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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson's return to a Pelicans squad that made a captivating postseason appearance without him last spring could transform New Orleans' long-beleaguered NBA franchise into a marquee team.

CLEVELAND (AP) — As Donovan Mitchell worked his way around Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse's floor recently, stopping to pose for photographers on media day, something stood out about the Cavaliers' star guard. He couldn't stop smiling.

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons seem to be on their way up from rock bottom, assembling a dynamic backcourt, acquiring a veteran scorer and keeping a nucleus of promising young players.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bradley Beal returned to the Washington Wizards saying he wanted to win a championship with them. Now the pressure is on for this team to show that it's at least moving closer to some form of contention.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

ATLANTA (AP) — Over the summer, Nate McMillan was recognized by an Atlanta Hawks fan during a routine visit to the doctor. But another person in the waiting room had no idea who he was.

MIAMI (AP) — Most of the names on the Miami Heat roster are the same ones that were there last season. The objective for the season is also the same. Don’t be fooled, though: The Heat insist this isn’t the same team.

DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic has a new sidekick — but not a co-star — as the Dallas Mavericks try to build on their first deep playoff run in a decade.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Orlando Magic gathered for their first meeting of training camp last month and the theme of coach Jamahl Mosley’s talk was accountability.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The defending champion Warriors' focus heading into the new season changed quickly when Draymond Green punched teammate Jordan Poole during practice.