Klay Thompson debuted in his new Dallas Mavericks uniform, while Chris Paul posed alongside towering rookie Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. LeBron James and his son Bronny officially became the NBA’s first father-son teammates in Los Angeles.
Monday marked Media Day for 28 of the 30 NBA teams, showcasing fresh faces like Paul, Thompson, and Paul George in new settings, all brimming with optimism before training camps kick off on Tuesday. Boston and Denver were the exceptions, having started their camps last week in preparation for preseason games in the UAE.
“It’s the NBA. Everyone starts 0-0 at the beginning of the year,” said Alex Caruso of the Oklahoma City Thunder, reflecting the hopeful spirit shared by many teams. Players were in high spirits, posing for photos and enjoying interviews, making Media Day one of the lightest days of the NBA calendar.
Training camps start Tuesday, with many teams heading to destinations like the Bahamas or Hawaii to bond and limit distractions. Golden State’s Stephen Curry highlighted the importance of each practice, emphasizing the need for growth and teamwork.
For the Warriors, the challenge will be adjusting to life without Thompson, while the Mavericks are excited to integrate him into their roster. Dallas guard Kyrie Irving expressed his enthusiasm for Thompson’s addition, believing it enhances their championship prospects.
The 76ers welcomed Paul George to join forces with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, aiming for a championship run. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks anticipated the impact of Karl-Anthony Towns, whose trade from Minnesota was still pending during Media Day.
In San Antonio, Chris Paul and Wembanyama stood together, symbolizing a new era for the Spurs. Coach Gregg Popovich humorously acknowledged their past rivalry, while Paul and Wembanyama looked forward to working together.
The U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team, fresh off a gold medal win, also reassembled, with Curry and James leading the charge. As the oldest player in the league, James feels rejuvenated after the Olympics and is eager to contribute significantly to his team’s success, stating, “I do have a lot in the tank.”