Category: Basketball

After four preseason games with the Minnesota Timberwolves on an Exhibit 10 training camp contract, forward/center Drew Timme was waived before the start of the 2026-27 regular season.

No need to fret, as the Phoenix Suns immediately picked up the Gonzaga Bulldog legend off waivers and signed him to their third and final two-way contract spot. This was first reported by The NBA Consensus. Timme replaced guard Koby Brea, who was cut in order to add more frontcourt depth to second-year coach Jordan Ott’s roster.

The 6-10, 235-pound talent plans to split his time with the big club and their G League affiliate, Valley Suns. Former Gonzaga guard David Stockton will be teammates with Timme on the Valley Suns. The G League franchise’s general manager, Brendan Sabean, used to be a student manager under coach Mark Few from 2010-14.

Now reppin’ the orange and purple — Welcome Drew! pic.twitter.com/pWsekusSgD

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 19, 2026

This will be the sixth NBA organization that Timme has been involved with in his professional career since going undrafted back in 2023. His second time being on a two-way deal after being with the Los Angeles Lakers and the then South Bay Lakers in the G League during the 2025-26 campaign.

During this past preseason with Minnesota, Timme averaged 6.0 points on a shooting split of 60.0 field goal percentage/40.0 three-point percentage/57.1 free throw percentage, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 10.8 minutes per game. He has put together 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds in 36 games played across two NBA seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Lakers.

Drew Timme brought a spark off the bench for the @Timberwolves last night scoring 18 PTS, 7 REB, and 3 AST! 🔥👏 #GLeagueAlumpic.twitter.com/hFbsOUIk4T

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) October 17, 2026

With Timme being named to Phoenix’s opening night roster, that makes 12 active former Zags in the NBA.

Chicago Bulls forward/center Zach Collins

Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura

Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren

Atlanta Hawks wing Corey Kispert

Denver Nuggets wing Julian Strawther

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard

Denver Nuggets guard Ryan Nembhard (two-way)

Golden State Warriors forward/center Graham Ike (two-way)

Toronto Raptors guard Malachi Smith (two-way)

The 2026-27 NBA season tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 20, with Oklahoma City’s Holmgren traveling to the San Antonio Spurs at 6:30 p.m. PT on NBC.

Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho

The 2026-27 NBA season tips off next Tuesday, but the basketball card market is already in midseason form. 

Since the Knicks’ dramatic NBA Finals victory in June, NBA fans have largely been focused on LeBron’s move to the 76ers, because it wouldn’t be an offseason without The King commanding the vast majority of the attention. However, when it comes to cards, Michael Jordan inserts and Cooper Flagg’s Rookie Debut Patch stole the show this summer. 

As the world prepares for the NBA’s opening night tripleheader, which features the Knicks’ banner-raising, LeBron’s 76ers debut, Wemby vs. Shai round 2, and a matinee Pistons-Celtics clash, digital collectibles platform Courtyard, released an interesting take on their platform’s data with the introduction of a unique NBA tier list. 

Unlike most player rankings floating around social media around ahead of a new season, this list isn’t based on on-court performance. Instead, Courtyard’s used data to showcase the players basketball collectors are most likely to hold—or sell—after they’re pulled from one of Courtyard’s basketball packs.

The Keep, Flip, Ship Hierarchy

On Courtyard, collectors who rip one of the company’s many digital basketball packs can take an instant buyback offer (flip) on their new, graded card, keep the card vaulted for free, or redeem it and have the physical version of the card shipped to them. Courtyard’s tier list ranks players by how collectors treated their pulls, with the S-Tier representing the players that collectors held onto the most, while the F-Tier represented the players that were most frequently flipped.

A few placements stand out. Tyrese Maxey ranks above Flagg, the reigning Rookie of the Year. Donovan Clingan, who averaged a double-double last season and Pistons guard Ausar Thompson, who might find his shot one day, share a tier with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Chet Holmgren, an All-Star and All-Defensive First Team selection last season, landed in the D-Tier, alongside Mikal Bridges, who helped the Knicks win their first title since 1973. Needless to say, collectors will have plenty of opinions about who is where on this list.

Does this mean that Donovan Clingan is a better buy than say, Nikola Jokic who is on the B-tier? Definitely not, at least in my opinion. It’s more a reflection of where the market has him currently priced (low) versus his overall potential. Conversely, Cooper Flagg is still high on the list but not at the top, likely because his market is currently reaching new market highs each day, which leads to collectors selling quickly. In that regard, the list is very interesting.

“Keeping a card is about the most honest thing a collector does. A sale tells you what the market thinks a card is worth. Holding onto it tells you what it’s worth to you,” said Nico le Jeune, co-founder and CEO of Courtyard. “That’s why this list doesn’t look much like an MVP ballot. Collectors hold onto Tyrese Maxey more than Cooper Flagg, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lands in the same tier as Donovan Clingan. Fans have their own idea of who matters.”

Key Offseason Moves

The Knicks might have won the NBA Finals, but Mavs’ rising sophomore forward holds the title for the biggest NBA card of a single player sold since June. Others haven’t played a game in decades.

• Cooper Flagg: His 1-of-1 Topps rookie debut patch autograph sold for $8.04 million at Fanatics Collect on September 25th. It’s the highest price paid for any single NBA player’s card, and the third-highest NBA card sale overall, behind only a Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant Dual Logoman Auto 1/1 ($12.93 million) , and a Jordan/LeBron Dual Logoman Auto 1/1 ($10 million). Flagg’s previous record was $366,000.
• Kobe Bryant/LeBron James: A 1-of-1 2007-08 Exquisite Dual Logoman Autograph sold for $6,501,840 through Alt on September 24th, the most expensive sale in the marketplace’s history. It also marked what might’ve been the high point of the recent Jordan boom, which has captivated The Hobby for what seems like forever at this point—leading to rising prices for other vintage cards from players like Shaq, when the cost of Jordan inserts started to price people out.
• The Knicks starting five: A 1-of-1 Topps Now quintuple autograph featuring Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns sold for $317,200. Credit where it’s due. It’s nice to see something other than RCs and vintage, for once. 

The 2026 Rookie Class Gets Its Debut

Last week, the preorder for Topps Flagship Basketball crashed Topps’ website. We all know rookies drive demand, but the class of 2026 has a wider breadth of potential than collectors are used to. 

Washington selected former BYU star AJ Dybantsa first overall, followed by Darryn Peterson (Utah Jazz), Cameron Boozer (Memphis Grizzlies), Caleb Wilson (Chicago Bulls), and Keaton Wagler (Los Angeles Clippers). Their first Topps rookie cards will arrive… sometime soon, as the initial launch date during the NBA’s opening week (October 23rd) has since been pushed back to November 5th. 

Who will you be chasing in NBA packs this season?

Let us know over on Mantel.

Minutes before the 4:00 p.m. deadline to finalize their regular-season roster, the Milwaukee Bucks announced they waived Kevin Porter Jr. This brings the final roster to 15 after the weekend saw the Bucks waive several other players, including Pete Nance. The 26-year-old’s waiving comes after a snake-bitten year; in the 2025-2026 campaign, KPJ suited up for only 36 games, but he started all 36, averaging 17.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 7.4 APG.

An unfortunate outcome, this is another turn in the road for KPJ. In 2019, the Bucks traded their first-round pick (30th) and Tony Snell to the Detroit Pistons for Jon Leuer, and the following night Detroit flipped that pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for four future second-round picks. Despite a solid rookie season, Porter was traded the following season after returning from a leave of absence and getting into a locker-room fight upon his return. Houston sent a protected second-round pick for him, and the new franchise seemed like a better fit, as Porter showed major growth over the next few seasons.

Then, in 2022, Porter signed a four-year extension worth up to $82.5m, but only guaranteed for one year, $15.9m, due to ongoing concerns about volatility. Before the start of the 2023 season, Porter was arrested in New York and charged with felony assault following a domestic abuse altercation. The Rockets then traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who absorbed his contract and waived him immediately. Porter then spent a year playing in Greece, pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault. After his overseas stint, Porter signed a two-year veteran minimum deal with the LA Clippers, where he played the season before the Bucks traded him.

After opting into his player option this year, Porter will earn $5.39m before he becomes a free agent, despite being waived. While unfortunate, the guard-room logjam was well documented, and with the additions of Tyler Herro, Brayden Burries, and Kasparas Jakucionis—plus Ryan Rollins’s emergence last year as a Most Improved Player candidate—Porter likely would have seen fewer minutes this season. Despite the summer debate over who should start, Bucks fans would agree that wherever he lands, he will likely provide a strong offensive punch for his new team.

All the best, KPJ!

SAN FRANCISCO ― The Golden State Warriors can't afford any additional injuries while awaiting thew return of Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody, especially with uncertainty about center Kristaps Porzingis.

So when Stephen Curry, their 38-year-old superstar, suffered a non-contact lower leg injury during an open practice Sunday, Oct. 18, there was a deep gasp from nearly everyone in attendance at the Chase Center. Curry limped off the court and went back into the locker room after tweaking his ankle.

With the NBA regular season just about ready to tip off, the Warriors will hit the road for their season opener, traveling to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Wednesday, Oct. 21 (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN).

Ahead of their season-opening contest, the Warriors shared the latest on Curry and whether or not he'll be available to go against the Lakers:

Steph Curry injury update

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed reporters following Sunday's practice. Kerr said he spoke to Curry after practice when he initially injured his ankle and Curry told him it was fine.

Curry made a normal move on the wing when it appeared his footing slipped an his ankle twisted.

A Warriors spokesperson told USA TODAY that Curry suffered a moderate ankle sprain, however the team doesn't expect the injury to keep him down.

Steph Curry availability status in season-opener vs Lakers

Curry is expected to be able to play in Golden State's season opener against the Lakers on Wednesday, Oct. 21, Kerr said.

Kerr told reporters on Monday, Oct. 19 that Curry is fine following the injury scare. He added that Curry was a full participant during Monday's practice.

"I'm always concerned when Steph limps off but I went down and checked on him and he told me immediately that he was fine," Kerr said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stephen Curry injury update: Will Warriors star be ready for NBA opener?

The Mavericks chose not to extend Dereck Lively II before the rookie-scale extension deadline, meaning he will enter restricted free agency after the 2026-27 season if Dallas does not work out a new deal beforehand.

On the surface, that may look surprising.

Lively was awesome as a rookie. He immediately looked like the kind of center Dallas could build around long term, finishing lobs, protecting the rim, and becoming a massive part of a team that eventually went to the NBA Finals. He made the All-Rookie team and looked like one of the best picks of the 2023 draft.

The problem is that he has barely been available since.

Lively played 36 games in 2024-25 and only seven last season before undergoing season-ending foot surgery. He is entering this season still working his way back and remains out at the start of the year.

That is really what this decision comes down to.

The Mavericks know how good Lively can be when he is healthy. We have already seen it. But giving a player a three-, four-, or five-year contract after so little basketball over the last two seasons is a completely different bet.

There is also a risk on the other side.

If Lively gets healthy, plays 65 games, and looks like the guy Dallas thought it drafted, the Mavericks may regret not locking him up now. A healthy 22-year-old center who protects the rim, finishes everything around the basket, and has already proven he can play in the Finals will have a market. Dallas could have bought him low before his value rebounds.

Instead, they are essentially betting that waiting is worth the risk.

The good news is that Lively will be a restricted free agent, not unrestricted. Dallas can match an outside offer and retain him even if another team comes with a large contract. That doesn’t mean it will be cheap, but it means the Mavericks aren’t risking losing him for nothing.

I understand the decision.

I also understand why it could look bad eventually.

Lively has already shown what he can be when healthy. The problem is that “when healthy” has become the most important part of every conversation about him.

For now, Dallas is making him prove it again before committing to him long term.

The deadline has passed for the Washington Wizards and Bilal Coulibaly to reach a rookie-scale contract extension, which means the 22-year-old wing will enter restricted free agency this summer.

Washington selected Coulibaly with the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He was the first selection made by Will Dawkins, who traded up one slot to secure the high-upside wing.

Dawkins had previously extended Deni Avdija in October 2023 and Corey Kispert in 2024. It appears he won’t do the same for Coulibaly.

Coulibaly averaged 11.7 points and 4.3 rebounds last season. His 86.5-inch wingspan, which ranks in the 99th percentile among NBA guards, allows him to disrupt passing lanes and deny shots. His 1.3 steals, 1.0 blocks and 3.1 deflections per game all ranked in the 90th percentile or better at his position last season.

Coulibaly’s ability to defend the opponent’s top offensive threat propelled him to a starting role during his second and third NBA seasons.

In two games against the Milwaukee Bucks last season, Coulibaly held Giannis Antetokounmpo to just 13 points on 5-13 FG. Antetokounmpo scored 46 points on 17-25 FG against all other Wizards defenders.

“[Bilal] is super valuable to our team. Starting with the defensive presence that he brings to our team, that’s a really unique skill,” Keefe said. “He has been a game changer for us. He embraces that role, and then he has the ability to put pressure on the rim in a lot of different ways: cutting, offensive rebounding, attacking the basket. He brings something that we need on our roster, and that’s someone we can play on the other team’s best players. And that is a super valuable guy to have. We’re thrilled that he’s here.”

The Wizards open the 2026-27 season at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Capital One Arena against the Milwaukee Bucks.

You thought the Phoenix Suns were done making moves? You thought wrong! After waiving both Kobe Brea and CJ Huntley earlier today, the Suns have claimed former Gonzaga standout Drew Timme off waivers.

The Phoenix Suns have claimed Drew Timme off waivers, league sources told @hoopshype. The former Gonzaga star has averaged 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds in two NBA seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. Timme was in training camp with the Minnesota Timberwolves. pic.twitter.com/53q6A1bYo2

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 19, 2026

Timme is entering his third year in the league, having previously spent time with the Brooklyn Nets and, most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers. In nine games with Brooklyn during the 2024–25 season, he averaged 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds. Last season with the Lakers, he appeared in 27 games, averaging 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 8.7 minutes per contest. He was on an Exhibit 10 contract with the Timberwolves this preseason. The team waived him.

For his NBA career, Timme is shooting 49.4% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.

He spent four seasons at Gonzaga, playing alongside the likes of Chet Holmgren, Andrew Nembhard, Corey Kispert, and Jalen Suggs. While he developed into one of the more recognizable players in college basketball, perimeter shooting was never a significant part of his game; he connected on just 25% of his three-point attempts during his collegiate career. After going undrafted in 2023, Timme spent much of the past two seasons bouncing around the G League, earning All-NBA G League Second Team honors twice.

He’s a highly skilled power forward who brings passing ability, a capable defensive presence, and a nice shooting touch around the basket. His perimeter shooting remains a work in progress, but there’s enough versatility in his offensive game to make him an intriguing addition.

According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, it appears Timme will occupy the final two-way contract slot that became available following the departures of Huntley and Brea.

Suns have claimed him just waiting to hear from the league that they got him. He would be the third two-way player and add some depth to the roster. https://t.co/yhxeAPQiEH

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) October 19, 2026

Timme is a 6’9” power forward who recently turned 26 and carries the nickname “Union President.” From a two-way contract perspective, it’s clear that the Phoenix Suns are prioritizing skill and size over shooting, as both Brea and Huntley possess the ability to stretch the floor.

And that’s what makes this move interesting. The Suns are using their final two-way spot on a player who offers size, passing, and interior scoring rather than another perimeter shooter. Timme still has plenty to prove at the NBA level, but his G League production and offensive skill set give Phoenix another developmental option worth exploring. With the regular season approaching, the Suns are making their final adjustments, and Timme now has an opportunity to show he belongs in the organization’s plans.

---

The Lakers waived former first-round pick Dalton Knecht on Monday to reach the NBA’s maximum roster requirements before the season begins this week.

The 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft had fallen out of the rotation in the last two seasons but had a chance to prove himself during training camp and the preseason, when the Lakers had 16 players on guaranteed contracts. Knecht, who averaged 4.2 points per game and 10.2 minutes per game last season, played just 14 combined minutes in the last two preseason games.

Knecht’s role had greatly diminished since he flashed his scoring potential as a rookie. After scoring 37 points in a win over the Utah Jazz in November 2024 and tying the single-game rookie record with nine made three-pointers, Knecht looked as if he could have been the steal of the draft. But after a trade to Charlotte for center Mark Williams was rescinded, Knecht never settled back into the rotation.

Read more:Plaschke: The new-look Lakers have much to prove and no chance of winning it all

The Lakers brought in nine new players during an offseason roster overhaul, further burying Knecht on the forward depth chart.

“The team changed,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said of Knecht ahead of the Lakers’ preseason finale last Friday. “The needs changed, the fit changed. I think he got better as a player over the last two years.”

The Lakers looked into acquiring center Jericho Sims from the Milwaukee Bucks during the preseason in exchange for Knecht, sources close to the situation but not authorized to speak publicly told The Times. But talks broke down when the Lakers were unwilling to part with multiple second-round draft picks.

The Lakers, who wanted to solidify their backup center position behind Walker Kessler, have only three second-round draft picks (2031, 2032 and 2033) available to trade. They already don’t control their first-round pick until 2032 after sending two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to Utah to acquire Kessler this summer.

Knecht was given an “excused absence” from practice Monday, Redick said. The deadline for teams to reach the maximum of 15 standard contract players was 2 p.m. PDT Monday before regular-season games begin Tuesday. The Lakers open their season Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena against the Golden State Warriors.

Redick also said guard Bronny James was excused from practice, noting there were players who were “under the weather.” The third-year guard who was picked 55th overall in the same draft as Knecht remained on the Lakers’ updated roster.

James worked his way into the postseason rotation last season while the Lakers were struggling with injuries to their backcourt. He averaged 2.9 points and 1.2 assists during the regular season while shooting 38.6% from three.

Injury update

For the first time since training camp started, Collin Sexton was a full participant in practice with the Lakers on Monday. Still, Sexton wasn’t ready to fully commit to playing in the Lakers’ season-opener Wednesday.

Sexton missed all five preseason games and a lot of practices with a lower right leg injury.

Sexton, who said he felt good at practice, was asked about playing against the Warriors.

“We’ll be taking it day by day,” he said. “At the end of the day, I had a really good practice today, felt good. Super excited to be back out there with the guys, so I look forward to it.”

Sexton said he had some “tightness and stuff” in his lower leg, “but I feel pretty good.”

He was asked what caused the injury.

Read more:Luka Doncic, JJ Redick believe revamped Lakers can contend for an NBA title

“Nothing particular,” Sexton said. “I think we figured it out and now we’re just moving forward and just continue to get these reps in, continue to play five on five, and get out there as soon as possible.”

Sexton is a 6-1 point guard the Lakers signed to back up Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the backcourt. The Lakers signed him to a two-year, $19.2-million deal.

“He’s another guy that can bring the ball up and can create his own [mismatch],” Doncic said. “So we’re excited to have him back.”

Second-year forward Adou Thiero and rookie guard Cameron Carr both missed practice Monday.

But having Sexton back was a good sign for the Lakers.

“It felt good, super excited to be back out there, honestly, just getting out there and getting up and down, legs felt a little heavy, but it was great,” Sexton said. “It was definitely a great day, great practice for the team as well, and the guys were really competing.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

There are only so many spots available on any NBA roster. That’s especially true for a young team like the Brooklyn Nets — average age 24.31 years, with rookie contracts accounting for eight of their 15 standard deals.

That’s why Summer League, training camp, and the preseason are so valuable for those Exhibit 10 and two-way players hoping to make their way up the totem pole. For Exhibit 10’s, the goal could be to show enough to eventually earn a two-way spot, while those already on two-way deals look to prove they deserve a standard contract.

As Chaney Johnson and Grant Nelson enter their second year with the Nets organization, and their first full seasons on two-way contracts, proving themselves is exactly what they sought to do all offseason.

Both have a different, tougher background than many of their teammates. They are natives of small town America — Johnson from Alabaster, Alabama, Nelson from Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. They were passed over by big schools, winding up at smaller schools, the University of Alabama at Huntsville and North Dakota State before, ironically, joining rivals Auburn and Alabama.

Now, even after going undrafted, they’ve almost made it as NBA two-ways. The problem, however, is that with so many young players and established veterans competing for minutes on a team now looking to win, playing time is already limited.

Regardless of the minutes available, Johnson and Nelseon have done everything they can to show Sean Marks 7 organization they can perform at the NBA level.

Chaney Johnson

Let’s start with Johnson, 24, who has, quite literally, done just about everything the Nets could have asked of him since joining the organization as a two-way in December.

After starting his college career at Division II University of Alabama Huntsville, going undrafted out of Auburn, and spending time with the Cleveland Cavaliers on an Exhibit 10 deal, Johnson made an immediate impact in the G League for the Nets.

Across 24 outings for Brooklyn’s G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, he averaged 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals before earning an opportunity to contribute in Brooklyn late in the season. He capitalized on that end-of-season chance, averaging 8.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in 17 games, while playing with grit and competitiveness. That’s the fire Jordi Fernández loves to see in his players.

That continued into Summer League, where he led the Las Vegas portion in steals, and most recently, the preseason, which wrapped up on Wednesday. What stands out about Johnson is that he does the dirty work. He crashes the boards and has even held his own at the center position despite being just 6’7” and change, a byproduct of knowing how to use his physicality to his advantage.

Johnson also seems to have emerged as a favorite in the team’s locker room, largely because of his relentless work ethic. Speaking with reporters during the preseason, Egor Dëmin had some high praise for the Alabaman.

“[Chaney] is the hardest working guy in the gym,” he said. “He’s going to develop into a [standard] contract at some point. He’s going to be amazing. I’m glad to have him as a teammate. He does the work that not many people want to do on the court. And he’s grateful for having that opportunity. I think that’s rare and I appreciate him a lot.”

Asked Egor Demin about Chaney Johnson last night:

“[Chaney] is the hardest working guy in the gym… He’s going to develop into a [standard] contract at some point. He’s going to be amazing. I'm glad to have him as a teammate. He does the work that not many people want to do on… https://t.co/cqYfD4yxNfpic.twitter.com/83jbQELEKi

— Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) October 9, 2026

With defensive concerns, particularly in the frontcourt this season, someone like Johnson, who brings a kind of defensive intensity, could be valuable. Johnson’s work so far may indeed warrant a standard contract. The issue, though, is finding room for him.

The Nets already have 15 players on standard deals, and it doesn’t look like they’ll make any cuts from that group. Eight of their 15 players on standard deals are still on rookie contracts, while the others are veteran locks to make the roster when it’s finalized at day’s end.

That leaves Johnson in a tough spot. The numbers just don’t work in his favor for a standard deal. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds his way into Brooklyn’s rotation this season, especially with injuries. Keep in mind, two-way players can dress for 50 NBA games before they need to be converted to standard contracts.

Johnson told ND last season that his ambitions are lofty, but considering where he’s come from, one shouldn’t dismiss them.

“I want to be one of the better players in the NBA,” Johnson said of his aspirations. “All-Defensive First Team or Second Team and possibly have an NBA championship, I want to be one of the greatest players to ever touch the ball.”

On Monday, a blogger who tracks the G League and two-ways described C.J. as the NBA two-way player most likely to break out this season…

2026-27 NBA TWO-WAY CONTRACT SUPERLATIVES brought to you by https://t.co/6rOSn0DULU!

Javon Small beat out some other strong candidates for best player on a two-way right now. Four rookies got a shout. Don't sleep on Chaney Johnson!

What do you agree and disagree with? pic.twitter.com/bbkLgjCGwa

— Finn Kuehl (@finleykuehl) October 19, 2026

The best thing Johnson can do is keep impressing his teammates and coaches with his work ethic while showing his defensive value. If he could flash as a defensive chip this season, that would be a huge win for the Nets.

Grant Nelson

Nelson has taken somewhat the same path, starting out in North Dakota where his combination of shooting and athleticism later earned him the nickname, “Dakota Durant”. North Dakota’s Mr. Basketball, he eventually found his way to a bigger school as well, Alabama. Both wound up taking their adopted Division I schools to the NCAA Final Four.

The 7-footer dealt with knee issues for much of last season with the Nets, just as he had his last season in Tuscaloosa, making it difficult for him to produce consistently. But when he was healthy, there were some encouraging results. In 15 G League starts, he averaged 24 points and 12 rebounds per 36 minutes. That was following a seven-week rehab program with Long Island’s player performance team.

After that strong stretch on Long Island, he earned a 10-day contract with Brooklyn, where he played 35 minutes and tallied 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. However, after his 10-day deal wasn’t renewed, it was revealed that his season would be cut short due to patellar tendinitis, commonly known as “jumper’s knee.”

As he continued to rehab, the Alabama product missed all of Summer League, though he remained on the team’s roster and traveled to both Sacramento and Las Vegas with the squad before getting converted to a two-way deal.

“I spent the whole summer rehabbing,” Nelson told reporters on Media Day. “I was pretty much getting my quad strength back after my tendon and I think the staff here did a great job helping me achieve 100 percent which I haven’t been at for a while.” .

After recovering, Nelson averaged 6.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in four preseason games. He particularly stood out in the Nets’ preseason win over the Washington Wizards, where he didn’t enter until the fourth quarter but had nine points in nine minutes, while also grabbing four rebounds, including three on offense, and shooting 4-of-5 (80%), including 1-of-2 from deep (50%).

That improve shooting, he said, was a benefit of having all that time rehabbing.

“My shooting, definitely,” he told NetsDaily when asked what’s better about his game. “It was a big emphasis knowing I was going to be out at the end of last season, this gives me a chance to hone in on my shooting mechanics and work with the great staff we have here. So I think my shooting has become much better. So I’m excited to show that this season coming up.”

At 7 feet, the 24-year-old moves well for his size and brings offensive versatility that isn’t common for someone his size. He is also highly athletic, setting the NBA Combine’s record for the shuttle run at 2.58 seconds and recording a 35.5” max vertical. He also has shown off good timing. Ask Cooper Flagg who once tried to get him on a poster…

Grant Nelson STUFFS Cooper Flagg
pic.twitter.com/D5bNFTP7NM

— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) March 30, 2025

What we mentioned with Johnson is even more applicable to Nelson: the Nets’ lack of frontcourt defense, especially rim protection in Nelson’s case, could lead to opportunities.

After losing Nic Claxton this offseason, the Nets don’t currently have a consistent, proven rim protector on their roster. Day’Ron Sharpe is a great offensive rebounder and Noah Clowney can block shots, but is more of forward. That’s where Nelson could potentially find an opportunity. He isn’t built like a traditional rim protector, but is very athletic and offers size, solid mobility… and an offensive game. At the very least, Nelson is another piece for Fernández to experiment with.

Could both earn a rotation spot?

Unlike the prior two years, Brooklyn is actually looking to win games this season. Yes, player development is still a priority, but the squad also needs to put players on the floor who can contribute to wins.

Johnson probably has the better chance right now, given his sample size in the pros last year and his strong Summer. He also offers positional size and versatility, which the Nets value.

Nelson is more of a developmental project, but again, injuries and the Nets’ lack of established frontcourt depth could create chances for him as well. Most likely, both players will spend ample time on Long Island, and those are valuable minutes.

Long Island’s season kicks off on November 6, which means if both players aren’t yet breaking through in Brooklyn by then, they will have a chance to get valuable playing time in the G League and make their presence felt. Nelson alluded to that on Media Day. “I’m super excited to get out there and play in Long Island or hopefully with this top team and getting more experience.” Better than sitting on the bench or showing up to NBA games in street clothes or watching from Alabaster or Devil’s Lake.

In the winter of 2014, I was struggling through my freshman year of college. After spending my entire childhood in the North Texas suburbs, I made the reckless and ill-advised decision to attend a private university in central Illinois. Things weren’t going well for me— my mental health was in the gutter, I was abusing substances and failing my classes, and couldn’t stop feeling desperately, pathetically homesick.

Mavericks’ basketball was a lifeline during this time. Through my angst and depression, I could always look forward to locking in with Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis, and Tyson Chandler during the early days of that infamous 2014-2015 season. That team was incredibly fun to watch, and for the first time since winning the title in 2011, it seemed like they could make a serious run. After all, Dallas had the best offensive rating in league history during those first few months.

We all know what happened next: Dallas made the Rajon Rondo trade and nuked their season. I remember being home for winter break when the news broke. My friend and I got the notification and celebrated, sure that our contending team was adding the final piece to the puzzle. Despite concerns about fit (with both the roster and coach Rick Carlisle), bringing in a talent like Rondo was a risk worth taking.

It didn’t work out. Rondo fit horribly, clashed with Carlisle and Dirk, and quit on the team as the Mavericks flamed out in the first round of the playoffs. It was a disastrous trade, one that destroyed a promising season with added potential to set the franchise back for years to come.

But it didn’t. When Dallas made that fateful trade with the Boston Celtics, they tossed a young, undersized big man into the deal. His name was Dwight Harlan Powell, and he became one of the most important Dallas Mavericks in team history.

When Powell first came to Dallas, no one was really sure what he was. Drafted 45th overall in 2014 by the Hornets, Powell bounced from Charlotte to Cleveland before eventually settling with the Celtics to start his rookie season. The Stanford product played just nine total minutes for Boston before the Rondo deal, so Maverick fans didn’t have many reference points. Powell worked his way into a depth role for Dallas that season, appearing in a handful of games and mostly shooting pick-and-pop midrange jumpers. I remember thinking, “This guy can shoot a bit, and he moves pretty well, too.”

But that was never going to be a viable role for a player of Powell’s size and skill level. A classic tweener prospect, Powell was too small to handle traditional center responsibilities at the NBA level. Unfortunately, he also wasn’t a good enough shooter or scorer to play the four spot. To get out of tweener jail and make an impact for Dallas, Powell had to get creative. He understood that a player like him needed to do the little things better than anyone else. Screen setting, dribble-handoff facilitation, offensive rebounding, positioning, and defensive mobility became his calling cards. Through sharpening these tools, Powell turned himself into one of the most proficient pick-and-roll centers in the NBA. Powell leveraged his one big NBA skill (athleticism) into elite finishing as a lob threat, a feat that looks a lot simpler than it really is.

In 2018, the Mavericks drafted Luka Doncic and changed Powell’s life. Doncic, arguably the best pick-and-roll ball handler of all time, formed a beautiful, symbiotic relationship with the 6’10 pogo stick. Powell’s strong, physical screens created so much space for Doncic to operate. His perfectly executed rolls to the rim provided crucial vertical spacing for Dallas offense. All Doncic had to do was read the defense and exploit whatever advantage they created. From 2018-2020, the Doncic/Powell two-man combo posted a 120.1 offensive rating in 1,430 shared minutes. People wanted to give Doncic sole credit for this success, but Powell was absolutely essential in unlocking the lethal Mavericks offense during the Luka era.

In January of 2020, when he was at the peak of his powers, Powell tore his Achilles, ending his season and beyond. As a 29-year-old center whose entire game was predicated on plus athleticism and jumping ability, this was a devastating blow to Powell’s career. Losing even a bit of the juice that made Powell such a dynamic lob threat had disastrous implications, and it was fair to wonder if he’d even be able to hang around the NBA for much longer.

But Powell didn’t let those daunting prospects detour him. Instead, he did what he’s always done: work harder than everyone else. Not content to accept taking a backseat in his career, Powell attacked his rehab relentlessly and returned to the floor in December of 2020, less than a calendar year removed from sustaining the injury. Though he struggled through that season, he was able to reclaim his starting role and play all 82 games during the 2021-2022 run to the Western Conference Finals. Powell remained essential to the Maverick offense, but when Dallas flamed out in the Conference Finals against the Warriors, he was scapegoated for their failure. Kevon Looney, Golden State’s starting center, had a career series and punished Dallas on the offensive glass, where Powell has always struggled. You heard the refrain everywhere you went: Dwight Powell is not good enough to start at center on a contending team.

And you know what? That’s probably always been true. Powell is far from a perfect player, and his deficiencies are obvious to the casual basketball fan. He’s one of the worst rim-protecting bigs you’ll ever see. He struggles to control the defensive glass. He can’t shoot, he can’t dribble, and he can’t post up. All of these things stick out like a sore thumb when things aren’t going well.

Dwight Powell's
First basket as a Mav (and-1 dunk)
First baskets assisted by Dirk, Luka & Coop
Last basket as a Mav (and-1 layup) pic.twitter.com/A04P3WCWXi

— Panda Hank (Nico survivor) (@pandahank41) October 19, 2026

But the things Powell does well aren’t as obvious to the naked eye. The average fan might not clock how the timing and cadence of a Powell screen creates an easy shot for a teammate. It’s hard for people to understand how knowing where to be on the floor, when to flow into a different action, and how to move can help an offense. It’s not sexy to always make the right, simple read whenever the ball ends up in your hands. When Powell gets scored on at the rim, it’s easy to deride him. But when he perfectly executes a blitz, recovers to his man, cuts off a drive, and closes out to a shooter, there’s no box score stat to reflect the impact.

This has always been the story of Dwight Powell. Because of his clear weaknesses, modest box score production, and middling team success, Powell has long been the subject of fan proxy wars. Many simply couldn’t understand why Dallas kept wasting their time and resources on the guy. For years and years, folks seemed to think that if the Dwight Powell spot could be upgraded, everything else would fall into place. People pined for far worse players like Andre Drummond and DeAndre Jordan. Whoever the Mavericks brought in to take his place, Powell proved to be a better option.

This was true until the 2023-2024 season, when the Mavericks added the two-headed monster of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. By this point in Powell’s career, he was rightfully transitioned to third-string, vibes-based backup. It was the perfect role for him at this time, and Dallas rode their improved frontcourt rotation all the way to the NBA Finals.

It was never Powell’s fault that he was often overtasked as a starting center; all he did was play his role to the absolute best of his abilities. This remained true even in his final years, when Powell was deployed as a sparkplug depth option when the team needed energy and competence. Because if there’s one thing Dwight Powell is going to do, it’s play harder than the guys in front of him. Even with his skills and athleticism severely diminished, Powell swung countless sleepy regular season games by injecting life into the team.

And apart from all of the genuine impact Powell had on the basketball court, his greatest success in Dallas has to be what he brought to both the organization and community away from it. Ask any teammate Powell has ever had, and they will gush with praise. He leads by example with his work ethic and unselfishness, showing every young player what it means to be a pro. Despite being openly derided by much of the fanbase and constantly having his role in flux, Powell never complained a single time. When Dereck Lively took his starting spot, Powell embraced the rookie with class and elegance, offering nothing but support and guidance. During every single game, no matter how much he was playing, Powell was always the most active and energetic member of the bench. These things matter.

Powell also recognized the importance of making an impact in the community. He cared deeply for Dallas, the fans, and everyone else he came into contact with. Powell devoted a ton of time and effort to community work, the extent of which we really can’t know, because Powell didn’t do these things for show. Like Dirk Nowitzki before him, Powell operated away from cameras and the spotlight. The only time you heard about his charitable exploits was when other people talked about them. Because Powell doesn’t care about attention, he doesn’t care about fame, and he doesn’t care what others think. He tries to show up for others as often as he can. That’s the most admirable quality a professional athlete can have.

Dwight Powell spent 12 years on the periphery of my life as someone I always supported and appreciated. During that time, I went through countless personal ups and downs and became a man. While I am going to miss Powell in Dallas terribly, no one is going to miss him more than my mother, Powell’s biggest fan. She dubbed him “Super Dwight” and was always so happy any time he checked into a game. A couple of years ago, after a particularly good Powell performance, I texted my mom to talk about him. After discussing his game, I asked her to name her top three Dwight Powell qualities. Her response: “Hustle, setting screens, and attitude on the court. Humility, generosity, and charity off the court.” I can’t think of any better way to sum up everything that Powell is about. Best of luck to Dwight in his next endeavor— he will always, always be a Maverick.

Mavs family for life. Thank you, No. 7.#MFFLpic.twitter.com/ci8e9z13L2

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) October 19, 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers have come to a decision on their roster to open the season.

Dalton Knecht has been waived, the team announced Monday afternoon. The move puts the Lakers roster at 15 players, the limit under NBA rules.

The Lakers, who carried 16 players through the preseason, had a choice to make between Knecht and Bronny James. Both players were held out of practice ahead of Monday's 2 p.m. cut deadline, with head coach JJ Redick saying the two cut candidates were "under the weather." And despite rumors over the weekend of trade talks centered around Knecht, it appears president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka ultimately decided to make a clean break.

Lakers waive Dalton Knecht

The problem that comes with trading a player who won't make the roster comes down to value. Teams have no reason to give up any assets for a guy they know they can get for nothing a few days later. Pelinka has shown over the years that he's particular about return packages; he's more than willing to pass on a trade if he's not 100% sure it would improve the roster.

For Knecht, it became painfully clear over the last couple of weeks that he was the odd man out. His shooting -- the reason the Lakers drafted him with the 17th overall pick in 2024 in the first place -- was too streaky to be relied upon, and his subpar defense made him a liability most times he stepped on the court. That, and the addition of several wings with size who could shoot -- Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili when he's not playing the five -- during their roster overhaul this summer, suddenly made Knecht's skillset redundant.

Redick admitted as much to reporters ahead of Friday's preseason finale.

"I think the biggest thing is the team changed. The team changed. Needs changed, the fit changed. I think he’s gotten better as a player the last two years. I think, particularly last year, each guy got plenty of opportunities with the injuries we had. I just think coming into this year, we added a lot of wings," Redick said at the time. "And he’s in a tough spot right now."

Knecht didn't check in until halfway through the fourth quarter of the Lakers' loss to the Denver Nuggets, the 12th man off the bench that night, and finished scoreless for the second game in a row. In his 7:30 minutes of playing time, he added one rebound and an assist.

The writing had been on the wall at UCLA Health Training Center for quite some time. Now, it's official.

Los Angeles Lakers roster

• #43 Cameron Carr | G | 6-5 | 182 lbs | Baylor | Rookie
• #77 Luka Dončić | G | 6-8 | 242 lbs | Real Madrid (Slovenia) | 8 years
• #5 Quentin Grimes | G | 6-4 | 214 lbs | Houston | 5 years
• #7 Jaden Hardy | G | 6-4 | 210 lbs | NBA G League Ignite | 4 years
• #9 Bronny James Jr. | G | 6-2 | 223 lbs | USC | 2 years
• #47 Arthur Kaluma (2W) | F | 6-7 | 240 lbs | Texas | 1 year
• #14 Walker Kessler | C | 7-1 | 270 lbs | Auburn | 4 years
• #12 Jake LaRavia | F | 6-7 | 235 lbs | Wake Forest | 4 years
• #55 Kevon Looney | F/C | 6-9 | 250 lbs | UCLA | 11 years
• #54 Sandro Mamukelashvili | F | 6-10 | 247 lbs | Seton Hall | 5 years
• #30 Chris Mañon (2W) | G | 6-4 | 206 lbs | Vanderbilt | 1 year
• #31 AK Okereke (2W) | F | 6-7 | 238 lbs | Vanderbilt | Rookie
• #15 Austin Reaves | G | 6-5 | 216 lbs | Oklahoma | 5 years
• #10 Collin Sexton | G | 6-1 | 200 lbs | Alabama | 8 years
• #1 Adou Thiero | F | 6-7 | 230 lbs | Arkansas | 1 year
• #26 Matisse Thybulle | G | 6-5 | 204 lbs | Washington | 7 years
• #2 Jarred Vanderbilt | F | 6-8 | 221 lbs | Kentucky | 8 years
• #11 Ziaire Williams | F | 6-9 | 214 lbs | Stanford | 5 years

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers make final roster decision, waive Dalton Knecht as Bronny stays