"Although continuity is the name of the game for the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who bring back every player who saw at least 50 minutes of action during last season's playoff run, the teams chasing them have made important changes this offseason, including the Knicks replacing Tom Thibodeau on the sideline. The Houston Rockets made the biggest splash, adding two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant to a young core that finished second in the West last season before losing in the opening round."
"Meanwhile, lottery picks such as the Philadelphia 76ers' VJ Edgecombe could be difference-makers for the unlikely teams that jumped up in May. ESPN's Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton spotlight newcomers to watch heading into the 2025-26 season -- with coach Mike Brown joining 13 players on the list -- ranked by who will be the most impactful and give a look at their significance next spring and beyond."
NBA preseason opens in three weeks with the New York Knicks facing the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi. The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder retain every player who logged at least 50 playoff minutes, emphasizing continuity. Several contenders retooled: the Knicks replaced Tom Thibodeau as coach, the Houston Rockets added two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant to their young core, and the Denver Nuggets supplemented Nikola Jokic's core with Cameron Johnson and bench upgrades. Lottery picks such as Philadelphia's VJ Edgecombe could influence unexpected teams. Coach Mike Brown joins 13 players identified as newcomers to watch, ranked by expected impact into the 2025-26 season and beyond.
Read at ESPN.com
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