NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 1, 2026, 2:14 PM ET
NBA Basketball
Coaching Hot Seats
As the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, Ben Golliver has identified five coaching situations to monitor, highlighting which seats are getting warmer across the league. Several coaches enter the year under heightened scrutiny after disappointing finishes or roster shakeups.
Training Camps Open
Training camps are underway for all 30 teams, and ESPN's Bobby Marks provides a comprehensive guide to the biggest storylines and dates to monitor. The league-wide preview covers key newcomers, injury returns, and contract disputes, answering the biggest preseason questions for every franchise. Among the early storylines, nine position battles are drawing attention, with Eric Moody pointing out which preseason competitions could have significant fantasy implications.
Fantasy Sleepers
For fantasy managers looking for late-round value, Jim McCormick highlights Ajay Mitchell, Ayo Dosunmu, and other top sleepers to target in drafts. Meanwhile, Eric Karabell's "Do draft" list includes players like Julius Randle, Stephon Castle, and Austin Reaves, who are falling further than they should be in early mocks.
Knicks' White House Visit Uncertain
The NBA champion New York Knicks remain undecided on whether they will visit the White House, a tradition for title-winning teams. The organization is still weighing the decision under the current administration, which would make them the first champions to make the trip under President Trump.
Lakers' 'Nasty' Defense
New Lakers addition Walker Kessler has talked up the team's title hopes, expressing confidence that the retooled roster can build a "nasty" defense capable of contending. Kessler believes the Lakers have the right personnel to make a deep playoff run.
76ers' Maxey on Winning
Coming off a career year, Tyrese Maxey has made it clear he wants to be judged by the 76ers' success, not individual stats. The guard is aiming to establish a winning culture in Philadelphia as the team looks to contend in the East.
Legal Issues
Former NBA champion JR Smith was arrested Monday in Texas on a family violence charge. Separately, Suns forward Dillon Brooks was charged with driving under the influence following a March arrest. Both cases are ongoing.
Rule Changes
The NBA has issued new guidance to referees for the 2026-27 season, directing officials to crack down on push-offs and other "high-volume" offensive moves. The league is targeting four specific types of violations as part of the new guidelines.
Vegas Expansion
The NBA is reviewing finalists' bids for the Las Vegas expansion franchise, with valuations expected in the $12-13 billion range. The league is expected to select the winning bid for ownership of the new team soon.
Clippers' Ingram Progress
Clippers forward Brandon Ingram, recovering from heel surgery, got in some light court work before team practice in Hawaii. The light shooting and conditioning session marks an encouraging step in his rehab.
Record Jersey Sale
Michael Jordan's game-worn jersey from Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals has sold for a record $12,260,000, the highest price ever paid for a Jordan jersey. The "Last Dance" era piece set a new auction benchmark.