NBA training camps and the 2022/23 season are near, and players and coaches can preview their teams’ upcoming campaigns at their respective media days this week.
This year’s media event will mark the debut of some major offseason additions for some teams. These include the Atlanta HawksThe new shooting guard Dejounte MurrayThe Cleveland CavaliersThe new shooting guard Donovan Mitchell The Minnesota Timberwolves“New center” Rudy Gobert. Each one of them will meet reporters for the first times as a member in good standing of their respective squads.
The rookie class of this year will also make their NBA media debuts. First overall pick Paolo Banchero You will have some face-time Orlando Magic He beat reporters fresh from his Summer League performance, as he prepares to attend his first NBA training camp.
The same applies to Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets, Keegan Murray The Sacramento Kings A few other highly sought-after rookies will be expected this year to help their teams.
There are also veteran teams who will have serious questions and concerns heading into the season. The Los Angeles Lakers Brooklyn NetsLast year, the media paid a lot of attention to the wrong reasons as the finalists were under pressure to win this year.
LeBron James Russell Westbrook Lakers reporters will need to hear from them why they plan to bounce back after last year’s loss.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant Kyrie Irving In their first media appearance since their second-round playoff exit last year, they will have to answer for the off-court distractions and offseason near departures.
As media days begin across the league, here’s what players have to say:
Sept. 25
Giannis claims Steph is “the best player in all of the world.”
Bucks star Giannis AntetokounmpoThe debate about who is the best NBA player is straightforward.
Because his team failed to win the championship last year, he doesn’t consider him the best player in the league. He was happy to hand that honor to Warriors star Stephen Curry instead.
“I believe the last man standing is the best player in the game.” Antetokounmpo said Sunday Afternoon at Bucks media event. “It’s the one who takes his team to Finals, the finish line, and helps them win. That’s what I see it. Steph Curry is my favorite player.
Antetokounmpo, the No.1 player in ESPN’s NBArank, admitted that he was one of the best players the league and could have claimed the top spot if the Bucks won their 2021 NBA Finals. After Milwaukee’s loss in the second round, Antetokounmpo lost seven games against the Bucks. Boston CelticsHe was not able to prove his claim.
Antetokounmpo finished third in voting for NBA MVP. His average of 29.9 point, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per season was last season. However, he pointed out that individual awards are insignificant when compared to the excitement of winning in the NBA Finals.
He said, “The feeling that I felt, it’s a pleasant feeling.” “Seeing Golden State in the parade and at the ESPYs made me jealous. That feeling is familiar now. “You know what is happening to you.”
Jamal Collier
Can the Warriors do it again? “They want to see that again”
After their 2021-22 NBA Championship, the Golden State Warriors Multiple times, it was repeated that the title felt different due to their hardships over the three previous seasons. Their fourth title in eight years was a statement: It was the dynasty wasn’t over.
The champs are ready to show their worth again.
“I don’t believe it’s the exact same chip.” [on our shoulders]. You would be lying if you told me it was. But there are chips. There are chips. “There are chips everywhere. Draymond Green Sunday. “It might not be quite, Oh, man! People don’t believe we can do it again. It is irrelevant as can be.
Steph Curry added: “It would be foolish to try and naysay [us] and actually think people will take you seriously. We also know that winning a championship is not an easy task. It’s easy to embrace the effort and the motivation.
The Warriors believe they still have lots to motivate them. They are now fully fit for this season, which is the third consecutive season. They want to prove that their 2022 title was not a fluke. Most importantly, their star core understands that its championship window will not remain open forever.
“I mean, the men coming back who won it the first-time, I just know that they want it again,” Klay Thompson said. “And, I mean for me personally and possibly Steph and Andre.” [Iguodala] Draymond, if you think about the players who have won five championships it’s so short. To have the chance to do that is truly special.
— Kendra Andrews
Sep. 24
Can Murray or Trae help the Hawks reach the next level?
The Hawks hope Murray will be paired with their franchise point guard. Trae Young They can elevate their backcourt to a championship-level level. Murray, originally from San Antonio SpursFor the first time since 2019, when the Spurs lost in the first round, he will play a significant role on a postseason team.
Young and Murray are aware of their chemistry and how it will contribute to Atlanta’s success. Murray also spoke briefly about the team’s approach when he is on the floor.
“You’re going to see the ball move. That’s my No. The number one thing is to play the right way. Murray said that there is a lot of excitement in playing defense.
“I’m just thrilled. We have a lot to choose from, and dudes that are capable of doing a lot. It begins on the defensive side and will eventually translate to the offensive. This will make it exciting.
Porzingis’s NBArank fall motivates him
The Wizards are coming off a fourth straight losing season. But the trade for Kristaps Porzingis At least the trade deadline last year gave the franchise an opportunity to develop a franchise around it going forward. Since his 2018 dismemberment, Porzingis had been in statistical decline for the past few years. However, he had a productive 17-game stint in Washington at the conclusion of last season. He averaged 22.1 points and 8.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. This was similar to his 2017-18 All-Star season.
Porzingis came in at No. 86 in this year’s ESPN NBArankHe was at his lowest point since 2015’s rookie season and admitted that he uses the ranking to motivate himself this year.
“Especially this season, I’m coming to work with a chip on the shoulder because of my ESPN rank.” Porzingis spoke to reporters. “I use it for gasoline and energy. I’m eager to show everyone what I can do on both sides of the floor.