What happened: Coach Atkinson challenged rookie Meleek Thomas to a pushup contest. What began as a training-camp drill quickly turned into a debate over the result.

Why it matters: Thomas has stayed in the preseason conversation after scoring 20 in his Summer League debut, so even a light camp moment keeps attention on his early progress. It also fits the competitive tone coaches try to set this time of year as roster impressions start to harden ahead of the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: The next meaningful marker is whether Thomas carries that visibility into preseason minutes and early rotation work once exhibition games begin.