NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 28: Cam Whitmore #22 of the Villanova Wildcats in action against the Seton Hall Pirates during a game at Prudential Center on February 28, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. Villanova defeated Seton Hall 76-72. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Former Villanova 5-star forward/wing — and Big East Freshman of the Year — Cam Whitmore is getting another shot in the NBA, this time with the Denver Nuggets. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the news on Friday:
The Denver Nuggets are signing 2023 first-round pick Cam Whitmore on a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. Whitmore enters his fourth NBA season after averaging 10.5 points and 3.3 rebounds over 119 career games — and has already joined the Nuggets for workouts in Denver. pic.twitter.com/WBhDfTIhOQ
Denver signed Whitmore to a one-year, two-way contract after the 22-year-old was traded from Washington to Cleveland in a five-team deal (which ironically involved the Nuggets) and was subsequently waived by the Cavaliers almost immediately.
Technically, Denver i Whitmore’s fourth NBA team in four years. Realistically, it’s his third stop. He never played for Cleveland, so I’m not counting that one as legitimate.
Either way, the former Villanova five-star has reached an interesting point in his young, once-promising career.
Whitmore’s career hasn’t exactly gone according to plan after being taken 20th overall by the Rockets in the 2023 Draft, but his production hasn’t been terrible either. He averaged 10.5 points in 17.3 minutes across 119 games with Houston and Washington. Per 36 minutes, his counting stats jump to 21.8 points and 6.8 rebounds. Not terrible.
The question in Denver will ultimately become whether he’s the type of player a good team with championship aspirations trusts with regular minutes or not.
Whitmore has a respectable 34.9% from three over his career that dipped to 28.6% during an injury-shortened season in Washington last year. He also only has 97 career assists (0.8 per game), which feeds the “tunnel vision” criticisms the 6-foot-6, 230-pounder hasn’t been able to shake thus far. He needs to show he can contribute elsewhere on the court, either through cutting/driving/slashing and using his brute strength and athleticism or by leaning into being a secondary playmaker.
But playing with superstar center Nikola Jokic could also be exactly what Whitmore needs to finally take off.
Whitmore still has all the good that made him a first-round pick in 2023. He shot 54% from inside the arc last season and remains a dangerous finisher around the basket. In Denver, he won’t need to create everything himself. Cut, run the floor, knock down open threes and don’t stop the offense when the ball finds him.
Then there’s defense. Whitmore doesn’t need to suddenly become the defensive player Peyton Watson was for the Nuggets, but becoming more serviceable on that end would make it considerably easier for Denver to find minutes for him.
His talent has never really been the issue. Whitmore now needs to show he can complement other talented players instead of simply being one himself. If he does, Denver could finally be where his NBA career gets back on track. Nova Nation will be rooting for him.
Oct 24, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) and twin brother Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) stand on the court during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Athleticism is not a blanket term when it comes to its application in NBA games. There are a thousand different ways athleticism can manifest itself on a basketball court beyond slamming home an alley-oop. These days, it feels like NBA teams are looking less at how a player tests on their max vertical leap, and more at their balance, deceleration, and body control. I realize the incoming exercise is a bit silly for this reason, but I’m going to do it anyway.
A year ago at this time, we previewed the best shooters in the NBA. While that list doesn’t feel like it’s changed much over the last 12 months, any look at the sport’s best athletes has significantly more fluidity. Zion Williamson, Aaron Gordon, and Zach LaVine would have been a lock a few years ago, but they aren’t on this list today. It might seem obvious that someone like Ace Bailey should have been on this list a year from now, but he was one of the final cuts this year.
With the start of the 2026-27 NBA season just around the corner, here’s our list of the best athletes in the NBA. The focus here was mostly on explosiveness. Who did I overlook? Leave your snubs in the comment section below.
Amen Thompson, G, Houston Rockets
Thompson was one of two players to dunk 200+ times last season despite being only 6’7 and lacking a jump shot that defenses have to respect. The 23-year-old should be a staple on All-Defensive teams moving forward, and his ridiculous explosion gives him a strong foundation to continue to develop his skill level offensively. I predicted Thompson would be the most athletic player in the league from day one when he was entering the 2023 NBA Draft, and I think I nailed it.
Ausar Thompson might be a tenth of a step below his twin brother in terms of burst, but he’s still an overwhelming athlete on the wing for the Detroit Pistons. He could be the scariest on-ball defender in the league going forward while also being excellent as a defensive playmaker away from the ball.
VJ Edgecombe, G, Philadelphia 76ers
It was easy to see Edgecombe was going to be a freak athlete during his one year at Baylor, and he’s already making game-breaking plays in the NBA after one year in the league. It’s going to be fascinating to see how he’s deployed as the Sixers’ fifth option this season.
Daniels is perhaps the NBA’s best thief on the defensive end, setting several age-based steals records during his first season in Atlanta in 2024-25. He can’t shoot at all, but his athleticism still makes him a pretty decent offensive player with his ability to hit the glass and fly in transition.
Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat
Adebayo is a wrecking ball defensively in the middle of the Miami defense with rare mobility for a player who is so strong with such a low center of gravity. His intersection of size, strength, quickness, and explosiveness allows him to play so much bigger than his size, and serves as the foundation for one of the NBA’s best overall defenders.
Beringer basically got redshirted by the Wolves as a rookie last season, but he has some ridiculously fluid highlights for an NBA center whenever he steps on the floor. Minnesota will be counting him on him to backup Rudy Gobert this season, and I bet he’ll produce some spectacular moments.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Miami Heat
Giannis is the oldest guy on this list at age-31. He still has incredibly rare movement ability for his size. It will be fascinating to see how he ages into his mid-30s with a game so dependent on being the biggest athletic freak around.
Scottie Barnes, F, Toronto Raptors
Barnes has become one of the best forwards in the league, and he could be primed for an All-NBA season next to Kawhi Leonard this year in Toronto. He’s so long and strong and mobile, and plays with a ferocity on the glass, all of which should make him an annual contender for an All-Defense spot. I can’t wait to see Barnes, Leonard, and Collin Murray-Boyles defend together.
Kel’el Ware, C, Milwaukee Bucks
Ware is a great lob threat with a huge catch radius and crazy bounce for a 7-footer. Helping Ware put it all together will be one of the top objectives of new Bucks coach Taylor Jenkins after the Giannis trade.
Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs
I wouldn’t keep Wemby off this list. Guys who are 7’5+ are usually statues, but Wembanyama is ridiculously flexible and fast. There’s never been anyone like him before, and his overall athleticism is a huge part of the appeal.
AJ Dybantsa, F, Washington Wizards
Dybantsa is truly a quick-twitch athlete at 6’9, 220 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan. His wicked first step and explosion around the rim is going to make him an elite scorer before long.
Ron Holland, G, Detroit Pistons
Holland hasn’t really established himself yet as he enters this third season, but his crazy explosiveness makes him one of the league’s better per-minute wing defenders and a great transition scorer. He may have too much overlap with Thompson as non-shooters to make it in Detroit, but if the Pistons move on, some team should be willing to take a chance on him as a “second draft” type. Read my feature on Holland’s journey to the NBA here.
Minott has been a super disruptive defender who flies in the open floor and can jump out of the gym when he gets the chance. He’s improved his shooting and handle enough to get a real chance this season in Brooklyn.
Castle looks like a linebacker playing basketball, only there’s never been a linebacker who could detonate one of the greatest tomahawk dunks of all-time in the NBA Finals. Like many of the players on this list, he’s another great defender and poor shooter. The Spurs should hope he can cut down on the turnovers as much as improve as a shooter.
Peyton Watson, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Watson is the platonic ideal of a toolsy wing who needed to grow into his body and his game. He took some strides over a small sample last year with the Nuggets, and now the Cavs are betting big on him to help take their team to the next level.
Ja Morant, G, Portland Trail Blazers
I was on the fence about putting Morant on this list, but ultimately still believe he’s one of the league’s most explosive guards. I kind of hate the fit next to Damian Lillard in Portland this year, but at the same time Morant still feels like a good bounce-back candidate after a couple disappointing seasons.
Buzelis finished No. 7 in total blocks last year while also crushing 79 dunks in 77 games. Him and Wembanyama were the only players in the NBA with such a lofty intersection of dunks, blocks, and made threes.
Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons
Duren looks like he was cut out of stone as a 250-pound big with a 7’5 wingspan and rare explosiveness. He crushed 189 dunks last year, fourth most in the league, but his athleticism often shows up in more impressive ways when he’s attacking off the dribble.
OG Anunoby, F, New York Knicks
Anunoby still deserves a spot on this list at age-29. He plays with great balance on both ends for someone with such a strong frame. His tip-in to win Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals will be replayed for as long as the NBA exists.
Derrick Jones Jr., F, Los Angeles Clippers
Jones felt like the most explosive guy in the league in his young days, and he’s still a freak at age-29. He won the 2020 dunk contest, and not just because Dwyane Wade rigged it.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 30: Buddy Hield #8 of the Atlanta Hawks plays defense during the game against the New York Knicks during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The preseason is approaching fast, but it sounds like the roster for the upcoming season is still fluid.
Atlanta has signed and waived four names (Devon Higgs, Keyshawn Bryant, Lamont Butler, and Will Baker) in recent days — names that will likely end up on the roster of the College Park Skyhawks.
But even the 15 standard NBA contract spots are up in the air. Earlier this offseason, the team made the curious decision to guarantee Buddy Hield’s full $9.7 million or so salary as opposed to eating $3 million to waive him. But with his 2027-28 salary partially unguaranteed ($3 million again), he becomes an interesting trade chip going forward.
Now, Jake L. Fischer of both Yahoo and the Marc Stein substack reports that the Hawks have had discussions with the Hornets on a swap for Dorian Finney-Smith
The Toronto Raptors and Kawhi Leonard have held advanced discussions and are nearing an agreement on a contract extension, according to league sources. Leonard is eligible to sign for upwards of two years, $126 million.
The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets both have moves to make to get into regular season roster compliance next month. That hasn’t stopped the two teams from discussing a trade of veteran players who are on the roster bubble.
Atlanta and Charlotte have discussed swapping Buddy Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith. The Hawks could be acquiring Finney-Smith with the idea of adding another defensive-minded player to the roster. Finney-Smith’s contract for the 2027-28 season is non-guaranteed. That means it would have no impact on Atlanta’s plans for cap space next summer.
Hield’s contract is partially guaranteed for just over $3 million for the 2027-28 season. It’s unlikely that Hield would make the Hornets regular season roster, as Charlotte is currently carrying 16 fully guaranteed contracts.
Finney-Smith, an aging 3-and-D forward, is coming off an injury-riddled last season after signing with the Rockets on a four-year, approximately $52.7 million contract. He is owed about $14.2 million this season, then north of $13.3 million unguaranteed the next two with the final year a player option per Spotrac.
It’s possible the Hawks can think they can get a bounce back season from Finney-Smith for cheap return while also shedding $3 million in future salary.
What do you think? Would this be a good move for the Hawks?
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 1: Ryan Rollins #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Boston Celtics during the 2026 Pioneers Classic Championship on February 1, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
February 11, 2027. The NBA trade deadline. Between now and then, contenders will emerge, sellers will reveal themselves and new names will hit the market. In this February Forecast, we’re identifying potential Celtics targets before the deadline picture comes into focus. First up: Ryan Rollins.
Who?
Rollins is a 24-year-old, do-it-all guard with good size who has steadily worked his way up the NBA ladder. Drafted 44th overall in 2022 by the Golden State Warriors, he spent his rookie season struggling to crack a championship-calibre rotation before the team from the Bay moved on from him ahead of year two.
Without the cachet that comes with being picked in the lottery, it can be easy to fade into G League obscurity as a second-rounder. Before his second NBA season had even finished, Rollins had already donned two more jerseys. A short stint in Washington was cut short by legal trouble before the 6-foot-3 point guard eventually found his way to Milwaukee.
With the Bucks thinner than Ariana Grande on a press tour, opportunity finally arrived. Rollins played just under 15 minutes per game in his third NBA season, but he began to pop up in some of the nerdier corners of NBA Twitter. He knocked down shots, generated steals and shot well from the charity stripe. The buzz wasn’t mainstream, but Milwaukee’s coaching staff liked what they saw.
In 2025-26, Milwaukee’s depth chart bordered on translucent. With Damian Lillard waived (still can’t believe I’m saying that) and resources invested in the frontcourt, Rollins earned a spot in the starting lineup and hasn’t looked back. In 32.1 minutes per game, the former Toledo guard’s production exploded:
Forty percent from deep. A 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Thirteenth in steals. In a desert of an NBA season for the Bucks, Rollins was one of the few springs of hope in an otherwise desolate year. Despite an unorthodox path, Rollins is entering year five of his NBA career as one of the more well-rounded backcourt players in basketball.
As the Bucks look to rebuild in a post-Giannis world, one might think Rollins would be at the center of their plans, but I’m not so sure. Here’s the case for why he’ll be available in February and why Boston should pull the trigger.
Why he’ll be available:
Rollins is on an expiring deal and set to become a UFA in the summer of 2027. I don’t know about you, but if I were a 24-year-old who had just enjoyed the best season of his career, I wouldn’t necessarily look at Milwaukee as the place to be as I enter my prime. To keep Rollins, the Bucks would have to pay him handsomely. Conventional wisdom dictates that rebuilding teams should latch onto whatever young talent is already in the building in the wake of a mega-trade, not move it on, so perhaps Milwaukee will fork out the big bucks. I’m just not convinced that would be the smartest use of their resources.
In pulling the trigger and relinquishing franchise legend Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, the Bucks acquired not one but two guards in return for their star. One-time All-Star and Milwaukee native Tyler Herro made up the bulk of the salary in that transaction and, while some may view him as little more than salary matching, there’s a good case to be made that he can be this season’s billboard player. A spaced-out paint and increased touches could give Herro the platform to re-enter the All-Star conversation, secure his next big payday or perhaps rehabilitate enough value to net Milwaukee something meaningful in a deadline deal further down the line.
The major sticking point in the negotiations was 20-year-old Lithuanian-born Kasparas Jakucionis. Jakucionis was projected as a lottery-level talent for much of the 2025 draft cycle and, while his counting stats weren’t earning him All-Rookie plaudits, his 42.3% three-point shooting and defensive resilience offered signs of encouragement. That development contrasted with his freshman season at Illinois, where he profiled far more clearly as an on-ball creator than a useful off-ball player. Add Milwaukee’s No. 9 pick, Brayden Burries, another guard who was incredibly exciting in his Summer League showings, and the Bucks suddenly have a very crowded backcourt.
Yes, Herro could be moved instead of Rollins, but he doesn’t have first-round-pick value at the moment. While Milwaukee acquired as many picks as it could from Miami in the Giannis trade, three firsts and a swap, they’re still roughly pick-neutral over the next seven years. A small-market team looking to create another title contender needs to operate from a position of pick superiority. More bites at the apple, particularly in a league with flattened lottery odds, represent Milwaukee’s clearest route back to relevance without an all-time great already in the building. Their route to becoming pick-positive runs through trading current members of the roster for future assets, or taking on bad salary as their financial flexibility increases.
Right now, Rollins is the player on the roster who could bring in picks. Any contender can realistically find a way to acquire his $4 million salary, while paying him in the coming offseason would eat into the flexibility Milwaukee should be trying to create. He is simultaneously cheap enough to be accessible to almost every contender, productive enough to attract real interest and young enough for the Bucks to justify demanding meaningful draft compensation. For that reason, I expect that, much like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu with the Bulls last year, Rollins will be available at the deadline.
The Fit:
Much like his contract is easy to fit into a trade, Rollins’ skill set is easy to fit into just about any roster in the association. As mentioned above, he’s a capable defender with on-ball talent, a great spacer and a player who, over the last two seasons, has flourished with increased on-ball responsibility. Teams could look at Rollins as a Swiss Army knife-type player who can play off stars, or bet on him as something more, with untapped on-ball upside in a different situation.
I think that with Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson as Boston’s primary options at center this season, the Celtics will be less reliant on Derrick White’s unique rim-protection ability at the guard spot. With less switching versatility from those two at the five than Boston enjoyed with, say, Al Horford in past seasons, the need for point-of-attack defense increases, and that’s where Rollins could really come into his own. Milwaukee was five points per 100 possessions better defensively with Rollins on the court this year.
Rollins is a great halfway house between Pritchard and White. A better defender than Pritchard, a more dynamic self-creator than White and the kind of guard who would thrive playing in an offense focused on Jayson Tatum, while also carrying second units when he sits. Want proof of concept? Just check out his numbers last year depending on whether or not he shared the court with Giannis in Milwaukee:
The jump in usage with Antetokounmpo off the court, coupled with the stability of his efficiency, indicates that Rollins really may be a late bloomer with star upside still in the tank.
Some of that star upside can be seen down below in Rollins’ career night against the Dubs last year:
The Cost:
Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu arguably set the market for players in the Rollins archetype with a year left on their contracts, but he’s a better player than both former Bulls on an even cheaper deal. I expect that, if Rollins were made available at the deadline, he’d attract interest from multiple teams and be particularly valuable to those dealing with apron or tax issues.
Any of Houston, Toronto, Atlanta, Detroit, Charlotte or Denver could pounce, with all of those teams a little short in the backcourt and possessing the picks to acquire Rollins if they want to strengthen prior to the postseason. With that healthy market and Rollins’ talent, I expect it would take more than a singular first-round pick to get Milwaukee’s attention. I’d suggest the following trade makes sense:
Boston Celtics receive: Ryan Rollins
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Jordan Walsh Boston’s 2027 first-round pick The less favorable of Boston’s two potential 2028 first-round picks, lottery protected
If the 2028 first does not convey, Milwaukee instead receives the less favorable of Boston’s two 2031 first-round picks, top-eight protected. If the 2031 first also fails to convey, the obligation converts to three future second-round picks.
This move would take advantage of Boston’s surplus on the wing, give Milwaukee another entry into the first round of the 2027 draft and maintain the upside of the Philadelphia trade for Boston. It’s a high price to pay, but one I think is worth paying.
The Verdict:
If Boston wants to build the next great Celtics team sustainably, they’ll have to make smart moves rather than simply going all-in on sure things. Trading for Rollins isn’t the kind of star move that breaks social media, but it reminds me of the Derrick White trade Brad Stevens made in 2022. Both were analytics darlings languishing on rebuilding teams, with the potential to ascend to another level in a winning context.
Trading for Rollins isn’t without risk, but it’s a move that strengthens the Celtics for next season while preserving financial flexibility. It’s a move that could soften the sting of Derrick White’s expected decline over the next few seasons. It’s a move that would still allow Boston to use its full mid-level exception next offseason, utilizing Rollins’ $7.6 million cap hold.
If I were in Brad Stevens’ shoes, I’d be looking to bring Rollins in. What do you think?
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Yet, all that said, everyone is chasing the New York Knicks, who went on a historic postseason run in June to snap a 53-year championship drought. Fans in New York celebrated the Knicks all summer long, and players have said the right things about not being satisfied with one title and wanting another. The core remains in place, but the reality is no team has repeated as NBA champions in eight seasons, since the Golden State Warriors did so in 2018.
But the real work starts now, with NBA training camps set to open in late September.
The NBA crew at USA TODAY Sports prepared season previews for every team. Six will be published each day beginning Monday, Sept. 21 through Friday, Sept. 25. This page will be updated daily with links to new previews. Clink the link on each team's name below to be taken to the preview page and check back for updates.
Coach Tyronn Lue and the Los Angeles Clippers could struggle to make a significant run during the 2026-27 season.
The organization has fallen from playoff contention to a team likely dropping near the bottom of the Western Conference as a result of its offseason.
The NBA announced disciplinary action against the team on Sept. 2 after an external law firm completed enough of its investigation and shared its findings with league commissioner Adam Silver.
The Clippers were fined $30 million and were told to forfeit five first-round draft picks (2029–2033). Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and two of the team’s executives were also suspended.
The Clippers also used the offseason to create a younger roster. The team traded Kawhi Leonard, who is 35 years old, and moved on from Nicolas Batum (37) in free agency while adding players such as Brandon Ingram (29) and Gradey Dick (22). The Clippers were one of the oldest teams in the league, with an average age of 33.2 years last season.
The team will have signs of inexperience, but it could create an opportunity for players such as first-round pick Keaton Wagler to get significant playing time early and often.
Here's a breakdown of the Los Angeles Clippers' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
The Clippers traded Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, officially ending a chapter in the organization's history. The Clippers will start the season without a bona fide star player and MVP contender on its roster. Newly acquired Brandon Ingram will have an opportunity to fill the role, but he will have to show he can be durable, which was something that worked against Leonard at times as well. Leonard did play 65 or more games in two of the last three seasons, but was limited to just 37 games played during the 2024-25 season. Ingram did take a step forward, playing in 77 games for the Raptors last season, just two games shy of his career-high during his rookie season. The forward was limited to just 18 games played with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2024-25 season.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
G Darius Garland
G Keaton Wagler
F Brandon Ingram
F Rui Hachimura
C Brook Lopez
Rotation players
C Yanic Konan Niederhauser
C Isaiah Jackson
G Kris Dunn
G Max Strus
G Bradley Beal
G Gradey Dick
G Kobe Sanders
F Derrick Jones Jr.
F Jordan Miller
F Baba Miller
What to expect in 2026-27 season
Expectations won’t be high for the Clippers for the upcoming season. The Clippers already took a step back with a 42-40 record last season after making the playoffs in 2025. The Clippers are likely to take another step back. The team is projected to win just 31 games this season.
The team had championship expectations after acquiring Leonard and Paul George in 2019. Both players are now back in the Eastern Conference, while Los Angeles will battle for a chance at the play-in tournament.
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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Quadir Copeland #25 of the Houston Rockets plays defense during the game against the Toronto Raptors during a 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Cox 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With training camp about to begin, our 2026-2027 Houston Rockets Players Previews kick off with their trio of two-way contracts. These are some new names among the two-way group this year, so pay keep your eye on these three this preseason.
Quadir Copeland
Copeland is a 23-year-old 6’6” guard who came over to the team after being undrafted this summer. He averaged 13.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.5 assists as a senior last year at NC State. He also shot 49.4 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from deep. Copeland is an Ime Udoka special — a defense-first guard that can control games with his size and athleticism. He’s not a bad shooter, but is not a volume shooter, and while his size allows him to see over defenses when running point, he also averaged 2.8 turnovers per game his senior season, meaning he can be prone to turnovers. Still, his size and athleticism make him an intruguing prospect for the Rockets.
Sean Pedulla
Pedulla went undrafted in 2025 NBA Draft, but the 6’1” point guard linked up first with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, then spent some time with the L.A. Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the Wolves, Pedulla earned G League Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 23.6 points, 6.7 assists, 5 rebounds and 1.6 steals with Minny’s G League affiliate. The 23-year-old now links up with the Rockets on a two-way deal. He’s a solid shooter who shot 39.2 percent from deep his senior season and replicated that by shooting 39.6 percent last year in the G League. He also has some good playmaking chops, though his size has him struggling some as a defender. Not exactly the way to get on the floor for Udoka.
Rafael Castro
Castro is a 23-year-old, 6’10” center, finalizing a complete overhaul of Houston’s two-way deals. Castro went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft after averaging 15.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in his senior season for George Washington. He is smart, athletic and fast, and he plays that way, with plenty of rim running and pick-and-roll action. Despite averaging just 1.7 assists per game his senior year, he is well-regarded as a passer, but he is mostly a traditional big man without shooting range. He’s also slight, at just 224 pounds, which could be an issue until he puts on his big boy muscle with an NBA strength program, but Castro is an intruging prospect you’ll want to keep an eye on.
Year one with Kevin Durant didn't go as the Houston Rockets hoped. The 2026-27 NBA season is shaping up as a basketball do-over.
The Rockets will largely run it back with their roster mostly intact after a disappointing first-round playoff exit in the wake of their much-hyped Durant acquisition. Houston is hopeful the return of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, can unlock a talented core that never seemed to fit together consistently without an established primary ballhandler.
The Rockets have locked up young stars Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson to long-term deals in recent offseasons, but this may be their last chance to maximize the Durant era in Houston. The 37-year-old has a player option in his contract for next year. There's enough talent for the Rockets to contend with the best teams in the Western Conference if they've sorted out the chemistry issues with Durant a season later than expected.
Here's a breakdown of the Houston Rockets' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
Can the return of Fred VanVleet solve the Rockets' point guard woes?
The Rockets never actually settled on a full-time replacement for VanVleet last season, turning to 2024 first-round pick Reed Sheppard and 23-year-old Amen Thompson at point guard while embracing oversized lineups and a bully ball approach. The strategy fizzled in the most important games of the season, particularly after a season-ending ankle injury suffered by center Steven Adams. VanVleet expects to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season, and the Rockets added veteran Marcus Smart and rookie Bruce Thornton to bolster their backcourt depth. But this team's ceiling will depend on how VanVleet looks at age 32 coming back from a torn ACL.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
G Fred VanVleet
G Amen Thompson
F Jabari Smith Jr.
F Kevin Durant
C Alperen Sengun
Rotation players
G Reed Sheppard
G Marcus Smart
G Bogdan Bogdanovic
F Tari Eason
C Steven Adams
C Clint Capela
What to expect in 2026-27 season
The Rockets theoretically have the roster best-positioned to challenge the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder among the next tier of Western Conference contenders. If VanVleet is still capable of being a major contributor at point guard, it should facilitate better offense in crunch time where placing the burden completely on Durant is too much at this point in his career. Expect the Rockets to eclipse 50 wins again and make a deeper playoff run than they did a year ago.
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The Dallas Mavericks are in the process of reinventing themselves after the disastrous Luka Doncic trade, and the past few months have reshaped the franchise ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.
On the court, Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are expected to return from lengthy injury absences, and they're set to play alongside reigning NBA rookie of the year Cooper Flagg. They'll be surrounded by a mixture of reliable veterans and an intriguing collection of newcomers, including four drafted rookies, that could force May into some tough (and awkward) lineup decisions.
There's enough talent to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2024 NBA Finals but also a lot of variables to overcome.
Here's a breakdown of the Dallas Mavericks offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
G Vsevolod Ishchenko (No. 56 pick, 2026 NBA Draft)
Key roster losses
G Klay Thompson (contract buyout)
G Khris Middleton (trade)
G Ryan Nembhard (trade)
G A.J. Johnson (trade)
G Brandon Williams (free agent)
F Marvin Bagley (free agent)
Biggest question entering training camp
How will Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II perform coming back from major injuries?
Though the Mavericks are building around Flagg for the long term, their ability to exceed expectations during the 2026-27 season could hinge on the effectiveness of Irving and Lively. Both were key starters when Dallas went to the NBA Finals in 2024, but injuries have largely sidelined them since. Lively has played in just 43 games since then (including only seven appearances last season) due to a foot injury, while Irving missed the entire 2025-26 campaign recovering from a torn ACL. Their health, and Irving's partnership with Flagg, will be a focal point early on this season.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
G Kyrie Irving
G Max Christie
F Cooper Flagg
F P.J. Washington
C Dereck Lively II
Rotation players
G Marcus Sasser
F Naji Marshall
F Santi Aldama
F Zaccharie Risacher
F Morez Johnson Jr.
C Daniel Gafford
What to expect in 2026-27 season
If Irving and Lively can return close to the form they showed before being derailed by injuries over the past year, and Flagg builds upon his intriguing rookie campaign, the Mavericks are positioned to be a dangerous team that should compete for a play-in tournament spot and finish with a much better record than a season ago. But a first-time NBA head coach, health concerns and several newcomers with uncertain roster fits behind Flagg make Dallas a risky team to trust as a legitimate contender this year.
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Miami then let Norman Powell, its only All-Star last season, sign with Chicago then filled in its roster with veterans on short money.
Tim Hardaway Jr., a Sixth Man of the Year finalist in Denver last season, took one year and $6 million. Klay Thompson arrived in late August after a buyout in Dallas. Nick Richards signed a few days later. The Heat still have one roster spot open with camp weeks away.
All of it follows a season that ended in a 127-126 overtime loss to Charlotte in a play-in elimination game, Miami's first missed postseason since 2019.
Here's a breakdown of the Miami Heat's offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo will smother people, but the offense is the puzzle. Davion Mitchell is the nominal point guard, Thompson is 36, Hardaway is 34, and behind Antetokounmpo there is almost no one who can create a shot out of nothing. Spoelstra will likely stagger Antetokounmpo and Adebayo so one of them is always at center, with Portis covering the rest.
Miami is also short on size. That was the argument for Richards, and it may not be the last move.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
G Davion Mitchell
G Klay Thompson
F Andrew Wiggins
F Giannis Antetokounmpo
C Bam Adebayo
Rotation players
G Tim Hardaway Hr.
G Dru Smith
F. Pelle Larsson
Simone Fontecchio
F Nikola Jovic
C Bobby Portis
What to expect in 2026-27 season
Miami is the division favorite and nobody is arguing. BetMGM lists the Heat at +160 to win the Southeast, with Orlando next at +250.
The Heat scored 120.9 points per game last season, most in the division, and gave up 118.5, worst among the four teams that competed for anything. Antetokounmpo and Adebayo should erase a good deal of that second number by themselves. Whether Miami can survive a seven-game series against Philadelphia or Toronto depends on health and on finding one more creator, probably at the deadline.
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This was a team that finished with the third-worst record in the NBA and one that has won just 78 of 246 games (.317) over its last three seasons.
The problem for the Brooklyn Nets is that the short-term future doesn’t look all that much better.
Since the team’s experiment with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden imploded, the Nets have struggled to find any semblance of competitiveness. The big move of the offseason was a trade that brought in three-time All-Star Julius Randle – taking on his contract – and shipped out center Nic Claxton. Will that be enough for Brooklyn to finally course correct?
Here's a breakdown of the Brooklyn Nets' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
Can their veterans lead this young team to relevance?
With Michael Porter Jr., who played his first season in Brooklyn last year, and Julius Randle, acquired in a three-team trade with the Timberwolves and Bulls, the Nets now have a pair of veterans who are expected to carry the offense. But this is a team that has failed to make the postseason in the last three years and one that remains in a rebuild. At a certain point, at least some of the young players on this roster — Egor Dëmin, rookie Mikel Brown Jr., Ben Saraf, Noah Clowney and Danny Wolf chief among them — will need to take considerable leaps forward for the Nets to be relevant.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
G Mikel Brown Jr.
G Egor Dëmin
F Michael Porter Jr.
F Julius Randle
C Day’Ron Sharpe
Rotation players
G Ben Saraf
G Keon Ellis
F Noah Clowney
C Danny Wolf
F Moritz Wagner
G Drake Powell
G Nolan Traore
G Terance Mann
F Josh Minott
What to expect in 2026-27 season
Honestly, this looks like a roster that continues to be a season or two away from competing. Randle is a fine addition, but his best days are behind him. Porter took a step forward and showed his efficiency numbers could remain solidly respectable despite a far higher usage. But unless the Nets solve their shooting woes — Brooklyn tied for dead last in 3-point percentage (34%) last season — it’s hard to see the Nets being contenders for even the play-in picture. Brooklyn had amassed draft capital for its rebuild. The Nets still need a legitimate star (or two). Making matters worse, they saw the entire city of New York celebrate the Knicks, even outside of the Barclays Center, the home venue where the Nets play.
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Can Kawhi Leonard once again carry the Raptors to a title, and how will he gel with his new teammates?
Toronto was one of the bigger surprises last year, posting a 16-win improvement over the prior season. Some of the team’s younger players were starting to develop. Yet, after failing to get past the first round, the Raptors clearly felt they needed to take a big swing in the offseason to take the next step. In comes Kawhi Leonard, who helped lead Toronto to a championship in 2019. And though he’s several years older, Leonard remains a superb two-way threat when healthy. He scores with efficiency and continues to be a defensive stopper. And now that the investigation about salary cap circumvention has been completed and Leonard was able to get off somewhat unscathed, he can focus on basketball. For the Raptors, that’s excellent news.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
G Immanuel Quickley
G RJ Barrett
F Kawhi Leonard
F Scottie Barnes
C Jakob Poeltl
Rotation players
G Jamal Shead
G Ja’Kobe Walter
F Allen Graves
F Collin Murray-Boyles
F Jamison Battle
C Trayce Jackson-Davis
What to expect in 2026-27 season
The Raptors exceeded expectations last season. They can do so once more, but the Eastern Conference suddenly became quite crowded with an offseason full of player movement. The Raptors, though, have a very solid starting five, though their depth is something of an issue — especially if injuries or foul trouble crop up. A duo of Leonard and Barnes is intriguing, particularly because of their defensive versatility. Toronto tied for fifth last season in defensive rating, allowing 112.1 points per 100 possessions. With Leonard in the fold, that figure should only improve. And they’ll need it, too; the East figures to have plenty of difficult, high-potency offenses.
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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: Anton Watson #41 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the Semifinals on July 18, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Tom O'Connor/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Similar to what the Phoenix Suns did with point guard David Stockton, the Los Angeles Lakers signed forward Anton Watson to a training camp deal on Thursday, Sept. 17, but later waived the former Gonzaga Bulldog on Friday, Sept. 18. He will most likely join the G League’s Coachella Valley Lakers.
Lakers announce they have signed Meechie Johnson and Chase Ross while waiving Anton Watson. These are more training camp moves for LA pic.twitter.com/jFmWdVifN7
Over the course of seven games with the Lakers in the California Classic in San Francisco, California, and NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada, Watson averaged 7.6 points on a shooting split of 34.0 field goal percentage/19.2 three-point percentage/100 free throw percentage, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 20.7 minutes per contest.
The Spokane, Washington native was drafted with the No. 54 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. In March of 2025, Watson was claimed off waivers by the New York Knicks on a two-way contract. In nine appearances for New York, he averaged 0.9 points, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game.
After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Watson was signed by Los Angeles in September of 2025.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Graham Ike #45 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on July 9, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
If any Gonzaga Bulldog deserves this opportunity in the NBA, it’s forward/center Graham Ike, after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft and grinding on an Exhibit 10 contract over the summer.
According to Luca Evans of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Golden State Warriors have signed the former big man on campus to their third and final two-way contract. The agreement is expected to be a two-year deal. Ike will split his time with the big club and their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Across nine contests in the month of July, his strong post presence, toughness, and leadership value helped push Golden State to an NBA Summer League title in Las Vegas, Nevada. For the duration of the California Classic at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California, plus his time spent in Sin City, Ike averaged 10.0 points on a shooting split of 48.4 field goal percentage/25.0 three-point percentage/78.9 free throw percentage, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game.
The Warriors’ training camp in the Bay Area will begin on Sept. 29.
As of right now, 11 Gonzaga alums will be in the NBA at the start of the 2026-27 season.
In hopes of making an opening-day roster, shooting guard Malachi Smith signed a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 training camp contract with the Toronto Raptors through the work of his agent, Michael Lelchitski of SIG Sports. He was previously waived by the Brooklyn Nets after spending the tail end of the 2025-26 campaign with the organization.
Forward/center Drew Timme, who was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this past season, wasn’t picked for the open roster spot before the 2026 NBA Playoffs. He’s still searching for his next professional destination as Los Angeles has all three of their two-way spots filled.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
