NBA News

Jalen Williams • SF • Thunder

Jalen Williams Tries to Reclaim All-NBA Form

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring, wrist) spent the summer working on his body and searching for answers after recurring hamstring issues derailed his 2025-26 season, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. The 25-year-old missed the first 19 games after surgery on his shooting wrist, then strains to both hamstrings cost him extended time. Williams played only 33 regular-season games and five of Oklahoma City's 15 playoff contests, averaging 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals. His max rookie extension kicks in this season, and the Thunder have less proven depth after moving Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe in offseason trades. The upside is obvious: Williams was third-team All-NBA and second-team All-Defense in 2024-25 while averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. The injury discount is real, but so is the bounce-back ceiling if his hamstrings hold up.

4 hours ago

Trae Young • PG • Wizards

Trae Young Healthy and Motivated Ahead of Camp

Washington Wizards point guard Trae Young (knee, quadriceps) is cleared for training camp and eager to push his way back into the league's star conversation, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "People think I'm just a ball-dominant person. It's hilarious to me," Young said, adding that the best version of his game may not mean the most points or assists. The four-time All-Star played only 15 games last season because of MCL and quadriceps injuries in his right leg, averaging 17.9 points and 8.0 assists, including five appearances after the January trade to Washington. His workload should climb now that he is healthy, but Anthony Davis (finger) and No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa give the Wizards more mouths to feed. Young's assists should still anchor his fantasy value, though a return to his career 25.1-point scoring pace may be tougher in this setup.

4 hours ago

Jaren Jackson Jr. • PF • Jazz

Jaren Jackson Jr. Steps Into Bigger Frontcourt Role

Utah Jazz forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. spent most of the summer training in Salt Lake City after left knee surgery limited him to three games with the team following February's blockbuster trade, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. The former Defensive Player of the Year is expected to be a key frontcourt piece as Utah tries to move out of lottery mode. Walker Kessler's move to the Lakers should push Jackson into more center minutes, with Jusuf Nurkic also in the mix. That could help revive Jackson's shot-blocking after he dipped to 1.4 blocks per game last season, well below the 3.0 he averaged in 2022-23. The scoring outlook is less clean, with Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson all needing touches, so Jackson's fantasy value may lean more on blocks, rebounds, and efficiency than high-end usage.

5 hours ago

Lamont Butler • PG • Hawks

Hawks Sign Lamont Butler

The Atlanta Hawks signed guard Lamont Butler on Thursday after waiving Keyshawn Bryant. Butler is back for another stint with Atlanta after briefly joining the organization last fall, when he was waived before the season and later landed with the College Park Skyhawks. His first pro year never got going, as a torn left ACL and meniscus during the preseason process cost him the entire 2025-26 campaign. The former San Diego State and Kentucky guard averaged 11.4 points, 4.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 26.0 minutes during his lone season with the Wildcats. Terms were not disclosed, but the move appears procedural, with Butler likely headed back toward College Park if waived. CJ McCollum, Kingston Flemings, Ryan Nembhard, and Devin Carter leave him buried in Atlanta's backcourt, so there is no fantasy value here.

5 hours ago

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Healthy Heading Into Training Camp

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is healthy heading into training camp after being cleared for full basketball activities in late May, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. A Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered on April 2 cost him the Lakers' final 15 regular-season games and their entire playoff run, which ended in the second round. The 27-year-old skipped Slovenia's FIBA World Cup qualifiers to spend time with his daughters and later hosted Lakers teammates for an August minicamp. Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals across 64 games last season, winning the scoring title. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, more of the offense should flow through Doncic, while Walker Kessler gives him a true lob threat. Availability is the only real fantasy concern on an otherwise elite profile.

15 hours ago

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Enters Camp with Health Optimism

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) enters 2026-27 with renewed optimism after telling reporters at his end-of-season news conference that his knee is no longer the main concern. "We figured out the knee. It hasn't been an issue," Embiid said, according to ESPN's Vincent Goodwill. The former MVP has appeared in only 57 of a possible 164 games over the past two seasons, so the injury discount will not disappear. He still averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 31.6 minutes across 38 games last season. Sixers president Mike Gansey said in August that Embiid is healthy, with the team expected to map out a workload plan. Jaylen Brown and LeBron James joining Tyrese Maxey should lower Embiid's usage burden, but staying on the floor remains the swing factor.

16 hours ago

Julius Randle • PF • Nets

Julius Randle Sees Clean Fit in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle expects his new offensive fit to work because the skill sets around him do not overlap much. "I can do a lot with the ball off the dribble, creating," Randle said at a Skechers event in Brazil, calling Michael Porter Jr. "a great catch-and-shoot guy." The three-time All-Star averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists across 79 games with Minnesota last season, while Porter posted a career-high 24.2 points with 3.4 three-pointers per game. If Randle handles a larger share of Brooklyn's half-court creation, his assists have room to climb, and Porter should see cleaner spot-up looks. Egor Demin averaged 3.3 assists as a rookie, while Mikel Brown Jr. is still developing, so Randle looks like the safest bet to drive the Nets' offense early.

16 hours ago

Steven Adams • C • Rockets

Steven Adams Eyes Healthy Start with Rockets

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (ankle) appears on track to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season. "We're tracking that way," Adams told New Zealand's Weekend Sport with Jason Pine when asked in August about his availability, according to ESPN's Michael C. Wright. The 33-year-old underwent season-ending left ankle surgery in January after playing 32 games last season, averaging 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 22.8 minutes. Adams is not a scoring option, but his offensive rebounding remains the fantasy hook after Houston ranked No. 1 on the offensive glass in both of his first two seasons with the team. Wright also notes the Rockets have ranked in the top three in second-chance points for two straight years. Adams should revive Houston's double-big looks with Alperen Sengun, leaving Clint Capela's path to steady backup minutes less secure.

16 hours ago

Walker Kessler • C • Lakers

Walker Kessler Enters First Lakers Season Fully Healthy

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (shoulder) said the surgery that ended his 2025-26 season after five games was a long time coming, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Actually, I injured it back in college," Kessler said. "And then I was playing with it for a while. And then last year, it got a little worse." The 25-year-old enters his first season in Los Angeles healthy after signing a four-year, $130 million deal. Kessler was off to a strong start before the torn labrum, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks on 70.3 percent shooting. As Luka Doncic's preferred lob threat and rim protector, Kessler has a clean path to boards, blocks, and elite field-goal percentage if the shoulder holds up.

16 hours ago

Tyrese Haliburton • PG • Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton May Be Eased in Early by Pacers

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) is expected back for the start of the season, but ESPN's Jamal Collier notes the team may take it slow with him early. Haliburton has had extended recovery time after tearing his right Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, and he recently said he has been "chomping at the bit" to get back on the court. The Pacers open Oct. 21 in New Orleans, and Haliburton told Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star in August that he would be ready if the season started then. The 26-year-old averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 2024-25. Ivica Zubac gives him a new pick-and-roll partner, while Andrew Nembhard, who averaged 16.9 points and 7.7 assists as the lead guard last season, could lose usage once Haliburton is fully unleashed.

Yesterday

Dejounte Murray • SG • Pelicans

Dejounte Murray Expected to be Ready for Training Camp

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles) is expected to be a full go for training camp, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. Murray returned from a ruptured right Achilles a few games after the All-Star break and averaged 16.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals on 48.4 percent shooting across 14 games. He also logged four straight games of 30-plus minutes in mid-March, easing some workload concerns. Jamahl Mosley gives New Orleans a defense-first coach, and Murray gives him a two-way lead guard who can fill multiple categories. Jordan Poole's inefficient scoring and Jeremiah Fears' second-unit path both get tighter if Murray is fully back, though Fears has been working out with Murray and still profiles as the long-term guard to track.

Yesterday

Fred VanVleet • PG • Rockets

Fred VanVleet Targets Preseason Return for Rockets

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (knee) expects to be on the floor in October when Houston opens the preseason in Macao, China, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPN. Wright notes that VanVleet has been back on the court "full-time, ramping up, feeling good" after missing all of 2025-26 with a torn right ACL. His return should restore some late-game organization for a team that struggled when defenses loaded up on Kevin Durant. VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.7 three-pointers in his last healthy season, though the 37.8 percent shooting still hurts. Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard gained valuable reps in his absence, but VanVleet profiles as the chief setup man for Durant and Alperen Sengun if he avoids setbacks.

Yesterday

Paul Reed • PF • Pistons

Paul Reed Primed for Expanded Role with Pistons

Detroit Pistons forward/center Paul Reed is in line for a more featured role as the team's backup big this season, according to Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. Patterson views Detroit's decision to trade Isaiah Stewart to Memphis as a vote of confidence in Reed, who earned the promotion in the playoffs. The former G-League MVP forced his way into the rotation against Cleveland in the second round, averaging 11.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in roughly 13 minutes per game while going 24-for-34 from the field. With Stewart's 22.7 minutes a night now up for grabs, Reed's 61.7 percent shooting from last season and his knack for steals and blocks give him legitimate late-round appeal. His value could climb even higher if restricted free agent Jalen Duren's contract standoff drags into training camp.

Yesterday

Ron Holland II • SF • Pistons

Ron Holland II Rebuilding His Jump Shot This Offseason

Detroit Pistons forward Ron Holland II has spent the offseason working to become more of a perimeter threat, Roundtable's Eric Rutter reports. The former No. 5 pick shot just 25.3 percent from three last season, and the spacing issue followed him into the playoffs, where his role collapsed and he picked up multiple DNPs. Holland still averaged 8.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 19.9 minutes across 78 regular-season games, so the defensive profile remains useful. The problem is the crowd. Detroit added Isaiah Joe, Taurean Prince, and Gary Harris this summer, while Duncan Robinson and Kevin Huerter are already in the shooting mix. Holland has the tools to force his way into minutes, but until the jumper shows up in games, he is more of a camp monitor than a draft-day target.

Yesterday

Kyrie Irving • PG • Mavericks

Kyrie Irving Ramps Up in Pickup Games

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (knee) has been playing offseason pickup games as he ramps up toward a 2026-27 return, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. Irving tore the ACL in his left knee in March 2025 and sat out all of 2025-26, leaving him 19 months removed from the injury when training camp begins. The 34-year-old has averaged 25.5 points and 5.1 assists in a Mavericks uniform, and his return would give Cooper Flagg a real off-ball partner after a rookie season worth 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Max Christie and the reserve guards would lose some minutes once Irving is active. The fantasy wrinkle is the deadline, with MacMahon noting contenders could pursue Irving if Masai Ujiri is willing to listen.

Yesterday

Nicolas Claxton • C • Bulls

Nicolas Claxton Projected to Start at Center for Bulls

Chicago Bulls center Nicolas Claxton is projected to open the season as the starting five, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. The move does not create a brand-new role after Claxton started 68 of 69 games for Brooklyn last season, but it does give him a fresh setup as Chicago looks to fill its center spot under Tiago Splitter. Zach Collins and Jalen Smith are the main backup bigs on the roster, so Claxton should still have a steady path to the 27.8 minutes per game he logged last season. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks on 57.1 percent shooting, and playing off Josh Giddey's passing could help his lob and putback chances. The 61.6 percent free-throw mark remains the fantasy tax.

Yesterday

Ben Simmons • PG • Kings

Ben Simmons' Kings Contract is Non-Guaranteed

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons officially signed his one-year deal, but the structure makes this a camp audition more than a rotation promise. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports that the contract is non-guaranteed and worth up to $3.5 million, with Simmons earning $1 million if he makes the opening-night roster on Oct. 21 against the Clippers. That adds needed context after Sacramento first agreed to terms with the 30-year-old three-time All-Star last week. Simmons is attempting an NBA comeback after sitting out 2025-26, and Russell Westbrook's retirement left Sacramento with a veteran playmaking void behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Malik Monk still has a steadier path to backup creation, while Nique Clifford and Emanuel Sharp are also in the young guard/wing mix. Simmons is worth monitoring in camp, but his fantasy value starts with proving he has a roster spot and real minutes.

Yesterday

Alex Toohey • PF

Warriors Bring Back Alex Toohey on an Exhibit 10 Deal

The Golden State Warriors are bringing back forward Alex Toohey on an Exhibit 10 training camp deal, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. Golden State's 2025 second-round pick never got his first season in the program off the ground, as a left knee injury wiped out his preseason, limited him to two Santa Cruz appearances, and eventually required season-ending surgery in December. The Canberra product averaged seven points and three rebounds in those two G-League games after posting 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals for the Sydney Kings in 2024-25. Golden State's standard roster is full, so Toohey is fighting for a two-way look or a Santa Cruz track rather than NBA rotation minutes. Even if healthy, he sits behind Georges Niang, Gui Santos, and Yaxel Lendeborg in the forward mix, keeping him off fantasy boards unless injuries thin the wing group.

Yesterday

Sasha Vezenkov • PF

Sasha Vezenkov Leaves Door Open to NBA Return

Olympiacos forward Sasha Vezenkov drew exploratory interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer, according to Marc Stein, though a formal offer never followed. The inquiry came before Minnesota signed Jonathan Kuminga, with Vezenkov signaling early that he preferred to stay in Greece. "It's tough now because here is my family, my life," the 31-year-old said, while still leaving the door slightly open by adding, "never say never." Vezenkov's lone NBA season produced 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.2 minutes across 42 games with Sacramento in 2023-24. Since returning to Olympiacos, he has won another EuroLeague MVP and led the competition at 19.4 points per game. With Julius Randle and Naz Reid gone, Minnesota had reason to search for frontcourt skill, but Kuminga's arrival and Vezenkov's decision leave Trey Lyles and the remaining bench pieces with a cleaner path to reserve minutes.

2 days ago

Max Strus • SG • Clippers

Max Strus Embraces Glue-Guy Role with Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Max Strus said on the Link with JB podcast that he is comfortable settling into a glue-guy role built around shooting, defense, rebounding, and moving the ball. "I used to have a bag back in college, but I don't anymore," Strus said, adding that he is not afraid to guard top scorers. The 30-year-old returned from a Jones fracture in his left foot last season and averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.8 three-pointers in 12 regular-season games while shooting 40.2 percent from deep, then posted 9.6 points and 4.8 rebounds across 18 playoff outings. Darius Garland and Bradley Beal already give the Clippers perimeter creation, while Brandon Ingram is expected to arrive once the Kawhi Leonard deal is finalized. Strus should have a rotation spot in the final year of his deal, but threes and rebounds are the only reliable fantasy hooks.

2 days ago

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