NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 24, 2026, 10:34 PM ET

NBA Basketball

Bob Pettit, the NBA’s first MVP and a Hall of Fame power forward who was named an All-Star in each of his 11 seasons, has died at the age of. Pettit, who played his entire career with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks, won the league MVP award in 1956 and 1959, and was a two-time NBA champion. He is widely regarded as one of the foundational figures of the modern NBA. Pettit's legacy endures through his 20,000+ career points and his role in elevating the forward position.

In team front-office news, Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti said he does not expect a downturn despite key offseason departures, expressing confidence in the team’s current roster and developmental pipeline. Presti emphasized that the Thunder’s culture and young core remain intact, and that the team is positioned to compete for a playoff spot in the coming season. Presti’s outlook reflects a long-term strategy built on draft capital and player development.

The Dallas Mavericks received concerning news as center Dereck Lively II has not been cleared for the start of training camp due to a foot injury. Lively, who was a key rotation player last season, is expected to undergo further evaluation. His availability for the regular-season opener remains uncertain. Lively’s status adds to the Mavericks’ frontcourt concerns as they aim to build on their 2024 playoff run.

Stephen Curry addressed the media regarding his contract situation with the Golden State Warriors, stating that the unresolved extension talks will not affect his on-court performance or focus. Curry, who is entering the final year of his current deal, said he is committed to the team’s goals and remains confident in the organization’s direction. Curry’s stance comes as the Warriors seek to retain their core while managing salary cap constraints.

In New York, extension talks between the Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns have stalled, according to sources. Towns, acquired in a trade last season, is seeking a max contract extension, but the Knicks are reportedly hesitant due to cap implications and the team’s desire to retain other key players. The standoff could impact the Knicks’ long-term roster planning. Knicks-Towns talks remain a focal point of the team’s front-office strategy.

Lawrence Tanter, the longtime public address announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers, has died at the age of. Tanter had been the voice of the Lakers since the “Showtime” era in the 1980s, calling games at the Forum and later the Staples Center. His distinctive voice became synonymous with Lakers basketball. Tanter’s passing marks the loss of a beloved figure in Lakers history.

In a cultural note, fans and cast members of “One Tree Hill” celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the show’s premiere. The series, which aired from 2003 to 2012, featured prominent basketball themes and storylines, and its legacy continues to resonate with sports and pop culture fans alike. Show’s anniversary was marked by social media tributes and retrospectives.

ESPN’s NBA Rank top 10 list was released, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama in a tight race for the No. 1 spot. The annual ranking, which evaluates players based on performance, impact, and projected value, sparked debate among analysts and fans. NBA Rank top 10 highlights the shifting balance of power in the league.

A separate analytical audit of the NBA Rank list examined how metrics and panel voting aligned for players like Jaylen Brown and Jalen Brunson. The audit revealed discrepancies between advanced analytics and subjective evaluations, particularly for players in high-volume roles. Rank audit underscores the complexity of player evaluation in the modern NBA.

In fantasy basketball news, a 10-team points league mock draft saw Cooper Flagg selected surprisingly early, sparking debate over his draft position and projected impact. Flagg, a highly touted prospect, was taken in the first round despite being a rookie. Mock draft results reflect high expectations for his immediate fantasy value.

ESPN also released its list of sleepers, breakouts, and busts for the 2026-27 fantasy season, identifying players who may outperform their draft position or fall short of expectations. The analysis includes breakout candidates from mid-tier teams and sleepers with high upside. Fantasy outlook is essential for fantasy managers preparing for the upcoming draft.

LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant were all ranked in the 50-11 range of the NBA Rank list, reflecting their continued dominance despite advancing age. The rankings acknowledge their historical significance while evaluating their current production and impact. LeBron, Steph, KD rankings illustrate the longevity of the league’s veteran stars.

The Houston Rockets are hoping to “make some real noise” this season with the return of Fred Van Vleet and Steven Adams. The duo is expected to bolster the team’s backcourt and frontcourt, respectively, and provide veteran leadership to a young roster. Rockets’ outlook hinges on their ability to integrate new additions with existing talent.

The LA Clippers named Trent Redden as interim president of basketball ops, filling the vacancy left by the departure of the previous executive. Redden, who had been the team’s general manager, will oversee basketball operations during the transition period. Clippers’ leadership change comes as the Clippers seek stability after a turbulent offseason.

In a significant trade, the Atlanta Hawks sent Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard, and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith. The move reshapes both teams’ rosters, with the Hawks clearing cap space and the Hornets adding shooting and depth. Hawks-Hornets trade reflects the ongoing roster turnover across the league.

Finally, Kawhi Leonard agreed to a two-year, $115 million contract extension with the Toronto Raptors, securing his future with the team. Leonard, who returned to the Raptors in 2024 after a stint with the Clippers, has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s resurgence. Leonard’s extension underscores the Raptors’ commitment to retaining their star player as they aim for a championship run.