Saoirse Downs
There is a lot happening in the world of basketball at the moment. From the NBA draft to player injuries and international fixtures, here is a round-up of the latest basketball news.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| NBA 2025 Draft | Some major surprises and questionable decisions |
| Pacers star | Went down in Game 7 on Sunday night |
| Thunder | Captured their first title |
| Jazz | Weren't among Bailey's preferred destinations |
| Knicks | May have made a mistake |
| NBA 2025-26 season | Five coaches starting the season on a hot seat |
| Boston's star | Recovering from Achilles surgery |
| Spurs and guard De'Aaron Fox | Agreed on a deal to keep him with the team through 2029-30 |
| Lakers | Hiring Jeremy Holsopple as their new head strength and conditioning coach |
| Lakers assistant | Hints at a bigger role for Bronny James |
| Indiana Fever | Continued their mastery of the Chicago Sky with a 92-70 victory |
| Hornets | Winning the Summer League? |
| NBA Christmas Day schedule | Eastern Conference's talent drain |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Returns to Canadian hometown to celebrate NBA title |
| USA Basketball's roster for AmeriCup | Features plenty of NBA experience |
| NBA international expansion | Six regular-season games in Europe over the next three years |
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What You'll Learn
The NBA's 2025-26 season
The 2025 NBA Draft has already set the stage for the 2025-26 season, with some major surprises and questionable decisions. The Thunder captured their first title, and all eyes will be on them to see if they can continue their winning streak. The Knicks are also a team to watch, with a few key changes, they could be on their way to the NBA finals. The Clippers have also made some interesting moves, bringing in Brook Lopez and swapping Norman Powell for John Collins, and with Kawhi Leonard back to full health, they are expected to be in great shape.
The Hawks have also made some great moves, grabbing players like Porzingis and NAW, and with the best playmaker in the league, Trae, they could be set for a stellar season. The Pistons are also expected to keep improving, and with injuries affecting other teams in the East, they could move up in the standings. The Celtics have had some roster moves and the Tatum injury to contend with, so their performance is uncertain, but they are still a good core team. The Bucks are trying to build competing rosters for Giannis, but their ability to stay healthy is a concern.
The Warriors have an ageing Curry, and it is uncertain if they will be able to make a big move to support him. They have been trying to rebuild while also remaining competitive, and their draft picks have been unlucky. The Mavericks could be a 50-win team if they can stay healthy, which has been an issue for them in the past. The Spurs are in a good position, with lots of young talent, and Wemby has the potential to be a standout player.
Chris Paul has announced that this upcoming season will be his last, so all eyes will be on him as he finishes his NBA career. With the season about to start, fans and experts are making their predictions, and it is sure to be an exciting year for the NBA.
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Roster changes
The Atlanta Hawks have restructured their roster during the offseason, building around star guard Trae Young, aiming for a long playoff run. This move puts the spotlight on Young and the team's strategy to utilise his talents effectively.
Boston's star player is currently undergoing rehab after Achilles surgery in May, and is expected to sit out most of the upcoming season. This creates an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void left by their star, potentially reshaping the team's dynamics and strategy.
The San Antonio Spurs and guard De'Aaron Fox have agreed to a max deal, keeping him with the team through the 2029-30 season. This long-term commitment signals the Spurs' belief in Fox as a cornerstone of their roster, and his impact will be crucial to the team's future success.
The Pacers' star's injury in Game 7 significantly altered the league landscape. With Houston ready to take off, the absence of a superstar teammate for Durant creates a different dynamic for the Pacers to navigate.
The Thunder captured their first title on Sunday night, with their future trajectory now a key focus. Their success has sparked discussions about their potential for continued dominance and the strategies other teams may employ to challenge them.
These roster changes and their implications will continue to shape the NBA landscape, influencing team performances and the broader competitive environment.
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Player injuries and rehabs
Zion Williamson, the charismatic forward who has been touted as the next big thing, has had an unfortunate start to his NBA career, appearing in just 114 out of a possible 308 games due to a string of injuries. Williamson is looking to put his right hamstring issues behind him and finally unlock his potential in his fourth season.
Cade Cunningham, the Pistons guard, is also aiming for a healthier season. A stress fracture in his left shin limited him to just 12 games last season, but he's expected to make a strong comeback and showcase his talent.
Chet Holmgren is another young player hoping to bounce back from injuries and make an impact.
Boston's star player is in the midst of a lengthy rehab process after undergoing Achilles surgery in May. The team is taking a cautious approach, and he is expected to be out for most of the upcoming season.
Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers had offseason surgery to clean up a meniscus tear, and he is expected to be ready for the start of the season, along with his teammate Paul George, who rehabbed a sprained knee over the summer. The presence of these two elite players is a significant boost for the Clippers.
Jayson Tatum of the Sixers is also recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in the East semifinals. The team is not rushing his recovery timeline, ensuring he returns to full fitness.
These players' returns from injuries will undoubtedly be a significant storyline as the 2023-24 NBA season unfolds, with their health and performance potentially shaping the landscape of the league.
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International basketball leagues
The Americas
The Argentinian Liga A and Brazilian NBB are well-known South American basketball leagues. Moving north, the Canadian Elite Basketball League is a prominent basketball competition in Canada.
Europe
In Europe, there are numerous basketball leagues, including the Basketball Champions League (organised by FIBA Europe), the Eurocup, and the Euroleague. National leagues include the German BBL, the French LNB Espoirs, and the Greek HEBA A1. Additionally, the ABA League, also known as the Adriatic League, features teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Asia
The Chinese CBA is a notable basketball league in Asia, with teams competing from across the country.
Oceania
The Australian NBL is the premier basketball league in Australia and New Zealand, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1979.
Africa
The Basketball Africa League showcases the best basketball talent from across the African continent.
Historic Leagues
It is worth mentioning that some basketball leagues have left a significant impact on the sport but are no longer active. For example, the World Basketball League (WBL) ran from 1988 to 1992, and the Global Basketball Association (GBA) operated from 1991 to December 1992.
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NBA Draft surprises
The 2025 NBA Draft saw a few surprises, with some questioning the decisions made. One of the biggest surprises was the selection of Kasparas Jakucionis by the Miami Heat at number 20. Jakucionis is a 6-foot-6 player with ballhandling and playmaking skills, and the ability to create shots. He fills a roster void for the Heat and fits their culture and style of play.
Another surprise was the Utah Jazz's selection of Ace Bailey at number 5. Bailey's preferred destination was reportedly Washington, and there was drama around his agent's alleged threat to a top-five team. However, the situation was resolved, and Bailey joins a team with ample opportunity, passionate fans, and an outstanding coaching staff.
Liam McNeeley's selection by the Charlotte Hornets at number 29 was also unexpected. McNeeley, a talented shooter, had a disappointing season at UConn, hitting only 32% of his 3s. Despite this, the Hornets added a player with a proven shooting ability and a selfless style of play, complementing their existing players.
Other notable surprises included the Brooklyn Nets' selection of Egor Demin, a native of Russia who had a fluctuating stock due to an uneven freshman season. Demin is a tall and methodical player with excellent reading abilities, but his ability to contribute immediately was questioned by coaches. The Nets also selected two other international playmaking guards, Ben Saraf and Nolan Traore, showcasing their desire for players of all sizes to handle the ball.
The 2025 NBA Draft also saw the highly-rated Cooper Flagg selected by the Mavericks, receiving an A+ grade. Flagg is a versatile forward with offensive and defensive skills, and the ability to make his teammates better. He has the potential to win back fans after the shocking trade of Luka Dončić.
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Frequently asked questions
The NBPA is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
On September 22, 2023, the NBPA hosted a panel titled "Off the Court and Across Africa: The Economy of Sports." The panel explored how sports are an important part of Africa's economic growth.
The NGBPU is the union for NBA G League players.
The NBA will host regular-season games in Berlin and London in 2026, Manchester and Paris in 2027, and Berlin and Paris again in 2028.
