
Kawhi Leonard discussed the upcoming season in Toronto Monday, as 28 teams meet with the media to begin the new campaign.
We’re bringing you live coverage as 28 teams meet with the media Monday to discuss the upcoming campaign, sharing insights, news, notes and fun moments.
Lock in and enjoy today’s NBA.com live blog.
What we know about Monday’s 2026 NBA Media Day:
- We have someone capturing content at each and every session, bringing you the latest content from around this big day in the Association.
- Major storylines of the day include: LeBron James’ debut in Philadelphia, Giannis Antetokounmpo speaking with the Miami press, Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto and Stephen Curry’s recommitment to Golden State.
- The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, who are off to Macao to play in the 2026 NBA China Games, had their media days last week.
- 29 teams are chasing the New York Knicks, who won the franchise’s first title since 1973 to cap last season.
Quotes of the day:
- “I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round,” said LeBron James. “I know that.”
- “I need pressure. I need a winning situation,” said Kawhi Leonard.
- “We want our worst day to keep getting better. That’s when we’re really going to have something special,” said Jazz coach Will Hardy.
- “How do you make your teammates better?” Pelicans coach Jamahl Mosley said of his challenge to Zion Williamson.
- “None,” said AJ Dybantsa of the pressure he feels as the No. 1 pick.
- “There’s a pride in representing the Bay,” said Stephen Curry. “This is home.”
SEPTEMBER 28 / 2:48 p.m. ET
‘That’s like my brother’
“We got the same personality, cool, confident,” LaMelo Ball said of Anthony Edwards.
SEPTEMBER 28 / 2:32 p.m. ET
Cat lovers unite
A cat’s always good to put a smile on your face.
best media day ever 🐱 pic.twitter.com/ZcmiJ4BFEa
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 2:24 p.m. ET
Edwards: ‘I’m happy’
Anthony Edwards spoke about his new teammates, noting that LaMelo Ball brings size, passing and scoring, while Jonathan Kuminga was always tough for the Timberwolves to stop.
Edwards said Ball should take some playmaking responsibility off his shoulders, allowing him to attack and defend more aggressively.
“I feel like I’m a natural two-guard at heart,” said Edwards.
SEPTEMBER 28 / 2:11 p.m. ET
Trusting in Steph
The Chef’s eyes are still set on Playoff success.
The man was too stunned to speak 😅 pic.twitter.com/LG8iRJSPwy
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 1:42 p.m. ET
Joker’s wild
The aura of a three-time Kia Most Valuable Player.
🃏 YEAR 12 JOKER 🃏
📸 @nuggets Media Day pic.twitter.com/Hhv7nwroPA
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 1:38 p.m. ET
The defending champs on their mindset
As always, Jalen Brunson is prepared to put in the work to grow.
“Not being satisfied” @jalenbrunson1 discusses what he learned from his championship experience and how he plans to carry those lessons into the upcoming season during @nyknicks Media Day! pic.twitter.com/CJcZR5S2wb
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 28, 2026
An NBA title that means a little bit more! 🏆
Karl-Anthony Towns talks about winning his first NBA championship with the team he grew up supporting at Knicks Media Day! pic.twitter.com/FdKUMiqKyC
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 1:33 p.m. ET
Diversifying the Denver offense
Coach David Adelman said the Nuggets will look to employ multiple ball-handlers this season, adding to Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson’s responsibilities while lessening the pressure on Nikola Jokić, and particularly Jamal Murray.
“The whole team is going to have that responsibility,” said Adelman. “The amount of pressure I put on Jamal throughout the season, whether we were healthy or not, was too much.”
He noted that the most successful teams last season had multiple options to get the ball up the floor and into their offense, while the Nuggets’ dwindled over the course of the year.
SEPTEMBER 28 / 1:16 p.m. ET
‘There’s a pride in representing the Bay’
Stephen Curry cited a desire to play in front of Bay Area fans, reimagine his approach to the game and continue his relationship with the Warriors in explaining his decision to sign a two-year, $116 million extension.
“This is home. This is what we’ve built,” said Curry. “Being able to finish the story the right way is a big part of what I control.”
"There's a pride of representing the Bay, representing this franchise. When I set foot here in '09, and what we've all been able to accomplish… I wanna do right by that."@StephenCurry30 on what it's meant to play in front of Warriors fans for 17 years, and moving forward 💯 pic.twitter.com/CJWkZ5uLMr
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 1:11 p.m. ET
That Alien aura
It’s what the youths say, Wemby.
STEPHON: “You see your aura bro?”
WEMBY: “My what? My AURA?” 😂
“Area 51” duo is back 🛸 pic.twitter.com/rYVFBk02ri
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 1:02 p.m. ET
JT on PG
Two of the smoothest big wings in the game will team up this season.
“He definitely was one of the guys that when I was coming up, I used to watch a lot of film on.”
Jayson Tatum praises new teammate Paul George right before PG takes over the podium at Celtics Media Day 🤝 pic.twitter.com/o49kh5gQII
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 12:51 p.m. ET
Seeking a championship in Orlando
"I think we still got so much untapped potential. So many levels we can still get to."
Franz Wagner on his mentality for the upcoming season 🗣️@AdventHealthCFL pic.twitter.com/VcNQcpTsAg
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 12:48 p.m. ET
Wembanyama on the team’s rise
“We’re fighting for the top spot of the mountain,” said the Spurs’ superstar. “We’re going to have to move people in our way.”
SEPTEMBER 28 / 12:35 p.m. ET
‘We’re having some fun today’
Kawhi seems in good spirits as he returns to T-Dot.
KAWHI LEONARD IS IN THE BUILDINGGGGG ✋ pic.twitter.com/zJ4egzhPiz
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 12:17 p.m. ET
AD on AJ
From one former No. 1 pick to another.
"He’s got all the tools to be successful in this league… AJ has a special talent."
At Wizards Media Day, Anthony Davis praises rookie teammate AJ Dybantsa, and highlights his role as a mentor for the first-year player 🤝 pic.twitter.com/53G1p2ALpZ
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 11:56 a.m. ET
A fashion statement in San Antonio
The reigning Kia Sixth Man of the Year is bringing some energy with his new facial hair.
De'Aaron Fox isn't a fan of Keldon Johnson's mustache 😂
But, KJ's adamant on growing it LONGER! pic.twitter.com/xXjqZYTrTN
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 11:45 a.m. ET
Mosley’s challenge to Zion
“The challenge that we want to put on his plate is: how do you make your teammates better?” Jamahl Mosley said of Zion. “As teams start up, can you step in and take that midrange? Can you expand your game?”
SEPTEMBER 28 / 11:30 a.m. ET
Returning to Rip City
Damian Lillard enters the season as the all-time leading scorer in Trail Blazers history with 19,376 points.
DAME IS BACK IN PORTLAND THREADS 🚨 pic.twitter.com/3QNl6nSEcC
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 11:22 a.m. ET
A new foundation in Washington
It could be an exciting year in the nation’s capital — there’s a lot of talent in red, white and blue.
TRAE. AD. AJ.
This newly-formed @WashWizards trio ‼️ pic.twitter.com/1KCBC765vC
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 11:13 a.m. ET
The King sits down in Philly
LeBron James is live, addressing the new season as he begins his time with the 76ers.
“You guys know who I am, right?”
LeBron having fun at Sixers Media Day 😂 pic.twitter.com/juYpBI1jbz
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
“We all want to put the work in,” said James. “Nothing can happen unless you put the work in… Everyone is highly motivated.”
James said he’s ready to play any role for the team, and believes they’re “ready to do something special.”
“I think the luxury of my game is I can do everything — literally,” said James. “I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round.”
He credited Tyrese Maxey for helping bring him to the team.
"I have a really, really good… no, I won't say good – GREAT relationship with Tyrese."@KingJames speaks on his relationship with @TyreseMaxey and how it helped him decide to come to Philly! pic.twitter.com/9omvFX5Fig
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 11:09 a.m. ET
Tap in with the Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are building around Jalen Johnson, bolstering the roster with No. 8 pick Kingston Flemings and former NBA champions Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins.
SEPTEMBER 28 / 11:07 a.m. ET
Ja in his new jersey
Can Ja become a cult hero in Portland?
1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/lA2cPp9Fgq
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 10:56 a.m. ET
The Joker is back at it
It’s that man again.
All is right, Jok is back in Denver 😎 pic.twitter.com/MGxCYIWh7q
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 10:54 a.m. ET
A special day in Philadelphia
The King has arrived for his 24th NBA season, starting a new chapter with the 76ers.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 10:50 a.m. ET
The new core in Miami
“Bam’s going to be Bam. He’s going to dominate the game offensively, he’s going to get to his spots, he’s going to be a nightmare defensively,” said Giannis Antetokounmpo on his frontcourt partner. “Fire be with fire… We have to keep pushing each other.”
"One of the best two-way players in the league… He never takes days off."
At Miami Media Day, Giannis praises his new teammate, Bam Adebayo, and highlights the importance of leading by example ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season! pic.twitter.com/zyLtzrVmVR
— NBA (@NBA) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 10:35 a.m. ET
Hardy: ‘I think our players are ready to get to work’
The Jazz coach is addressing the media now, discussing Lauri Markkanen’s leadership role and the new-look squad.
The team will feature a variety of lineups, including leaning into their size at times, Hardy said.
He expects “a rookie season in the NBA” from Darryn Peterson, lauding his professional habits, but noting he will have ups-and-downs as he adjusts.
Hardy called for the team to adopt a “short-track” mentality, noting they need to build experience and winning habits.
“We’re going to try to approach this day-by-day. We’ll never put a ceiling on any team,” said Hardy. “We’ve got to control tomorrow… We want our worst day to keep getting better. That’s when we’re really going to have something special.”
SEPTEMBER 28 / 10:29 a.m. ET
Haliburton’s here
Time does indeed fly, Tyrese.
Tyrese Haliburton checking in from Media Day 🤳 pic.twitter.com/UVdiMRTY4u
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 10:15 a.m. ET
Kawhi: ‘Excited to be back’ with the Raptors
Leonard said he hopes to play more than the 65 games he logged last season, including in the Playoffs, noting he was an All-NBA performer in two of the last three seasons.
He said he hopes to take on a leadership role for the team, inspiring other players to challenge and exceed his level while aiding coach Darko Rajaković.
“I need pressure. I need a winning situation,” said Leonard, noting he hopes to find that in Toronto. “I’ll be leading, trying to help guys get better.”
KAWHI LEONARD IS A RAPTOR. 🦖🏀 pic.twitter.com/jHknw5dxPs
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 10:03 a.m. ET
Heat culture revs up for a new season
Erik Spoelstra, in his 19th season as head coach of the Miami Heat, enters the year with 830 wins, good for 17th all-time.
He’s two behind Cotton Fitzsimmons and 34 behind Jack Ramsay as he continues to climb the charts, now with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in tow.
“Everybody understands what this team is about… everybody’s coming in, in great shape. In terms of competing and getting after it, that’s day 1, that’s tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/FfRhf2UyBw
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 10 a.m. ET
Starting a new Jazz standard
Tap in with the revitalized Utah Jazz, as they welcome Darryn Peterson, Jaren Jackson Jr. and the recently-extended Keyonte George.
SEPTEMBER 28 / 9:45 a.m. ET
Barrett in the building
The eighth-year wing is repping for Canada.
Sauga’s own checked in. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/E0to1MxMpf
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 9:35 a.m. ET
Randle in Brooklyn black
The Nets’ new foundational forward returns to New York to make some noise for Brooklyn.
BIG JULIUS 😤 pic.twitter.com/5d5vzYPpMW
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 9:25 a.m. ET
The Raptors are underway
Major storylines for Toronto entering the season include: the acquisition of Kawhi Leonard, the development of Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, the return of Immanuel Quickley and the competition for bench roles.
Raptors Press Conference LIVE | Media Day Sept 28, 2026 https://t.co/CcDtLjdelU
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 28, 2026
Go Raps! Let's have a great Year!! -Jak pic.twitter.com/eZx0eQWIOK
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 28, 2026
SEPTEMBER 28 / 8:32 a.m. ET
The schedule for today’s Media Days
9 a.m. ET
9:30 a.m. ET
10 a.m. ET
10:15 a.m. ET
10:30 a.m. ET
11 a.m. ET
12 p.m. ET
- Chicago Bulls
- Denver Nuggets
- Golden State Warriors
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Portland Trail Blazers
1 p.m. ET
1:30 p.m. ET
2 p.m. ET
SEPTEMBER 28 / 8:15 a.m. ET
The best of last season
Get hyped for the 2026-27 NBA season with a look back at the best from last year, including Victor Wembanyama’s Stephen Curry-esque 3-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder and OG Anunoby’s miracle tip-in against the San Antonio Spurs.








