NBA Training Camps Open; MLB Managers Depart

NBA training camps and league media days have begun, with preseason games scheduled in Abu Dhabi and Melbourne and the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic set to meet in Orlando on Oct. 22. Al Horford has signed with the Golden State Warriors as teams finalize rosters roughly three weeks before the Oklahoma City Thunder raise their 2024-25 championship banner. In Atlanta, attention centers on Trae Young’s unsigned extension, a potential new deal for defender Dyson Daniels, and how additions like Kristaps Porzingis affect elevated expectations. The Boston Celtics face a significant frontcourt shortfall after injuries, trades and departures — including Horford’s exit — leaving questions about replacing roughly 61 points per game of combined starter production. Portland’s media day emphasized cautious optimism, with GM Joe Cronin prioritizing player development while integrating veterans Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. Elsewhere, the WNBA’s Liberty saw coach Sandy Brondello not return after a first-round exit amid an uncertain offseason, and MLB began its playoffs amid managerial departures by Bruce Bochy, Bob Melvin and Rocco Baldelli.