Basketball

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Making Lauri Markkanen a cornerstone of the rebuilding process has given the Utah Jazz a clearer direction of where the franchise wants to go in trying to become an NBA playoff contender again.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard is planning to be in the Los Angeles Clippers’ lineup for opening night unless his balky right knee prevents him from inaugurating the team’s new arena.

NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Simmons believes he is fully rebuilt. Now the former All-Star is ready to help the Brooklyn Nets with their reconstruction. “It’s just about getting better every day,” Simmons said at the team’s practice facility in Brooklyn.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs tried to provide David Robinson and Tim Duncan with all they needed to develop quickly, but were lacking a bit when it came to their newest superstar, Victor Wembanyama.

Klay Thompson walked through the Dallas Mavericks' facility in his new uniform for the first time. Chris Paul posed side-by-side with Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, one standing about a foot and a half taller than the other.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Pelicans star power forward Zion Williamson still has Brandon Ingram as a wingman for now.

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors begin their pre-season training camp on Tuesday in Montreal. Here are five things to know about what the Raptors' pre-season will look like.

TORONTO — Head coach Darko Rajakovic is putting on his foreman's helmet as the Toronto Raptors lean into developing their young core this season.

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns was in the Knicks' building, though not yet on their team.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell carried a heavy burden last season, the weight of expectations and speculation about his future combining to make every move on and off the court a challenge. It's been lifted. The All-Star guard is freed.