THE NBA is back, returning Sept. 27 (PH time) with most teams around the league holding media day interview sessions ahead of the official start of training camps on Sept. 28.

There will be new faces in new places, with five coaches—Boston’s Ime Udoka, Portland’s Chauncey Billups, Orlando’s Jamahl Mosley, New Orleans’ Willie Green and Washington’s Wes Unseld Jr.—set to lead camps for the first time.

Rick Carlisle is back in Indiana, where he coached from 2003 through 2007, and Jason Kidd takes over in Dallas after playing for the Mavericks and helping them win the 2011 NBA title.

The pandemic will affect a third NBA season and already means some people will be missing on media day. Reigning Western Conference champion Phoenix says Devin Booker has entered the league’s health and safety protocols and won’t be available.

The first preseason game is Oct. 2, when Brooklyn visits the Los Angeles Lakers. (AP)