How we feeling, Enjoyers? We’re officially less than two weeks away from the tip-off of the 2025-26 NBA season!

It’s almost that time… ⌚

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday Grayson Allen, Chelsea Gray, and Isaiah Collier! 🎉

Around the Association

Cooper Flagg stands out in Preseason Debut, Mavs defeat defending champion Thunder 106-89

A new era in Dallas officially began Monday night.

The heavily anticipated NBA debut of number one overall pick Cooper Flagg was absolutely worth the wait. Although he only logged 14 minutes in this one, he made those minutes count. Flagg led the Mavs’ starters in scoring (10 PTS) while also contributing six boards and three dimes, and nailed both of his attempts from three. 👌

He was EVERYWHERE out there on the floor:

The rookie wasn’t the only new Maverick who looked comfortable in Monday’s win. Free agent signee D’Angelo Russell showed several flashes of being the perfect stop-gap to fill the Kyrie Irving sized void at PG, while Anthony Davis was looking spry on both sides of the ball. The Mavs also saw big contributions off the bench, with P.J. Washington (14 PTS), Max Christie (12 PTS), and Jaden Hardy (12 PTS) showcasing signs of the great depth this Mavs squad could have this season. 👀

The defending champs were without their big three in this one, but second round pick Brooks Barnhizer (16 PTS) led the Thunder in scoring, and we saw a big performance from exhibit-10 contract standout Zach Austin (13 PTS, 3/7 3PT).

Based on what we saw in this one, Mavs faithful should be very optimistic that Monday’s win is going to be the first of many in the Flagg era. 🏀

Injury Report: Ja Morant and Nikola Topić suffer injury setbacks

It’s never fun hearing injury news across the league. It’s especially not fun when the injuries happen before the regular season even starts. 😪

On Monday, word got out on two unfortunate setbacks- first with Grizz star Ja Morant going down with an ankle sprain and is expected to be week-to-week for his recovery timeline, per Grizzlies reporter Damichael Cole. Morant unfortunately has not been a stranger to ankle problems during his career, and depending on how his recovery goes, we may have to wait a little longer to make his season debut.

Speaking of delayed debuts… OKC’s Nikola Topić will have to wait at least another 4-6 weeks to make his NBA debut after undergoing a testicular procedure. After missing his entire rookie season due a Torn ACL, having to wait an additional period of time to launch his NBA career has to be frustrating for the 12th pick of the 2024 draft.

Fortunately for the Thunder, the sheer volume of depth they have should have no problem holding down the fort while Topić makes his recovery.

Feel better fellas! 💪🙏

Wayback Wednesday

Right before the city of Milwaukee was blessed by the Basketball Gods with the greatest Buck of all time, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the fans got to experience a lights- out, thrilling BUCKET on a nightly basis.

On today’s edition of Wayback Wednesday, we’re taking a look back at a player who was a walking 20 points per game in his prime- Michael Redd! 🙌

Michael Redd’s primary job when he was drafted into the NBA in 2000 was simple- get buckets. And can you guess what he did once he graced the NBA hardwood?

That’s right, got buckets. LOTS of buckets.

Redd was only 23 years old when he started to officially cement a name for himself, finishing second in Sixth Man of the Year voting for the 2002-03 season.

He followed up that breakout season with a bang, becoming an All-Star for the first time in his career, earned himself a spot on the All-NBA third team for the ‘03-’04 season (21.7 PTS) and led the Bucks to the playoffs. In that lone playoff series, he ballooned his scoring average from the regular season to 27.1 points per game. Talk about a playoff RISER!

Perhaps the best part about Redd’s game was how smooth and effortless it looked. His silky smooth lefty jumper made it seem he was never even touching rim on his makes!

See for yourself through his 57 point, career-high masterclass from 2006: 🔥

“Redd Hot” was scorching the nets throughout his whole career, but his peak season came during the ‘06-’07 season (26.7 PTS, 47% FG, 38% 3PT). This tremendous season, followed by another 20+ PPG season in ‘07-’08 was more than enough to earn him a spot on the 2008 U.S. ‘Redeem Team’ that took home the Gold Medal at the Olympics that summer! 🏆

With that dominating squad being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this year, Redd is officially stamped in basketball history forever!

Three in the Key

Signing Off

That’s all for today, Enjoyers! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. I know it’s only Wednesday, and it’s easy to look towards the weekend during the mid-week grind. But the only moment we truly have is the present, so we might as well enjoy it. Be grateful for everything you have in this very moment!

See you on Friday!

Bobby Kasmire