Ben Simmons
September 2025
Former All-Star Ben Simmons is weighing retirement at age 29 as injuries and mental struggles derail his once-promising career. After three All-Star nods and Rookie of the Year honours, Simmons has battled chronic back and nerve issues alongside criticism of his shooting. Once a 12+ FGA player, he averaged just 4.4 attempts last season with Brooklyn and LA.
Boston Celtics
September 2025
The Boston Celtics, 2024 NBA champions, face calls to tank the season after losing Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Jayson Tatum to injury or exits. With a depleted squad, Caroline Fenton suggested embracing a rebuild and targeting local star prospect AJ Dybansta in the draft. Despite remaining talent, analysts believe Boston no longer has a championship-calibre roster.
George Raveling
September 2025
Hall of Fame coach George Raveling, known for linking Michael Jordan with Nike and revolutionising sports endorsements, has died aged 88. Raveling coached Washington State, Iowa, and USC, and later worked at Nike. He was pivotal in Jordan’s Nike deal, introducing him to Sonny Vaccaro. Michael Jordan called him a lifelong mentor who shaped basketball history.
Philadelphia 76ers
August 2025
SPN insiders ranked Philadelphia third most likely team to make a significant leap in standings, behind Spurs and Hawks. Injuries plagued their 2024-25 season, with the Sixers finishing 24-58 despite star power. Expectations hinge on health and cohesion of Embiid, George, and Maxey. Embiid’s fitness remains the biggest question mark after multiple knee surgeries and just 19 appearances last season. If George stays healthy and Maxey continues improving, Philadelphia could rise back into contention. Their depth and chemistry will be decisive in overcoming recent setbacks.
Boston Celtics
August 2025
NBA approved the sale of the Celtics to Bill Chisholm’s group for $6.1B, rising to $7.3B with full control by 2028. Chisholm outbid rivals including Steve Pagliuca; the sale surpasses the $6.05B paid for the NFL’s Commanders in 2023 and sets a new NBA record.
Joe Mazzulla (Boston Celtics)
August 2025
he Boston Celtics have extended head coach Joe Mazzulla’s contract after he led the team to the 2024 NBA Championship and averaged over 60 wins per season in his first three years. Mazzulla holds a 182-64 regular-season record and 33-17 playoff record, with four Eastern Conference Coach of the Month awards. He became the youngest head coach to win the Finals since 1969.
Billy Donovan (Chicago Bulls)
July 2025
Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has signed a multiyear contract extension, the team announced Sunday. While financial and term details remain undisclosed, the extension secures Donovan’s future as he enters his sixth season in charge during 2025–26.
Donovan had one year left on his original deal and was pursued by the New York Knicks before recommitting to Chicago. Despite three straight play-in exits, Bulls management values Donovan’s leadership. He’ll be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in September.
James Borrego, New York Knicks
June 2025
The Knicks will interview Pelicans assistant James Borrego for their vacant head coach role. He joins Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins, and Micah Nori among the formal candidates as the franchise reshapes after parting ways with Tom Thibodeau.
Borrego’s past head coaching experience with Charlotte and offensive credentials in New Orleans made him a top target. After other teams declined interest, the Knicks are expanding their shortlist to secure a fresh direction.
Joe Cronin (Portland Trail Blazers)
April 2025
The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with GM Joe Cronin, rewarding him for reshaping the roster through impactful trades and draft success since taking over in 2022.
Cronin has added key players like Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Deni Avdija, and drafted Sharpe, Henderson, and Clingan. His strategic moves and cap expertise are seen as the foundation for long-term team success.
Carmelo Anthony
10-time NBA All-Star and 3-time Olympic gold medalist. Set to be officially inducted as part of the 2025 Naismith Hall of Fame class.
Anthony has been notified of his Hall of Fame election after a decorated 19-season NBA career and historic international and collegiate achievements.
Drafted in 2003, Anthony became one of the league’s elite scorers with career averages of 22.5 PPG and over 28,000 total points (10th all-time). He won NCAA title honors with Syracuse and became Team USA’s most decorated Olympic basketball player.
