Two local player tryouts hosted by the Long Island Nets are slated for September 21 at Queens College, drawing 75 hopefuls into two sessions (9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.) and offering a pathway to the Nets’ late-October training camp ahead of the 2025-26 season. Registration runs through early September with a $250 fee for pre-registering and $275 for late signups, and check-ins begin well before each session. The events, presented by HSS and run by the Nets’ basketball operations teams, are closed to the public, underscoring their exclusive funnel to pro ranks.

Past success stories highlight the returning value: Jordan Minor appeared in 42 Long Island games after participating in the 2024 local tryout, while Terry Roberts, Amityville native, played 59 games in 2023-25 and even joined the Nets Summer League, illustrating the proven ladder from local tryouts to G League and beyond. Craig Randall II’s October 2021 LI Nets arrival after a local tryout culminated with him earning NBA G League Most Improved Player honors, reinforcing the payoff for players and fantasy managers who track these development pipelines. The Nets’ schedule continues with a November 7 Nassau Coliseum opener, linking the tryout pipeline directly to on-court opportunities for 2025-26.

Joe Mazzulla has signed a multi-year extension as head coach of the Boston Celtics, securing his future with the franchise after a remarkable tenure that included leading the team to an NBA Championship in 2024. Mazzulla expressed gratitude to his family, staff, and players in a statement announcing the contract extension. His record speaks volumes, with an impressive overall win rate of .726 and an average of over 60 wins per season.

This extension comes amidst a challenging season ahead for the Celtics, particularly with superstar Jayson Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season due to a torn Achilles. The team will still be guided by Mazzulla and will look to compete despite not being title contenders this year.

Joe Mazzulla has been officially signed to a multiyear contract extension as head coach of the Boston Celtics, affirming the organization's long-term commitment to him. Mazzulla, who has led the team to the playoffs in each of his three seasons, remarked on the extension being a "blessing" and credited his support system, including ownership and players. Under his guidance, the Celtics secured their 18th NBA championship this past season and have consistently achieved over 57 wins per season.

Brad Stevens, Celtics president, praised Mazzulla's passion and leadership, noting his impressive win rate and ability to inspire improvement. Mazzulla's journey with the Celtics began in 2019 as an assistant coach, leading to his interim role and now a permanent position as head coach.