The NBA preseason is now underway, and some of the league’s top big men are featured in the headlines for different reasons.
New Celtic Kristaps Porzingis, top overall pick Victor Wembanyama, and fellow rookie Chet Holmgren are putting on a show, which certainly got their fans excited ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
On the other hand, Cavs center Jarrett Allen could miss the start of the regular season, while reigning league MVP Joel Embiid has chosen which country he will represent in next year’s Olympics, which has drawn mixed reactions depending on which side you are on.
In case you missed it, fret not, as SBOTOP has you covered with a recap of the latest NBA 2023 updates.
Porzingis, Holiday fitting in well in Boston
The Celtics are easily one of the biggest winners this offseason, following the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.
Although they paid a huge price for those moves, essentially losing the likes of Marcus Smart, Grant Williams, Malcolm Brogdon, and Robert Williams III to the Grizzlies, Mavericks, and Blazers, respectively, there’s no doubt that Boston are one of the top contenders this season, based on the updated NBA 2023 odds.
Porzingis and Holiday made their Celtics debut on Sunday, defeating the Sixers 114-106.
Porzingis was named in the starting five, and he finished with 17 points and five rebounds while shooting 5-for-7 from the field. Holiday, meanwhile, came off the bench and recorded six points and five rebounds, although he only went 20-per cent from the field.
Despite Holiday’s shooting woes, he provides much-needed stability at the PG position. He was particularly effective on the defencive side of the court, where he also recorded two steals.
As for Porzingis, he also raises the Celtics’ defencive ceiling with his length and shot-blocking, and his ability to score in different areas makes the Celtics’ already-dynamic offence even more lethal.
However, the biggest standout so far this preseason for the 17-time champions has been Payton Pritchard.
The 25-year-old combo guard, who recently signed a four-year, $30 million extension, is showing why he deserved his new deal, as he is averaging 23.5 points per game. Based on what we’re seeing thus far, Pritchard looks ready for his new sixth-man role.
Wembanyama and Holmgren take their rivalry to the NBA
Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren went at each other during the Spurs-Thunder preseason contest a while ago.
Midway through the first quarter, Victor Wembanyama drove to the rim and flexed on Holmgren after scoring an and-one that knocked the Thunder center on the floor.
Moments later, Wembanyama finished off a fast break with a dunk after causing a turnover, and then Holmgren responded by going coast-to-coast for an and-one of his own.
In the second quarter, Wembanyama got the better of Holmgren when he drove past him for an acrobatic layup. The two of them then traded back-to-back threes from the top of the key.
Holmgren, though, got the last laugh because the Thunder won the game 122-121. He finished the game with 21 points, nine rebounds, and one block while shooting 7-for-10 from the field in 16 minutes.
Meanwhile, Wembanyama posted 20 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one block while going 8-for-13 from the field in 19 minutes. Both of them didn’t play much in the second half.
Allen out for a while, Embiid makes national team decision
Jarrett Allen is going to be out for at least two weeks after sustaining a bone bruise on his left ankle. He will miss the Cavs’ three preseason games, and his status for their season opener against the Nets is unclear.
Head coach JB Bickerstaff said that the All-Star center has been dealing with it for quite some time, so they decided to shut him down for preventative measures.
Last season, Allen averaged 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. With him out, Evan Mobley might play more minutes at center, with offseason signing Tristan Thompson ready to deputise.
On the other hand, Joel Embiid recently announced that he has committed to playing for Team USA at next year’s Olympics.
He will join the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, among others, who have expressed interest in playing for the national team, especially after they saw the Stars and Stripes flame out in the FIBA World Cup.
Asked about why he chose Team USA, Embiid, who was born in Cameroon and holds American and French citizenship, said that his family played a huge role in making his final decision.
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