his storied career, James is playing in the final year of a contract. He exercised a $52.6-million player option in June to pave the way for a record-setting 23rd NBA season.

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James, the NBAâ€s all-time leading scorer, is 50 games away from Hall of Famer Robert Parishâ€s record for most regular-season games played. He already achieved his previously stated goal of playing with his son Bronny.

More championships are all James has left to chase in his career. While the Lakers attempt to launch the 26-year-old Doncicâ€s reign, James†title aspirations still remain at the forefront for the franchise.

“Weâ€ve been very intentional this summer in terms of the pieces we add with Luka and LeBron, once LeBron opted in,†Pelinka said last Thursday at a news conference alongside head coach JJ Redick, “making sure that they had the necessary pieces around them to be on a really competitive, strong team.â€

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But when it comes to James†future, Pelinka left it up to the 21-time All-Star, saying James has “absolute respect to choose his story†regarding how much longer he wants to play. But the team’s general manager knows how he wants the tale to end.

“We would love if LeBronâ€s story would be [that] he retired a Laker,†Pelinka said. “That would be a positive story.â€

How will James and Doncic coexist in their first full season together?

Lakers stars LeBron James, left, and Luka Doncic talk during a game against Utah on Feb. 10. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

The Lakers underwent a significant makeover after Doncic debuted in February.

The team ranked eighth in the NBA with 40.4 three-point attempts per game in the regular season with Doncic compared to 33.8 before, which ranked 27th. James†offensive rating ticked up from 111.8 to 114.4.

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After rushing to create cohesion at midseason, Doncic, whose Lakers debut was slowed by a lingering calf injury, said in August he looked forward to getting a whole preseason to build chemistry with his teammates. Doncic was second in the league in usage rate among players who appeared in more than seven games after Feb. 10. Redick said Doncic and guard Austin Reaves, coming off a career season, will be the teamâ€s primary ballhandlers while James remains a focal point of the offense.

“I think the word I would use would be ‘share,â€â€ Redick said of how he envisions the three stars working together. “I think in a team sport, you have no choice but to share: share the basketball, share the spotlight, I think all those three guys have a ton of respect for each otherâ€s skill sets, for each otherâ€s abilities.â€

What will Austin Reaves show entering a critical contract decision?

Austin Reaves, right, celebrates with teammate Dorian Finney-Smith during a playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 27. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Austin Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, all career highs, while shooting 37.7% from three-point range. But his playoff struggles left a sour impression entering the offseason. Reaves shot 31.9% from three in the first-round series against Minnesota, attempted just 1.4 free throws per game and was a constant target for the Minnesota offense.

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The 27-year-old has a player option worth $14.9 million next year but will likely test free agency after vastly outperforming his initial four-year, $53.8-million contract awarded when he was an undrafted free agent. With pressure to perform as a third star behind Doncic and James, Reaves is already impressing Lakers staff this offseason.

“Every day in the gym, heâ€s been the best player in the gym,†Redick said. “This goes back to last May, all summer, his body is really good right now. Heâ€s really strong. His burst, his athleticism, itâ€s evident that heâ€s spent a lot of time working on his body this summer.â€

Is Deandre Ayton the answer to the Lakers†center woes?

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton, left, tries to drive past Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic during a game on Feb. 10. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)

Deandre Ayton‘s 7-foot frame isn’t the only reason why he might be the Lakers’ biggest offseason acquisition.

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Pairing Doncic with a lob-catching center was one of Pelinka’s major offseason objectives after the lack of a reliable big man became so pressing that Redick resorted to playing the same small-ball, five-man lineup for the entire second half in Game 4 against Minnesota. Ayton is coming off two forgettable seasons in Portland, where the former No. 1 overall pick averaged 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Since he was traded by the Phoenix Suns, Ayton has been the target of criticism for inconsistent effort and a low motor.

Yet the Lakers believe they can unlock the 27-year-oldâ€s talent. Ayton, Redick emphasized, was once Chris Paulâ€s pick-and-roll partner in Phoenix. No one is more detail-oriented than the now-Clippers guard. So playing alongside Doncic should come easily.

“His feel for two-man action is just super high,†Redick said of Ayton, “and really excited to see him play with Luka.â€

Center Jaxson Hayes, who fell out of the rotation during the playoffs, figures to come off the bench after re-signing with the team on a one-year deal. After recovering from foot surgery, forward Maxi Kleber played only five minutes in a desperate postseason loss after joining the Lakers in the blockbuster trade with Doncic, but could add a valuable floor-spacing dimension if healthy.

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What impact can Marcus Smart make?

Marcus Smart controls the ball during a game between the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks in February. (Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

Redick knows personally what Marcus Smart can deliver. The coach recalled the forehead full of stitches he once received courtesy of the former NBA defensive player of the year.

“Toughness,†Redick said of what Smart will bring to the team. “I already told him this: We need his voice as part of communication. His competitive spirit.â€

The Lakers ranked 17th in defensive rating last season, giving up 113.8 points per 100 possessions. The 31-year-old Smart, who signed with the Lakers after the Washington Wizards bought out his contract, still grades in the 80th percentile of every defensive metric, Redick said.

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Doncicâ€s defensive improvement at EuroBasket drew raves from Redick, but the star guard will remain far from a defensive anchor. With Reaves and James, who will turn 41 in December, and Ayton, Smartâ€s defensive prowess and career 32.4% three-point shooting could be vital to solidifying the potential starting lineup.

Redick named his starting lineup before training camp last season but, in a step of growth for the second-year head coach, declined to disclose his plans this year. He learned what often happens to the best-laid plans.

Last yearâ€s intended leading group of James, Reaves, Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura and Dâ€Angelo Russell started only seven games together.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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