Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
March 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted OKC’s improvement from last season, emphasizing that clinching earlier than in 2024 reflects their growth.
The Thunder, the second team to secure a playoff spot this season, have steadily improved, showing resilience against top teams like the Celtics and Nuggets.
Stephen Curry, James Harden, Damian Lillard, NBA Players
March 2025
Curry’s historic milestone drew admiration from Doug Christie, Chauncey Billups, and Steve Kerr, who joked that Curry might aim for 8,000 threes.
James Harden (3,127 threes) and Damian Lillard (2,794 threes) are the closest to joining Curry in the 4,000 club, but Curry’s influence on the game remains unparalleled.
Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets
March 2025
Thomas is set to become a free agent this offseason, adding uncertainty to his future with the Nets after an injury-plagued season.
Despite being limited to 25 appearances, he led Brooklyn with six 30-point games, including a season-high 43 points against the Knicks. His injury status may impact his market value in free agency.
Steve Kerr, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry
March 2025
Kerr received high praise from his players after surpassing Al Attles for the most wins in Warriors history, with Draymond Green and Stephen Curry acknowledging his impact.
Green credited Kerr for “changing everything” in the Warriors’ culture, while Curry reflected on how fate kept them together in Golden State. Kerr’s leadership helped the team win four championships, and his influence extends beyond basketball, as he has also used his platform to speak on social issues.
Michael Malone, Calvin Booth (Denver Nuggets)
April 9
The Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, days before the season ends. Lead assistant David Adelman will step in as interim coach. Malone, who coached Denver to its first NBA title in 2023, had led the team for 10 seasons.
Mounting losses (11-13 post-All-Star break), locker room tension, and a reported “cold war” between Malone and Booth contributed to the decision. Ownership cited “worrisome trends” and underachievement despite championship talent led by Nikola Jokic. Adelman, a long-time assistant, now guides the team into a turbulent playoff push.
Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
May 2025
NBA Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after 27 seasons. He transitions to a full-time role as team president of basketball operations while Mitch Johnson is promoted to permanent head coach.
Citing the physical toll of coaching and his recovery from a mild stroke, Popovich chose to step away from the bench. He’ll remain closely involved in day-to-day franchise decisions, continuing to shape the Spurs’ future with Victor Wembanyama and the new leadership core.
Pat Riley (Los Angeles Lakers)
August 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of legendary coach Pat Riley outside their arena before facing the Boston Celtics. Riley, who won four NBA titles during the Showtime era, joins Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Riley coached the Lakers to a 533-194 record and five 60-win seasons, shaping NBA history with fast-break dominance. Now president of Miami Heat, he remains one of basketball’s most influential figures. The tribute cements his legacy alongside other Lakers greats.
Josh Hart (New York Knicks)
September 2025
Josh Hart said he believes he deserves a starting role after averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists last season. Yet, he stressed team-first values, accepting a bench role if required by new Knicks coach Mike Brown. Hart referenced his message of sacrifice, saying it would be selfish to demand starts. Brown will use camp to decide the fifth starter alongside Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, and Towns. Hart’s versatility and willingness to adapt reinforce his value to the Knicks’ deep rotation.
Mark Walter (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025
NBA governors unanimously approved sale of a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter. The Buss family retains an interest; Jeanie Buss stays Governor for at least five years. Adam Silver praised Walter’s long association and thanked the Buss family for decades of stewardship and championships won. Transition preserves continuity while injecting fresh capital and governance. Walter’s multi-team experience should professionalise operations without disrupting brand equity. Expect steady front-office support, arena and fan-experience upgrades, and methodical cap planning. Jeanie Buss’s continuing role bridges eras, easing stakeholder concerns during the ownership handover and strategic planning horizon for Los.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
December 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo has answered speculation about his Milwaukee future by stressing his focus is on rehabbing a calf injury and helping the Bucks halt their slide, not trade rumours. He concedes returning from a muscle issue may have contributed but says his commitment remains unchanged. He explains that conversations between his agent and other teams are normal business while he concentrates on getting healthy and demanding urgency from team-mates and coaches. Giannis says rumours unsettle his family and locker room but insists only winning games will shape what happens next.
