NBA News

Patrick Williams • PF • Bulls

Patrick Williams' Foot Still An Issue Before Training Camp

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (foot) continues to rehab his surgically repaired left foot ahead of training camp, which starts Oct. 1. Back in July, Williams told Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic that everything felt good, there wasn't any pain or swelling, and that he was running and jumping. Fast forward to August, where the Bulls met up in Miami for some voluntary workouts, and Williams was forced to stop participating after he experienced discomfort in the same foot he had surgery on. As of right now, it's unclear if he'll be ready by the start of training camp, and then the discussion turns to whether he'll be ready by the start of the regular season. Williams appeared in just 43 games last year and averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.

1 hour ago

Zach LaVine • SG • Bulls

Zach LaVine A Full, Willing Participant In Bulls Voluntary Workouts

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine has been in the middle of the rumor mill for a couple of seasons already, but it seems like he hasn't let that keep him away from team activities. According to Darnell Mayberry of the Athletic, LaVine is buying into the voluntary workouts and the player-led minicamps throughout the offseason. LaVine and the team are still working on trade options, but he's working to be an asset to his teammates in the meantime. He was present and a full participant when the team traveled to Miami for workouts, and when they went back to Chicago for some practices before training camp started. If LaVine stays on the Bulls for a portion of this coming season, he's likely to get plenty of offensive opportunities after DeMar DeRozan departed for Sacramento.

1 hour ago

Mitchell Robinson • C • Knicks

Mitchell Robinson Sidelined Until At Least December

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (foot) underwent a foot surgery in May to address a stress injury that he suffered in the first round of last year's playoffs. According to Yaron Weitzman, the Knicks are not expecting Robinson to return until around the December/January time frame. The team is trying to be as cautious as they can, so they aren't planning to rush him back until he's as close to 100% as possible. Robinson also had surgery on his foot last December before returning in the playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers where re-aggravated the injury and needed further surgery to help alleviate the issue. Head coach Tom Thibodeau is planning to increase Julius Randle's minutes at center in the meantime, and even use OG Anunoby to guard opposing centers in shorter spurts.

2 hours ago

Harry Giles III • PF • Hornets

Harry Giles III Heading To Charlotte

Free-agent center/forward Harry Giles III agreed to a training camp deal with the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, he'll compete for a roster spot on a very bare-bones roster that suffered a lot of injuries last season. Giles didn't play at all in the NBA during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, then came back to play for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers last year. Through 23 total appearances last season, Giles averaged 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds across 4.3 minutes per game. Knee injuries have been his biggest issue since being drafted 20th overall in 2017, but he may find a depth spot if he can stay healthy and compete through the preseason.

2 hours ago

Lonzo Ball • PG • Bulls

Questions Remain Regarding Lonzo Ball's Role This Season

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (knee) continues to move toward a return to the National Basketball Association. The 26-year-old hasn't played since January 2022, undergoing multiple surgical procedures on his left knee, including receiving a meniscus transplant from a donor. Fortunately, he increased his workload throughout the summer, progressing to five-on-five scrimmages. Before going down with the injury, Ball had one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals. He also shot a much-improved 42.3% from deep. With that said, Ball will likely see the court sparingly once he's cleared to return. But the Bulls have a loaded backcourt featuring Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu. Zach LaVine is also still in the picture, at least for now. As a result, if Ball will have any value for fantasy managers in 2024-25, it may not come for at least a few months, meaning he won't see much attention during fantasy drafts.

Yesterday

Julius Randle • PF • Knicks

Julius Randle "Recovering Well"

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle expects "to be ready to play by or near the start of the season." The multi-time All-Star injured his ankle in January. He initially opted for rehab instead of surgery, hoping to join the Knicks for the postseason. Unfortunately, rehab wasn't successful, resulting in Randle going under the knife in April. From a production standpoint, the 24-year-old had one of the best seasons of his career in 2023-24, averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 46 games. Without question, he is one of the most underrated players in the National Basketball Association. However, the Knicks' roster looks drastically different from when Randle was on the floor last, so it's hard to predict how the new additions might impact his fantasy contributions. Still, as long as he stays healthy, he should remain a reliable fantasy asset.

Yesterday

Bruce Brown • SG • Raptors

Bruce Brown Will Miss Beginning Of Preseason

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Bruce Brown (knee) is set to miss the beginning of the NBA pre-season after undergoing an arthroscopic knee surgery this week. The veteran do-it-all role player won't be re-evaluated for another three weeks, but it doesn't seem like he's supposed to miss significant time. Brown was reportedly dealing with knee issues for a couple of months after he was traded to the Raptors in the deal that sent Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. The Raptors begin training camp on October 1, and the team is hopeful that he'll be back on the court before the end of pre-season in time for their first game on October 23. Brown averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game across 34 appearances for Toronto last year.

3 days ago

Killian Hayes • PG • Nets

Killian Hayes Signing Exhibit 10 Deal With Nets

Free agent guard Killian Hayes is on his way to Brooklyn after agreeing to an Exhibit 10 deal to try to find his way on the Nets' roster. The former seventh-overall pick has been looking for a new home after being waived by the Detroit Pistons. Hayes was still on his rookie deal and saw a decrease in stats across the board before he was let go. Through his first four seasons, Hayes averaged 8.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.0 turnovers per game with shooting splits of .382/.277/.775. If Hayes can't prove that he's grown in shooting efficiency and ball security, then he won't likely stick on an NBA roster. Brooklyn will be one of his best opportunities as they've started the rebuild after trading away Mikal Bridges this offseason.

3 days ago

Javonte Smart • SG • Magic |

Mac McClung • PG • Magic

Mac McClung, Javonte Smart Sign Training Camp Deals With Magic

Free-agent guards Mac McClung and Javonte Smart have signed training camp deals with the Orlando Magic, along with Ethan Thompson. In a corresponding move, the team waived Myron Gardner and Tre Scott. Smart has appeared in the most NBA games out of the three new signings with 18 appearances across two seasons with three different teams. He most recently played one game for the Philadelphia 76ers last season but averaged 8.9 points per game in 22 games for Crvena Zvezda in Serbia after being waived in December. McClung received MVP honors if the G League last season while playing with the Magic's G-League affiliate. He averaged 25.5 points, 6.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game across 27 games.

3 days ago

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

76ers, Joel Embiid Agree On Three-Year Extension

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has officially agreed on a three-year extension that will keep him in Philadelphia through 2027-28 with a player's option for 2028-29. According to Adam Schefter, the three-year max extension is worth $192.9 million and it gives the 2023 MVP a total of $299.5 million in guaranteed money through the 2028-29 season. Since stepping on the floor for the Sixers in 2016, Embiid has been the key piece on both sides of the ball. Now that Daryl Morey and company have put a championship-or-bust roster around him, it's time for him to lead them to the promised land. As long as he's healthy, he should also remain one of the best fantasy basketball assets in the league. Last season, the big man averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game across 39 appearances.

3 days ago

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Extension Predicted "In The Near Future"

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid might agree to a new contract "in the near future." The 2023 Most Valuable Player became eligible for an extension worth nearly $200 million in July. While it's tough to say for certain how this situation will go, it may be in Embiid's best interest to sign on the dotted line, considering his injury history over the years. If both sides can't come to an agreement, talks will get put on hold until next offseason. The 2014 No. 3 pick averaged a career-high 34.7 points with 11.0 boards, 5.6 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals in 2023-24. Yet, he was limited to 39 games due to injury. Without a doubt, Embiid's consistent ailments will cause his fantasy stock to dip heading into the regular season. But he could finish the season as the top overall fantasy producer if he can figure out how to stay on the floor and off the injury report.

5 days ago

Dereck Lively II • C • Mavericks

Dereck Lively II Praised By New Teammate

Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II had a mixed season in 2023-24. He averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. However, the 20-year-old was limited to 55 games. Still, Lively has received positive attention from those around the National Basketball Association. He's also already made a favorable impression on new teammate Klay Thompson. "He reminds me so much of Tyson Chandler early on," said Thompson on Lively during an interview with The Dallas Morning News. "He loves being vocal, he loves defense, and he's still so young, the sky's the limit." Without question, the 2023 No. 12 overall pick has All-Star potential. But it could take him at least a few more seasons to reach his ceiling. With that in mind, he's still worthy of a spot in most fantasy lineups, although his rebounding and defensive acumen are his most valuable attributes for fantasy managers.

5 days ago

Klay Thompson • SG • Mavericks

Klay Thompson Ready For A New Chapter In Dallas

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson is ready to start another chapter after spending his entire career in Golden State. "I'm excited for a whole new chapter of my career that has a chance to be so special," said Thompson to The Dallas Morning News. "I know we can do something special." Thompson's resume includes four NBA championships and five All-Star selections. Unfortunately, he is coming off a down year, averaging 17.9 points and 38.7% shooting from behind the arc. The 34-year-old also spent time coming off the bench, which caused friction with his previous coach, Steve Kerr. But Thompson should remain in the starting lineup all year, so he could have a bounce-back year as long as he stays healthy.

5 days ago

Kenrich Williams • PF • Thunder

Kenrich Williams Has Knee Procedure On Tuesday

Per The Athletic's Andrew Schlect, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (knee) had a successful arthroscopic debridement procedure on his right knee on Tuesday. Williams's knee will be reevaluated after the Thunder's preseason concludes. In 2023-24, the 29-year-old appeared in 69 regular-season contests and averaged 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Once healthy, Williams will likely not be much of a fantasy contributor, as his time on the court was reduced to 14.9 minutes per contest in last year's campaign.

6 days ago

Boban Marjanovic • C

Boban Marjanovic Signs With EuroLeague Team

According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, center Boban Marjanovic landed a deal with EuroLeague team Fenerbahce on Tuesday. Majanovic's new deal was first reported on Eurohoops.net. The contract is a one-year deal with the option for both sides to opt out until January. He averaged 5.5 points and 3.6 boards in 8.7 minutes during his NBA career. He has been a fan favorite during his nine years in the NBA but rarely made an impact in fantasy basketball.

6 days ago

Jalen Hood-Schifino • PG • Lakers

Jalen Hood-Schifino Fully Healthy Following Back Surgery

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (back) has recovered from surgery and is expected to "be ready to compete for minutes from the start" in 2024-25, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Hood-Schifino underwent lumbar microdiscectomy back surgery in March. He was limited to 21 appearances during his rookie campaign. The 21-year-old, who was the 17th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, mostly picked up action in garbage time and averaged only 5.2 minutes per game. He appears set for a more significant role in 2024-25, although there are quite a few bodies in front of Hood-Schifino on the depth chart, and it will be tough for him to get regular playing time.

6 days ago

Cam Reddish • SF • Lakers

Cam Reddish Ready To Go For New Season

Los Angeles Lakers small forward Cam Reddish (ankle) has returned to full health ahead of the new campaign, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. An ankle injury limited Reddish to 48 appearances last season. He featured just 13 times after the All-Star break and didn't see any action in the playoffs. Reddish finished his debut campaign in L.A. with a 5.4-point scoring average and 2.1 rebounds. He saw big minutes early in the season as a starter, and that likely won't happen in 2024-25, although Reddish could have a chance to earn some extra minutes in the rotation due to injuries. Christian Wood (knee) has been ruled out for the start of the season, and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) isn't at 100 percent.

6 days ago

T.J. Warren • SF

T.J. Warren Working Out For Kings

Free-agent forward T.J. Warren has a workout scheduled with the Sacramento Kings, sources have told The Athletic's Sam Amick. The 31-year-old spent the previous campaign in Minnesota, making 11 appearances with the Timberwolves. He was limited to 11.3 minutes a night, averaging 3.7 points. Warren was a 20-point scorer just a few campaigns ago, but health issues have badly derailed his career. The Kings are looking at multiple options at the forward position ahead of training camp, with workouts also planned for Jae Crowder and Nassir Little.

6 days ago

Duncan Robinson • SG • Heat

Duncan Robinson Fully Recovered From Back Issue

Miami Heat guard/forward Duncan Robinson has said that he's fully recovered from a back injury that limited him during the final stretch of 2023-24. Robinson was enjoying a strong bounce-back campaign before being struck by a left facet syndrome. He missed the final 14 regular-season games due to the issue. Robinson returned for the playoffs but clearly wasn't at 100 percent as he struggled badly. However, the 30-year-old sniper appears fully healthy now, telling reporters he is "not restricted in any way" and has "no limitations." Robinson sits among the best outside shooters in the Association and has also developed as a playmaker. He averaged a career-high 2.8 assists last season while posting 12.9 points in 28.0 minutes.

6 days ago

Marcus Morris Sr. • PF • Knicks

Marcus Morris Sr. Joins Knicks For Training Camp

Veteran forward Marcus Morris Sr. has signed an Exhibit 9 contract with the New York Knicks. The 35-year-old will try to battle out a roster spot in training camp to extend his NBA career into a 14th year. Morris Sr. split last season between Philadelphia and Cleveland, averaging 6.4 points in 16.7 minutes. The Philadelphia native has remained a savvy scorer despite being on the wrong side of 30. However, if he makes the team, Morris Sr. will only be seen as a depth piece in New York and won't get enough action in normal circumstances to make an impact in fantasy basketball.

6 days ago

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