NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 23, 2026, 10:06 PM ET

NBA Rank 2026

ESPN's NBA Rank countdown of the top 100 players continued, with the Nos. 50-11 list revealing where LeBron, Steph, and KD check in. Insiders weighed in on snubs, surprises and biggest questions, debating whether the three superstars were ranked correctly.

Extension and Contract News

Extension talks between the Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns have reached a standstill, with no progress reported on a new deal. In Toronto, Kawhi Leonard agreed to a two-year, $115M extension with the Raptors, locking in the star forward through the 2028-29 season. Stephen Curry said his unsettled contract situation with the Warriors will create "no drama" and won't affect his play or the team.

Roster Moves and Front Office Changes

The Hawks traded Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard to the Hornets for Dorian Finney-Smith, adding cash considerations to balance the deal. The LA Clippers named general manager Trent Redden as interim president of basketball ops, filling the role left vacant by Lawrence Frank.

Retirements and Season Outlook

Nicolas Batum announced his retirement after 18 NBA seasons, ending a career that included a championship with the Clippers and a long tenure with Team France. The Rockets hope to blow past their plateau with Fred Van Vleet and Steven Adams returning, aiming to make "some real noise" in the Western Conference.

International Games and Fan Events

The NBA announced that Spurs-Pelicans games in Paris and Manchester are sold out, with all tickets gone for the 2027 NBA Paris and Manchester matches. Fans flocked to Wilmington to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of "One Tree Hill," honoring No. 23 — a different number than Michael Jordan's.

Fantasy Basketball Preview

Fantasy experts pinpointed which players they hope to draft this season, highlighting top targets for the upcoming campaign. A guide to sleepers, breakouts and busts for 2026-27 identified players likely to exceed or fall short of expectations.