Stephen Curry invented a new way to shatter ankles

Good morning. I’m pinch-hitting for Tom today. Sorry for referencing another sport. Let’s basketball!

PREVIEW SEASON: Yesterday, Tom and Paul tackled the Sixers and Suns. Also: Here are previews from Liberty Ballers and Bright Side of the Sun. Next up: the Knicks and Warriors.

MORE PREVIEWS: The Limited Upside podcast crew stops by Portland to argue about Evan Turner with Blazer’s Edge.

AS IF HE NEEDED IT: Stephen Curry skipped the Olympics to get his body right and ... work on a deadly new behind-the-back move, apparently. As it stands, this is a travel because he picks up both feet, but if he can keep his right foot on the ground, it’s legal. And if he can do that, you bet we’re going to see this in a game.

SPEAKING OF STEPH: Nice piece from The Vertical’s Michael Lee about the burden Steph carried last year. This is why I think Durant’s arrival will benefit Curry more than anyone else on the team.

OF NOTE: Steph also said he wants to re-sign with the Warriors next summer. This shouldn’t surprise anyone, but it’s still nice for Warriors fans to hear it.

BEST FOR EVERYONE: Tom explains why the Heat should waive Chris Bosh, even with $79 million left on his contract. Bosh can try to resume his career and the Heat can move on.

THERE’S ALWAYS MONEY IN THE BANANA STAND: Your friend Seth Rosenthal on coaches hiding money in locker-room ceilings as motivational tactics. Someone could make a killing crawling through vents.

BAD BOYS: Will Smith showed up to a surprise 76ers team dinner. CBS Sports’ Matt Moore had the perfect response.

ANTETOKOUNMP-WHO? Giannis Antetokounmpo opened media day with a terrible knock-knock joke. He’s adorable.

GOOD CHARLOTTE: The Hornets say they are “in conversations about ways we can help” the Charlotte community after days of protests stemming from a police officer shooting Keith Lamont Scott.

PRAY: The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor on how teams can defend the Warriors. It’s hard for me to see the switching tactic being as effective now that Durant is in Harrison Barnes’ place.

AND FINALLY: Congratulations on your new job, Tim Duncan! We even made you business cards free of charge.

SORRY, ONE MORE THING: We’re still hiring an assistant NBA editor. Here’s how to apply.

Tom will return Thursday. Talk to y’all then.