NBA Media Days Kick Off the Season
As the NBA season gears up, teams across the league are diving into preparations with their media days, a key event for engaging fans and reporters alike. Last week kicked off the festivities with the New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers performing their media day duties. Notably, the Knicks and 76ers will soon travel to Abu Dhabi for two preseason matches, while the Pelicans are set to showcase their talents in Melbourne.
Highlights from Media Day
With Monday marking the main media day for the majority of teams, every franchise was eager to flaunt their new players, forge connections, and reflect on the upcoming season. Noteworthy moments were plentiful—Kevin Durant joined the Houston Rockets, while his birthday celebration coincided with the day. Durant expressed his enthusiasm for younger teammates like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, wishing for a successful season for the Rockets.
In Atlanta, the Hawks introduced their new trio of Jalen Johnson, Trae Young, and Kristaps Porzingis, striking a pose for the cameras. The Boston Celtics offered a unique twist by allowing players to run their team account, where Jayson Tatum showcased a new hairstyle. Jaylen Brown brought a special guest, science educator Bill Nye, to the media day, highlighting an entertaining intersection of sports and pop culture.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets engaged players such as Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann with brain teasers to test their creativity, while the Charlotte Hornets‘ Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and Kon Knueppel sported their team’s classic pinstripe uniforms. Veteran center Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls took on the role of the elder statesman, embracing the opportunity to mentor younger teammates.
New Faces and Exciting Moments
New acquisitions turned heads as first-year Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Lonzo Ball donned his new colors, and the Dallas Mavericks celebrated their high-profile trio—Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and rookie Cooper Flagg—who collectively boasted a history of being top draft picks. Flagg also reflected on a memorable encounter with Michael Jordan at the Ryder Cup, further solidifying his journey.
The Denver Nuggets‘ Nikola Jokic and new teammate Jonas Valanciunas enjoyed a light-hearted exchange during their media session, showcasing not just camaraderie but the fun spirit of media day. Jalen Duren, Cade Cunningham, and Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons brought youthful exuberance to their event with a lively photoshoot.
The Golden State Warriors‘ veterans, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, demonstrated their enduring bond, with Green humorously donning playful glasses.
