New NBA season opens with no Latvian players as Porziņģis sits out
The 81st season of the NBA, North America's professional basketball league, begins with no Latvian on court for the first time in a long while. Kristaps Porziņģis is out indefinitely because of health problems.
The 2026/27 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the top professional basketball league in North America, begins on 20 October and into the early hours of 21 October. It is the league's 81st season, and at least at the start no Latvian player will take the floor. Kristaps Porziņģis is on the roster of the Golden State Warriors, but shortly before training camp he announced that an unspecified illness would keep him out indefinitely.
Health uncertainty
The Warriors acquired Porziņģis in a trade from the Atlanta Hawks at the end of the previous season. According to the source, he has had POTS, a condition affecting heartbeat and general well-being, since the 2024/25 season. A week before the regular season he had to publicly address his health and deny rumours that he had HIV or AIDS. It is unknown whether or when he will play this season; last season he appeared in only 32 regular-season games because of health issues.
Changes among the teams
Six teams start the season with new coaching staffs. Tiago Splitter takes over the Chicago Bulls, Dusty May coaches the Dallas Mavericks, and Taylor Jenkins replaces Doc Rivers, who retired from coaching, at the Milwaukee Bucks. The Philadelphia 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown and signed LeBron James as a free agent. The Miami Heat landed Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks, while the Minnesota Timberwolves obtained LaMelo Ball.
Records within reach
James begins his 24th season and will become the player with the most seasons in NBA history. He is 76 assists behind Jason Kidd for third place on the all-time assists list. Nikola Jokić could become the all-time leader in regular-season triple-doubles; he is 12 behind Russell Westbrook.
Title favourites
The regular season, with 82 games per team, runs until 11 April. Bookmakers consider the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs the main title favourites. The reigning champions are the New York Knicks, who won their first title since 1973.
