As we enter the NBA's dead month of September, we're now only weeks away from the Nets' unveiling of their brand-new uniforms. The release on September 28 coincides with the opening of the Barclays Center in the form of a concert by Jay-Z at the venue. One can only wonder if the minority owner will rock the new jersey during the performance.
Let's catch up with the latest news, stories and headlines from around the league…
- New Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn has an open mind heading into training with regard to how he sees the team's lineup and roster playing out, writes Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel. "I have no preconceived thoughts about guys here," Vaughn said. "I have to judge these guys on what they show me. Not on past games, not on other people's opinions, but from my opinion. I will give them the opportunity to show me."
- Recently signed Nets guard C.J. Watson has spent the past week in Africa giving back to a community through basketball, writes Roderick Boone of Newsday. "It's fun," said Watson. "They already know a lot of stuff about basketball. It's just fun learning from a NBA player. Like someone told me, 'There might never be a time when I meet a NBA player ever again in my life.' So to get to actually come here and make these kids' dreams come true, it's just fun to meet with them."
- Dei Lynam of CSNPhilly.com looks at how Spencer Hawes may be able to emulate Pau Gasol while playing alongside Andrew Bynum in the Sixers' frontcourt. Head coach Doug Collins is confident in Hawes' abilities to mimic Gasol's style of play. "I want (Hawes) to play the Gasol role with Bynum,” said Collins. “Both (Hawes and Gasol) like to play out on the perimeter because they can shoot the ball and are very good passers."