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.
Tyronn Lue (LA Clippers)
September 2025
LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue criticised the New York Knicks for firing Tom Thibodeau despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, calling the decision baffling after a successful 51-31 season. Lue told Shannon Sharpe the Knicks acted rashly in replacing Thibodeau with Mike Brown. With stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, Lue argued New York wasted momentum by prioritising “championship or bust” over consistency.
Malcolm Brogdon
September 2025
Golden State Warriors, with only nine contracted players, are linked with free agent Malcolm Brogdon, though insiders predict he may join the Timberwolves instead. Golden State’s inactivity stems from ongoing Jonathan Kuminga issues. Brogdon, recovering from injuries, averaged 12.7 points for Washington last season. He could offer depth and playmaking behind Stephen Curry if signed, though Minnesota remain favourites.
Miami Heat
September 2025
Miami Heat could trade Tyler Herro and Nikola Jović to Detroit in exchange for Tobias Harris, Ron Holland II and draft picks, as Pat Riley seeks a “difference-maker.” Herro’s scoring has value, but Miami reportedly doubt his star ceiling. With Norman Powell not filling the void, Miami may sacrifice Herro and Jović for future flexibility, while Detroit envision Herro as a backcourt partner for Cade Cunningham.
Mark Cuban
September 2025
Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reflected on Luka Doncic’s stunning trade to the Lakers, saying he still has a strong personal bond with the Slovenian despite the shock move. Cuban admitted on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast he “loves Luka off the court but not on it” after losing the superstar he once tried to connect with by learning Slovenian. The trade remains one of the NBA’s most seismic.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
August 2025
The Bucks have re-signed 33-year-old Thanasis Antetokounmpo after he missed last season recovering from a torn Achilles. The forward, older brother of Giannis, is currently representing Greece at EuroBasket and will rejoin Milwaukee for the 2025-26 season.
Thanasis, who last played for the Bucks in 2023-24, appeared in 34 games that year and owns career averages of 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds. Milwaukee announced his return via social media, marking a welcome comeback for a veteran locker-room presence.
Jose Alvarado (New Orleans Pelicans)
August 2025
Jose Alvarado suffered a stretcher injury while playing for Puerto Rico in an AmeriCup quarterfinal against Argentina. He had scored 25 points before being fouled in overtime. Puerto Rico fell 82-77 after Alvarado’s exit. The guard averaged career highs last season with New Orleans but missed 26 games due to a hamstring issue. His availability for the new NBA season remains uncertain.
Jeremy Lin
August 2025
Jeremy Lin has announced his retirement from professional basketball after a 15-year career that spanned the NBA, China, and Taiwan. The former Knicks guard, famed for sparking “Linsanity” in 2012, called it the hardest decision of his life.
Undrafted out of Harvard, Lin rose to global fame with the New York Knicks before stints with the Rockets, Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Hawks, and Raptors, winning an NBA title in 2019. He later played in China and Taiwan, becoming a cultural icon for Asian-American representation.
Tyronn Lue (LA Clippers)
August 2025
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said on “Club Shay Shay” that Michael Jordan would average 45 points per game in today’s NBA due to reduced physicality, increased fouls, and the modern pace. He believes Jordan’s IQ and skill would dominate current defenders. Lue, who played alongside Jordan at Washington, cited rule changes and Jordan’s unmatched competitiveness as decisive factors. With modern spacing and free-throw advantages, Jordan’s physical and mental edge would make him nearly unstoppable, surpassing even his 10 scoring titles achieved in the 80s and 90s.
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.
