Basketball news

• Three scenarios: What history says about the Wizards this season

  04-10-2026 13:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Can the Washington Wizards end the tank? With Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and DeAndre Ayton onboard, here are 3 historical paths and what each would mean for 2026-27. | NBAE via Getty Images After a brutal stretch of losing by design, the Wizards are going to try to start winning this year. The past three seasons, the team totaled 50 wins — tied with the 2021-24 Detroit Pistons for the 10th worst three-year stretch in NBA history.The worst stretch belongs to The Process Philadelphia 76ers,
  
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• LeBron James, Nick Nurse shoot down rumor LeBron called out Embiid for being late to practice

  07-10-2026 22:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Wherever LeBron James goes, drama follows.That drama landed in Philadelphia in the last few days, and it started with a guy who is the polar opposite of a rumor monger, Knicks and ESPN/ABC broadcaster Mike Breen. He was calling the Knicks vs. 76ers preseason game and said he had been told LeBron called out Joel Embiid for being late to practice.Here’s Mike Breen saying it on the broadcast.For the record, I don’t think this is negative at all.It’s a great representation of the g
  
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• ESPN announcer Mike Breen apologizes after LeBron James refutes on-air story about him and Joel Embiid

  07-10-2026 22:54 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Longtime ESPN NBA play-by-play announcer Mike Breen apologized on Wednesday over a story he shared about LeBron James and Joel Embiid during a preseason game between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers earlier this week. The story, which Breen said on the air during the fourth quarter, was refuted on social media by James. "I'm so disappointed how the story was interpreted," Breen told ESPN. "The whole intent was praising LeBron for already having an impact on the team's profess
  
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• NBA Europe plans continue after EuroLeague rejects merger

  07-10-2026 22:27 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  As the NBA continues to pursue its expansion into Europe, the existing legacy league rejected a formal merger offer earlier this week.Yet, that isn’t halting any plans for NBA Europe to forge ahead.Membership groups from EuroLeague, which has been operating in the region since 1958, rejected a merger offer from the NBA that would have lumped operations under the proposed NBA Europe umbrella, a person with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.Despite that, talks are
  
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• Dana Altman's retirement in offseason's twilight becomes latest in mysterious trend

  07-10-2026 21:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Roughly 24 hours before he and his Oregon men’s basketball players were set to speak at Big Ten media days in Rosemont, Illinois, Dana Altman decided that after nearly 40 years as a Division I head coach, it was time to call it a career.The longtime Ducks coach retired effective immediately on Wednesday, Oct. 7, only 26 days before they tip off their 2026-27 season against Montana.The fact that the news is only so stunning says quite a bit about where college basketball finds itself in 202
  
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• Will Tony Stubblefield be Oregon's next coach? What to know of interim, longtime assistant

  07-10-2026 21:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Longtime Oregon men's basketball coach Dana Altman announced his retirement from coaching on Wednesday, Oct. 7, less than a month from the Ducks' season opener against Montana on Nov. 2. Assistant coach Tony Stubblefield will serve as the interim coach, per the announcement. Prior to his second stint as an assistant under Altman in Oregon, Stubblefield was most recently the head coach at DePaul, accumulating a 28-54 record in three seasons with the Demons before he was fired.REQUIRED READING: Or
  
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• Cole Swider has worked ‘really hard’ on body, defense since last stint with Lakers

  07-10-2026 20:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Cole Swider #50 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 28, 2026 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Ima
  
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• Rotoworld Fantasy Basketball Draft Central 2026: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, and more

  07-10-2026 20:27 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  If "Roundball Rock" has become an ear worm for you in recent days, that means two things. 1) You're one of us. 2) It's almost time for basketball season. With the 2026-27 NBA season rapidly approaching, we’ve put together this handy Rotoworld Fantasy Basketball Draft Central hub page. It's your home for all of our preseason coverage in one place.The best part? This is just the beginning of our coverage this preseason. Bookmark this page and check back often for our latest articles, ranking
  
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• 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Punt Guide: Best draft targets for every category

  07-10-2026 20:22 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  To punt or not to punt: that is the question many category-league managers face when building rosters, regardless of draft format. Do you (in theory) concede a particular category immediately, or is it better to do so later in the process? And if you punt, which players should you target by category?Below is a look at each of the nine major categories in nine-cat formats, along with some worthwhile options in the early, middle and later rounds of drafts. And what you will find is that, regardles
  
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• Jaden Hardy feels Luka Dončić has taken his leadership to another level this season

  07-10-2026 20:17 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Jaden Hardy #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a shot on gsduring their preseason game at Chase Center on October 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images After spending the first 2.5 years of his NBA career with Luka
  
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• Game Preview: Suns got sloppy in Detroit. Can they clean it up in Chicago?

  07-10-2026 20:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 05: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball against Lachlan Olbrich #47 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on April 05, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images Who: Phoenix Suns (0-1) vs. Chicago Bulls (0-
  
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• JJ Redick impressed with Quentin Grimes’ defensive commitment during preseason

  07-10-2026 19:38 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Quentin Grimes #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during their preseason game at Chase Center on October 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images A prevailing theme of
  
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• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Klay Thompson praise Heat Culture in training camp

  07-10-2026 19:34 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Mention "Heat Culture" around the NBA and you elicit a lot of eye-rolling. It's dismissed as branding. Did that culture get them more than low-to-mid-40s wins or a first-round (or play-in last season) exit in any of the last three seasons?Don't roll your eyes at Giannis Antetokounmpo or Klay Thompson, they have fully bought in. Look what Antetokounmpo and Thompson told The Athletic in recent articles."No, it's real," Antetokounmpo told The Athletic, shaking his head. "It's real..."Togetherness.
  
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• Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon: 'My intention here is clear: bring a championship to Portland'

  07-10-2026 19:32 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  On the eve of his team’s NBA preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors, and in the midst of a series of controversies surrounding his ownership and management of the franchise he bought seven months ago, billionaire Tom Dundon told Portland Trail Blazers season ticket holders in a letter sent Tuesday night that his “intention” as owner of the franchise “is clear: bring a championship to Portland.”In the letter to Blazers “Season Ticket Members,”
  
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• Sixers provide more injury updates on Adem Bona, Dominick Barlow, Anfernee Simons

  07-10-2026 19:32 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 4: Dominick Barlow #25 and Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers high five during the game against the Detroit Pistons on April 4, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
  
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• Report: Davis unlikely to get max extension from Wizards

  07-10-2026 19:19 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  WASHINGTON, DC -  SEPTEMBER 28: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards poses for a portrait during NBA media day on September 28, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images Washing
  
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• Oregon basketball coach Dana Altman retiring less than one month before season starts

  07-10-2026 19:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Oregon men's basketball coach Dana Altman is retiring, USA TODAY Sports has confirmed: a stunning move, particularly since it takes place less than one month before the 2026-27 season begins.Oregon has confirmed the news. Longtime assistant coach and former DePaul coach Tony Stubblefield will serve as the interim coach for the upcoming season, USA TODAY Sports also confirmed.The winningest coach in program history, Altman has been at Oregon since 2010. He made the Ducks a consistent contender du
  
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• The Hawks have everything except a closer. Can Jalen Johnson be the guy?

  07-10-2026 18:42 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Atlanta Hawks have just about everything you could want in an NBA roster.⁣Lockdown defenders: Dyson Daniels and Lu DortKnockdown shooters: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum, and Corey KispertHard-nosed bigs: Onyeka Okongwu and Jock Landale3-and-D wings: Aaron Wiggins and Dorian Finney-SmithPromising young players: Kingston Flemings, Asa Newell, and Zuby EjioforAnd an up-and-coming All-Star: Jalen JohnsonHawks head coach Quin Snyder has such a deep roster to turn to that Atlanta can
  
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• Fantasy Basketball Preseason Top 200 Rankings: Wemby, Jokić, SGA headline the board for 2026-27

  07-10-2026 18:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  As part of NBC Sports' preseason fantasy basketball coverage, we unveil the first edition of the Top 200 rankings that will be updated weekly throughout the regular season. While the names at the top aren't a surprise, this season could mark the dawn of a new era in fantasy basketball. Denver's Nikola Jokić has led the way for multiple seasons, but San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama could take the crown in 2026-27. And one can't forget about Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has als
  
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• NBA 2K is continuing its trend of leaving fans behind

  07-10-2026 18:30 via tech.yahoo.com
  
  NBA 2K25 displayed on a tv screen and DualSense controller are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on September 30, 2024. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images While NBA 2K doesn’t necessarily have a total monopoly on licensed NBA video games, it can sometimes feel like it’s the only shop in town, abusing its position to treat consumers badly. There have been years of griping about the game design and business practices th
  
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• Ausar’s improved handle could elevate Pistons to contender status

  07-10-2026 17:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 5: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns during a preseason game on October 5, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
  
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• NBA MVP Predictions 2026-27: Can anyone keep Victor Wembanyama from first MVP?

  07-10-2026 17:47 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  No NBA award generates near the level of passion and debate as Most Valuable Player. Stalking this race starts early — by the end of the first week of the season, there will be people on podcasts talking about how "Player X is off to a fast start, he's making his MVP case."\Will there be much debate this season? Not according to the team at NBCSports.com — everyone is picking the same guy, Victor Wembanyama. Here are our picks, but first the oddsfor the top five, via our partners at
  
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• Lakers coach rips players for ‘unacceptable’ behavior with rarely seen decision

  07-10-2026 17:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO — It’s unusual for an NBA coach to willingly use their first timeout in the opening minute of a game.But that’s exactly what Lakers coach JJ Redick did during his short-handed team’s 124-98 blowout loss to the Warriors on Tuesday night at Chase Center after an “insane” start to the game, as Redick put it.It didn’t take long for Lakers head coach JJ Redick to call his first timeout.Getty ImagesEven within the context of the Lakers being with
  
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• Designer behind Kobe Bryant's iconic title jacket still shapes NBA fashion

  07-10-2026 17:41 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES — Jeff Hamilton has become a household name for his luxurious leather jackets. He has been a part of sports history by crafting several iconic pieces, including the jacket that Kobe Bryant wore in the locker room after winning the 2001 NBA Finals. In his booth at the 10th anniversary of ComplexCon on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the designer displayed a sparkly jacket paying tribute to that moment.Hamilton discussed how being a part of the inaugural Co
  
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• Nets' Egor Demin ready to 'make a humongous jump' after strong summer: 'I’m even better right now'

  07-10-2026 17:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  In the shadows of their crosstown rival Knicks, the Nets are looking to improve on their 20-win season last year.One of the main pieces in their rebuild is 2025 No. 8 overall pick Egor Dëmin, who showed promising flashes during his rookie year and even more signs of growth during the Summer League.Dëmin picked up where he left off in Las Vegas on Tuesday night during Brooklyn's first preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets (124-90 win), scoring six points (2-for-3 from three)
  
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• LeBron James’ helicopter trips are sketchy benefits outside of his Sixers contract

  07-10-2026 16:32 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images LeBron James decided to suit up for the 76ers this season, but that sure doesn’t mean he wants to live in Philadelphia. In fact, he’s going to extraordinary lengths to avoid being there any longer than necessary. News emerged this last week that LeBron has decided to live in New York for the 2026-27 season, commuting to Philly for games and practice. That sounds like a colossal pain on the surface, considering it’s roughly a t
  
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• Knicks Bulletin: ‘I heard that all summer’

  07-10-2026 16:32 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 5: Bruce Brown #1 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 5, 2026 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) |
  
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• EuroLeague teams reject NBA offer to merge into single European operation

  07-10-2026 15:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  EuroLeague teams reject NBA offer to merge into single European operation originally appeared on NBC Sports PhiladelphiaEuroLeague basketball owners have rejected a formal offer from the NBA to merge into a single European operation following a meeting in Italy, Barcelona confirmed Wednesday.The decision not to accept the NBA’s proposal of a single Europe entity was made Tuesday in Cernobbio during a gathering of the EuroLeague’s 13 shareholder clubs. They include Barcelona, Bayern M
  
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• Dave Portnoy calls LeBron James’ 76ers contract ‘illegal’ over Fanatics ‘side deal’

  07-10-2026 15:34 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LeBron James; Dave PortnoyDave Portnoy thinks LeBron James is going to be the next Kawhi Leonard.After shocking the world and joining the Philadelphia 76ers this past offseason, seemingly every basketball mind began double-taking at how James landed in the City of Brotherly Love for what many expect to be his final seasons. James signed for the league minimum to facilitate the deal and be able to sign wherever he wanted, and reports have trickled out that Michael Rubin, the billionaire owne
  
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• Eight pressing NBA questions for 2026-27 season: Will Knicks repeat? Can 76ers finally break through?

  07-10-2026 15:07 via cbssports.com
  
  After an offseason filled with drama, the NBA season is almost here
  
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