The 10 Best Moments of the NBA Media Day in Recent Years

These days we have experienced the NBA Media Day of the 2024/25 season, a marked event on the calendar where players, coaches, owners, and general managers discuss what they expect from the team and much more.

But it has also brought us iconic and legendary moments, from the contagious laughter of Kawhi Leonard to the surprising hairstyle of Jimmy Butler.

The Top 10 Moments of NBA Media Day

1. Kawhi's Laughter

Kawhi Leonard, known for being reserved, had a viral moment during his first press day with the Raptors in 2018 when he let out a strange and famous laugh after describing himself as a "fun guy." This moment became iconic on the internet, even more so than his subsequent championship with Toronto.

2. The Nets Drama

After a tumultuous season in 2021-22, Kevin Durant requested a trade or the firing of coach Steve Nash and GM Sean Marks. Although Nash was fired in November 2022, and Durant was traded to the Suns, Marks remained. The conflict symbolized the breakdown of the Nets.

3. Beasley's Philosophy

Michael Beasley starred in a hilarious interview where, after several questions from the ESPN journalist, he repeatedly answered with philosophical evasions like "day by day" and "the future," without providing any concrete predictions about the Lakers' season, creating a cult moment in the NBA.

4. Steven Adams' Evolution

Steven Adams, known for being a discreet player, surprised at the 2014 media day with a Tom Selleck-inspired mustache, beginning a transformation that has turned him into a player with a very distinctive style, with tribal tattoos, long hair, and a big beard, resembling more a superhero than a basketball player.

5. Channing Frye Takes LeBron's Locker

After LeBron James left the Cavaliers in 2018, Channing Frye jokingly took over the legend's locker. When his teammate Kevin Love asked whose locker it was, Frye casually replied, "some guy," comically underestimating the importance of the locker.

6. Gilgeous-Alexander's Naming

On his first press day with the Clippers in 2018, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's name, one of the longest in the NBA, stood out on his jersey, stretching almost from elbow to elbow. Fans had to get used to seeing such a long name on a jersey after simple names like Paul or Griffin.

7. The Hairstyles of Gortat and Webster

On the Wizards' media day in 2014, Marcin Gortat and Martell Webster appeared with different Mohawk hairstyles. Gortat went for a Mr. T-style look, while Webster sported a taller Mohawk, joking that both were in different "hawk" style phases.

8. Enes Freedom Gets Sentimental

During a press conference, Enes Kanter Freedom offered an awkward and humorous moment when, talking about his desire to return to the playoffs, he commented, "when I think about the playoffs, my nipples get hard." Despite his wish, he never played playoff games with the Knicks.

9. The Monta Ellis Meme

Monta Ellis had a moment at the Media Day where he was seen carefully typing on a computer, then rubbing his hands and shrugging. The image became a meme still used on the internet, capturing his moment of digital interaction.

10. Jimmy Butler's Emo Look

In 2023, Jimmy Butler surprised with an "emo" look on media day, sporting a hairstyle that covered one eye and piercings, a stark contrast to his on-court appearances. He seemed to be having fun creating images that would appear in the media throughout the season, sparking a funny and viral reaction.

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