The NBA officially tipped off its preseason activity as 28 franchises opened their doors for Media Day, marking the final stage of preparation before training camps commence. Following early starts by the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks in anticipation of the NBA China Games, the remaining teams held press conferences and photo sessions across the league. The day provided the first official glimpses of major roster shifts, injury updates, and contract-related absences that will define the coming months.
LeBron James headlined the league-wide event, appearing publicly in a Philadelphia 76ers jersey for the first time. Entering his 24th NBA season, the four-time MVP addressed his decision to join a core that features Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown. James was clear regarding his expectations for the move to Philadelphia, stating, “I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round.” He emphasized the necessity of personal sacrifice and making uncomfortable adjustments to integrate into the new roster, specifically noting that his relationship with Maxey influenced his decision to join the franchise.
Injury Concerns for Kristaps Porziņģis
The Golden State Warriors faced a significant setback at the start of their preseason as general manager Mike Dunleavy announced that Kristaps Porziņģis has been sidelined indefinitely due to a health issue. Porziņģis will not accompany the team to Hawaii for training camp. While Dunleavy confirmed that the Latvian had been practicing regularly in the lead-up to the announcement, he provided no specific timeline for a return. During the same event, Stephen Curry addressed his recent two-year, $116 million contract extension, affirming his commitment to the organization he has been with since 2009 by stating, “This is home. It’s what we’ve built.”
Contract Disputes and Roster Availability
The Detroit Pistons opened training camp facing an unresolved contract situation with center Jalen Duren. Duren did not attend the team’s Media Day and is not expected to participate in the initial days of camp as negotiations continue. This absence marks a notable escalation in the ongoing contract discussions between the team and the center.
In Charlotte, the Hornets’ preseason preparation has been hampered by injuries. Both Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams are confirmed to miss the entire preseason due to left and right hamstring injuries, respectively. Both players are scheduled for re-evaluation during the first week of the regular season. Despite the setback, Knueppel expressed hope for a return by the October 21 debut against the Brooklyn Nets. Conversely, Brandon Miller provided a positive update, confirming he has been cleared for full-contact activity for three weeks following surgery on his left shoulder.
Tyrese Haliburton Returns to Full Health
Indiana Pacers playmaker Tyrese Haliburton provided a definitive update on his physical status after missing the entirety of the 2025/26 season. Haliburton, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the 2025 Finals, confirmed to reporters that he is fully recovered. “I’m healthy, I’m 100%,” Haliburton stated, noting that the team does not plan to place any restrictions on his workload as the season begins.
Preseason Schedule and Next Steps
Teams are now transitioning to their respective training camp sites to begin formal preparations for the regular season. The next major checkpoint for the league involves the NBA China Games, which prompted the early start for the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks. Following these international exhibitions, the remainder of the league will begin their preseason schedules, with regular-season action set to follow in late October.
Worth a look
