It’s time for the 2024 NBA Media Day! This event combines the excitement of the first day of school, picture day, and homecoming, signaling the start of the preseason.

Players, coaches, and team executives will share their thoughts and optimism about the upcoming season, and you can bet Jimmy Butler will make headlines with his latest surprise appearance.

This year, 28 NBA teams are set to participate in media day activities on Monday. The Celtics and Nuggets got a head start last week in preparation for their upcoming NBA Abu Dhabi games on October 5, marking the debut of the 2024-2025 season for the rest of the league.

We’ll be providing updates on all the latest happenings from the NBA media day. Here’s what’s new regarding the 2024 NBA media day.

Kawhi Leonard Injury Update

Kawhi Leonard appeared at the Los Angeles Clippers media day with a focus on staying healthy enough to navigate the playoffs this year.

Concerns about Leonard’s health are prevalent again as he was unable to finish the Clippers’ playoff battle with the Dallas Mavericks last season. He withdrew from Team USA training camp this summer due to worries about his knee and is said to have undergone a procedure on it during the offseason.

Leonard acknowledged that knee inflammation, which flared up last season, could be a long-term issue but expressed confidence in his ability and the training staff’s strategies to manage it going forward.

Chicago Bulls Provide Lonzo Ball Injury Update

Lonzo Ball’s once-bright NBA career has been heavily impacted by ongoing knee injuries while with the Chicago Bulls. Since signing a four-year, $85 million contract in 2021, he has played just 35 games and has not seen the court in the last two seasons. However, a return might be imminent, potentially in time for the season opener.

Artūras Karnišovas, the Bulls’ executive VP of basketball operations, mentioned, “That’s the plan,” regarding the possibility of Ball being available for the first game of the season.

Ja Morant Prepares for ‘Scary’ NBA Comeback

Ja Morant wants to clarify that he isn’t focused on proving his critics wrong after facing significant challenges over the past two seasons. Yet, the Memphis Grizzlies aim to return to playoff contention, and he acknowledged that his recent struggles and health issues would impact the league moving forward.

“I feel like a happy Ja is a scary Ja for a lot of people,” Morant stated.

Luka Doncic and Jason Kidd Welcome Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson’s transition to the Dallas Mavericks is generating buzz, as his new uniform feels unusual compared to his previous days with the Golden State Warriors. However, Mavericks star Luka Doncic and coach Jason Kidd believe Thompson could be a crucial addition that addresses gaps in the team’s lineup from last year’s NBA Finals run.

“We haven’t had a Jason Terry or a Klay Thompson here in a while,” Kidd remarked, alluding to their success during the Mavericks’ 2011 championship run. “You’re talking about rare air here when it comes to shooting,”

“I can’t wait to team up with him,” Doncic added.

Houston Rockets Eyeing NBA Playoffs

The Houston Rockets made significant roster changes last offseason, hiring coach Ime Udoka, but missed out on the play-in tournament. This year, they’re vocal about their playoff ambitions, even as the Western Conference becomes more competitive.

Knicks Discuss Karl-Anthony Towns Trade

Josh Hart had a noteworthy reaction to the recent news.

Residents React to Karl-Anthony Towns Rumors

While the trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns moving from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Knicks for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo isn’t finalized yet, Towns was spotted in the vicinity, according to Athletic hockey writer Peter Baugh.

Here’s a photo of the rumored newest Knick.

The trade is not yet officially agreed upon, making for a particularly intriguing media day.

Joel Embiid Weight Update

NBA Pays Tribute to Dikembe Mutombo

This year’s media day carries a somber note as the NBA announced the passing of Hall of Fame center and cherished humanitarian Dikembe Mutombo from brain cancer at the age of 58.

Philadelphia 76ers Excited About Paul George

Tyrese Maxey and Paul George shared smiles during a playful moment at their photo session, which brought laughter among the trio, including Joel Embiid, who hadn’t been smiling until Maxey playfully stole the ball from him in a clip shared on the team’s social media. The atmosphere around the Philadelphia 76ers is noticeably more positive this season in contrast to last year’s uncertainty regarding James Harden.

With George’s addition this offseason, Philadelphia now boasts a new big three. General Manager Daryl Morey and coach Nick Nurse are grateful that the focus is on integrating George with Maxey and Embiid rather than dealing with off-court issues.

“What I appreciate this year,” Morey mentioned, “is that our challenges are more conventional.”

“I believe our team is stronger than it was amid all that chaos,” added Nick Nurse, the coach of the 76ers.

Weight Update on Victor Wembanyama

What can we expect from Victor Wembanyama’s second year in the NBA? This question is crucial for understanding if the San Antonio Spurs can be considered playoff contenders in the Western Conference this season.

After finishing a successful Rookie of the Year season and competing in the gold medal match with France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Wembanyama appears ready for significant growth. He likely added some weight to his tall 7-foot-3 frame, which is a positive sign for the Spurs.

Start of NBA Media Day 2024 with Quin Snyder, Atlanta Hawks

It looks like Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder will be one of the first among many NBA coaches and players to engage with the media on Monday. Snyder shared some intriguing insights about Dejounte Murray and a roster that now includes both Trae Young and No. 1 draft pick Zaccharie Rissacher.

Viewing NBA Media Day: Schedule, TV, and Streaming

Some teams will kick off the festivities early, but live coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET on NBA TV, with additional coverage available on NBA.com. Here are the times (in ET):

• NBA TV Media Day Presented by AT&T | 1-5 p.m. | NBA TV
• NBA Media Day Live | 4-7 p.m. | NBA.com, NBA App

What is NBA Media Day?

NBA Media Day offers fans their first glimpse of their favorite teams as organizations host open sessions for media access to players and staff.

In addition to interviews, it’s a chance for players to take official season photos, leading to a tradition where many memorable images are shared on social media. Jimmy Butler is one player known for embracing this tradition with his unique style.

When Does the NBA Season Begin?

The NBA season kicks off on October 22, featuring the Knicks facing the Celtics in Boston and the Lakers playing the Timberwolves. The rest of the teams will join in on the action starting October 23.

NBA Media Day Schedule:

All times listed in ET.

• Milwaukee Bucks | Fiserv Forum – 9:30 a.m.
• San Antonio Spurs | Spurs Practice Facility – 10:00 a.m.
• Miami Heat | Kaseya Center – 10:00 a.m.
• New Orleans Pelicans | Smoothie King Center – 10:00 a.m.
• Brooklyn Nets | HSS Training Center – 10:30 a.m.
• Toronto Raptors | Scotiabank Arena – 10:30 a.m.
• Indiana Pacers | Gainbridge Fieldhouse – 10:45 a.m.
• Philadelphia 76ers | 76ers Training Complex – 11:00 a.m.
• Cleveland Cavaliers | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse – 11:00 a.m.
• Atlanta Hawks | PC&E Atlanta – 11:00 a.m.
• New York Knicks | Knicks Practice Facility – 11:00 a.m.
• Orlando Magic | AdventHealth Training Center – 11:00 a.m.
• Charlotte Hornets | Spectrum Center – 11:00 a.m.
• Utah Jazz | Zion’s Bank Basketball Campus – 11:00 a.m.
• Washington Wizards | TBD
• Memphis Grizzlies | FedEx Forum – 12:00 p.m.
• Dallas Mavericks | Mavericks Practice Facility – 12:00 p.m.
• Houston Rockets | Toyota Center – 12:00 p.m.
• Oklahoma City Thunder | Paycom Center – 12:00 p.m.
• Golden State Warriors | Chase Center – 12:00 p.m.
• Portland Trail Blazers | Moda Center – 12:00 p.m.
• Detroit Pistons | Little Caesar’s Arena – 12:30 p.m.
• Los Angeles Clippers | Intuit Dome – 1:00 p.m.
• Minnesota Timberwolves | Target Center – 1:30 p.m.
• Chicago Bulls | Advocate Center – 1:30 p.m.
• Los Angeles Lakers | UCLA Health Training Center – 2:00 p.m.
• Phoenix Suns | Footprint Center – 2:00 p.m.
• Sacramento Kings | Golden 1 Center – 3:00 p.m.