In the league's 25th annual GM survey, 50% of respondents picked the San Antonio Spurs to win the 2027 championship and 43% chose the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Knicks and 76ers also getting votes. Victor Wembanyama drew 77% as the MVP favourite and a record 93% as the player GMs would most want to start a franchise with, while Philadelphia was voted the best offseason by 73%.
Why it matters The survey is the clearest single snapshot of how the league's decision-makers rate the coming season, and Wembanyama's record share shows how far the consensus has shifted toward San Antonio.
Porzingis out indefinitely as Warriors wait on health answers
Golden State center Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined indefinitely with a private health-related issue that has kept him out of training camp and preseason games. He said he is working with doctors and specialists and getting better, and will stay around the team while he is out.
Why it matters A starter-calibre big man missing an open-ended stretch is a real problem for the Warriors' plans, and the lack of a timeline leaves the situation unresolved.
New York cut Drew Eubanks, who has a torn pectoral muscle and faces a long absence, along with big man Tony Bradley and wing Ochai Agbaji. The champions are down to 15 players, with Bruce Brown and James Wiseman the last two on Exhibit 9 camp deals competing for a spot.
Why it matters The defending champions are closing in on their opening-night roster, and the injury to Eubanks forces a decision at the back end of the frontcourt.
Kristaps Porziņģis will remain out indefinitely with a health-related matter the Warriors are keeping private, after missing training camp and all five preseason games. He said on social media that he is working with doctors and getting better.
Why it matters Golden State's plans rest on a center whose availability is now open-ended, and the club has declined to say what is wrong.
Payton Pritchard has agreed a two-year, $44.2 million extension with Boston that carries a mutual option for 2029-30. He arrives off a championship and a Sixth Man of the Year award and is expected to carry a bigger load this season.
Why it matters Boston secures a proven rotation guard at a price at least one outlet calls a bargain.
Otega Oweh ruptured his right Achilles tendon in overtime of Oklahoma City's preseason game and has already had season-ending surgery in New York, the team said. He will miss his rookie year.
Why it matters Oklahoma City loses a rookie from its rotation before the season begins, and his development year is gone.
Boston and guard Payton Pritchard agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million extension with a mutual option for 2029-30; he is set to earn more than $21 million in 2028-29 and nearly $23 million in the option year. Pritchard averaged career highs of 17 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds last season after winning Sixth Man of the Year and a title.
Why it matters One of the biggest names on this week's extension calendar is settled, with multiple outlets calling the price a bargain for Boston.
