Usually, NBA media days can feel scripted and sterile — but this year we got some actual news. Jalen Duren was a no-show in Detroit, and he will not be there for the start of training camp. There was news about Kristaps Porzingis with the Warriors and Brandon Ingram with the Clippers. And if you want to know what LeBron James said in Philadelphia, Jalen Brunson in New York, or Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, we’ve got you covered.
That was not all that happened, here is more news from around the NBA as most teams had their media days.
When Nikola Jokic chose not to sign an extension with the Nuggets this summer — which was a smart financial move if he wants to sign for more next summer — it raised a few eyebrows around the league, and teams decided to monitor the situation. Then the league’s rumor mongers jumped in and ran with it.
Jokic shot all that down at media day in Denver. As he does every time he is asked about this.
“I’m gonna sign next year, if they want me.”
This summer, Jokic could have extended for four years, $276 million. Next summer, Jokic can sign for five years and a projected $357 million, with a no-trade clause. This new contract would take him through age 36.
One might have thought star rookie Darius Acuff would have been the talk of Sacramento Kings media day, but much of the attention was on a guy on a non-guaranteed minimum contract: Ben Simmons.
Simmons was out of the NBA last season and with that heard a lot of “he doesn’t love the game” comments, but Simmons pushed back on that speaking to the media.
“I think that was more so my body. It wasn’t about if I wanted to play. All these people talk about, I don’t love the game. That’s bulls***. I love this game. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I’m at…
“I miss playing the game a lot, but it’s hard to do when you’re not physically right. I’m healthy, and I’m able to compete every day.”
Sacramento is looking for a reliable veteran backup to play behind Acuff. Can Simmons be that guy? He is going to get a chance.
Other news, notes from media days
• San Antonio’s Dylan Harper is one of the pre-season favorites to win Sixth Man of the Year (he has the second shortest odds at DraftKings, behind OKC’s Ajay Mitchell). Harper told GQ’s Cam Wolf he wants no part of that.
“What’s the political answer here? I’m going to do whatever the team needs me to do, man. If that’s come off the bench…. That’s crazy. F*** no. I ain’t coming off no bench.”
• Telling Stephen Curry that many pundits do not expect the Warriors to make the playoffs had him leaving the podium.
• While we’re in Golden State, Jimmy Butler did not go with a new hairstyle for media day this year, but check out those earrings.
• Anthony Davis said he is going to play out this season in Washington on his current ($58.5 million) contract, and “when the season is over. I’m going to go through the season, and kind of do what I do at a high level, and then, when it’s over, you know, sit down and have those key conversations again with the front office.” Davis has a player option for next season of $62.8 million,
• In Portland, Damian Lillard will start at one of the guard spots, but who starts at the other spot? Ja Morant? Jrue Holiday? Scoot Henderson. Morant said he would be fine coming off the bench.
“I think winning is the most important thing for me. So whatever role I have to play to get that done, I don’t think anybody would be mad after a win. As a starter, if I’m starting, if I’m not, it’s the same thing. It’s day one right now, I feel like that’s coach’s questions, but for me I have no problem with either.”
• As expected, the Charlotte Hornets waived former No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham, who is now a free agent.
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