We have proof Joel Embiid is a rookie

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

WHOA: Woj reports that the league and players’ union are potentially within weeks of announcing a new labor deal months in advance of the Dec. 15 opt-out date for the current edition. The big changes Woj can report as of now: a fatter rookie scale and two-way D-League contracts. More later.

PREVIEW ATTACK! The Pistons have arrived and will be a force in the East, Professor Flannery and I agree. The Jazz have arrived and will be a force in the West, Professor Flannery and I agree. We have a Utah preview from SLC Dunk and a Pistons preview from Detroit Bad Boys, as well. Plus, Limited Upside takes a deeper look at the Hornets.

WELP: Sonny Vaccaro explains how Adidas lost LeBron James back in 2003, and describes the ramifications.

MEANWHILE, IN L.A. ... Chris Herring with a recap of Day 2 of Derrick Rose’s rape trial. It looks like the trial will last about a week, with Rose taking the stand at some point. The case’s Jane Doe described the circumstances around the alleged attack on Thursday.

ROOKIE: Joel Embiid struggles with a water bottle. Via r/nba.

HOW YOU KNOW THE SEASON IS ALMOST HERE: Zach Lowe’s epic League Pass rankings are here. Part I and Part II.

HMM: Is this the year Chris Paul falls off? (Please no. Please.)

QUESTIONS: David Aldridge has seven major questions for the 2016-17 season.

NOTHING BUT ... WELL, UH, NOTHING: Jeremy Lin was phenomenal in his preseason debut for Brooklyn, but airballed a finger roll, so we’re going to focus primarily on that.

STILL THE ONE: Clyde Frazier is still the god of fashion in the NBA. Via REDEF.

REVENGE OF WELP: Fears that Brandon Knight being benched could cause a repeat of the 2014 disaster in Phoenix.

SPARTY BACK!

Short newsletter for a long Friday. Stay safe in the Southeast, and be excellent to each other.