OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 02: Maxi Kleber #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Since then, the roster has been transformed and includes Siena, Italy native Nico Mannion, who was selected 48th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2020. Among others who could reportedly fill out the roster for BC Roma SPQR (previously Vanolia Cremona) is former Los Angeles Laker and a teammate of Dončić’s, Maxi Kleber, as reported by the Slovenian news outlet SportsKlub.
According to Italian media, former German international and Dončić’s long-time teammate in Dallas and Los Angeles, Maxi Kleber, is also in talks for a possible move to Rome”
Kleber spent his first seven-and-a-half seasons in the NBA as a member of the Dallas Mavericks before joining Los Angeles in February 2025 as part of the shocking Dončić-Anthony Davis trade. He played a key reserve role for the Mavericks in 2022, when they made the Western Conference Finals, and 2024, when they made the NBA Finals.
Across 483 career games, he averaged 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists, providing Dallas with floor-spacing and versatile defense off the bench.
Injuries played a role in Kleber never finding a consistent spot in the Lakers’ rotation, though he did help the team pick up some wins last season in spot duty. Heading into free agency this summer, rumors suggested his next stop would be in Europe.
Having that stop be a team owned by Luka, though, would be a cool plot twist.
Maxey was the Sixers’ go-to clutch player in a way that went far beyond him playing the most minutes. The All-NBA guard took 99 clutch field goals. VJ Edgecombe was next with 46, followed by Joel Embiid with 40. The Sixers’ clutch shot distribution will presumably be much less lopsided in the 2026-27 season.
Though Maxey has his challenges as a 6-foot-2 lead ball handler, he’s an ultra-explosive athlete with deep shooting range and doesn’t mind clutch responsiblity.
“His speed is unlike others,” new Sixer Anfernee Simons said of Maxey in a July virtual press conference. “His ability to shoot the ball, his ability to get downhill, his ability to just change the game. I think that’s what makes him special. …That’s one of the things that stands out, just his ability to hit big shots and change the game completely.”
Notably, Edgecombe excelled down the stretch of games his rookie year. He went 58.7 percent from the field and 54.5 percent from three-point range in the clutch, hit game-winning shots, and frequently found the ball with timely rebounds, steals and blocks. We don’t imagine Edgecombe isolations will feature in head coach Nick Nurse’s late-game play calls, but the 21-year-old guard should continue to log heavy clutch minutes and make important plays.
Brown was the Celtics’ primary clutch offensive option last season, tallying 91 points in 95 minutes. He wasn’t close to flawless in the clutch, posting five more turnovers than assists (15-10) and missing 15 of his 21 three-point tries. Still, Brown should be a valuable player for the Sixers in clutch moments because of his isolation scoring ability, physicality and knack for drilling difficult shots. Those traits are all handy when the game is on the line and it’s typically harder to run fluid offense.
James was the Lakers’ No. 2 clutch scorer last year behind Luka Doncic. The hunch here is that he’ll often be the hub of the Sixers’ clutch offense. Every Sixer will respect James’ multi-decade track record and trust his end-of-game problem-solving. Even when he isn’t delivering a flurry of jumpers or burning defenses with clever passes, James will likely be central to the Sixers’ clutch plans.
Embiid should not be forgotten by any means.
The seven-time All-Star’s post-ups will continue to draw heaps of double teams. Embiid’s two-man game with Maxey is well-oiled and dangerous, especially when the 32-year-old big man is in his groove as a short roller and mid-range shooter. Embiid will also hope to build on the Olympic chemistry he had with James two years ago. While Embiid has never been a traditional pick-and-roll center, he’s smart, skilled and very capable of clicking in the clutch with the Sixers’ new stars.
When the clock is winding down and the Sixers are searching for points, they shouldn’t be short on promising options.
For Nurse and his players, the goal will be landing on the right ones against specific opponents and matchups. James and Brown now being Sixers should help in terms of both adaptability and pure star power.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Devin Carter #22 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on April 10, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Celtics are reportedly interested in signing Devin Carter, per NBA reporter Jake Fischer. Carter, who was drafted 13th overall by the Kings in 2024, was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in June in a salary dump to help them escape the second apron. Then, on Friday, NBA reporter Michael Scotto reported that the Hawks were waiving Carter.
The Boston Celtics have shown interest in signing Devin Carter, sources say, once the Providence product clears waivers. https://t.co/xO4Ez6rQCj
The 24-year-old guard averaged 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 18.4 minutes across 38 games played for the Sacramento Kings last season. He shot 41.4% from the field and 26.3% from three, while averaging 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
Carter had several big games in his sophomore season; in a win over the Indiana Pacers on March 10th, he finished with 24 points, 22 points of which came in the fourth quarter.
Before the NBA, Carter played for the University of South Carolina (2021-2022) and Providence (2022-2024). In his senior season, he was named the BIG EAST Player of the Year after averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
The Celtics could add Devin Carter to their guard rotation
The Celtics currently have 14 players under contract entering the season, as well as two players under two-way contracts. Carter could become their 15th rostered player, but it’s also possible that the Celtics will waive or trade a player to clear up room for him.
The Celtics currently have Derrick White and Payton Pritchard as their lead guards, with free agent Mike Conley coming off the bench. But outside of that, the roster doesn’t feature a ton of guards; Baylor Scheierman and Ron Harper Jr. can both handle the ball, but they’re not traditional point guards.
The Celtics will introduce Paul George, Mike Conley, and Mitchell Robinson on Tuesday, and training camp is set to begin on September 28th. Whether they’ll bolster the roster by adding Carter before the year begins remains to be seen, but it has emerged as an intriguing possibility.
On October 15, 2026, NBA legend Robert Parish will be in Dallas talking about his book “The Chief”, which was published earlier this year. The event is part of the Dallas Jewish Bookfest and will be hosted at the Aaron Family JCC. Dallas Mavericks radio play-by-play announcer Chuck Cooperstein will emcee, while legendary broadcaster Brad Sham will give an introduction to the evening. Tickets are $36 (found here) and include dessert and a copy of the book, which can be signed by Parish afterward.
Parish was a Hall of Fame center, best known for his time with the Celtics in the 1980’s. He won three championships there as their defensive anchor, and one more with Chicago at the end of his career. He is a nine-time All-Star, a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, and one of the game’s most iconic figures. His memoir talks about all of this, as well as getting drafted, his life before the NBA, and his upbringing in Louisiana.
Any time a legend of the game talks about their experiences, it is a treat. When you add in a guy like Cooperstein, who has worked in basketball for over 30 years, to run point on the operation, there are no limits to the insight those two will provide. It will be a very special night with plenty of incredible stories and new perspectives on some of the most important moments in NBA history. Getting more behind-the-scenes on Larry Bird, one of the most important players the NBA has ever had, will be like Christmas morning for fans of all ages. Hearing him speak about his experiences growing up in a vastly different and largely fragmented world is something you can only get from someone who lived it. It is going to be awesome, and if you live in Dallas, consider going. If you don’t, the book can be found online, most easily on Amazon.
TEMPE, AZ - MARCH 2: Koby Brea #14 of the Valley Suns looks on during the game against Salt Lake City Stars on March 2, 2026 at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Every day, we’ll take a closer look at another member of the 2026-27 Phoenix Suns, examining what they bring to the roster and what their role could mean for the season ahead as we count down to training camp and the preseason.
Koby Brea
Shooting Guard, 6’5, 215lb, 23 years old, 2nd season
Of all the draft picks the Phoenix Suns have acquired over the last three seasons, Brea has flashed the least at the professional level. Coming into the NBA Draft, Brea was touted as one of, if not the best, shooters in his group. At Kentucky and Dayton, he was an above-40 % shooter from 3 on high volume. That shooting has not carried over to his NBA career so far, but it will be his calling card if he has a long NBA career.
The Suns desperately need shooting on the roster and are putting their trust in Luke Kennard and Colin Gillespie to carry the majority of the floor spacing they need this upcoming season. Kennard has a player option at the end of the season and could go elsewhere, which would leave Phoenix with just one sniper on the team.
If Brea can return to form after a disappointing showing in his rookie season and in summer league, he has a chance to stay with the Suns long-term because the best version of himself is exactly what the Suns are looking for. If Brea cannot turn it around this season, this will likely be his last year in the organization on a two-way contract.
Last Season
In Brea’s rookie season, he played 12 games and just 85 minutes for the NBA squad and 34 games with the Valley Suns. In a very limited sample size at the NBA level, Brea did connect on 43.3% of his attempts from long range. He played the second-fewest minutes of anybody in the organization last year, only ahead of CJ Huntley.
With the G-League affiliate Valley Suns, Brea had a much more impactful role. He played 34 minutes per game and scored 16.4 points on 39.8% from the field and 34.9% from 3 on 10.0 attempts per game. In the G League, Brea showcased his ability to shoot off the dribble as well as off the catch, and got to the free-throw line at a decent clip, but his efficiency was far too low for the level of competition he was facing which carried over into Summer League.
As a defender, Brea did not excel at either level because of his lack of athleticism, and for a player that at best projects to be an off-the-bench sniper in the NBA, that is expected as long as you consistently hit over 40% from long range. The good news for Brea is that he made it through an entire professional season healthy because of his medical history. In 2023, when he was playing for Dayton, he had stress fractures in his legs that limited him to using a wheelchair.
The bad news is that the shooting has to improve for him to survive at the NBA level.
GP
MIN
PPG
RPG
APG
STL
FG%
3PT%
FT%
OFFRTG
DEFRTG
+/- (TOTAL)
12
7.0
3.8
0.7
0.8
0.1
41.7%
43.3%
1.00%
101.8
106.0
-15
Contract and Roster Context
Brea enters the 2026-27 season on a one-year two-way contract after re-signing with the Suns in July. It will be his second two-way contract with the Suns, and he will have one two-way contract available to sign for the 2027-28 season to remain in Phoenix unless he earns his way onto the Suns on a standard contract.
What He Brings
Shooting. The most important skill in basketball. Brea is not an elite athlete, a high-level creator, an elite defender, or a dribble-drive guy, but if he can shoot it, he’ll have a spot on the Suns. That’s the main reason Collin Gillespie earned a big payday this offseason, and why the Suns went out and aggressively pursued Luke Kennard this offseason. Brea’s career in Phoenix and elsewhere in the NBA will come down to just how elite of a shooter he can be at the professional level.
While the make-or-break aspect of Brea’s game is his 3-point shooting, he does offer more than that. While Brea is undersized and an average athlete, he also sees the game at a high level. Rarely is Brea ever rushed and out of control. While he is not a player who is going to pressure the rim, he has shown flashes as a crafty midrange scorer. Brea is as polished as you can be when it comes to creating his own shot off the catch, off the dribble, and off movement; it all comes down to how consistent he is as a shooter.
What Needs to Improve
Brea has to show more consistency shooting the long ball. In an extremely limited sample size this season at the NBA level, he did shoot over 40% from 3, shooting 13-of-30 in the 2025-26 season. At the G League level, Brea did not shoot above 35% from 3 on 10.0 attempts per game. Most recently, Brea showed how streaky of a shooter he has been as a professional, scoring in single digits in multiple games and then exploding for 29 points in another game. Brea has to be a more reliable shooter to remain on the Suns roster.
If Brea can develop another skill outside of shooting, that will greatly improve his chances of remaining a Phoenix Sun past this season. Whether he improves as an isolation scorer, a playmaker, or becomes a better defender, it will help his case immensely. But again, it really comes down to Brea and his confidence in himself as a shooter.
Prediction
If you have made it this far, you can already guess how I feel this season goes for Brea. Unfortunately, the Suns are even deeper this season than they were last year, and this is likely Brea’s last year on the roster unless he makes a significant jump from his rookie season. The Suns now have even more guys on the roster that need playing time, especially at the wing position. The Suns’ newest two-way signing, Pat Spencer, fills more of a position of need as an on-ball creator and facilitator, as well as more grit and toughness that the Suns want from their role players. So Brea’s opportunity to contribute is getting squeezed out.
However, if Gillespie or Kennard miss significant time due to injuries this season, Brea may get a chance to have a role because he is the only other stereotypical shooter on the Suns bench. If he gets that opportunity, he will need to contribute similarly to how Jamaree Bouyea played last season to remain a Sun long-term.
The Suns have as deep a bench unit as any team in the NBA, which is a good problem to have. There are casualties because of that, and Brea’s development may be one of them. Even if the Suns do move on from Brea, I believe he will still get more bites at the apple because of how well he could be as a shooter. The key for him will be to make the most of his opportunity, whether it’s in the G League or at the NBA level. If he does that, then it will be a successful season.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns posts up on Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Former Duke Blue Devil Mark Williams and the Phoenix Suns have some bad news: Williams suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder, was operated on Thursday, and is expected to be out for several months.
That’s terrible news for Williams, but it could be very positive news for fellow Brotherhood member Khaman Maluach.
Expected to be Williams’ understudy and to eventually become the starting center for the Suns, now there’s a lot of pressure on Maluach to produce now.
He entered the NBA last year as a very raw rookie, but like we saw at Duke, he’s a fast study. He got a lot out of his time in the G League, and we expect he’ll continue his rapid improvement.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks reacts after his shot during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2024 in New York City. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 112-106 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Miles “Deuce” McBride enters the 2026-27 season as the longest-tenured New York Knicks player following Mitchell Robinson’s exit and he’s surely turned into an important contributor for the reigning champs after averaging a career-high 12.0 points while shooting 41.3% from three last season.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks and McBride’s representatives have remained in regular contact, but New York’s financial situation could make a long-term extension difficult.
“This one is tricky because Miles McBride has definitely earned a raise,” Begley reported. “He’s outplayed his contract (3 years, $13 million) by a significant amount.”
"It's worth noting that the Knicks and McBride’s representatives have been in regular contact ahead of the season. In a perfect world, those conversations would produce a multi-year extension for McBride."
McBride is entering the final season of that contract. Begley noted Knicks owner James Dolan’s mandate not to exceed the NBA’s $221 million second apron this season as the major roadblock for reaching such an agreement.
Potential extensions for Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and eventually Jalen Brunson will inevitably increase the money committed to New York’s starting lineup, and McBride looks like the one set to absorb most of the collateral damage — assuming all parties find a way for him to stay.
“So there isn’t much financial wiggle room for a McBride extension,” Begley reported.
In a promising updated and despite the constraints, neither side has given up on the possibility of extending their relationship.
“In a perfect world, those conversations would produce a multi-year extension for McBride,” Begley reported. “The longest-tenured Knick, McBride loves New York, loves his teammates; he was an integral part of this team’s rise.”
We all know the alternative, as harsh and hard to stomach it might be: trading Deuce before next year’s deadline. That said, there’s no doubt McBride is one of (if not the absolute best) the lague’s most valuable sixth-man trade chips and would attract significant interest from other teams.
“We’re certainly not there yet,” Begley reported. “But logic tells you that’s where things could be headed.”
For now, McBride is set to enter the season with New York with one year left on his deal and a date we’ll all remember no matter what ends up happening circled in his calendar: ring night in late-October.
Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during a game against the Golden State Warriors on April 7, 2022, at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
Dwight Howard’s retirement didn’t last long.
It didn’t even last a year.
Six months after announcing that he was stepping away from basketball, the Basketball Hall of Fame center — inducted in 2025 — is returning to the court for another stop in an increasingly well-traveled post-NBA career.
Howard, who turns 41 in December, will be joining Black Fortress Tbilisi in the Georgian Super League.
No, not the same Georgia where the Atlanta native is from, but the Georgia across the Atlantic, home to — among others — Magic center Goga Bitadze and Lakers forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.
And yes, Howard is aware of the Georgia connection.
“I saw all your flags in the comments on my last post and decided that’s where we should take the journey!”
Dwight Howard speaks onstage at the Above the Rim panel at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 at Jacob Javits Center on July 17, 2026 in New York City. Getty Images for Fanatics
Black Fortress earned promotion to the country’s top division after previously competing in the second tier.
The GSL is far from being considered one of the premier overseas leagues, a list including Liga ACB in Spain, Serie A in Italy, the NBL in Australia and the French LNB Elite, among others.
Still, Howard will join the GSL as he continues to play pro basketball into his 40s.
“I’m coming here to spread the game of basketball, the game that I love,” Howard said in Thursday’s video. “I cannot wait to start with the Black Fortress team, baby. Hey, we breaking everything down.”
Howard announced his retirement from basketball in March, saying he wanted to step away from the game and devote more time to his family.
Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during a game against the Golden State Warriors on April 7, 2022, at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NBAE via Getty Images
It continues a lengthy basketball journey for Howard since his final NBA season with the Lakers in 2021-22.
Howard joined the Taoyuan Leopards of Taiwan’s T1 League for the 2022-23 season, averaging 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds and five assists per game.
He later played for the Philippines-based Strong Group Athletics in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship and joined the Taiwan Mustangs in the Asian Tournament later that year.
Howard also signed with the Mets de Guaynabo of Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional in 2024, although he never appeared in a game for the league.
His stateside basketball career continued in 2025 when he joined the Los Angeles Riot of Ice Cube’s BIG3.
Howard was selected first overall by the Magic in the 2004 NBA Draft and spent 18 seasons in the league, earning eight All-Star selections and eight All-NBA honors.
At his peak, he was one of the best players in the league and the focal point of the Magic’s 2008-09 team that made the NBA Finals.
He won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009 through 2011 and was named All-Defense on five occasions, including four first-team honors from 2009 to 2012.
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 11: Oso Ighodaro #11, Khaman Maluach #10 and Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns arrive to the arena before the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 11, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The season hasn’t even begun, and the Suns are already dealing with unfortunate injury news. We learned today that Mark Williams suffered a torn left labrum during a scrimmage, and there is currently no timetable for his return.
This injury will have Mark Williams out several months from what I am told. There is no timetable on his return at this point. https://t.co/gSzu7Gc456
Can I get a Homer Simpson “Doh!” from the crowd? Pop open a Duff beer and absorb the fact that for a team that needs health to compete successfully in the Western Conference, this is a significant blow. Phoenix will now be without its starting center for an undetermined amount of time before the season has even tipped off. I guess it’s better that he misses the first half than the second half, right?
Mark Williams has always carried questions about his ability to stay healthy, and this injury is only going to fan the flames of that narrative. For a player who signed a three-year, $38 million contract this offseason, the timing is brutal. From Williams’ perspective, however, there is at least some security. He got the contract. Phoenix committed to him. Now the focus has to shift away from the narrative surrounding his health and toward getting back on the floor.
So what does this mean for the Suns moving forward?
First and foremost, it completely changes a topic I wrote about earlier this week, when I called Phoenix’s center depth one of the more underrated aspects of the roster. Maybe this one is on me, and for that, I am sorry. Goodbye optionality, hello testing of the depth.
The one advantage here, if you want to call it that, is that Williams was projected to be the fifth option offensively. Phoenix wasn’t building the offense around him, which makes this injury easier to absorb than it would be if he were the team’s primary, secondary, or even tertiary scoring option. His role was going to be complementary. Create extra possessions on the offensive glass, finish putbacks, set some screens, roll hard, and provide a vertical threat around the rim. That was his destiny. So while losing Williams is far from ideal, it isn’t a death blow for Phoenix.
The biggest beneficiary of this situation is sophomore center Khaman Maluach. The 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is going to get his chance. He flashed this summer in Las Vegas, and based on what he showed from a development and productivity standpoint, there were already questions about how the Suns would begin integrating him into the rotation and giving him more opportunities to grow. Well, the door is wide open now. Time for the 7’2” center to walk on through it.
There will be an adjustment period for Khaman and for the fan base. As Maluach puts more tape out there, opposing teams will learn how to attack what he does well and where he remains vulnerable. Expectations must be tempered accordingly, but the tools are obvious and provide a basis for excitement. He has size, rim protection, screening, rim running, and the potential to stretch the floor.
The bigger question is how Jordan Ott decides to structure the rotation. Does Oso Ighodaro step directly into the starting role vacated by Williams? Or does Maluach get the opportunity right away? There probably isn’t an answer yet. Training camp and preseason should help dictate how Phoenix handles it.
My assumption is that Ott would lean toward starting Oso because of how connective he is offensively. Oh, and Ott adored Oso last season and his skillset. His screening, ball-handling, ability to facilitate from the five, and quick decision-making allow him to raise the level of the players around him. On a team where center is an ancillary position, that kind of connectivity can be extremely valuable with the starters.
But there’s another side to that argument. Those same attributes also make Oso an ideal backup big because he can help organize the second unit and elevate the players around him. His ability to keep possessions flowing could make the bench more productive and efficient.
And maybe the starters don’t need as much help creating offense. Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Miles Bridges already give Phoenix plenty of creation. That group may benefit more from having Maluach next to them because he brings a completely different set of skills. He may not be as switchable on the perimeter as Oso, but his length and rim deterrence can give Phoenix’s perimeter defenders more freedom to gamble. His size should also make him a positive rebounder on both ends, creating extra possessions and fitting directly into the philosophy Jordan Ott established last season.
That is the decision Phoenix now has to make. Do you use Oso’s connectivity to make the starters even cleaner offensively, or do you let Maluach’s size and defensive presence complement what those four already do well?
My guess is there will be a transition period. Oso Ighodaro probably starts the season at center as the Suns try to stabilize the offense, while Maluach comes off the bench and Phoenix gets a better look at what he can handle against NBA competition.
But at some point, I think it’s in the Suns’ best interest to flip that switch. Give Maluach the reins. Let him play through mistakes, learn what works, learn what doesn’t, and find out how quickly his tools can translate into consistent production. Then you can move Oso back into a role where his connectivity can strengthen the second unit. The rotations will fluctuate regardless. Jordan Ott will have opportunities to build different combinations depending on what a game requires, whether that’s more shooting and spacing, more size and rebounding, or more athleticism and pace.
Losing Williams is not ideal. But it does force the organization to accelerate Maluach’s development. And that is where the stakes become more interesting. The Suns are no longer developing him entirely on their own timetable. They may need him now. That means the organization has to find the balance between giving a 20-year-old enough responsibility to grow without asking him to become something he isn’t ready to be.
The challenge will be avoiding overreactions in either direction. If Maluach struggles for a few games, that doesn’t mean he isn’t ready. If he dominates for a week, that doesn’t mean he has arrived. Development isn’t linear. There will be highs. There will be lows. There will be nights where he looks like the future and others where he looks every bit like a 20-year-old center still learning the NBA.
What Williams’ injury does is guarantee that we’re going to learn more about Maluach much sooner than expected. And that fits into the larger evaluation taking place this season. Phoenix isn’t only trying to win games. The Suns are also figuring out which young players can become legitimate pieces of the future while evaluating Jalen Green and what his own long-term place in the organization looks like.
Maluach was always going to be part of that process. Now he may be one of the most important parts of it.
With it being the 25th anniversary of the 911 attacks, people around the world remember the people who were lost that day and honor the heroes who sacrifice their lives not only that day but every day of the year. Organizations across the city, including the Houston Rockets, took part in events celebrating the role first responders play in our everyday lives.
The Rockets have held events for several years to show their appreciation for 911 Dispatchers, firefighters, police, and all first responders across the city. Last year, the Rockets visited the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to serve lunch to military veterans on Patriot Day.
For the 25th anniversary, the Rockets, Houston Comets, and Toyota Center staff will visit the remaining Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department stations to deliver T-shirts, collectibles, premium snacks, and complimentary tickets to an upcoming Rockets home game.
On Saturday, the Rockets will support the 9/11 Heroes Run hosted by the Travis Manion Foundation. For today’s event: Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone, Head Coach Ime Udoka, Rockets Guard Reed Sheppard, Rockets Forward Jae’Sean Tate, Bruce Thornton, Bogdan Boganovich, and Rockets Chief Operating Officer Ryan Tanke all visited the Houston Police Department – South Central Substation and the Houston Fire Station 8.
During the event, the media spoke with each individual about what this day means to them and the upcoming season. The DreamShake asked Stone how much better the bench will be this season with the additions of Boganovich and Marcus Smart.
Rafael Stone talked about the veterans brought in this past offseason but also spoke what will ultimately determine the Rockets success this season.
“Our team only gets to where we want to get if our younger players continue to really improve so the onus is still on them.” pic.twitter.com/vWGCqtxohS
The Rockets were a bottom-five team in the league in bench scoring, which forced them to rely heavily on their starters, particularly Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson. Stone and the coaching staff hope they have improved that part of the team so there isn’t so much pressure on the starting five.
Stone also said it is good to have veterans on the team, but ultimately it comes down to the young players.
Rafael Stone talked about the veterans brought in this past offseason but also spoke what will ultimately determine the Rockets success this season.
“Our team only gets to where we want to get if our younger players continue to really improve so the onus is still on them.” pic.twitter.com/vWGCqtxohS
Udoka also spoke with the media about what this day means to him and the organization, and how it felt to see his floor general, Fred VanVleet, back on the court.
Here Ime Udoka talks about seeing Fred VanVleet back on the court.
“It’s great in the last month or so he has really ramped it up in San Diego doing his rehab.” pic.twitter.com/nx9v2hPZki
VanVleet missed all of last season after suffering a season-ending injury right before training camp during an offseason team workout. The Rockets spent all season trying to make up for the loss of their point guard but never replicated what VanVleet brought to the team. Now, with VanVleet’s return, the Rockets hope he is the missing piece they need to take the next step this upcoming season.
Reed Sheppard, Jae’Sean Tate, and rookie Bruce Thornton also spoke to the media about what it feels like to support first responders around the city, especially on September 11th. They also talked about the upcoming season and how excited they are to get it started.
The Rockets’ next big event is media day and training camp, which should take place in the next few weeks. The Rockets play their first preseason game on October 9th as they travel to China to take on the Dallas Mavericks in back-to-back games, then finish their preseason on October 15 against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 28: Devin Carter #22 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 28, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks are beginning to trim down their roster towards an eventual list of 15 names plus three two-way names. The team had 16 guaranteed contracts as of early Friday afternoon.
But now, per a report from Jake Fischer of Yahoo and the Stein Line substack blog, Atlanta has chosen to part ways with a player they acquired this very offseason:
The Atlanta Hawks are waiving former lottery pick Devin Carter, according to league sources.
The Lakers’ front office makeover continued on Friday.
The team announced it hired Keith D’Amelio as the franchise’s director of integrated performance systems, in addition to making the already-known hiring of Eric Amsler as an assistant general manager official.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka continues to add to the front office. Getty Images
“Continuing to invest in and strengthen our basketball operations group is a top priority as we build for the long-term success of our team and players,” Lakers president of basketball operations/general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “Eric and Keith bring a wealth of experience that will add valuable expertise across our organization. Eric is a highly respected talent evaluator with an extensive background in scouting and player personnel, while Keith brings a unique perspective at the intersection of athlete health, performance, sport science and technology. We are excited to welcome them both to the Lakers.”
D’Amelio, who most recently worked for the New York Liberty, has over 25 years of experience across professional and collegiate sports in athlete health, performance, sport science and innovation.
The Lakers have made their first major hires since Josh Kushner (left) and Bob Iger (right) agreed to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
D’Amelio was most recently the Liberty’s chief innovation officer, working across the WNBA franchise’s basketball operations, health and performance, analytics and applied science.
Before working for the Liberty, he spent 13 years at Nike, in addition to having roles with the Stanford’s men’s basketball team, the Raptors and Celtics.
Amsler’s official title with the Lakers is assistant general manager, player personnel.
He spent 22 years in the Heat organization, starting as an intern in 2004-05 before working his way up to various other roles, including being the Heat’s vice president of player personnel before joining the Lakers.
General manager Rob Pelinka overhauled the Lakers’ roster in addition to adding two assistant general managers this summer. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 25: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball as Oso Ighodaro #11 screens Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 25, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, a day that changed the course of history and reshaped society as we know it. For those who know 9/11 only as a chapter in a history book, understand that it was a line of demarcation. There was life before September 11, and life after it.
Anyone who lived through that day remembers where they were, what they were doing, and the feeling that something had permanently changed. I was a freshman at Scottsdale Community College at the time and remember sitting at a bench on campus, attempting to comprehend what happened and what it meant moving forward. It’s hard to believe a quarter of a century has passed since those tragic and horrific events, and the repercussions are still felt today, whether we always recognize them or not.
September 11 carries another anniversary for me, a much more personal one. It was the day I graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in 2003. After struggling through two years of community college, I joined the United States Army because guys my age were doing something meaningful, serving and defending the country, while I felt like some jackass without direction, purpose, or structure.
The Army gave me structure. There was an order to things. A cadence to every day. Wake up. PT. DFAC. Training. MREs. More training. DFAC. Shine your boots. Go to bed. Then wake up and do it again. I didn’t fully appreciate the structure being drilled into me during those hot, humid days in Missouri, or Misery, as I still like to call it. But that structure became a cornerstone of my life.
That cadence is still with me today. And, strange as it sounds, you can see some of it in the way we approach SunsRank. Like life in the military, an NBA season has rhythm. Structure. An order of operations. Here at Bright Side, SunsRank is part of that cadence.
Before the season starts, we rank the entire roster from top to bottom based on who we believe the best players are at that exact moment. It becomes a snapshot of our collective thinking before anything real happens. Then come the player previews. Then Media Day. Training camp. Preseason. And finally, the season itself. That’s the structure. That’s the order of things.
Before we reveal the final preseason SunsRank tomorrow, I wanted to first show how the writing staff views this roster. These are the voices who will help narrate the 2026–27 Phoenix Suns, and these rankings represent their baseline for how they see each player and where they fit within the hierarchy of the roster.
Here are our rankings.
Voita
Brandon
Holden
Bruce
Luke
Mark
Tom
Kevin
Justin
Devin Booker
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Dillon Brooks
3
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
3
Jalen Green
2
3
4
3
3
6
2
3
2
Miles Bridges
4
4
3
4
4
3
4
4
4
Collin Gillespie
6
6
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
Jordan Goodwin
7
7
6
7
7
5
6
7
8
Mark Williams
5
5
7
6
6
10
9
8
6
Luke Kennard
8
8
8
8
9
9
10
9
10
Oso Ighodaro
10
10
10
9
10
7
7
6
9
Khaman Malauch
9
9
9
10
8
8
8
10
7
Rasheer Fleming
11
12
11
11
11
11
12
11
11
Koa Peat
12
11
12
15
13
14
13
12
13
Ryan Dunn
14
14
15
12
14
13
11
13
12
Haywood Highsmith
16
16
14
14
12
12
14
14
15
Jamaree Bouyea
13
15
13
13
15
16
15
16
14
Pat Spencer
15
13
16
16
16
15
16
15
16
CJ Huntley
17
17
17
17
18
17
18
18
18
Koby Brea
18
18
18
18
17
18
17
17
17
You’ll notice that some writers are higher on certain players, while others are clearly lower. That’s a good reminder that SunsRank is built around a subjective question. Who is better than whom? There isn’t always a clean answer.
So after looking through the rankings, I identified a few of the larger deviations from the group and asked each writer to explain why they had certain players higher or lower than everyone else.
Mark, you had Jalen Green ranked 6th on the roster, which feels a little lower than where most people might expect him to land. What kept him from cracking your top five?
Mark Bowser: I viewed the rank as a question of value, which, to me, needs to consider production per dollar of contract amount. Right now, Gillespie and even Goodwin have shown more value per dollar and greater availability. This could obviously change as the season progresses. If Jalen shows he can facilitate, pound the rock and turnover less, continue to produce rim pressure and threes — and do it for 75+ games — then he might rise to #2 on my list.
Brandon, you were the highest on Koa Peat, putting him 11th in your rankings. What is it about Peat, whether it’s his upside, versatility, or potential role, that made you more bullish on him than the rest of the staff?
I believe Peat’s body is NBA-ready, and he brings a lot of what the Suns don’t have at the forward position. He is a bruiser. He is physical. He plays with toughness, and plays with an edge. He can handle the ball, make plays for others, and finish at or around the rim. I view his transition to the NBA as a seamless one, and believe many will look back and wonder how he fell as far as he did. He may not get minutes right away, but by the end of the year, it’s easy to envision him being an impact player, at whatever role he is assigned.
Holden, you were the lowest on Ryan Dunn, placing him 15th. After everything we saw from him last season, what caused him to slide that far down your SunsRank ballot?
Holden Sherman: Once Rasheer Fleming started to get more playing time, Dunn became unplayable. His inability to space the floor and his lack of progression on the offensive end renders him unplayable when Phoenix is playing a center or forward that can’t space the floor.
Tom, you came in on the lower end with Mark Williams, ranking him 9th. Is that more about concerns with Williams himself, or are there simply other players on this roster you value more heading into the season?
Tom Mildenberger: Any discussion about Mark Williams has to start and end with availability. 60 games were a jump, but he wasn’t available when we needed him the most in the postseason. Beyond that, I’m not super high on his impact.
He’s a legit 7-foot starting center, but despite his Go-Go-Gadget arms, he’s not a great rim protector, nor is he a plus rebounder for his position. Those are two things the Suns are going to need more from at the center. It’s really easy to compare him to Deandre Ayton as they are physically very similar players, but Mark Williams production has never surpassed the Ayton line. A lot of that may be due to inconsistencies with health, and I’m not completely out on Mark Williams potential, but until I see a rise in blocks and ten rebounds a game, the Western Conference playoff teams feature a lot of good centers.
Right now, I see Mark Williams as an average center when he’s on the court.
Kevin, you have Oso Ighodaro at 6th, easily the highest ranking among the staff. What do you see in his game and his potential role that made you willing to put him that high?
Kevin Humphreys: Last season, Oso Ighodaro played in all 82 games and earned the trust of Jordan Ott to close out games for the Suns. His switching ability on defense and his connectivity on offense are unique to the roster. With score-first players like Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Miles Bridges all playing significant minutes, the Suns will need connectors on the floor, which is where Ighodaro will slide in and be a valuable asset to the team. If Maluach’s ability to stretch the floor is legit and they can play together in the second unit… look out. Despite having Mark Williams and Maluach on the roster, I expect to see Ighodaro closing games again this season because of his high basketball IQ.
Bruce, you’re the high man on Jamaree Bouyea, ranking him 13th. What has he shown you that makes you think he deserves a little more respect in the SunsRank hierarchy?
Bruce Veliz: Bouyea gets the 13th ranking as he has proved last year that if he gets an opportunity, he can make the most of it. The big question revolving around that this season, though, is whether he will still get those opportunities with a deeper roster this year.
Bouyea is someone to me who could make a rotation if all the stars align for him, and that could become a possibility here in Phoenix.
Who do you align with most? Which writer shares a similar methodology, ranking philosophy, and overall SunsRank with you? Maybe that’s the writer you’ll find yourself agreeing with throughout the season because your perceptions of the team are similar. Or maybe you’ll identify a writer or two who are consistently higher or lower on certain players than you are.
That’s part of the point. Our goal has always been to provide a complete, holistic picture of the Phoenix Suns, not clickbait designed purely to shock and awe. Because if history has taught us anything, shock and awe campaigns tend to be heavy on noise and light on substance.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: The sneakers worn by John Butler Jr. #26 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the game against the Miami Heat during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 18, 2025 at the Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
