The 2025-26 NBA season is just around the corner, and while most teams are finalizing their rosters and prepping for training camp, there are still major question marks that could define the season. Some are about health. Others are about roster construction. A few are about culture, chemistry, and leadership. But they all share one thing in common: they matter a lot.
These aren’t just loose ends. These are the kinds of issues that can derail a contender or reshape the playoff race. From superstars with something to prove to franchises still figuring out their identity, here are five of the most pressing questions heading into the new year.
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo Stay Loyal To Bucks?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is saying the right things in public, but make no mistake: Milwaukee is under pressure. After back-to-back disappointing finishes and lingering health concerns around their aging core, the “loyalty” question is beginning to resurface. With the departures of Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton, the Bucks’ margin for error is shrinking fast, and there are rumblings that he may already be on the fence about his future.
Giannis (2x MVP, 1x NBA champion) has never openly flirted with leaving, but the NBA has seen this script before. If the Bucks don’t return to the Finals, or at least make a serious push, expect the noise to grow. But for a franchise that’s built entirely around his commitment, even subtle signs of doubt could be disastrous as the Bucks have no way of replacing his production with averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game last season.
Can Luka Doncic Stay In Shape?
Luka Doncic has always been a generational talent (28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game for his career), but his conditioning has been the one thing holding him back from true dominance. Whether it’s arriving at camp out of shape or fading late in games, it’s been a recurring issue, and now that he’s in Los Angeles, there’s even more spotlight on how he carries himself.
This summer, Doncic has been praised for his leadership with Team Slovenia, and reports suggest he’s taken a more serious approach to his body. Still, fans and front offices alike know better than to assume. If Luka shows up locked in and physically prepared, he could lead the Lakers deep into the postseason. If not, the questions about maturity and commitment will return, louder than ever.
Can Timberwolves Fix Their Point Guard Spot?
Minnesota has made back-to-back Western Conference Finals, and yet one of their biggest questions remains unsolved: Who’s the long-term answer at point guard? Mike Conley has been steady, but at 37, he can’t carry the full load. At 20 years old, young point guard Rob Dillingham is exciting but unproven, and there’s no clear plan B if neither guy holds up.
With Anthony Edwards ascending into superstardom and Rudy Gobert still anchoring the frontcourt, the Timberwolves can’t afford to have a weak link in the backcourt. They are hoping Dillingham can grow into the role, and if not, they may be forced to bring in outside help to fill their last remaining roster spot. Regardless, it’s a position that they need to address, or it could be what holds them back from title contention this season.
Is Jonathan Kuminga Staying In Golden State?
The Warriors say they want to keep Jonathan Kuminga, but the trade rumors haven’t stopped. Between reported friction with Steve Kerr, questions about his role, and whispers of outside interest, something feels unsettled, and the saga is getting downright nasty. While Kuminga clearly has the talent to be a high-end starter with 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last season, the Warriors haven’t committed to him fully, and he knows it.
If Golden State is truly retooling around Steph Curry, Kuminga is either a building block or a trade chip, and they need to make that decision soon. Letting this linger into the season could fracture team chemistry even more and create another distraction in what may be Steph’s final title window.
What’s Going On With Joel Embiid’s Health?
Joel Embiid played just 19 games last season, and while Nick Nurse has offered optimistic updates, the situation remains murky. For a player who has already missed large chunks of his career, another setback could be devastating — not just for Embiid, but for the entire direction of the 76ers franchise. Now, there are reports that he could miss training camp as he continues to rehab his knee.
The Sixers have gone all-in around their MVP, handing out max contracts to Tyrese Maxey and Paul George. But if Embiid can’t stay on the court, none of it will matter. Right now, Philly’s hopes are tied to one thing: the status of No. 21’s knees. As it stands, no one, not even the team, seems totally sure what to expect or if he can return to being the guy who won the MVP in 2023 with averages of 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 54.8% shooting.
Many Unanswered Questions
Every season brings surprises, but more often than not, it’s the unanswered questions that separate contenders from pretenders. Teams like the Lakers, Bucks, and Sixers aren’t starting from scratch, but the pressure they’re under means even one unresolved issue could derail everything. Whether it’s health, chemistry, or fit, these storylines will hang over the league until someone steps up with answers.
Until then, the margin for error is razor-thin. One bad month, one injury, or one locker room blow-up could tilt the entire power structure. Training camp is almost here, and for these five teams, it can’t come soon enough.
