Basketball

LONDON (AP) — The NBA returns to Abu Dhabi this week as Arabian Gulf countries increasingly use their wealth to establish a foothold with the league.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs are prepared for what should be one of the most demanding tasks this NBA season: Answering questions about rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose and 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart made clear Monday they’re no babysitters for new teammate Ja Morant.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — While Zion Williamson posed for portraits, as NBA players typically do on the eve of training camp, photographers asked the New Orleans Pelicans power forward if he'd smile for a few shots. “No smiles,” Williamson responded.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — When Draymond Green is healthy again, he's eager to keep getting to know Chris Paul as a Warriors teammate — no longer as a fierce nemesis.

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic couldn’t take his gaze off the NBA championship trophy sitting next to his arm. The Denver Nuggets big man stared and stared at the list of teams engraved on the shiny gold prize, before something suddenly hit him.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Warriors star Klay Thompson would seriously consider playing for his father's native country of the Bahamas in the Paris Olympics next year.

PHOENIX (AP) — Mat Ishbia has lots of good traits for an NBA owner, including deep pockets and a huge desire to win. Patience doesn't appear to be his strong suit.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo praised the Milwaukee Bucks for showing a commitment to winning another championship by acquiring Damian Lillard but added that it still doesn’t make financial sense for him to sign a contract extension right no

TORONTO — Team president Masai Ujiri called for sweeping changes to the Toronto Raptors' culture after last season came to a disappointing end. The foundations of those philosophical renovations will be laid this week at training camp in Vancouver.