NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 14, 2026, 10:50 PM ET
Cooper Flagg and Rising Stars
The NBA China Games offered a clear look at Cooper Flagg's developing game, with his leadership and polish drawing growing praise. Flagg's rise espn.com is beginning to look like a foregone conclusion, while fantasy managers are already weighing which first-year players to prioritize in drafts.
Contracts and Roster Moves
Boston is locking in depth, with Payton Pritchard agreeing to a two-year, $44.2 million extension. With Monday's extension deadline approaching, Bobby Marks breaks down which rookie and veteran negotiations are most likely to be finalized. In Delaware, the 76ers' G League affiliate is hiring Brad Jones as general manager.
New York and Philadelphia
Carmelo Anthony espn.com endorsed the Knicks' decision to pause contract talks and concentrate on the season ahead. In Philadelphia, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope espn.com said the Sixers' fortunes will depend on how well the players mesh and genuinely like one another.
Injuries and Returns
Golden State expects Kristaps Porzingis espn.com back at the team facility on Tuesday. In Los Angeles, Walker Kessler espn.com is nearing a preseason debut for the Lakers after a full practice following a finger injury. Kyrie Irving espn.com made his long-awaited return to the Mavericks, scoring 17 points in his first preseason appearance in China.
Pacers and Haliburton
Indiana is finding its footing again as Tyrese Haliburton returns to form nearly 16 months after a torn Achilles sidelined him.
Collectibles
A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals sold for a record $14 million espn.com, setting a new benchmark for sports memorabilia.