NBA

Sixers’ Grimes Holdout Drags Into Training Camp

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.

Knicks’ Towns Jokes About Brunson’s Height on Media Day

New York Knicks
September 2025

Knicks media day saw Karl-Anthony Towns poke fun at teammate Jalen Brunson after a photo exaggerated his height difference with Towns and OG Anunoby. The lighthearted moment eased tension ahead of a season with heavy Finals expectations in New York. Towns, fresh off an All-NBA campaign, is set for a more versatile role under new coach Mike Brown. With Brunson alongside him and a weakened Eastern Conference, the pair carry hopes of ending New York’s five-decade title drought.

Rockets Rocked as VanVleet ACL Injury Clouds Season

Houston Rockets
September 2025

Houston’s season took a hit after Fred VanVleet tore his ACL in offseason training, leaving the guard sidelined long term. Rookie Reed Sheppard is expected to step into the starting lineup as the Rockets recalibrate ambitions in a crowded Western Conference. Houston had looked like contenders after adding Kevin Durant and re-signing key pieces, but VanVleet’s absence weakens their backcourt stability. While Sengun, Thompson and Durant provide star power, Sheppard’s inexperience adds uncertainty to a team eyeing another deep playoff run.

Knicks Star Josh Hart Faces Injury Setback Ahead of Season

Josh Hart (New York Knicks)
September 2025

Josh Hart revealed he reaggravated a right finger injury ahead of the new NBA season, requiring him to play with a splint. The setback raises questions about his shooting efficiency as the Knicks chase their first title since 1973. Hart struggled with similar issues in last season’s playoffs, where his shooting dipped significantly. While he averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in 77 healthy games last year, the injury could impact his perimeter game as Mike Brown reshapes the Knicks’ rotation.

Kevin Love to Stay With Jazz Despite Buyout Talk

Kevin Love (Utah Jazz)
September 2025

Five-time All-Star Kevin Love will join Utah Jazz’s training camp instead of agreeing to a buyout, extending his career into an 18th season despite the team’s rebuilding status. At 37, Love is expected to play a depth role, similar to recent years with Cleveland and Miami. Though speculation swirled about a buyout to join a contender, Jazz management confirmed he remains part of their plans for now. His decorated résumé includes an NBA title and five All-Star selections.

Giannis Tips Cole Anthony as Milwaukee’s Surprise X-Factor

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
September 2025

Giannis has boldly called new signing Cole Anthony the Bucks’ “X-factor” for the upcoming season, predicting he could be the squad’s surprise weapon in their championship push. Anthony joined after leaving Memphis and is adapting to Doc Rivers’ system. With Lillard’s exit and Giannis shifting into a point-forward role, Anthony’s blend of scoring, spacing, and playmaking is pivotal. Early embraced by teammates, he aims to thrive in two-man actions with Giannis, with the superstar’s faith setting high expectations.

76ers Rookie McCain Suffers New Injury Setback

Jared McCain (Philadelphia 76ers)
September 2025

Rookie guard Jared McCain has suffered a UCL tear in his thumb, casting doubt on his availability for the new season after last year’s meniscus injury. His absence could open minutes for VJ Edgecombe and heighten urgency in Quentin Grimes’ contract talks. McCain averaged 15.3 points last year before injury cut his campaign short. With Embiid and George also rehabbing knee surgeries, Philadelphia’s depth faces early strain. Media day will shed light on timelines, but the Sixers’ guard rotation may require reshuffling.

Edwards Adds Post Game in Kobe-MJ Inspired Push

Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
September 2025

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is working to add a post-up and midrange game, inspired by Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, aiming for more consistency in big games. Despite back-to-back Western Conference Finals runs, he remains inconsistent in playoff scoring. Edwards has studied Jordan and Bryant tapes, seeking to integrate fadeaways and mid-post scoring into his arsenal. His 27.6 points per game dipped in the postseason, with poor midrange accuracy. Developing new dimensions could elevate him from All-Star to genuine franchise superstar.

Hart Balances Starter Ambition with Knicks Sacrifice

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.

Giannis Admits Trade “Inevitable” Someday

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
September 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo admitted he expects Milwaukee could trade him eventually, despite his loyalty. With two guaranteed years left on his contract, he acknowledged teams prioritize business, citing last season’s Luka Doncic trade as proof even superstars aren’t immune to front-office decisions. Speaking to Sport24, Giannis stressed he hopes to stay but remains grounded, saying, “anything is possible.” After a strong EuroBasket showing with Greece, he now enters 2025–26 eyeing a second NBA title while balancing loyalty with realism about the business side of basketball.