NBA Media Day is usually a snooze-fest, right? Just a bunch of scripted answers and PR talk. But this year, some real bombs dropped, and San Antonio’s Dylan Harper delivered one of the loudest shots of the day, making it clear he wants no part of the “Sixth Man of the Year” conversation. This dude is a pre-season favorite, with the second shortest odds behind OKC’s Ajay Mitchell, and when asked by GQ’s Cam Wolf about it, he didn’t mince words: “What’s the political answer here? I’m going to do whatever the team needs me to do, man. If that’s come off the bench…. That’s crazy. F*** no. I ain’t coming off no bench.” Talk about setting the tone for the season!
Jokic’s Financial Chess and Simmons’ Fiery Comeback
While Harper was dropping truth bombs, Nikola Jokic was playing chess with the Nuggets’ front office. He didn’t sign an extension this summer, a smart financial play that raised eyebrows across the league. Rumors flew, but Jokic shot them all down at Media Day, just like he always does. He flat out said, “I’m gonna sign next year, if they want me.” Get this: he could’ve extended for four years, $276 million this summer. By waiting, he’s set to sign a five-year, projected $357 million deal next summer, complete with a no-trade clause, locking him in through age 36. That’s a massive power move for one of the league’s best.
Meanwhile, Ben Simmons, who was out of the NBA last season, is back with the Sacramento Kings on a non-guaranteed minimum contract and ready to prove everyone wrong. He heard all the “he doesn’t love the game” comments, and he pushed back hard. “I think that was more so my body. It wasn’t about if I wanted to play. All these people talk about, I don’t love the game. That’s bulls***. I love this game. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have taken that year to focus on myself and get back to where I’m at,” Simmons explained. He doubled down, stating, “I miss playing the game a lot, but it’s hard to do when you’re not physically right. I’m healthy, and I’m able to compete every day.” The Kings are looking for a reliable veteran backup behind Darius Acuff, and it looks like Simmons is going to get his chance.
Podium Walks and High-Stakes Contracts
The drama didn’t stop there. Over in Golden State, Stephen Curry literally walked off the podium after being told many pundits don’t expect the Warriors to make the playoffs this year. You gotta love that fire! Jimmy Butler also showed up in Golden State, and while he didn’t sport a new haircut, those earrings definitely caught some attention.
Out in Washington, Anthony Davis is playing it cool with his current $58.5 million contract, confirming he’ll play out the season. His plan is clear: “when the season is over. I’m going to go through the season, and kind of do what I do at a high level, and then, when it’s over, you know, sit down and have those key conversations again with the front office.” Davis holds a player option for next season worth $62.8 million. And in Portland, Damian Lillard is locked into one guard spot, but the question of who starts alongside him is still up in the air. Finally, Jalen Duren was a no-show for Detroit and won’t be at the start of training camp, which is always a head-scratcher.
What a start to the NBA season before it even officially tips off! These guys are already giving us all the drama we can handle. We can’t wait to see if Dylan Harper actually gets his wish and if Ben Simmons can truly find his game again. The league is officially on notice.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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