"With less than three weeks until the start of the 2025-26 season, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers kicked off the NBA's preseason schedule on the other side of the globe in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. In an offseason full of movement, many players and personnel are stepping into uncharted waters: a point guard adjusting to a new home, a new coach in charge of a team with massive expectations and some young talent staring at massive opportunities. It sets them up to be among the people who will define the NBA this season."
"This is not a list of the best or most important people in the league. Names such as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lakers guard Luka Doncic won't be found on this list. Let's break down 10 names who will play major roles in defining the upcoming season -- both on the court and as far as the trade deadline, draft and free agency play out."
Less than three weeks before the 2025-26 season, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers opened the NBA preseason in Abu Dhabi. Extensive offseason movement created new roles, including point guards changing teams, new head coaches facing high expectations, and young players with expanded opportunities. A curated list identifies 10 individuals expected to shape the season on-court and through transactions, the draft and free agency. The list excludes perennial superstars like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. Magic president Jeff Weltman signaled a win-now pivot and traded future picks for Desmond Bane, a move praised in offseason surveys.
Read at ESPN.com
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