The NBA's 5 most interesting newcomers, starring LeBron James, LaMelo Ball and the Lakers' big swing

In that spirit, let's take a look at the five most interesting — to me! — folks who joined a new team this summer.

(We've previously considered my five most interesting: potential free agents in the class of 2027 , comeback players for next season , rising sophomores in the NBA , and veteran extension candidates . That last column included both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard, so I won't be writing about them here — although, obviously, they and their new surroundings are both pretty interesting!)

Yes, yes, yes, we all know: There's only one ball. And when a team that already had Joel Embiid (who has, over the course of his career , finished 35.3% of his team's offensive possessions with a shot attempt, turnover or foul drawn) and Tyrese Maxey (average usage rate over the past three seasons : 29%) adds both Jaylen Brown (36.2% usage rate last season, 31% over the past six ) and LeBron James ( 19 seasons north of 30%, 27.2% last season), the lack of a multi-ball option would seem to be at least something of a problem.