Ben Golliver

The NBA preseason is a time to welcome new faces, sort through lineup questions, hype up prospects, squabble over unresolved contract situations and panic about unfortunate injuries before the real competition begins.

With 2026-27 tipoff closing in, Ben Golliver shares the key takeaways that will shape the regular season.

An annual survey of NBA general managers revealed Thursday that the league is bracing for a full takeover by Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs

An annual survey of NBA GMs projects the Spurs to win the NBA title this season, with Victor Wembanyama earning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors.

LOS ANGELES -- As the Los Angeles Lakers finish their final preparations for the first game of the post- LeBron James era, coach JJ Redick said

LOS ANGELES -- As the Los Angeles Lakers finish their final preparations for the first game of the post- LeBron James era, coach JJ Redick said Tuesday that his "biggest unknown" is how his new-look roster will "deal with adversity."

LOS ANGELES -- A few minutes after Luka Doncic strode to center court and promised the home crowd he would help deliver a "special season," the

play Newly minted Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant said it best Wednesday: "You only get one chance at a first impression."

Career progression can take many forms in the NBA: cracking the starting lineup, earning a first All-Star selection or making the leap into the MVP conversation, to name a few.

Steady starter to an All-Star lock? Top-10 talent to an MVP? Breakout seasons take many forms in the NBA. Ben Golliver identifies 30 players primed to take the next step.