Mohawks, biceps, beer bellies and the best moments from NBA Media Days
By Ian Levy
On Monday, Sept. 25, the vast majority of teams held their annual media days to open training camps. Here are the best moments from NBA Media days.
NBA Media Days, a few hours of hijinks, shenanigans and photo ops before NBA players get back down to work and kick off trainings camps. It’s always a memorable day and this year was no exception. We rounded up some of our favorite moments from every team’s media day so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.
Gordon Hayward wants you to give him a call. This should go well.
The Cavaliers shared some (relatively) good news. Isaiah Thomas should be back by January. He’ll likely miss 20-30 games in that time but that’s better than missing the entire season.
Injured Cavs guard Isaiah Thomas expected back on the floor by January, according to the team. He has started on-court activities.
— Jason Lloyd (@ByJasonLloyd) September 25, 2017
Amir Johnson shared Rasheed Wallace’s secret weight-gaining strategy. I can testify from personal experience that this is extremely effective.
Amir Johnson on gaining weight as a young player. "I think Rasheed Wallace told me to drink beer once to gain weight." #sixers
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) September 25, 2017
Donald Trump and athlete protest were a major topic of conversation all over today. Both John Wall and Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards weighed in.
Bradley Beal called 45 a clown. pic.twitter.com/zSJJNB2TaT
— Michael Sykes, II (@MikeDSykes) September 25, 2017
The Oklahoma City Thunder landed Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant is not impressed.
Kevin Durant asked about Oklahoma City's addition of Carmelo Anthony. He was brief. pic.twitter.com/kNrN5uZ0vi
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 24, 2017
Semi Ojeleye of the Boston Celtics has biceps for days.
look at this large son pic.twitter.com/lACYfIF3Rv
— bryan (@el_dude_) September 25, 2017
Bismack Biyombo is all by his lonesome, driving the “Bismack for Defensive Player of the Year” bandwagon.
.@BismackBiyombo setting a high bar for himself, saying he envisions being in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. #MediaDay pic.twitter.com/VE92assPBQ
— Dan Savage (@Dan_Savage) September 25, 2017
Marcin Gortat likes his mohawk and he’s sticking to it.
Important development: Marcin Gortat says he’ll stick with the Mohawk he entire season. pic.twitter.com/T1QYPhj13y
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) September 25, 2017
The Knicks media — showing off their research chops.
First question to Frank Ntilikina from the esteemed New York media:
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) September 25, 2017
"Who are you?"
If you’re like me, you were probably shocked to hear that Oklahoma City doesn’t have a lot of great Turkish restaurants.
Enes Kanter says he is pretty excited to try all the Turkish food in NYC. I imagine he didn't have much of that in Oklahoma City... pic.twitter.com/8ucXRwPwrp
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 25, 2017
Has Justise Winslow given up on his jumper?
A confident Justice Winslow says fans will see better version. Asked about his shooting, he said God doesn't give everyone everything.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) September 25, 2017
Apparently it was a long, boring summer for Josh Richardson.
Josh Richardson, was bored of his hair. pic.twitter.com/cH9k58Dnem
— Verónika Benach (@veronikabenach) September 25, 2017
Joel Embiid has a new injury-prevention plan.
Embiid, when asked if he's tried different things to avoid injury going forward: "I gotta stop flopping this season."
— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) September 25, 2017
If the Clippers can make peace, then maybe there really is hope for the rest of us.
“He’s a true legend in Europe. Unfortunately when I played against him, I always lost.” — Gallo on Teodosic.
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) September 25, 2017
“It’s true.” — Teodosic
LeBron James wasn’t done talking about Donald Trump.
Gregg Popovich had plenty to say too.
#Spurs Gregg Popovich discusses President Trumps comments, says his players have right to speak out, have full support #KSATsports #KSATnews pic.twitter.com/ASueVlmIvH
— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) September 25, 2017
No, you try to keep it together and ask the Brodie a meaningful question on your first media day.
MVP out here making everybody nervous. 😂 pic.twitter.com/9udMebELBI
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) September 25, 2017
Carmelo Anthony is REALLY committed to this Hoodie Melo schtick.
Fun fact: While taking the picture with Westbrook and George, Melo asked one of the equipment guys to go get his hoodie.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) September 25, 2017
Next: 25-under-25 -- The best young players in the NBA
Preseason action is just a few days away. From there, we’re just a hop, skip and a jump away from Opening Night. It can not come soon enough!