Erik Spoelstra was named Team USA head coach through 2028, signaling stability as the program pursues Olympic gold and a Paris title defense. His famed pursuit of the purity of competition—clear roles, accountability, and clutch-performance focus—shapes a program that blends veteran leadership with a new generation. The assignment comes with roster gymnastics for the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where star participation and long-term commitment will be tested.

With LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant in the orbit of USA Basketball, Spoelstra must balance superstar pull with a winning culture, navigate a brutal player calendar, and manage an ever-shifting roster. The plan leans on a stacked coaching tree and Hill-led leadership, continuing a gold-medal legacy while adapting to a more demanding international landscape.

The NBA is weighing a World vs. U.S. three‑team All‑Star format with eight‑man rosters per squad, two American teams and one international squad. Picture Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama on the floor together — a star‑dense, high‑impact showcase that could redefine All‑Star weekend and spike fantasy relevance.

Officials and players say the plan could boost competition and engagement, even as the league weighs player wellness. The move aligns with Olympic timing in 2026 and aims for a formal reveal soon, with veterans like Curry urging efficiency and others signaling they’ll go all‑out for a meaningful, entertaining event.

Pair two players with chemistry in mind, then let the rest of your draft fall into place. This fantasy basketball guide uses Yahoo ADP to map the first 12 picks and identifies the best two-man fits to anchor your build in category leagues. Each pick comes with a dedicated pairing that amplifies scoring, rebounds, assists, and efficiency while planning for punted categories to maximize weekly upside.

From Booker with Durant to Jokic with Banchero, the article sketches a path where early duos shape the rest of the draft. It emphasizes balancing risk (FT% or three-pointers) against value across multiple categories, offering concrete pairings and viable alternates to keep your strategy flexible across different drafts.

Houston’s preseason sprint has evolved into a real-season rehearsal, with the Rockets 2-0 and eyeing dress-rehearsal tuneups against New Orleans and Atlanta. The roster is experimenting with rotations, minute tallies, and a more sophisticated offensive scheme as Udoka moves beyond a “semi-vanilla” start.

Key themes: Durant and Finney-Smith add floor-spreading gravity that should unlock corner looks for Smith, Şengün, and Thompson, while the team debates a potential double-big look with Steven Adams. Corner 3s and pace are being prioritized, and the defense will be tested to confirm last season’s identity as one of the league’s sturdiest units.

Durant to Houston boosts a young Rockets half-court attack, lifting fantasy scoring, threes and durability. Bane to Orlando gives Paolo Banchero a reliable floor spacer. Turner to Milwaukee upgrades the frontcourt with blocks and shooting; Johnson to Denver adds defense and steady scoring; Porziņģis to Atlanta adds rim protection and spacing. Ayton to the Lakers anchors the paint; Flagg to Dallas brings defense and upside; Powell to Miami could deliver early scoring when Herro is out.