Media Day for most NBA teams will take place on Monday, serving as the official kickoff for the 2026-27 season and leading into training camp practices on Tuesday. Fans will get a glimpse of LeBron James in his new Philadelphia 76ers uniform for the first time during Media Day. Other stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, now with Miami, Kawhi Leonard, returning to Toronto, and Stephen Curry of Golden State will also address the media about their seasons ahead.
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Houston and Dallas held their Media Day events last week, starting early due to preseason overseas travel. For the remaining 28 teams, the journey officially begins Monday.
Reigning NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks wrapped up his role as host of the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" as he prepares to return to his basketball responsibilities. The season sees six coaches entering new roles, including Dusty May in Dallas, who transitioned from leading Michigan to the NBA. The other new coaches—Jamahl Mosley in New Orleans, Sean Sweeney in Orlando, Taylor Jenkins in Milwaukee, Tiago Splitter in Chicago, and Micah Nori in Portland—will lead their first practices on Tuesday.
May shared he has sought advice from experienced coaches in the league to navigate the challenges of moving from college to the professional ranks.
LeBron James, now in his 24th season, signed a two-year deal with the 76ers and expressed his motivation to help Joel Embiid win his first championship. James previously secured titles with Miami, Cleveland, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He spoke on the "Mind The Game" podcast about his desire to share insights that could enhance Embiid's experience and success.
Antetokounmpo joins the Miami Heat alongside Bam Adebayo and new teammate Klay Thompson, while Leonard hopes to revive his career in Toronto after a turbulent period with the Clippers. Curry recently agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Warriors, ensuring his continued presence in Golden State.
Following Media Day, some teams will begin their training camps away from home. Preseason games are set to start on Saturday, with Miami facing Toronto in Quebec City, leading into a series of exhibitions culminating on October 16. The regular season opens on October 20 with Boston visiting Detroit, followed by Philadelphia at the Knicks and Oklahoma City against San Antonio.
With many teams aspiring to contend this season, expectations are high, and the journey toward the playoffs begins now, as remarked by Lakers coach JJ Redick, emphasizing a commitment to continuous growth throughout the season.