The NBA’s first preseason game is Sunday, Oct. 3 at 3:30 p.m. ET as Kevin Durant and the Nets travel to the Staples Center to face LeBron James and the Lakers. The regular season then opens Oct. 19 with those very same Nets traveling to the defending-champion Bucks.
But before any of that can get underway, players and coaches will face the media. We’re keeping track of the highlights:
Kyrie Irving Declines to Comment on Vaccination Status, Preferring to ‘Keep That Stuff Private’
Nets guard Kyrie Irving declined to comment on his vaccination status on Monday during Nets Media Day saying that he “prefers to keep that stuff private.”
Instead, he addressed reporters virtually on Monday.
“Living in this public sphere, there’s a lot of questions about what’s going on in the world of Kyrie, and I would love to just keep that private and handle that the right way with my team and go forward with a plan,” Irving said, via Zoom.
He added, “I’m not able to be present there today but it doesn’t mean I’m putting any limits on the future.”
When asked, though, about what not “putting any limits on the future” meant for his upcoming availability, Irving again declined to elaborate, citing his desire to keep his vaccination status private.
Irving’s status for home games has also come into question as New York City, along with San Francisco, is requiring proof of vaccination to enter large indoor events, including basketball games unless a player obtains an exemption of some kind.
“There are so many other players outside of him who are opting out; I would like to think they would make a way,” Irving’s aunt Tyki Irving, who runs his family foundation and is one of his advisers, told Rolling Stone. “It could be like every third game. So it still gives you a full season of being interactive and being on the court, but with the limitations that they’re, of course, oppressing upon you. There can be some sort of formula where the NBA and the players can come to some sort of agreement.”
Kevin Durant declined to comment on Irving’s vaccination status when asked about it Monday.
KD Not Concerned About Kyrie’s Availability This Season:
David Letterman Makes His Presence Felt at Nets Media Day
Devin Booker to Miss Media Day After After Entering Health and Safety Protocols
The Suns announced Sunday that two-time All-Star Devin Booker will miss Monday’s Media Day and won’t be available for the start of training camp on Tuesday after entering the league’s health and safety protocols.
It is not known whether Booker is vaccinated, but he confirmed on his Twitch channel that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He said that he feels well but has no sense of taste or smell.
Ben Simmons’s Status Hovering Over 76ers
The Athletic reported over the weekend that while Philadelphia players wanted to travel to Los Angeles to meet with Simmons, in hopes of getting the All-Star to remain with the team, Simmons told them not to come and that he would not change his mind about wanting to be traded.
That report came after 76ers coach Doc Rivers spoke publicly about the Simmons trade rumors last week and confirmed that the three-time All-Star requested a trade during an August meeting. However, Rivers told ESPN’s First Take that he wants the guard back in Philadelphia.
“We’re going to go through it,” Rivers said last week. “We’re going to always do what’s best for the team, but I can tell you upfront we would love to get Ben back. And if we can, we’re going to try to do that.”
Certainly much will get asked—and perhaps answered—about Simmons on Monday.
Morey ‘Disappointed’ Simmons Not at Media Day
Daryl Morey confirmed Monday at 76ers Media Day that Ben Simmons asked for a trade from the franchise, saying, in part, “We are disappointed he’s not here.” Morey added that he is excited about the players on the roster and said that whatever the team does or doesn’t do about Simmons will be in what he believes is the best interest of the franchise.
He also appeared not to rule out Simmons’s return to the team.
Embiid Says ‘Of Course We Want’ Simmons Back
76ers center Joel Embiid echoed a similar sentiment to coach Doc Rivers and president Daryl Morey on Monday saying that he still hopes Simmons returns to Philadelphia.
“Of course we want him back, he’s a big piece of what we’ve been building the past few years,” Embiid said.
The team’s star center also confirmed that he was among the members of the organization who tried to see Simmons in California but was rebuffed by the All-Star guard.
Kemba Walker seems to be enjoying being a member of the Knicks. “I’m from here. Born and raised. And it feels like it. Getting a lot of love from the fans everywhere I go. Really just embracing me.”
Kyle Lowry Rocking His New Heat Uniform, and Already Poking Fun at His Teammates
Zion Not Expected to Miss Time After Offseason Foot Surgery
Per Griffen, the injury occurred before NBA Summer League while Williamson was working out.
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Griffen noted, however, that Williamson should be ready for the start of the regular season and that his recovery has been in “lockstep” with the team.
“I think I was overdoing it when I was training because I felt like I had this whole chip on my shoulder, this huge boulder that I was just getting after it, overly, every day,” Williamson said.
Despite entering just his third season, Williamson has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career, including having surgery on his meniscus in the fall of 2019 and having a fracture in a finger on his shooting hand last May.
Meanwhile, Williamson also reiterated his passion for the city of New Orleans.
Horford Returns to Boston With ‘Bigger Appreciation’
After spending the past two seasons on the 76ers and Thunder, respectively, Celtics big Al Horford is grateful to be back in Boston.
“For me, it’s a bigger appreciation of being here,” Horford said. “I’m so happy to be back in Boston. I appreciate even more what it means to be a Celtics and to represent Boston. And looking at the group we have here, I’m even more excited.”
Horford spent three seasons in Boston before leaving via free agency ahead of 2019-20.
Celtics Coach Ime Udoka Conducting Media Day Virtually After Positive COVID-19 Test
Celtics first-year coach Ime Udoka is conducting Media Day virtually after testing positive for COVID-19.
The team said Udoka, who is vaccinated, tested positive for coronavirus 10 days ago and is currently in isolation. He has been asymptomatic for at least four days, per the team, and is expected to return to in-person workouts on Tuesday.
Udoka took over for Brad Stevens— who replaced Danny Ainge in Boston’s front office—as head coach in June. He previously was an assistant coach with the Nets, 76ers and Spurs.
LaMelo Ball Says Wearing ‘No. 2 Don’t Feel Right’
LaMelo Ball has not had any success in getting the NBA to change his number. The Hornets guard and reigning Rookie of the Year missed the deadline last year to submit a number change request to the league that would allow him to switch from the No. 2 that he currently wears to the No. 1 that he prefers. (Malik Monk wore No. 1 last year for the Hornets.)
“Man, I feel No. 1 is just me,” Ball said at the Hornets media day. “And I just want to be me out there. Playing in No. 2 just doesn’t feel right. Last year was cool because [Lonzo], I said I would be No. 2 for him. …But [No. 2] don’t feel right.”
Klay Thompson to Have ‘Patient Ramp Up,’ GM Says
Warriors wing Klay Thompson will have a “patient ramp up” back to action as he recovers from an Achilles injury, general manager Bob Myers said Monday.
Myers said that Thompson can do a lot in training camp, but not contact and five-on-five. Myers mentioned Thompson being involved in high-intensity G League practices and other scrimmaging and alluded to January as a possible return date for Thompson.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue didn’t want to put an exact timeline on when the team’s star forward Kawhi Leonard could return to action.
“We don’t want to force him or put any pressure on him. We want to make sure he’s rehabbing and doing everything he can to get back as soon as possible,” Lue said. “If that’s next season, it’s next season.”
Wizards Star Bradley Beal Currently Unvaccinated For ‘Personal Reasons’
Wizards guard Bradley Beal told reporters Monday that he is unvaccinated for COVID-19, citing “personal reasons.” Beal did not elaborate further on his status.
Beal was supposed to play in the Tokyo Olympics for Team USA but did not make the trip after being put in USA Basketball’s health and safety protocols. At the time, it had not been publicly confirmed whether he had tested positive for COVID-19. But Beal said Monday he tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the Olympics.
Beal averaged 31.3 points per game this season with the Wizards and was set to make his Olympic debut this summer.
Now, back with the Wizards, he is losing to lead the franchise to the postseason for the second consecutive season.
Jason Kidd Compares Luka to a ‘Young Picasso’
New Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd had some high praise for his star guard Luka Dončić on Monday, calling him “a young Picasso.”
“I don’t know if anybody ever told Picasso that he had to use all the paints, but I just want to remind him that he can rely on his teammates, that his teammates will be there to help him,” Kidd said.
Dončić and the Mavericks agreed to a five-year, $207 million supermax rookie extension this offseason. He was the first player to ever be eligible for a supermax rookie extension because he’s already been selected first-team All-NBA twice.
Last season, he averaged 27.7 points, eight rebounds, 7.7 assists and 34.3 minutes per game.
Jalen Green Ready For Rookie of the Year Battle
Jalen Green, the No. 2 pick in last summer’s NBA draft, is ready for the season, and prepared to be in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Andrew Wiggins Refuses to Clarify Vaccine Status
Warriors wing Andrew Wiggins was asked by reporters to clarify his vaccination status but refused and said “it’s none of your business.” The NBA denied Wiggins’s request to get a religious exemption for the vaccine on Friday.
“I’m just going to keep fighting for what I believe and for what I believe is right,” Wiggins said. “What’s right to one person, isn’t right to the other and vice versa.
“I don’t ask you guys your beliefs, I don’t you guys what you believe is right or wrong. We’re different people. Who are you guys where I have to explain what I believe?”
The Warriors play in San Francisco, one of the cities that’s requiring pro athletes to show proof of vaccination to enter large indoor events. Wiggins’s vaccination status could keep him from playing in front of the home crowd this upcoming season if there’s no change.
“I’ll say something when I’m ready,” he said. “The only thing the media has done is kind of make it bigger than it has to be.”
Sutherland House Experts is Empowering Quiet Experts through Compelling Nonfiction in a Changing Ideas Landscape
TORONTO, ON — Almost one year after its launch, Sutherland House Experts is reshaping the publishing industry with its innovative co-publishing model for “quiet experts.” This approach, where expert authors share both costs and profits with the publisher, is bridging the gap between expertise and public discourse. Helping to drive this transformation is Neil Seeman, a renowned author, educator, and entrepreneur.
“The book publishing world is evolving rapidly,” publisher Neil Seeman explains. “There’s a growing hunger for expert voices in public dialogue, but traditional channels often fall short. Sutherland House Experts provides a platform for ‘quiet experts’ to share their knowledge with the broader book-reading audience.”
The company’s roster boasts respected thought leaders whose books are already gaining major traction:
• V. Kumar Murty, a world-renowned mathematician, and past Fields Institute director, just published “The Science of Human Possibilities” under the new press. The book has been declared a 2024 “must-read” by The Next Big Ideas Club and is receiving widespread media attention across North America.
• Eldon Sprickerhoff, co-founder of cybersecurity firm eSentire, is seeing strong pre-orders for his upcoming book, “Committed: Startup Survival Tips and Uncommon Sense for First-Time Tech Founders.”
• Dr. Tony Sanfilippo, a respected cardiologist and professor of medicine at Queen’s University, is generating significant media interest with his forthcoming book, “The Doctors We Need: Imagining a New Path for Physician Recruitment, Training, and Support.”
Seeman, whose recent and acclaimed book, “Accelerated Minds,” explores the entrepreneurial mindset, brings a unique perspective to publishing. His experience as a Senior Fellow at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, and academic affiliations with The Fields Institute and Massey College, give him deep insight into the challenges faced by people he calls “quiet experts.”
“Our goal is to empower quiet, expert authors to become entrepreneurs of actionable ideas the world needs to hear,” Seeman states. “We are blending scholarly insight with market savvy to create accessible, impactful narratives for a global readership. Quiet experts are people with decades of experience in one or more fields who seek to translate their insights into compelling non-fiction for the world,” says Seeman.
This fall, Seeman is taking his insights to the classroom. He will teach the new course, “The Writer as Entrepreneur,” at the University of Toronto, offering aspiring authors practical tools to navigate the evolving book publishing landscape. To enroll in this new weekly night course starting Tuesday, October 1st, visit: https://learn.utoronto.ca/programs-courses/courses/4121-writer-entrepreneur
“The entrepreneurial ideas industry is changing rapidly,” Seeman notes. “Authors need new skills to thrive in this dynamic environment. My course and our publishing model provide those tools.”
About Neil Seeman: Neil Seeman is co-founder and publisher of Sutherland House Experts, an author, educator, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. He holds appointments at the University of Toronto, The Fields Institute, and Massey College. His work spans entrepreneurship, public health, and innovative publishing models.
Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.
NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.
— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.
— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”
— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”
— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.
— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.
— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.
— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.
— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.
— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.
— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.
Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.
Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.
Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.
Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.
Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.
Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.
Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.
As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.
