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.
Chauncey Billups (Portland Trail Blazers)
April 2025
Portland Trail Blazers have signed head coach Chauncey Billups to a multiyear contract extension as he wraps up the final year of his original deal. GM Joe Cronin also received an extension to solidify the franchise’s leadership.
Despite missing the playoffs, Portland posted a 22–18 record since Jan. 19, ranking top 5 in NBA defense. Billups has been praised for culture-building and player development across one of the league’s youngest rosters.
Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 2025
In his debut season, Kenny Atkinson led the Cavaliers to 64 wins and the No. 1 seed in the East, earning him NBA Coach of the Year honors. He received 59 of 100 first-place votes, surpassing former Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Houston’s Ime Udoka.
Atkinson reshaped rotations to elevate Evan Mobley, reduced star workloads, and used training camp to install a faster, team-oriented style. His system produced three All-Stars and a record-setting sweep over Miami in Round 1.
Bobby Webster (Toronto Raptors)
August 2025
The Toronto Raptors will not appoint a new president, instead extending Bobby Webster’s role as general manager. MLSE chief Keith Pelley said the review process confirmed Webster as the right leader, citing his championship experience and respected reputation across the league. Webster, one of the architects of Toronto’s 2019 title, will lead roster construction and basketball operations, supported by MLSE. Entering his ninth year as GM, Webster outlined his vision of competitive leadership and reiterated his goal to bring another championship to Toronto.
Philadelphia 76ers
September 2025
The 76ers opened training camp without Quentin Grimes as his contract standoff continues. The guard has until October 1 to accept an $8.7m qualifying offer with no-trade clause, or hold out for a longer deal while his future remains unresolved. Embiid urged focus on “who’s here,” stressing it’s a business and players must prioritise families. He downplayed the distraction, recalling past holdouts by Simmons and Harden. Grimes, coming off a breakout season, remains central but negotiations risk disrupting preseason preparations.
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
November 2025
LeBron has yet to play this season but remains a top-20 impact when healthy. Austin Reaves’ surge and role players’ fit suggest contention once James and Luka Dončić return. Shams Charania says LeBron’s next step is uncertain as free agency looms; multiple outcomes remain plausible. On-court, Lakers’ half-court creation stabilizes with Reaves, but ceiling still hinges on James’ health and playoff shot creation. Off-court, contract optionality plus roster flexibility keeps leverage. Trade value at 41 complicates blockbusters. Operational priority: manage minutes ramp, preserve spacing lineups, and avoid asset-draining short-term swings.
Eric Lewis
December 2025
Eric Lewis has been reinstated to the NBA’s officiating program as a G League referee after completing counseling and social media training following an investigation into anonymous online activity. The veteran official retired in 2023 while the league examined potential violations of its conduct and social media policies. Under an agreed return plan, Lewis spent two seasons officiating college games and cooperated fully with the NBA investigation, which concluded his online activity did not affect fairness. He now resumes work in the G League Winter Showcase and could eventually return to NBA duty if performance benchmarks are met.
