On Tuesday, NBA Media Day 2025 marked the beginning of a new season where some of the league's biggest stars and their teams reintroduced themselves to their fan bases. From the new-look New York Knicks embracing championship expectations to Zion Williamson's physical metamorphosis and the Brooklyn Nets brass speaking on Michael Porter Jr’s controversial speaking tour, here are some of the key takeaways from day one of NBA Media Day.

New York Knicks Players lament Tom Thibodeau’s Firing, Welcome Mike Brown As New Coach

For the New York Knicks, who reached the Eastern Conference Finals, the biggest change for the squad is their new head coach. The Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau over the summer and  brought in former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown as his replacement.

“It’s sad to see a man I’ve known for a long time part ways with this organization,” said All-Star Jalen Bronson. “He’s meant a lot to me. I’ve expressed that to him publicly and personally. He’s meant a lot to my career.”

“Obviously, I love Thibs, and I’m always going to have love for Thibs,” Josh Hart added. “The things that he helped me with, putting me in position to be successful and be paid. I always got love for him and hope he’s doing well right now.”

Hart then expressed his excitement about what Brown will bring to the table.

“We’re excited about what he brings to the table, both offensively and defensively,” Hart said. “Obviously, it’s going to be a little bit of a feeling-out process, but we’re excited about what this team has and can be. Now, it’s about jelling.”

Mike Brown Is Considering Changing the Knicks' Starting Lineup

Mike Brown is an accomplished head coach. He was named NBA Coach of the Year twice (2009 with the Cavaliers and 2023 with the Kings) and won four NBA championships as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs and acting head coach with the Golden State Warriors.  Going into his new role in New York, Brown is ready to institute big changes, which may include a new starting lineup.

“It will materialize throughout camp,” Brown said. “I think it’s too early to go in and say, ‘This is what is going to happen.’ The roster … Leon (Rose) and his group did a fantastic job of assembling a talented and deep roster. So, you have to be methodical with your approach when it comes to declaring, ‘OK, hey, these guys are going to start.’”

Zion Williamson Is The Healthiest He’s Ever Been

The only thing that has matched Zion Williamson's enormous potential is his long history of injuries. Since his rookie season, Williamson has played in 214 regular-season games and missed 268 games. He’s only played 45.3% of the possible regular-season games played through his first six seasons. But at Media Day, the New Orleans Pelicans’ star said he’s feeling better than ever and expects Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, to hold him to a high standard

“I like Joe; what you see is what you get,” Williamson said.

“He’s going to hold me accountable, and as he holds me accountable, he’s going to give me a lot of responsibility as well, which I’m excited for,” Williamson added. “I know he’s going to hold me to a really high standard, and if I slip up or anything, I know he’s going to be right there to make sure I get right back on the path.”

Brooklyn Nets GM Addressed Michael Porter Jr's Will Offseason Comments

Forward Michael Porter Jr. is now the face of the Brooklyn Nets after being acquired in an offseason trade with the Denver Nuggets. Throughout the offseason, Porter has been speaking on several topics, such as sports gambling (His brother was banned from the NBA for betting on games), women, the WNBA, and even homosexuality. Sean Marks, General Manager of the Nets, took some time to address his new star’s controversial statements.

“Those conversations will remain internal. I think this is a new environment for him. A new market, new expectations, new roles, both on the court and in the locker room,” Marks said at Tuesday’s press conference. “He knows where the organization stands on certain issues and topics…this market is a little different than where he was.”