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Pre-camp Sixers questions: After setting lineups record, which unit will be best?

Pre-camp Sixers questions: After setting lineups record, which unit will be best?  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers will travel to Abu Dhabi for preseason games vs. the Knicks on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4. They’ll begin their regular season by facing the Celtics on Oct. 22. 

Before the action commences, we’re looking at key questions for the 2025-26 Sixers. 

So far, we’ve covered: 

Next up: After setting the starting lineups record last year, which unit will be the Sixers’ best? 

The Sixers’ lineup stats tell the story of their 2024-25 season. 

Injuries were everywhere and the Sixers started an NBA-record 54 different lineups. On opening night, head coach Nick Nurse went with Tyrese Maxey, Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre Jr., KJ Martin and Andre Drummond. He closed the season with Jared Butler, Quentin Grimes, Lonnie Walker IV, Marcus Bagley and Adem Bona.

The team’s two most-used lineups outside of garbage time played a mere 148 possessions together, according to Cleaning the Glass. They were:

  • Maxey-Oubre-Paul George-Caleb Martin-Guerschon Yabusele (Plus-25.0 net rating)
  • Maxey-Gordon-Oubre-Justin Edwards-Yabusele (Minus-14.4 net rating) 

Nurse knows all about adjusting the basics on the fly.

“My reaction (was) the same as it’s been most of the year,” he said after a slew of players were scratched for a Jan. 14 loss to the Thunder. “You take a little gut punch, and then you regroup and figure out the starting lineups, figure out the rotations, figure out what needs to change on the game plan as quickly as possible. And go play.”

In projecting ideal, healthy scenarios for this season, restricted free agent Grimes remaining unsigned is notable. However, if we pencil Grimes back on the Sixers’ roster, he’d be a logical starter alongside Maxey, Oubre, George and Joel Embiid. 

One or two of the Sixers’ young players could easily shake up that idea. Jared McCain started just eight games in his rookie season, but he obviously has the talent to thrive when handed tons of minutes. McCain averaged 23.8 points and 4.3 assists as a starter, and he shot 39.2 percent from three-point range on 9.3 attempts per game. 

Perhaps a youthful role player like VJ Edgecombe or Edwards will wind up meshing nicely with the Sixers’ high-usage stars and earn a starting spot. 

The Sixers could also lean into their guard-heavy nature, neglecting size at times in favor of offensive firepower and pace. The 6-foot-4 Grimes and 6-5 Edgecombe could defend bigger forwards on occasion in units with Maxey and/or McCain. Having Embiid as a rim protector would be helpful defensively in those lineups, although the Sixers could also play the shot-swatting Bona at center and encourage him to join the fun in transition offensively. 

Trendon Watford has only made 30 career NBA starts, but the Sixers believe the 24-year-old forward will keep improving and he could be pressed into heavy minutes on nights without George. 

Nurse will hope that he doesn’t have to scrap plan after plan, but there’s no doubt he’ll have many options in mind. 

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Jonathan Kuminga not at Jimmy Butler-led Warriors minicamp amid contract saga

Jonathan Kuminga not at Jimmy Butler-led Warriors minicamp amid contract saga originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

With training camp less than one week away, the Warriors met in San Diego this week to bond both on and off the court.

Well, all except one player.

Jonathan Kuminga, who remains a restricted free agent with the 2025-26 NBA season a month away, did not attend the team minicamp in San Diego put together by Warriors veteran forward Jimmy Butler, ESPN’s Shams Charania shared Wednesday on “NBA Today.”

“Jimmy Butler is actually holding a team minicamp in San Diego this week. This is the first full year of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler all together,” Charania explained to host Malika Andrews. “One player who is not there, the only player on the potential Warriors roster that isn’t there, is restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. My understanding is he is not appearing at this team function, this camaraderie minicamp in San Diego. It’s still at a stalemate.

“I spoke to Aaron Turner, Kuminga’s agent, today, and he told me that the player option still remains critical in these conversations. We know about the three-year, $75 million offer, or the two-year, $45 million offer, both still have team options in them. Him, just like [Quentin] Grimes, has until Oct. 1, before his decision, but these sides are still at a stalemate.

“Jonathan Kuminga did not appear at the first team-related event that the Warriors players had today.”

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson later confirmed Kuminga was not in attendance, though the Warriors had hoped he would be.

As Charania mentioned, a player option remains significant to Kuminga and his camp, but as of now, it is not something the Warriors have been willing to do.

Turner, while speaking to multiple media members last week, said there’s no drama or bad feelings between Kuminga and his teammates, particularly the veteran stars such as Butler, Curry and Green.

While Kuminga wasn’t in sunny San Diego on Wednesday, he’s still been putting in the work on the hardwood as he prepares for Year 5.

However, who that is with and what that looks like remains in question.

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Fantasy Basketball Forwards 2025-26: Top 50 rankings, season outlooks, key stats

We’re less than a month away from the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, which makes this a great time to go through our positional rankings at Rotoworld.

You can find our Top 50 guards here and our Top 50 centers here, but we're discussing forwards in this article. From a fantasy standpoint, this position has been dominated in recent years by Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant among the others who have offered elite value. But there are some young talents who stand to be the future of the position, led by Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams.

Here's how we value the top 50 forwards in fantasy basketball for the 2025-26 season, starting with Giannis.

Check it out: Follow the new Rotoworld Hoops account on X!

NBA: Houston Rockets-Media Day
2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Draft Prep Guide: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, mock draft results, and more
Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.2 blocks

Antetokounmpo was his usual dominant self for the Bucks in 2024-25, averaging at least 30 points, 11 rebounds and six assists per game for the second consecutive season. He focused even more on dominating inside the arc, with the 63 three-point attempts being the fewest in a season for the Bucks star since 2014-15. Antetokounmpo, a first-team All-NBA selection who finished third in MVP voting, shot 62 percent from two. However, he only made 61.7 percent of his free throw attempts, and selecting him in the first round likely kicks off a team build in which free throw percentage is punted. As for his team situation, the Bucks underwent a significant overhaul this past offseason. Damian Lillard (Portland) and Brook Lopez (LA Clippers) are out, but the team signed Myles Turner to a four-year deal in free agency.

2. Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.2 blocks, 0.7 three-pointers

Davis was a major part of one of the most stunning transactions in recent NBA history, as he was traded to the Mavericks in early February as part of a package that netted the Lakers one Luka Dončić. Unfortunately for Davis and the Mavericks, his debut was cut short by a groin injury that would sideline him until late March. There was also an eye injury suffered during the season that led to Davis undergoing surgery to repair a detached retina during the offseason. As of mid-September, there were still questions regarding his availability for the start of training camp and the beginning of the regular season. When healthy, Davis is among the elite players in fantasy basketball, regardless of position. However, he's surpassed the 60 games played mark twice since the 2017-18 season.

3. Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.2 blocks, 2.6 three-pointers

While Durant's second full season in Phoenix was successful regarding his individual numbers, it was highly disappointing from a team standpoint. The Suns failed to reach the postseason, with KD's campaign ending in late March due to an ankle injury. And with Phoenix unsuccessful in its attempt to move Durant at the February trade deadline, it was expected that he'd be on the move this summer. Sure enough, KD was traded to the Rockets in July as part of a seven-team trade, with the hope in Houston being that he'll be the missing piece that makes them a title contender. Unfortunately, Houston's chances took a hit recently with Fred VanVleet suffering a torn ACL, leaving the Rockets even lighter at the point guard position. However, this should have a minimal impact on Durant's fantasy value, especially if he has more opportunities to initiate offense. While he may not be a player who has to be selected in the first round of standard league drafts, the argument can still be made.

4. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.8 three-pointers

J-Dub is coming off the best season of his NBA career. In addition to helping lead Oklahoma City to its first NBA title, Williams recorded career-high averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and three-pointers while shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 78.9 percent from the foul line. He earned his first All-Star Game appearance and was also named third team All-NBA and second team All-Defense. This summer, he agreed to a five-year rookie max extension worth nearly $240 million, so his future is secure financially. Provided he remains healthy and Oklahoma City continues on its current path, Williams is capable of providing first-round production playing alongside reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

5. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 18.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.0 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers

After enjoying a breakout season in 2023-24, Johnson was even better last season. He recorded career-high averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots while shooting 50 percent from the field and 74.6 percent from the foul line. Unfortunately, Johnson's season would end in January as he was diagnosed with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Availability may be the biggest concern for Johnson in fantasy basketball, as he's surpassed 60 games just once in his four NBA seasons. Also of note was Atlanta acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis from the Celtics. Does Johnson start at the three next to Porziņģis and Onyeka Okongwu? Or, does he remain at the four with one of those two coming off the bench? The latter option would likely be better for Johnson's fantasy value in 2025-26.

6. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.6 three-pointers

Siakam's first full season with the Pacers went well, as he earned his third All-Star Game appearance and helped lead the team to the NBA Finals. Indiana would lose to Oklahoma City in seven games, and the series finale included an injury that stands to significantly alter Siakam's role in 2025-26. With Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) done for the season, Siakam stands to have the ball in his hands more, even with the capable Andrew Nembhard serving as the starting point guard. Siakam, whose usage decreased slightly in 2024-25, should hit the high-20s in that category. Efficiency has rarely been an issue for the forward, who also has center eligibility in Yahoo leagues, and he's capable of producing a top-25 fantasy season with Haliburton unable to play.

7. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

Positions: SG/SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.0 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers

After earning an All-Star Game invitation the season prior, Barnes was unable to duplicate that feat in 2024-25. While his averages did not slip much, the Raptors' forward once again struggled from deep after making a career-best 34.1 percent of his attempts in 2023-24. Barnes made 27.1 percent of his 4.3 attempts per game, slightly worse than his career percentage (30.0). Expected by many fantasy managers to approach top-20 value, Barnes failed to crack the top-50 in 9-cat formats. Toronto adds Brandon Ingram to the fold; his shooting ability may help open things up for Barnes, provided he stays relatively healthy.

8. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.5 blocks, 2.0 three-pointers

An All-Star for the second time in his NBA career last season, Jackson underwent turf toe surgery in early July and is not guaranteed to be available when the regular season begins in October. However, that should impact a player like Santi Aldama more than Jackson regarding draft value. JJJ provided third-round value last season in 74 games played, and the combination of three-point shooting and defensive stats makes him a valuable asset to have on your roster. Jackson has averaged at least 22 points per game each of the last two seasons, but fantasy managers undoubtedly hope he can get the rebounding up to his 2022-23 levels (career-best 6.8 boards per game).

9. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.6 blocks, 2.1 three-pointers

The oldest active player in the NBA, James will turn 41 on December 30, and the age does impact his draft position. However, the four-time NBA champion continues to fend off "Father Time" in search of another NBA title. James has appeared in at least 70 games each of the last two seasons, a positive trend for a player who failed to crack that threshold each of the five seasons prior. Even with Luka Dončić now being the focal point in Los Angeles, LeBron will continue to be highly productive. The age factor makes him difficult to commit to with a top-25 pick in standard leagues, but he should not be on draft boards much longer than that.

10. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 1.9 three-pointers

Banchero was outstanding when on the court last season, posting career-best averages in points, rebounds and three-pointers. However, the first significant injury of his NBA career, a torn oblique muscle, limited the Magic forward to 48 games. Banchero returned in mid-January and only missed two more games, Orlando's final two contests of the regular season, and he's expected by many to be a breakout player in 2025-26. The hope is that this will translate into fantasy value, as Banchero was ranked outside the top-100 in 9-cat formats while ranking just inside that threshold in 8-cat. The turnovers will be key, as Paolo averaged 3.0 per game in 2024-25.

11. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 24.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.7 three-pointers

For fantasy managers in category leagues, Wagner has been a better fit than his teammate Banchero. While he also missed time last season with a torn oblique muscle, Wagner still appeared in 60 games and was a top-40 player in 8- and 9-cat formats. Franz produced career-best averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals and three-pointers while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 87.1 percent from the foul line. If Wagner can improve his three-point shooting (29.5 percent in 2024-25), that would raise his fantasy ceiling even higher. Banchero may be the headliner in Orlando for many, but don't sleep on Wagner.

12. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 Stats: 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.8 three-pointers

Jayson Tatum suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during Boston's second-round series against the Knicks prompted significant changes to the roster. Kristaps Porziņģis (Atlanta) and Jrue Holiday (Portland) were traded, while Luke Kornet (San Antonio) and Al Horford (free agent; expected to sign with the Warriors) left via free agency. While the Celtics still have talent on the roster, Brown will be expected to serve as the team's primary scoring option while they await Tatum's return. While efficiency and the foul line can be problematic for Brown, the circumstances make him worth the risk in fantasy drafts.

13. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.5 blocks, 2.1 three-pointers

While Leonard has been the focus of headlines this offseason regarding his contract, the good news for the Clippers and fantasy managers is that he's healthy. That means the offseason has been used to sharpen skills instead of rehab from another injury. Does this mean the injury management days are over? That can't be guaranteed. Leonard only played in 37 regular-season games in 2024-25, and he's surpassed 60 once since appearing in 74 games for the Spurs during the 2016-17 campaign. The Clippers made some significant changes to the roster, adding Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, John Collins and Brook Lopez, which should help take some of the pressure off Leonard offensively. However, the usage should not be a concern; he'll still lead the way offensively when available. The concern is Leonard's availability.

14. Trey Murphy, New Orleans Pelicans

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.7 blocks, 3.0 three-pointers

Numbers-wise, the 2024-25 season was the best of Murphy's career, as he logged career-best averages in points, rebounds, assists and blocked shots while matching his previous highs in steals and three-pointers. A torn labrum and a partially torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder ended Murphy's season in mid-March, but he's been given a clean bill of health and was even scrimmaging in the weeks leading up to training camp. New Orleans did acquire Jordan Poole this summer, and they'll have a healthy Zion Williamson to start. But, they remain without Dejounte Murray (Achilles) and CJ McCollum was sent to Washington in the Poole trade. Murphy has the game to be a highly impactful fantasy option regardless of who the Pelicans have on the floor, as evidenced by his nearly top-25 2024-25.

15. Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.7 three-pointers

After four seasons in Washington, Avdija was traded to Portland, and the change of scenery did wonders for him. While the versatile forward was moved to the bench in November after beginning the season as a starter, he regained the starting job for good after Christmas. From December 28 on, Avdija averaged 19.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.9 three-pointers while shooting 49.2 percent from the field. Avdija showed last season that he should be a key building block in Portland, which only increases his value to fantasy managers. Could a top-50 season be in the cards? It would be unsurprising if that were the case.

16. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

Position: SF

2024-25 Stats (at Duke): 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks, 1.4 three-pointers

Flagg entered his lone season of college basketball as the projected first overall pick, and his production may have exceeded the hype. The 6-foot-9 forward was a menace on both ends of the floor at Duke and should begin his rookie season in Dallas as a starter. While there wasn't a large sample size of what Flagg can do as a primary playmaker, as he only appeared in two Summer League games, there should be opportunities as the Mavericks await Kyrie Irving's return from a torn ACL. He's the lone rookie in this class worth selecting with a top 50 pick, and it's fair to argue Flagg is the only one who should be a top-100 pick in standard leagues.

17. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25: 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.9 three-pointers

After two excellent seasons in Utah, Markkanen's numbers took a significant hit in year three. His averages decreased across the board, and the 6-foot-10 forward was limited to 47 games by injuries and the Jazz looking to increase their draft lottery odds (it didn't work). Markkanen was outstanding in leading Finland to a fourth-place finish at EuroBasket this summer, and under normal circumstances, that could be taken as a sign that he's ready for the upcoming season. However, even with the Jazz saying they won't actively tank again this season, they're competing in a Western Conference that will be extremely deep. That's the concern when it comes to using an early-round pick on Markkanen.

18. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.9 blocks

Once again, injuries limited Williamson's availability, as he appeared in just 30 games in 2024-25. He's surpassed 60 games twice in six NBA seasons, which includes missing the entire 2021-22 campaign. Williamson is healthy and received praise for his physique during the Pelicans' media day, but fantasy managers have been here before. He'll be most valuable to teams in which three-pointers and/or free-throw percentage are being punted, but none of that matters if Zion can't stay on the court. There's no doubt that, when healthy, Williamson can be a top-50 fantasy player despite the lack of three-point production and subpar foul shooting.

19. OG Anunony, New York Knicks

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.9 blocks, 2.3 three-pointers

Anunoby's first full season with the Knicks was excellent, with his scoring average increasing by more than three points per game. Compared to his 2023-24 numbers, the 6-foot-8 forward also recorded superior averages in rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots. The question for Anunoby and the other Knicks is what the offensive system will look like with Mike Brown taking over as head coach. If Brown can get New York to play with increased pace and spacing, an athletic wing like Anunoby can certainly benefit. Expecting another top-50 season from OG would be reasonable.

20. Jimmy Butler III, Golden State Warriors

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.6 three-pointers

Butler began last season in Miami, and the deterioration of that relationship could be predicted as soon as the Heat decided not to give him an extension last summer. Traded to the Warriors at the February deadline, Butler appeared in 30 regular-season games for Golden State, averaging 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.6 three-pointers in 32.7 minutes. While capable of offering elite fantasy value when available, Butler's availability has been the issue. He's surpassed 60 games once since the 2019-20 season and has not been an All-Star since 2021-22. The move west also gave Butler the financial security he desired, as the Warriors signed him to a two-year extension to make the trade happen, and that should help keep him locked in this season.

21. Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.5 blocks, 2.5 three-pointers

After seven seasons in Denver, Porter was traded to the Nets this summer in a deal that sent Cameron Johnson in the opposite direction. While MPJ loses out on the opportunity to contend for a title, the move to Brooklyn could result in more scoring from the 6-foot-10 forward. In the six seasons he saw action (Porter did not play in 2018-19), MPJ had a usage percentage over 22 percent twice. That won't be an issue on a Nets roster that includes five 2025 first-round picks. If Porter can score efficiently despite being on a rebuilding team, his fantasy value may improve after providing middle-round value while in Denver.

22. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 18.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.6 three-pointers

Randle's first season in Minnesota was one that required significant adjustments on his part, sharing the court with Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, among others. Compared to his final season in New York, Randle's scoring and rebounding decreased, but he did help Minnesota reach the Western Conference Finals for a second consecutive season. The area of concern for Randle in category leagues is turnovers; averaging 2.8 per game in 2024-25, he ranked outside the top-100 in 9-cat formats. If Randle can get the turnover average closer to two per game, he should not have much trouble finishing the season as a top-100 player, at a minimum.

23. DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings

Position: SF

2024-25 Stats: 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.1 three-pointers

After spending the three seasons prior in Chicago, DeRozan moved to Sacramento last summer via sign-and-trade. While his averages decreased slightly, the dip was not enough to have a significant impact on the veteran forward's fantasy value. After Sacramento fired Mike Brown, DeRozan averaged 23.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.3 three-pointers per game while shooting 47.6 percent from the field. With Doug Christie's interim tag being removed, fantasy managers should expect similar production from DeRozan. What may help him this season is Sacramento addressing the point guard position in free agency, signing Dennis Schröder.

24. Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks, 2.0 three-pointers

After spending the 2023-24 season as Brooklyn's top offensive option, Bridges took on a supplementary role in his first season with the Knicks. However, while the decrease in scoring was unsurprising, he was also less productive in other categories such as rebounding, defensive stats and three-pointers. While there are questions as to how the Knicks will play offensively with Mike Brown replacing Tom Thibodeau as head coach, one thing not up for debate is Bridges' availability. He's yet to miss a game as an NBA player, and the reliability enhances his fantasy value.

25. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.7 blocks, 3.9 three-pointers

After finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting in 2024, Miller improved his averages across the board in his second season. However, a torn ligament in his right wrist ended the forward's season in mid-January, limiting him to 27 games. Miller can be highly productive when on the court, but his prospects in 2025-26 depend not only on his health but also on that of LaMelo Ball. Miller is capable of approaching top-50 value, but the injury-shortened 2024-25 season may push him a bit further down draft boards.

NBA: Playoffs-Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers
12-Team, 9-Cat Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft 2025-26: Take Giannis Antetokounmpo and don’t look back
Starting a draft with Giannis Antetokounmpo allows you to establish your team’s strengths and weaknesses immediately.

26. Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.7 blocks

27. Josh Hart, New York Knicks

Positons: SG/SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.1 three-pointers

28. Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.8 three-pointers

29. Brandon Ingram, Toronto Raptors

Positons: SG/SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.6 blocks, 2.4 three-pointers

30. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.7 blocks, 2.2 three-pointers

31. Norman Powell, Miami Heat

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 Stats: 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 3.0 three-pointers

32. Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 Stats: 16.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.5 blocks, 2.5 three-pointers

33. Tari Eason, Houston Rockets

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 12.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.1 three-pointers

34. Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.5 blocks, 2.3 three-pointers

35. Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers

36. John Collins, LA Clippers

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks, 1.5 three-pointers

37. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.0 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers

38. Andrew Wiggins, Miami Heat

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks, 2.2 three-pointers

39. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.9 blocks, 2.2 three-pointers

40. Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.1 three-pointers

41. Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.8 three-pointers

42. Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons

Position: PF

2024-25 Stats: 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers

43. Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 Stats: 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.1 three-pointers

44. Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.6 blocks, 1.7 three-pointers

45. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

Positions: SF/PF

2024-25 Stats: 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.9 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers

46. Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 Stats: 14.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 3.0 three-pointers

47. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 Stats: 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.7 blocks, 1.7 three-pointers

48. Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 Stats: 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.7 three-pointers

49. Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers

Position: SF

2024-25 Stats: 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.9 three-pointers

50. Nikola Jović, Miami Heat

Position: PF

2024-25 Stats: 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.7 three-pointers

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Fulton signs for NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves

CJ Fulton
Fulton enjoyed game time for the Timberwolves in the NBA's Summer League [Getty Images]

CJ Fulton has officially signed with NBA franchise Minnesota Timberwolves.

The 23-year-old Belfast man has been in the United States for pre-season with the back-to-back Western Conference finalists in anticipation of a contract which is now confirmed.

In the coming days, Fulton is expected to be waived to Iowa Wolves in the G-League - the NBA's team-affiliated development league that begins in November - which will provide an opportunity to develop and work his way into the full Timberwolves squad.

"It's a way of keeping me around the franchise and working my way up," he explained to BBC Sport NI earlier in September.

Fulton missed out on selection at the NBA Draft in June, but debuted for the Timberwolves during the NBA Summer League.

He played four minutes in their 89-85 win against the Phoenix Suns in July, making him the third Irish-born player to take to the court at the highest level in the United States after Pat Burke and Susan Moran.

The former St Malachy's College pupil then played 17 minutes against the Houston Rockets, scoring two points with two assists and two steals.

He initially caught the attention of the Timberwolves with his displays in college basketball for Lafayette and the Charleston Cougars, averaging 7.8 points and 6.5 assists per game for the latter during his senior year.

The Minnesota club begin their six-game pre-season schedule on Sunday, 5 October against the Denver Nuggets in San Diego.

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Ramp to Camp: Predicting bold midseason headlines for 2025-26 Celtics

Ramp to Camp: Predicting bold midseason headlines for 2025-26 Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

We’ve spent most of our Ramp to Camp series trying to answer the big questions surrounding the Boston Celtics to open the 2025-26 season. Now, only a few days out from the first training camp practice of the year, we are really hitting the accelerator on this year’s squad.

For Day 17, and continuing our Predictions Week, we asked our panel to fast forward all the way to early February and give us one bold midseason headline about the Celtics that you might read on NBC Sports Boston before the All-Star break.

What will we be screaming about on Early Edition? What will occupy the conversations on Pregame Live?

We all know that, heading into March and April, the speculation about Jayson Tatum’s return is likely to crescendo (but we tackled that on Tuesday). So, what else will be top of mind as the Celtics make the turn to the back nine of the 2025-26 season?

Our headline: “How Payton Pritchard set the tone for overachieving Celtics.”

Good things happen when Pritchard is on the floor for the Boston Celtics. Two seasons ago, even before last season’s Sixth Man of the Year glow-up, Pritchard finished second in the NBA in net rating (+13.6, trailing only teammate Sam Hauser). 

Now the Celtics are going to heap even more on Pritchard’s plate, regardless of his role, and we think his energy and grit could define how the 2025-26 Celtics play. 

Pritchard’s playing time is going to spike, particularly if he slides into a starter role. Last season, he posted per-36 minute averages of 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals, all while displaying some of the best ball security in the NBA.

We’ll keep saying it: If Boston is better than the pundits expect out of the gate, then either Pritchard or Derrick White is going to claw their way to All-Star status.

After making a strong case in each of the past two seasons, it’s easy to see a pathway for White landing that elusive nod. But we can’t shake this feeling that Pritchard will thrust himself into that conversation, too.

Pritchard should serve as a bit of a role model to the younger players on Boston’s roster. He’s proven to be a professional, even when the depth chart conspired against him. He not-so-patiently waited for his opportunity and was ready when it arrived.

Now he has a chance to do the same thing yet again in the 2025-26 season. And the rest of the Celtics should follow his lead.

Heck, the NBA is tweaking its own rules based on Pritchard’s recent impact. He hit so many big heaves during Boston’s 2024 title run that the league is changing heave rule statistics to inspire more players to be like him.

The younger Celtics should want to be like Pritchard, too. If they operate with the same energy and desire as Pritchard, the 2025-26 Celtics will go a long way toward masking the talent that was lost in the overhaul brought upon by the second apron.

Let’s check out the headlines our panel came up with:

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

“Celtics still have playoffs in sight after Simons trade.”

I can absolutely see this group overachieving and being in the postseason mix as the Feb. 5 trade deadline nears. I can also see Brad Stevens finding a trade partner for Simons’ expiring contract as part of Boston’s goal to get out of the luxury tax.

This might be the one unpopular move Stevens makes — especially if Simons is playing well — and how Celtics players respond in this totally hypothetical scenario will be fascinating to watch.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

“Amari Williams isn’t bad.”

Is that bold enough? I like the idea of a young 7-footer getting increased opportunities and playing well. I wouldn’t expect a rookie to have the know-how of Al Horford, but can he help replace Horford’s nightly production (9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists) while blocking a shot or two per game?

Perhaps he’s not at all ready, but you asked me for a bold headline, Chris, so you freaking got one, buddy.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

“Jaylen Brown is in the running to win the 2025 NBA MVP.”

What does in the running mean? Brown opened at 100-1 to win the award behind the heavily-favored Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 12 other players including Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant.

When the trade deadline nears in early February, Brown will be in the top six.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

“Are the Celtics real contenders in the East?”

I think this team is capable of winning a lot of games, and odds are one of the projected top teams in the East will deal with injuries or underachieve, so I think the Celtics could be in the mix even without Tatum.

We know the East is thin, so I don’t think it is that crazy the Celtics could be perceived as real contenders.

Kevin Miller, VP, Content

“Minott Us?!”

Josh Minott becomes a fan favorite and finds a sustainable role on a good team.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

“Winning DNA has Celtics in the drivers’ seat.”

Regular-season basketball is different, and this team will remain competitive for the top spot in the East.

Kayla Burton, Celtics Pregame Live host

“A new home for Hauser: The Boston Celtics trade away Sam Hauser.”

I am not going to say where because I have no idea, and as sad as this headline makes me feel, I just think they make a bold, somewhat sad move around the trade deadline and acquire a big man.

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Sixers roll out official return of black jerseys for 2025-26 season

Sixers roll out official return of black jerseys for 2025-26 season  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers are officially back in black.

The team on Wednesday morning rolled out the long-teased return of the black uniforms worn by their 2000-01 Eastern Conference champion team. 

Here’s how they look on the Sixers’ current players: 

According to the Sixers’ press release, they’ll sport the black jerseys 14 times at home during the upcoming 2025-26 season and “six more times during road games against playoff contenders from the 2000-01 season.” The home dates, which will also feature a throwback court honoring the 25th anniversary of the 2000-01 team, are below. Ticketing details for those games can be found here.

  • Nov. 8 vs. Raptors
  • Nov. 9 vs. Pistons 
  • Nov. 23 vs. Heat 
  • Dec. 4 vs. Warriors 
  • Dec. 7 vs. Lakers 
  • Dec. 20 vs. Mavs
  • Dec. 23 vs. Nets 
  • Jan. 24 vs. Knicks
  • Jan. 31 vs. Pelicans 
  • Feb. 11 vs. Knicks
  • March 3 vs. Spurs 
  • March 4 vs. Jazz
  • March 23 vs. Thunder 
  • April 12 vs. Bucks 

The Sixers’ 2025-26 hardwood classic merchandise will first be available to buy at SixersShop.com on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. The jerseys will be at Xfinity Mobile Arena starting Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. ahead of the Sixers’ preseason game vs. the Timberwolves. 

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Sixers roll out official return of black jerseys for 2025-26 season

Sixers roll out official return of black jerseys for 2025-26 season  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers are officially back in black.

The team on Wednesday morning rolled out the long-teased return of the black uniforms worn by their 2000-01 Eastern Conference champion team. 

Here’s how they look on the Sixers’ current players: 

According to the Sixers’ press release, they’ll sport the black jerseys 14 times at home during the upcoming 2025-26 season and “six more times during road games against playoff contenders from the 2000-01 season.” The home dates, which will also feature a throwback court honoring the 25th anniversary of the 2000-01 team, are below. Ticketing details for those games can be found here.

  • Nov. 8 vs. Raptors
  • Nov. 9 vs. Pistons 
  • Nov. 23 vs. Heat 
  • Dec. 4 vs. Warriors 
  • Dec. 7 vs. Lakers 
  • Dec. 20 vs. Mavs
  • Dec. 23 vs. Nets 
  • Jan. 24 vs. Knicks
  • Jan. 31 vs. Pelicans 
  • Feb. 11 vs. Knicks
  • March 3 vs. Spurs 
  • March 4 vs. Jazz
  • March 23 vs. Thunder 
  • April 12 vs. Bucks 

The Sixers’ 2025-26 hardwood classic merchandise will first be available to buy at SixersShop.com on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. The jerseys will be at Xfinity Mobile Arena starting Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. ahead of the Sixers’ preseason game vs. the Timberwolves. 

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Knicks Notes: Mike Brown talks starting lineup, rotation plans as training camp begins

The Knicks enter the 2025-26 season with a new head coach but the same championship aspirations as a year ago, and things tipped off officially on Tuesday with the start of training camp. 

Head coach Mike Brown, as well as key players like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges all met with the media on Tuesday, talking about the busy offseason that was and the exciting season to come. 

Here are the key takeaways...

Mike Brown on the starting lineup and rotation

The Knicks used the same starting five -- Brunson, Towns, Hart, Bridges, and OG Anunoby -- for just about all of the 2024-25 regular season. And while former head coach Tom Thibodeau was reluctant to make changes to the lineup, he ultimately did insert Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup ahead of Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals against Indiana, moving Hart to the bench. 

With that in mind, the starting lineup heading into this season is already a topic of conversation. But according to Brown, it's too early to say who will make up the starting five.

"It will materialize throughout camp," Brown said. "I think it’s too early to go in and say ‘hey, this is what’s going to happen.’ The roster, Leon [Rose] and his group did a fantastic job putting together a talented, deep roster, and so you have to be methodical with your approach when it comes to declaring ‘Okay, these guys are going to start.’"

Thibodeau also notoriously used a very short rotation, and shrank it even more in the playoffs to around eight players.

Brown said he'll likely use more players, with everyone having a chance to contribute throughout the year. 

"If you look at what I’ve done in the past, it’s usually nine-and-a-half to 10 guys," Brown said. "I try to play as many guys as I can. Even when I was in [Sacramento] and we had an injury during the season, there was a point in time towards the end of the season where I started a two-way guy in Keon Ellis. So, I’m going to try to play who can help us win, and I’m going to try to give guys an opportunity. So, hopefully with as deep as our roster is, everybody will get an opportunity at some point during the season."

Brunson on Thibs' firing

Prior to Thibodeau's dismissal after the ECF loss to the Pacers, Brunson was one of his strongest defenders. 

Asked immediately after the Game 6 loss if Thibodeau was the right person to lead the Knicks, Brunson was adamant.

"Is that a real question right now?" Brunson said after the Game 6 loss to the Pacers. "You just asked me if I believe he's the right guy? Yes."

Asked about Thibodeau on Tuesday, Brunson expressed his gratitude to his former coach.

“Obviously it’s sad to see a man I’ve known for a long time part ways with this organization, but he’s meant a lot to me," Brunson said. "I’ve expressed that publicly and personally. But yeah, he’s meant a lot to my career, to this point."

Hart/KAT on offseason procedures, or non-procedures

On the health front, Towns disputed reports from June that he had procedure done on a finger on his left hand and his knee, saying emphatically "I did not get finger surgery or knee surgery."

One player who did undergo a procedure was Hart, who admitted to recently having a setback in his rehab while recovering from a procedure to a finger on his right hand, which will likely require him to wear a splint all season long.

"I was out for a little while. I’m just trying to get used to it and get through the season with it," Hart said.

"I don’t want to go into too much detail, but obviously got a procedure on it, and then kind of reaggravated it somewhat recently. I’ll probably just rock out with a splint this season and try to fix it again next summer."

Bridges on extension

Following an up-and-down first season in New York, Bridges signed a four-year, $150 million extension; however, he left some money on the table as he elected not to sign for the max of $156 million, saving the Knicks $6 million that went to building out the rest of the roster.

"Real excited, happy to be back, be here with everybody and be a part of this organization.," Bridges said. "Just happy we got it done, and really no issues, honestly."

He added: "The biggest thing is if I came here and preached how much I want to win and then tried to take every dollar and make it difficult for the organization, then I’d just seem like a fraud, and that’s not who I am.

"I want to win bad, and whatever it takes. Like I said, I love all the guys here, so why wouldn’t I want the next man up that needs some money, why would I not give them an opportunity to get paid as well? I think I got a good amount of money and I don’t think a couple more [millions] will change my life, so I think it would be better to help everybody else out."

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3 Knicks storylines to watch heading into 2025-26 NBA season

One of the most anticipated Knicks seasons in the last 30 years is almost here. New York will hold its first official practice on Tuesday to open training camp. The regular season starts in less than 30 days.

Mike Brown & Co. will use the next few weeks to determine lineups, rotations and strategies that work best for his group.

The coaches and front office will also decide which players stay on for the regular season.

There are several other important decisions/issues to sort out in the coming days.

With that in mind, here is a look at the biggest storylines to keep an eye on during training camp/preseason...

HOW DO ROLES GET DEFINED?

Something that held the 2024-25 Knicks back, in my opinion, was a lack of role definition. Will the Knicks and first-year coach Mike Brown clearly define each player’s role? I’m sure organizations/coaches have different approaches to this. Maybe some leaders like to let the players figure out their own role as the season progresses. Maybe they don’t want to be too rigid in defining roles. But last season, the lack of role definition led to some confusion in the locker room about shot attempts/usage. While this may seem like a small thing, it can definitely derail a talented team.

The Knicks obviously have a ton of talent. Defining roles for the talent on this team/holding players accountable to their roles is incredibly important, I think.

YOUTH VS. EXPERIENCE

The Knicks have a tough roster decision ahead of them: in a season where the expectation is NBA Finals or bust, is the club better off with younger players at the end of the roster or with proven vets?

If the Knicks want, they can keep veterans Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon on the regular season roster. But they will probably have to sacrifice one of their young prospects in order to keep both veterans.

New York’s team salary cannot exceed $207.8 million, also known as the "second apron" in NBA team spending. The Knicks currently do not have enough room below the second apron to sign both Shamet and Brogdon.

So if they want to keep both veterans on the roster, they’ll need to shed some salary via trade. Trades involving Miles McBride, Pacome Dadiet or Tyler Kolek are the most direct paths to shedding that salary (though if the Knicks traded Kolek, kept both veterans and made no other trades, they would not be able to sign another veteran during the season).

As noted last week, I’d expect the Knicks to let things play out during camp/preseason before they made a move to keep both Brogdon and Shamet. But if I’m placing a bet at the start of training camp, I’m betting that both Brodgon and Shamet are on the regular season roster. This Knicks team is in win-now mode, and injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton give them a direct pathway to the NBA Finals. They know they have a great opportunity to be playing in late June. That’s why I think they’ll ultimately go with veteran depth in Brogdon and Shamet.  

STARTING LINEUP CHANGE?

Last season, the Knicks started Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns. The lineup showed early promise but struggled later in the regular season. That starting five had a -1.4 net rating in regular season games played on or after January 1, 2025. That starting five was also being outscored by a total of 50 points through the first 13 games of their 17-game playoff run. 

Former head coach Tom Thibodeau switched his starters after Game 2 of the Knicks-Pacers series, inserting Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup. Hart came off the bench.

Will Brown stick with the lineup that was used most often in 2024-25? Will he make a change? Before Brown was hired, the Knicks’ talks with some free agents included the idea that Towns and Robinson would be starting together in 2025-26. Obviously, Brown will make the ultimate decision on the starting lineup. It’s arguably one of the most important decisions he’ll make in his first year in New York.

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Prime Video hires Swin Cash for a unique position — NBA front office analyst

Prime Video hires Swin Cash for a unique position — NBA front office analystSwin Cash has had a unique basketball career as both a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a player before working in the front office of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans for six seasons, including as the team’s senior vice president of basketball operations.

That basketball resume was attractive to Amazon Prime Video. Starting this fall, Cash will appear on air in a front office insider role for Prime Video’s NBA studio show during the NBA season. She’ll then transition to a studio analyst for Prime Video’s WNBA coverage. Prime Video is expected to make a formal announcement on Tuesday.

“This role is still pretty new, and I’ve got a lot of respect for those who’ve paved the way, especially my girl, Amy Trask,” Cash said, referring to the CBS analyst and former CEO of the Oakland Raiders. “I’m excited to contribute to an already stacked broadcast team and bring a perspective shaped by my time as a player, analyst and executive. My goal is to give fans more than the box score, showing how teams think, why decisions get made, and what the process really looks like.”

The NBA will begin its new 11-year, $76 billion arrangements with incumbent ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock and Amazon Prime Video this fall. There has been a flurry of NBA on-air hires between Amazon Prime Video and NBC/Peacock. Among those added by Amazon Prime Video are play-by-play announcers Ian Eagle, Kevin Harlan and Michael Grady. The network’s analysts include Brent Barry, Blake Griffin, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Candace Parker, Stan Van Gundy and Dwyane Wade. Cassidy Hubbarth will be Amazon’s No. 1 sideline reporter when it begins NBA coverage next season. Taylor Rooks will host the studio show.

Cash, whose decorated career includes three titles over 15 WNBA seasons, two NCAA titles at the University of Connecticut, and two Olympic gold medals, said her role on Prime Video’s WNBA coverage remains a work in progress. She said what she hopes for Prime Video’s coverage, and WNBA coverage overall, is an increase in storytelling. She said she loved the attention “Stud Budz” — the popular Twitch show featuring Lynx players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman — received during the WNBA All-Star Weekend.

“I’d love for us to go deeper with the coverage,” Cash said. “Storytelling is so important to bring fans on the journey. Not just with the superstars, but across the league.  Fans don’t just fall in love with a player’s game; they fall in love with the person, the personas. When we let people see who these women are, their stories, their grind, their humanity that’s how you build connection and grow the audience in a real way.”

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

NBA, WNBA, Sports Business

2025 The Athletic Media Company

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Could Tatum return this season? Here's what he told the TODAY show

Could Tatum return this season? Here's what he told the TODAY show originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

For the past few months, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has faced one of his toughest challenges yet as he works to recover from a torn right Achilles suffered in a playoff game against the New York Knicks back in May.

The six-time NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA champion was back in New York on Tuesday for his first interview on TODAY With Jenna & Friends, exactly 19 weeks from the day he was injured.

“I’m feeling better than I did yesterday,” he said when asked about his recovery. “It’s been a long, long journey. I tell people all the time, I’m getting there.”

Tatum was also asked about his mindset when the injury originally happened.

“I think just kind of going back to that day, so many things ran through my mind, especially on the ground, you just have this idea, right, I’m in New York, we’re trying to compete for our second championship, and just like that, it all changes.

“You know, for me, when I was a kid, I’ve had the same passion since I was 3. I always wanted to be kind of who I am, I could envision it, and it just kind of felt like it was taken away from me, and that was a hard pill to swallow. I was devastated, I was sad, I was emotional, and I did kind of feel betrayed by the game of basketball. Something I love so much that I gave my all to, that was just kind of like taken away. That was tough.”

Watch the full interview below:

Asked when he expects to be back on the court, Tatum was a little less open.

“That is the million dollar question,” he said. “I think for me and my team — the doctor, the organization — the most important thing is making a full recovery, being back 100 percent, not rushing it. But I haven’t said, like, ‘Yo, I’m not playing,’ or anything like that.”

“I have a goal in mind,” Tatum added. “What I will say is I’m not working out, rehabbing six days a week for no reason.”

He was also asked about his family, especially his oldest son Deuce and his mom Brandy Cole, and how much they’ve helped him during his long road to recovery.

“It’s been tremendous,” Tatum said. “Going through something none of us expected or thought would happen, having my mom, having Deuce and my youngest son Dylan, having my friends around when they didn’t know they were helping me just being around, being joyful, uplifting my spirits. Everyone knows my mom and Deuce are my best friends in the world.”

He said he actually lived with his mother for 10 weeks while rehabilitating, because he wasn’t able to go up stairs and his house doesn’t have a bedroom on the first floor.

“It was kind of like being in high school again,” Tatum said.

Tatum appeared on TODAY With Jenna & Friends to promote his partnership with Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals. He is a paid spokesperson for the company and used Journavx, a non-opioid pain medication they manufacture, during his recovery.

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Ramp to Camp: Predicting Jayson Tatum's return date for Celtics

Ramp to Camp: Predicting Jayson Tatum's return date for Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Better days ahead.

That’s the mantra Jayson Tatum delivered over the summer while detailing the early stages of his rehabilitation from Achilles surgery. We can’t help but think it might be a bit of slogan for the 2025-26 Celtics, too.

Because regardless of how the season plays out — and we still believe this team is going to surprise some pundits out of the gates — every day is one step closer to Tatum being back on the court. And that means even better days are ahead.

But when exactly do we think Tatum might be back in an NBA game?

For Day 17 of our Ramp to Camp series, we asked our panel to predict the date that Tatum will return to game action for the Celtics.

First, all the necessary disclaimers: None of our prognosticators are doctors. No one can possibly know how Tatum’s rehab will progress from this moment. But using glimpses from his first 17 weeks of recovery as a guide, we’re tossing some darts at the calendar.

The Celtics have intentionally put no timeline on Tatum’s rehab. All we know is that he’s attacked his recovery with relentless energy, and every indication suggests he’s making encouraging progress. Boston’s brass did all it could to set Tatum up for success, including getting him into surgery almost immediately after the injury with the hope of giving him every opportunity to make an expedited recovery. 

When Tatum initially ruptured his Achilles in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, we simply assumed we wouldn’t see him again until October, 2026. Why would the team rush him back? And operating with an abundance of caution might ultimately be the best plan of attack.

But we also know how hard it’s going to be for members of the Celtics organization to keep Tatum on the sidelines once he starts checking the final boxes in his rehab. He’s going to be itching to play in October, let alone March or April.

Tatum sure appears to be doing all he can to force the team to ponder whether a return this season is the best path. 

As Celtics president Rich Gotham noted over the summer: “What I know about JT is that he’s gonna do everything he can to put us in a position to make a decision [about when he plays again].”

Tatum celebrates his 28th birthday on March 3, 2026. That would be slightly more than nine months removed from his injury. If doctors are certain he wouldn’t be putting himself at risk by using late-season games to shake some rust — all while pacing himself in the early stages of that return — we could see Wednesday, March 4 being a belated birthday gift to himself.

The Hornets might not necessarily be a circle-the-date matchup on the surface, but Tatum would have a bunch of Duke fans watching the Hornets broadcast back in North Carolina.

The month of March is overflowing with intriguing matchups. If Tatum is healthy enough by that point, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make a glitzy return.

But here’s the bottom line: If we’re even simply pondering Tatum being close to a return before the end of the 2025-26 season, then that’s a win on its own. And there are most certainly better days are ahead.

Let’s see what dates our panel predicted for Tatum’s return:

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

March 14 vs. Washington.

Yes, there’s a case for holding Tatum out the entire season and ensuring he’s fully healthy for 2026-27. But based on how he’s been attacking his rehab, we could absolutely see him being cleared to play 10 months and one day after his surgery.

After weeks of lobbying, Tatum finally convinces the Celtics to let him play limited minutes against the lowly Wizards on the first game of a three-game homestand.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

Late October, 2026.

I know everybody is getting excited, and that’s a good thing. Maybe I’m a worrywart, but the idea of Tatum rushing back to “save the day” sounds like a recipe for re-injury, sadness, dismay, and the like.

Even with Tatum, the Celtics were going to lose to the Knicks last postseason. I think he’d be better served letting Brad Stevens cook next summer and build a behemoth for 2026-27, and then help that team go on a championship run. I see minimal reward to the risk of rushing him back.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

March 22 vs. Minnesota.

I think the noise will start to get loud during the All-Star break and he could come back even sooner, but I’ll play a little more conservative than that and pick a homestand against Minnesota and Oklahoma City. Tatum is entering his physical prime and we know he hates to miss games, so I think he is going to surprise a lot of people. 

Kevin Miller, VP, Content

October 2026.

I want it to be this season, but if there’s a one percent chance that he’s not 100 percent, then you have to be patient.  

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

March 27 vs. Atlanta.

A Friday night at TD Garden could be a rocking welcome for Tatum. He then gets at least one of the next two games off with the back-to-back on the road. Ease him in, but give him a huge ovation from the fans.

Kayla Burton, Celtics Pregame Live host

February 27 vs. Brooklyn.

I would hate to see him rush back, but he’s already rehabbing so well and working incredibly hard to get back out there. Plus he hates sitting out. He’ll be too antsy to sit out the whole season, and he will be back soon after the All-Star break.

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Rockets' Fred VanVleet suffers torn ACL, could miss entire season

The Houston Rockets realized the value of Fred VanVleet, which is why they re-signed the guard to a two-year, $50 million contract this summer. It also shows just what kind of blow this latest news is for a team with championship aspirations.

VanVleet suffered a torn ACL at an unofficial team workout in the Bahamas and could miss the entire upcoming NBA season, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by others. This was a contact injury, and VanVleet has returned to Houston, where he is expected to have surgery later this week.

On a roster stacked with talent on the wings and in the frontcourt — Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and more — VanVleet was the glue at an otherwise thin point guard spot that held everything together. VanVleet averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 assists last season, and is a plus defender. Last season, the Rockets were 3.3 points per 100 possessions better when VanVleet was on the court. VanVleet's value really stood out in the playoffs, when he averaged 18.7 points, 4.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds a game and the Rockets were 21 points per 100 possessions better when he was on the court in their series loss to the Warriors.

VanVleet's injury puts a lot of pressure on second-year guard Reed Sheppard, who was being asked to make a big step up to the backup point guard role this season and now will have more on his plate. Behind him is veteran Aaron Holiday.

This is a potentially serious blow to the Rockets' title hopes, especially in a deep West where Oklahoma City brings back 14 players from the team that just won the title, and the Denver Nuggets have stacked the roster around Nikola Jokic (that's not even mentioning Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves or the LeBron James and Luka Doncic tandem in Los Angeles).

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Sixers sign 4 players to Exhibit 10 deals ahead of training camp

Sixers sign 4 players to Exhibit 10 deals ahead of training camp  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

With their first official practices of the season coming up over the weekend, the Sixers announced four signings Monday night.

The team has added Emoni Bates, Kennedy Chandler, Malcolm Hill and Jaylen Martin. According to a Sixers source, the players all inked Exhibit 10 deals. 

Exhibit 10 contracts are non-guaranteed, minimum-salary agreements that can be converted into two-way or standard deals before the start of the regular season. In general, Exhibit 10 signees often go on to join an organization’s G League team, since the contracts incentivize players to do so with a bonus. 

Bates is a 6-foot-8 forward and former high school sensation. Now 21 years old, Bates has 25 NBA appearances under his belt over the last two seasons with the Cavs. Bates has averaged 19.8 points and 5.6 rebounds across the past two years in the G League.

Shot selection has broadly been viewed as a weaker area for Bates, who’s a smooth player capable of hitting difficult jumpers. He went just 37.7 percent from the floor and 32.6 percent from three-point range last G League season.

Chandler is a true point guard who measured in at 5-foot-11.5 (without shoes) and 172 pounds at the 2022 NBA draft combine. The Tennessee product wound up going No. 38 overall in that draft and has yet to stick in the NBA. Chandler posted 13.2 points, 5.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 50 G League games last year for Raptors 905. 

Martin, 21, has 16 games of NBA experience and several G League stops, including with the Delaware Blue Coats. The 6-6 wing averaged 13.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals during the 2024-25 G League season. 

Hill’s also 6-6 and the veteran of the bunch at 29 years old. He’s been a high-scoring, sweet-shooting player in the G League. Hill racked up 22 points per game in the ’23-24 G League season with the Birmingham Squadron and shot 41.8 percent beyond the arc on 7.4 attempts per contest. 

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Fantasy Basketball Guards 2025-26: Top 50 rankings, season outlooks, key stats

We're less than a month away from the start of the NBA season, which makes this a great time to go through our positional rankings at Rotoworld.

You can find our Top 50 forwards here and our Top 50 centers here, but we're discussing guards in this article.

The guard position is a vital one to figure out in fantasy basketball, though it certainly isn't a position that is lacking talent. There are plenty of unique guards with different strengths and weaknesses that can be optimized for any team build, though last season's MVP is alone at the top, thanks to his well-rounded, dominant statistical production.

Below is how we'd value SGA and 49 other guards in fantasy basketball this season.

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NBA: Houston Rockets-Media Day
2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Draft Prep Guide: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, mock draft results, and more
Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.0 block, 2.1 three-pointers

SGA was the best guard in fantasy basketball last season, which is why he should be selected with a top-three pick in every draft. The reigning MVP is the top guard on our board due to a combination of his ability and his availability. The Thunder rotation should be the same as it was last season, which means SGA should be able to deliver a similar output. Not that any roster change would actually impact his production; he’ll continue to be one of the best offensive players in the league while also providing both steals and blocks. He posted career-highs in points, assists and three-pointers last season, and he’ll be in the mix for the top spot in fantasy basketball once again this year.

2. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.8 steals, 3.5 three-pointers

Raise your hand if you accurately predicted how Doncic’s 2024-25 season would go. He missed time early on due to injuries, and then was traded to the Lakers in a move that shocked the basketball world. The last few months of their season was simply a trial run, and they made moves this offseason to better build around Doncic and LeBron James, with the signing of Deandre Ayton as the team’s lob threat down low as the main addition. Now, with an offseason to forge a team and playbook around the strengths of Doncic, the Lakers will be looking to compete for a title. With LeBron on the wrong side of 40, keeping him fresh for the playoffs is a priority, which means Doncic will be running things more often than not. He should be in for what has become a typical dominant season.

3. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks, 2.1 three-pointers

It took a few seasons, but Detroit was finally able to put together a competitive roster around Cunningham, and it immediately resulted in the best season of his career. The added spacing of Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. opened up driving lanes for Cade, and the development of his teammates made things easier. Plus, Cunningham made individual strides. The Pistons lost THJ in free agency, and Beasley remains unsigned, but the return of Jaden Ivey, who missed the final three months of last season with a broken leg, should help make up for the losses. There’s no reason to think Cunningham won’t continue to progress after making his first All-NBA team last season.

4. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 4.1 three-pointers

Every year, Edwards seems to take a step forward and add something new to his game. Last season, it was a three-point revolution for him, as he led the league in total threes made and increased his scoring average, which he has done every season of his career. Minnesota lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency, but the rest of the rotation should look the same, with some of the young guys making up for NAW’s departure. None of that will directly impact Edwards’ spot, and he’ll continue to carry the offensive workload for the T-wolves, which should result in a monster season for him.

5. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 25.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.4 three-pointers

To put it mildly, last season was a disaster for the Suns, but it wasn’t terrible for Booker. Sure, his field goal percentage dropped, but he was still able to average at least 25 points for the seventh consecutive season, and he set a new career-high for assists. Now, Phoenix’s “big three” experiment is over, with Kevin Durant in Houston and Bradley Beal in Los Angeles. The Suns brought back Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, but this is clearly Booker’s team. While the two newcomers will see their fair share of usage, everything is going to run through Booker under new head coach Jordan Ott. It isn’t an unfair expectation to think Booker could be in for the most productive season of his career.

6. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 11.6 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.9 three-pointers

Young started last season slowly, and while he did improve as the season progressed, he posted the lowest field goal percentage of his career and his fewest points per game since his rookie year. Young was one of the premier point guard options in fantasy hoops last season by providing a healthy dose of points, assists and threes while maintaining an elite free throw percentage and rate. Now, he has the most talented supporting cast of his career, headlined by the addition of Kristaps Porzingis, who is by far the best stretch five that Young has played with. It wouldn’t be shocking if Young was able to have one of the most efficient seasons of his career with more space to operate in.

7. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 3.3 three-pointers

While the Cavs were able to put together the second 60-win season in franchise history, it wasn’t because Mitchell took a step forward. In fact, his numbers regressed across the board during the first season under Kenny Atkinson. Mitchell’s 31.4 minutes per game were a career-low, which can at least partially be attributed to the absurd amount of blowout wins the team had. They didn’t make many offseason changes, but they’ll enter the year with Darirus Garland (toe) and Max Strus (foot) both dealing with injuries, which should mean extra usage for Mitchell early on. He could certainly be in for a bounceback season after “only” providing third-round value in nine-category leagues last season.

8. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

Positions: PG/SG/SF

2024-25 stats: 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.3 blocks

When Jabari Smith Jr. went down with a left hand injury last season, Thompson stepped into a starting role with Houston and never gave it back. In just his second year, Thompson became one of the best players in fantasy basketball, and the trade to bring in Kevin Durant will only help. With Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks gone, Thompson will be the Rockets’ best defender and starting shooting guard. Durant’s presence will create more space for Thompson as a driver, and his dominance defensively should continue. Shooting will never be a strength for him, but Thompson is impactful everywhere else.

9. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 4.4 three-pointers

Curry just keeps getting it done at a high level. He was back up over a steal per game and played at least 70 games for the second straight season. He also survived a slower start to the season (to his standards) and was better after the All-Star break. The trade deadline addition of Jimmy Butler will alleviate some of the offensive responsibility from Curry, but it also made life a little easier. This roster still has some unknowns as they try to navigate the Jonathan Kuminga saga, but nothing should drastically impact Curry’s production. This team will go as far as he takes them. They know that, and there’s nothing that could happen that will change that.

10. James Harden, LA Clippers

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 3.0 three-pointers.

Even at his age, Harden continues to get it done. He played 79 games last season, making it the second consecutive season that he played at least 70 games. He also provided second round value, which was a nice bounceback for him after he finished outside the first two rounds during the 2023-24 season for the first time in over a decade. The Clippers made some roster upgrades this offseason, but nothing should impact Harden’s place in the rotation or his usage. He figures to be among the league leaders in assists once again while still providing plenty of points, steals and threes.

11. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 26.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.8 steals, 3.1 three-pointers

There was a lot to be frustrated about in Philadelphia last season, but Maxey’s early season success wasn’t part of that. He had the best season of his career and was one of the best players in fantasy basketball from mid-December to early February. He wasn’t available much after the All-Star break, but he should be healthy to start this season. The availability of Joel Embiid is the big question mark in Philly right now, and the answer should have a large impact on how dominant Maxey can be. Regardless, Maxey will at least be the second option, and it’s hard to imagine Embiid playing more than 50-55 games, and that’s staying positive. Maxey should run this team for much of the upcoming season.

12. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 26.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.3 three-pointers

The arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges gave the Knicks a more balanced roster, which contributed to Brunson taking nearly three fewer shots per game last season. His scoring dropped, but he made up for it with a career-high for assists. New York moved on from Tom Thibodeau this summer and hired Mike Brown to replace him. They also added more depth in the backcourt with Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon. Brunson will still be the focal point offensively, but there’s certainly a chance he loses out on a few minutes per game. Still, he should be one of the best offensive players in the league once again, and Brown will want to take advantage of that in his first season at the helm. Expect plenty of points and assists from Brunson once again.

13. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.5 three-pointers

The knee jerk reaction to the trade that sent Alex Caruso to the Thunder and Giddey to the Bulls was that OKC dominated the trade. While the addition of Caruso helped the Thunder win the championship last season, it doesn’t feel like a landslide deal anymore, thanks to the second-half emergence of Giddey, who was one of the best players in fantasy basketball after the All-Star break. It took a while, but they signed him to a four-year, $100 million contract in September. They didn’t give him superstar money, but he should play that role for them for the next few seasons, which means he could be in for a monster season in the box score.

14. De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 23.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.9 three-pointers

Drama swirled around Sacramento early on last season, which resulted in Mike Brown being fired in December and Fox being traded to San Antonio in February. Fox only played in 17 games for the Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama only being available for five of those. San Antonio also added Dylan Harper with the second pick in the draft, and while he shouldn’t impact Fox’s minutes immediately, it does put his future with the team in question, which is weird to think about, since they’ve barely had him on the roster. Still, that won’t alter this season, and Fox should be in for a big year as the lead ball handler and playmaker for the most talented Spurs team in a while. The Fox-Wemby pairing should be fun to watch and only get better as the season progresses.

15. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 three-pointers

LaMelo played 47 games last season. While that was an improvement over his two previous seasons, it still wasn’t good enough. It’s difficult to invest a premium pick into a player that has played 105 gamesover the last three seasons, but that’s the type of talent that Ball is. Charlotte added Kon Knueppel in the draft and traded for Collin Sexton, which will provide Ball with more space to operate and scorers to pass the ball to. This team is talented enough to compete for a postseason spot in the East, but like the last few seasons, it won’t happen if Ball isn’t available to play. That’s the risk every manager will take when they consider drafting him, but if he has a healthy season, the payoff will be worth it.

16. Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 stats: 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.4 three-pointers

Bane has been a top-40 player in nine-cat leagues for each of the last four seasons, but he’ll get a fresh start in Orlando after spending the first five seasons of his career in Memphis. Bane will immediately step into a starting spot and provide Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner with plenty of space to operate in the paint. Bane will be the third option on offense, but he should get plenty of good looks as a floor spacer while still getting the chance to orchestrate the offense. It may look different, but there’s no reason to think Bane won’t be able to replicate top-tier production for his new squad as they try to compete for the top seed in the East.

17. Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.0 steals, 1.1 three-pointers

There may not have been a better value pick last season than Daniels, who won the Most Improved Player award and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. In his first season with Atlanta, Daniels enjoyed a breakout season and led the league in steals. The Hawks added some backcourt depth this offseason in Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, but neither should impact Daniels’ place in the rotation. Daniels may not replicate his steals production from last season, but he should be among the league leaders in swipes.

18. Derrick White, Boston Celtics

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.1 blocks, 3.5 three-pointers

White ascended to fantasy stardom two years ago and was able to maintain that last season. He took slight hits across the board, but he set a new career-high for points, rebounds and three-pointers, which prevented his overall value from sinking far despite a drop in shooting percentages. Obviously, this Celtics roster is going to look quite different next season, with Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out for the season, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis gone, Al Horford likely gone, and Anfernee Simons in town. White is now the clear best defender, and he’s still one of the best offensive players, though he may not see a usage bump with both Simons and Payton Pritchard splitting point guard duties. Still, White should remain a top-tier option in fantasy basketball once again.

19. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 21.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 2.3 three-pointers

After years of injury question marks, Murray has been able to flip the narrative in recent years. His 67 games last year were the most he’s played since the 2018-19 season, and his 36.1 minutes per game were a career-high. Denver made some backcourt upgrades this offseason by bringing in Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., but neither move should have an impact on Murray’s production. Assuming Murray is able to have another healthy season, he should be in line for another strong season after finishing in the top-20 in nine-cat value last season.

20. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 20.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.8 three-pointers

Despite a slow finish to last season, Garland was still able to have a productive year, finishing in the top-50 for the third time in the last four years. It was a step up after a down year during the 2023-24 season, and he was able to address the toe issue that caused his slow finish to the year by undergoing a procedure in June. He’s expected to miss the start of the season, but it isn’t expected to be a long-term absence, though it could cause him to start the year slow.

21. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.8 three-pointers

Morant was in and out of the lineup all season for Memphis, but his 50 games played were a huge step up after only being available nine times the year before. However, his production took a hit across the board, including his minutes. The team fired Taylor Jenkins at the end of the season and made Tuomas Iisalo the full-time coach at the end of the year. Iisalo emphasized pick-and-rolls with Zach Edey way more than Jenkins did, which is something Morant had been asking for. Health will continue to be a concern for Morant, but he could certainly have the most productive season of his career.

22. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 2.7 three-pointers

Reaves is coming off the most productive season of his career, and he continues to improve every year. The trade for Luka Doncic didn’t slow him down; in fact, he was even better after the deal. The Lakers made some improvements this offseason, but none that will alter the backcourt rotation. Reaves will look to replicate his late-season numbers, where he was a borderline top-25 player in fantasy basketball. It seems unlikely that he does, but if he can, he’ll end up thoroughly outplaying his ADP.

23. Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 17.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.6 three-pointers

When Quickley was traded to the Raptors during the 2023-24 season, he was productive during the second half of that year, which led to many expecting a breakout for him last season. Unfortunately, injuries prevented that from happening. Now, he’s healthy to start this year, and he’ll be running a team that also added Brandon Ingram, who is set to make his debut for them. Quickley could be in line to have the breakout season that was expected last year, and if he does, Toronto could compete for a postseason spot.

24. Jordan Poole, New Orleans Pelicans

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 20.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 3.5 three-pointers

Despite a tumultuous first season in Washington, Poole was much better last year, which resulted in him posting career-highs in points, steals and three-pointers per game. That was enough for New Orleans to trade for him this offseason and task him with being the team’s point guard while Dejounte Murray recovers from an Achilles tear. Everything went wrong for the Pelicans last season, but Poole can have a productive year as the primary playmaker for a talented team. They don’t have the rights to their 2026 first-round pick, which means there’s no incentive to tank. There’s no reason to think Poole will be at risk of being a shutdown candidate if things go poorly for New Orleans again.

25. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.9 three-pointers

Irving was an important piece for Dallas last season but quickly became even more important after Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers. He was carrying the load offensively for the Mavericks for most of February before tearing his ACL in March. Irving will miss at least the first few months of the season, if not more, but it's difficult to pass on a player that's this good for very long. D'Angelo Russell and Cooper Flagg will both help with facilitating the offense until Irving returns, but he should be an impactful player when he's healthy, especially during the fantasy playoffs.

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26. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 23.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 3.3 three-pointers

27. Anfernee Simons, Boston Celtics

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.8 points, 0.9 steals, 3.1 three-pointers

28. Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 23.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 3.2 three-pointers

29. Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.8 three-pointers

30. Coby White, Chicago Bulls

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.9 three-pointers

31. Christian Braun, Denver Nuggets

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 stats: 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 three-pointers

32. Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.9 three-pointers

33. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 stats: 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.7 three-pointers

34. Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 3.2 three-pointers

35. Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.9 blocks, 2.2 three-pointers

36. D’Angelo Russell, Dallas Mavericks

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.9 three-pointers

37. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 stats: 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 three-pointers

38. CJ McCollum, Washington Wizards

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 21.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.8 steals, 3.1 three-pointers

39. Bradley Beal, LA Clippers

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 stats: 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.9 three-pointers

40. Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings

Position: SG

2024-25 stats: 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.1 three-pointers

41. Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.8 three-pointers

42. Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 12.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.6 three-pointers

43. Collin Sexton, Charlotte Hornets

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 18.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 three-pointers

44. Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists. 2.1 three-pointers

45. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers

Positions: SG/SF

2024-25 stats: 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.0 three-pointers

46. Dennis Schröder, Sacramento Kings

Position: PG

2024-25 stats: 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.7 three-pointers

47. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.2 three-pointers

48. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers

Positions: SG

2024-25 stats (at Baylor): 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.1 steals, 1.6 three-pointers

49. Keyonte George, Utah Jazz

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 16.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.6 three-pointers

50. Dejounte Murray, New Orleans Pelicans

Positions: PG/SG

2024-25 stats: 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.7 three-pointers