NBA Media Day: A Fresh Start for All Teams

On NBA Media Day, everything feels possible, with every team starting off fresh at 0-0. This moment brings hope, as players claim they are in peak condition, perhaps slightly bulked up, and prepared to do whatever it takes to help their teams succeed. It’s a little unfortunate that basketball fans can’t hold onto this blissful optimism forever.

A highlight of starting training camp is definitely seeing players in new uniforms. This year was particularly striking with Klay Thompson being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, sporting a Golden State Warriors jersey. Quite the sight, right?

The 2025-26 NBA season is unofficially kicking off after the league celebrated Media Day on Monday. While the regular season won’t commence until October 21st, the excitement of seeing players don those fresh jerseys is already here, although some might look a tad out of place in their new attire.

Kevin Durant, F., Houston Rockets

Houston, Texas – September 29: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets poses for a portrait at the Toyota Center on Media Day. It’s an odd transition, isn’t it?

Desmond Bane, G, Orlando Magic

Cam Johnson, F., Denver Nuggets

Denver, Colorado – September 29: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Denver Nuggets takes headshots at Media Day at Ball Arena. Another interesting change!

Jrue Holiday, G., Portland Trail Blazers

Portland, Oregon – September 29: Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers poses for a portrait at the Moda Center. Emotions are probably running high today.

Kristaps Porzingis, C, Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta, Georgia – September 29: Kristaps Porzingis #8 takes headshots at PC & E Studio on Hawks Media Day. It’s a new chapter for him.

Lonzo Ball, G., Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland, Ohio – September 29: Lonzo Ball #2 watches over activities during the Cavaliers Media Day at Rocket Arena. It’s always a big deal!

Brook Lopez, C., Los Angeles Clippers

Inglewood, CA – September 29: Brook Lopez #11 of the Los Angeles Clippers poses for a portrait at Media Day. Exciting transitions happening!

Deandre Ayton, C., Los Angeles Lakers

El Segundo, California – September 29: DeAndre Ayton #5 during Media Day at the UCLA Health Training Center. Another star in the spotlight!

Dennis Schroeder, G., Sacramento Kings

Sacramento, CA – September 29: Dennis Schroeder #17 taking photos during Media Day has to feel surreal. Everyone’s probably feeling the buzz.

Norman Powell, G., Miami Heat

Miami, FL – August 5: Norman Powell #24 poses for a portrait at the Caseyya Center. Change is exciting.

Kevon Rooney, C., New Orleans Pelicans

Metaly, Louisiana – September 23: Kevon Rooney #55 of the Pelicans registers portraits. It must be a bit overwhelming, right?

Jordan Poole, G., New Orleans Pelicans

Metaly, Louisiana – September 23: Jordan Poole #3 gets his Media Day pictures done. There’s something special about these moments.

Miles Turner, C., Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – September 29: Miles Turner #3 poses for a portrait during Media Day at Fiserv Forum. It’s his time to shine!

Chris Paul, G., Los Angeles Clippers

Inglewood, CA – September 29: Chris Paul #3 registers a portrait on Media Day. You can’t help but feel his lasting presence.

Well, this one seems just a tad familiar. Rob City may be a long-gone chapter, but Chris Paul will always remain a constant.