Each new NBA season begins with media day. It’s when gamers get to brag about how a lot muscle they added over the offseason, when coaches and executives set expectations, and when everybody concerned will get to have somewhat enjoyable with the arrival of a brand new yr.
Media day has given us so many nice moments over time. Who might overlook Kawhi Leonard’s robotic snigger throughout his introduction with the Raptors? It’s typically our first have a look at gamers of their new jerseys, which all the time seems extremely unusual — as Tony Parker’s temporary Hornets period taught us. Media day can be the place we first realized that Zion Williamson was injured heading into final season. He wouldn’t play the whole yr.
Listed below are the most effective and worst moments from NBA media day to open the 2022-2023 season.
Kevin Durant says he has nothing to show to Nets followers
Kevin Durant on whether or not he’ll put in one other commerce request if the Nets battle…
“I do not really feel like I’ve gotta show something to Internet followers after 3 years. I am dedicated to shifting ahead with this group. In the event you’ve obtained doubts, that is on you.”
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) September 26, 2022
In the meantime, Durant’s boss mentioned he’s not his boss.
Nets GM Sean Marks on Kevin Durant: “First off, I am not his boss. We’re companions. If he needed out and nonetheless needed out, he wouldn’t be right here.”
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) September 26, 2022
All the pieces with the Nets is exceedingly regular, as all the time.
Kyrie Irving sums up the Nets’ offseason in a single phrase
Kyrie Irving on the Nets summer season: “It was a clusterfuck.”
I agree.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) September 26, 2022
Irving additionally talked about his resolution to be unvaccinated final season, and the way it affected his contract negotiations this previous summer season. He’s now on an expiring cope with the Nets after initially in search of a long-term max extension.
“I did not admire how me being unvaccinated got here to be a stigma inside my profession that I do not need to play, or that I am prepared to surrender all the pieces to be a voice for the unvoiced.”
– Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/yE6E0GU03N
— Nets Movies (@SNYNets) September 26, 2022
Kyrie Irving: “I gave up 4 years, 100-something million to be unvaccinated.”
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) September 26, 2022
Deandre Ayton sounds depressing to be again in Phoenix
The Suns refused to offer Ayton a max contract forward of final season, and made him linger on the free agent market till he obtained a suggestion from the Pacers that Phoenix matched. The vibes in Phoenix are sinking quick.
Jimmy Butler is rocking dreadlocks “to make the web mad”
The Miami Warmth star was seen with a brand new hair fashion all through the offseason, and he’s sticking with it — no less than for now. His priorities are clearly in the correct place when speaking about why he made the swap.
Butler additionally known as P.J. Tucker a traitor for his resolution to signal with the Philadelphia 76ers over the offseason.
James Harden says he’s misplaced “100 kilos”
James Harden says (with a smile) that he misplaced “100 kilos. Tweet that”
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) September 26, 2022
Celtics gamers discovered about Ime Udoka scandal on Twitter like everybody else
How did Tatum discover out about Udoka: “Shit on Twitter, like everyone else.”#Celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) September 26, 2022
Jaylen Brown on Udoka suspension: “I want we had extra particulars. From what we all know, it’s arduous to decide based mostly on whether or not it’s consensual or not within the office, which we all know has occurred earlier than within the office. It seems like there may be extra to it than what meets the attention.”
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) September 26, 2022
In the meantime, Marcus Good mentioned this ….
Zion Williamson seems jacked and able to go
Anthony Edwards apologized for homophobic slur on social media
Anthony Edwards apologizing repeatedly for the feedback he made. Says he’s prepared to place within the work to point out that he’s remorseful and studying from the state of affairs
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) September 26, 2022
Edwards: “I realized that you need to assume earlier than you converse and issues could be taken away in a blink. Phrases damage individuals and I simply gotta be higher.”
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) September 26, 2022
Ben Simmons had the most effective reply on what number of threes he’ll take this season
What number of 3s will Ben Simmons take this season?
“Shit, who is aware of,” he mentioned.
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) September 26, 2022
Gregg Popovich is aware of to not wager on the Spurs
“I most likely shouldn’t say this,” Gregg Popovich says.
He leans into the microphone.
“No one right here…”
Pause.
“…ought to go to Vegas and wager on this group to win the championship.”
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) September 26, 2022
Kawhi Leonard laughed once more
The sequel isn’t pretty much as good as the unique, however that is nonetheless enjoyable.
Udonis Haslem dances forward of season No. 20
Christian Wooden will come off the bench for the Mavs
Christian Wooden might be primarily a sixth man for the Mavs, Jason Kidd says. “I don’t want him to be ‘The Microwave.’ I simply want him to be C. Wooden.”
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) September 26, 2022
Nikola Jokic desires to be the “Tim Duncan of the Nuggets”
Nikola Jokic: “I need to be the Tim Duncan of the Denver Nuggets, however I must win a pair championships to be him.”
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) September 26, 2022
Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook are associates now, apparently
Patrick Beverley informed ESPN that Russell Westbrook has been his “finest buddy” on the group since being traded to the Lakers this summer season. Says they each are available to coach earlier than 7 a.m. and spend time within the gymnasium collectively
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 26, 2022
In the meantime, Wooden mentioned it’s the primary he’s listening to this.
OG Anunoby is now O.G. Anunoby
We’ll replace this story because it develops.