It’s been a somber NBA offseason, culminating in a blockbuster trade last week that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee and a left-back move on Sunday when the Boston Celtics acquired Jrue Holiday.
There are many storylines that remain: James Harden’s trade request has not been granted and the 2023 MVP, Joel Embiid, may be watching closely the movements of the opponents of the Eastern Conference.
Along with a host of new faces in new areas, Victor Wembanyama, the most anticipated NBA Draft pick in recent memory, is about to begin his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs. The 2023 draft class is loaded with talent as the next generation of stars begins to form.
The 2023-24 season unofficially begins Monday as most NBA teams report to training camp and participate in their annual media days. Follow Yahoo Sports for updates from around the league.
LeBron James revealed that Bronny underwent surgery after cardiac arrest
LeBron James revealed on Monday that his son Bronny underwent surgery this summer after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a basketball workout at USC.
James did not give details on the procedure or when it happened, but he shared that Bronny has recovered well from the incident and he expects his son to play at USC this season.
“Bronny’s doing extremely well,” said James to reporters at the Lakers media day. “He’s starting his rehab process to get back on the floor this season with his teammates and USC — the successful surgery he went through. But he’s on the up and up.
“It’s definitely been a whirlwind and a lot of emotions for our family this summer. But the best thing we have is each other. … We’re happy to see where he is now and we’re looking forward to seeing when what is his future. store for him.”
Read more about James’ comments on Bronny at Lakers media day.
Grizzlies star Ja Morant will travel, practice with team while serving 25-game suspension
Although Ja Morant will miss the first 25 games of the season while serving his suspension, the Memphis Grizzlies star will be allowed to travel with the team and fully participate in practice.
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman confirmed on Monday during the team’s media day that Morant – who was suspended 25 games for conduct injurious to the league after displaying a handgun in several Instagram Live videos last season – no need to leave the team until he returns.
“I think it’s good for Ja, and I think it’s good for the team that he can be with us every day,” Kleiman said, via ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “The NBA basically said that as long as Ja continues on the track, he’s obviously going to participate in all the private team activities, so practices, shootarounds, traveling with the team. He can’t be with us, obviously, for preseason games and the first 25, but we’ll see him out there and we can’t wait to have him back in Game 26.”
Read more about how the Grizzlies are handling Morant’s suspension.
Kevin Porter Jr. was absent from the Houston Rockets’ media day on Monday. The guard will not join the team for training camp or the preseason, either.
For the first time since Porter was arrested in New York last month for alleged domestic assault and strangulation, coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone questioned the situation. That was when Stone announced to the media that Porter’s tenure with the Rockets was over.
Porter is due back in court in Manhattan October 16, as his criminal charges continue.
“The allegations against him are deeply troubling,” Stone said. “A few weeks back, when I heard the allegations, I informed his representatives that he would not be a part of the Houston Rockets. He has not been with the team or around it since that time.”
Read more of Stone’s comments about Porter.
James Harden skipped the 76ers media day
The race to see who will shine first in the James Harden and Philadelphia 76ers saga continues. In the latest episode, the point guard skipped the team’s media day on Monday, as he continues to seek a trade from the franchise.
This is all part of the ugly battle between Harden and the president of basketball operations of the 76ers, Daryl Morey, because their relationship has broken down.
In August, it was reported that the team was no longer seeking a trade for the star. Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reported last month that another thing worth watching — if there’s a long game of chicken between the two sides — could be the morale of 76ers star center Joel Embiid.
Cam Johnson will not start training camp
the The Brooklyn Nets announced Cam Johnson will be out to start training camp on Monday. During an on-court workout last week, the forward strained his left hamstring.
Hornets with Mr. Beast in the new jersey patch
The Charlotte Hornets partnered with popular YouTuber Mr. Beast of a jersey patch for the 2023-24 NBA season. The patch can be found on the left side of the jersey, opposite the NBA logo.
This marks the first time an NBA team has partnered with a social-media influencer.
The Charlotte Hornets have launched a jersey patch partnership with YouTube and social media sensation Mr. Beast, a first between an influencer and an NBA franchise pic.twitter.com/3XYduRwYFY
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 2, 2023
Mr. Beast is one of the most popular content creators on YouTube. He has 188 million subscribers on his main YouTube channel and regularly gets hundreds of millions of views on each of his videos.
Zion Williamson is in great shape entering the 2023-24 season
New Orleans Pelicans big man Zion Williamson has taken his training routine to a whole new level this offseason. Pelicans executive David Griffin said this is the first time Williamson has hired people to take care of his body during the offseason.
Griffin added that this is the first time Williamson has “taken his profession seriously” when it comes to offseason workouts.
Griff said that Zion hired independent people to help him take care of his body: “This is the first summer that Zion took his profession seriously in that area”
– Shamit Dua (@FearTheBrown) October 2, 2023
Williamson only played 29 games last season due to injuries. He performs at a high level when healthy, averaging 26 points and 7 rebounds per game.
Chauncey Billups is excited for Damian Lillard in Milwaukee
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has nothing bad to say about Damian Lillard leaving the franchise. Billups said he can’t wait to see what Lillard does with his new organization, saying it’s “the best team. [Lillard has] since.”
Chauncey Billups: “Dame is in a position where he’s on the best team he’s ever been on. I’m really excited for him.”
– Sean Highkin (@highkin) October 2, 2023
Lillard requested a trade from the Trail Blazers in the offseason. The team got his wish on Wednesday, trading him to the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee fans came out in force to greet Lillard on Saturday, when he arrived at the Bucks’ arena.
Check back later for updates from NBA media days.