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Where Steve Kerr hopes Brandin Podziemski can improve in third Warriors season

Where Steve Kerr hopes Brandin Podziemski can improve in third Warriors season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Steve Kerr believes that Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski took a big leap in his second NBA season.   

He also believes that Podziemski isn’t done growing. 

“I think this is a year where he takes another step,” Kerr told reporters Tuesday after Golden State’s first NBA training camp practice. “To be able to get through that crucible where you’re in the starting lineup, you’re in the playoffs, spotlight’s on you, you have a few bad shooting nights. Every player goes through that. He’s a tough guy and a tough player. I just think that he’s on a very natural progression to continue his improvement.”

Podziemski started in all but one of the Warriors’ 12 NBA playoff games last season, averaging 11.3 points per contest on just a 36.4 field-goal percentage.  

His best performance came in Game 4 of the first round against the Houston Rockets, in which he scored 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting, including six 3-pointers. His big shooting performance was the difference as the Warriors pulled out a 109-106 win to take a 3-1 advantage in the series. 

“One of the hardest lessons I ever learned as a player is when you have that bad night, you have to move on quickly. And you can’t let it get to you; you can’t let it carry over into the next day’s practice,” Kerr explained. “And if you’re a competitor, that can be really hard. BP’s a big-time competitor, he cares. So, I want to help him move forward after those inevitable tough nights.” 

Kerr wants his third-year guard to work on remaining aggressive when shooting the ball. But there’s another specific area he wants Podziemski to focus on. 

“Honestly, you’ll laugh, but leaving the refs alone,” Kerr said of the 22-year-old. “I mean, that’s important. It’s important to his energy, his mindset. It’s important for our team’s mindset. And taking that next step in just being more even-keeled.” 

Podziemski echoed his coach’s assessment. 

“I think [the] big thing to show another leap would be emotional maturity,” Podziemski told reporters Tuesday after being told what Kerr said. “Talking to the refs is included in that. But, just keeping a composure about myself so that my teammates see that.” 

As the Warriors’ roster grows older, Kerr noted their veterans inevitably will miss some games. In those instances, the younger core, which includes Podziemski, will be relied on much more heavily. 

“And those games that the veterans are out, how can we manufacture wins, and I think I’m going to be a focal part of that when they’re out,” Podziemski said, noting the importance of his emotional maturity. “So if they’re going to look to me and I’m out of whack emotionally, [it] becomes hard to win.” 

After some slight struggles to begin the 2024-25 NBA season, Podziemski missed 12 games due to injury in late December into late January. But, he returned with some great shooting, averaging 14.9 points per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from beyond the arc in his final 34 games of the regular season. 

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Kawhi Leonard Seeks to Impeach Sponsor in Salary-Cap Flap

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard’s comments at his team’s media day on Monday marked the first time he’s addressed allegations he signed a contract with a team sponsor with the understanding the compensation reflected payments on behalf of the Clippers that were in addition to his player salary.

Leonard ridiculed the allegations as far-fetched “conspiracies” that further “clickbait” schemes, and he underscored how the sponsor company engaged in “fraud” and shouldn’t be trusted. In doing so, the star player made clear he’ll fight to preserve the reputation of the Clippers, team owner Steve Ballmer and himself.

The allegations center on how in 2022, Clippers team sponsor Aspiration, a now-bankrupt sustainability services company with whom Ballmer and minority Clippers owner Dennis J. Wong invested millions of dollars, signed Leonard to a four-year, $28 million deal. The parties allegedly understood Leonard didn’t have to perform services in exchange for pay and that the deal would end if the Clippers traded Leonard. The allegations were made on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast, with additional reporting by the Boston Sports Journal and Toronto Star. 

If proven, the allegations strongly suggest the Clippers violated Article 13 of the collective bargaining agreement. 

Article 13 prohibits “any agreements” of “any kind” that are “express or implied, oral or written” or “understandings of any kind” in which the team uses a sponsor or business to circumvent the cap by paying a player money that exceeds his contract.  

The Clippers signed Leonard to a four-year, $176.3 million max contract in 2021, but if Aspiration paid Leonard extra on behalf of the Clippers, the Clippers would have violated Article 13. Potential punishments would include fines, suspensions, forfeiture of draft picks and termination of Leonard’s contract with the Clippers.

A finding of cap circumvention would also effectively brand Ballmer, Leonard and others as cheaters—an ignoble distinction and figurative scarlet letter they’d carry for the rest of their NBA careers.

Leonard said the allegations are factually wrong and suggested Aspiration’s bankruptcy and fraudulent acts are overlooked factors. 

To that point, Leonard said he understood the terms of the Aspiration contract “and the services that I had to do.” His reference to “services” is significant, because it signals the deal obligated him to perform acts and was not a do-nothing, gift-like arrangement. 

Leonard also stressed how Aspiration “went bankrupt” and how he and others “knew” that development would invite controversy. According to court filings from March 31, Aspiration owes Leonard a lot of money—about $7 million. The company also allegedly owes the Clippers and the Boston Red Sox $30.1 million and $5 million, respectively.

Leonard further described Aspiration going “belly up” as a reflection of “fraud.” Last month, Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud. According to the Justice Department, Sanberg deceived investors and lenders. 

It’s not surprising that Leonard repeatedly referenced “fraud.” If allegations against the Clippers are based on statements and materials provided by Aspiration officials, Leonard and the team can more persuasively argue the accusers and the materials stem from fraudulent operations and thus shouldn’t be trusted. In law, the tactic of claiming an accuser is unreliable or untrustworthy is known as impeaching the witness. It could prove crucial for Leonard and the Clippers.

That brings the discussion to the NBA. The league is investigating the allegations and has retained a law firm, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, to assist. 

The NBA could rely on circumstantial evidence, meaning indirect proof that is reliable enough to draw inferences, to find the Clippers guilty. Along those lines, the NBA doesn’t need an email or contract referencing a conspiracy between the Clippers and Aspiration. A mere “understanding,” which is a low threshold and can refer to an informal, shared perception, would be sufficient.

At the same time, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has cautioned that while the NBA is not a court of law—with accompanying procedures and formalized protections for the accused—he’s going to be fair. A seasoned attorney, Silver values foundational safeguards emphasized in law school and at providers of legal services. He has referenced that reliable evidence will be necessary for the league to conclude the Clippers broke the rules and that due process matters in reaching such a determination. 

Those factors don’t mean the NBA will clear the Clippers, but they do mean Silver will need to be convinced that allegations are based on trustworthy sources and corroborated evidence that withstands scrutiny.

That’s why Leonard’s comments are important: He’s presenting a rebuttal to the allegations and raising questions about the sources. Whether he and the Clippers win the case remains to be seen.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo confirms he re-evaluated his future with Bucks this summer. Like every summer.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is not in Milwaukee to start training camp — but that did not stop the drama.

Antetokounmpo zoomed into Bucks media day Monday from his home, where he is recovering from a case of COVID (he is expected to return in the coming days). From his house, Antetokounmpo said things Bucks fans will want to hear, such as that he is all-in on the Bucks this season, he is ten-toes down, believes in his teammates and called the Bucks "very, very dangerous."

He also confirmed that he did re-evaluate his future with the Bucks over the summer, but added that is nothing new.

"Of course, yes," Antetokounmpo said about the reports he considered whether to seek a change this summer. "Guys, every summer there's truth. To every report. The same thing I've been saying my whole career – I want to be on a team that allows me, gives me a chance to win a championship and wants to compete at a high level.

"I think it's a disservice to basketball, it's a disservice just to the game to not want to compete at a high level, to not want your season to end in April. So, it's pretty much the same. It's not the first time. I had the same thoughts last year, I had the same thoughts two years ago, I had the same thoughts five years ago – yeah, 2020 – so it's never gonna change. I want to be among the best, I want to compete with the best, and I want to win another championship and that's it."

Antetokounmpo felt he got to do that for his native Greece this summer at EuroBasket, and said winning the bronze medal there was "Probably the greatest accomplishment in my life." Now he wants that feeling again in Milwaukee.

The Bucks did enough to keep Antetokounmpo happy this summer, waiving and stretching Damian Lillard to free up the cap space to sign stretch big Myles Turner away from the Pacers. However, if the Bucks get off to a slow start, the rumors will just start up again.

Another bit of drama came via Antetokounmpo and Bucks owner Wes Edens. When discussing Antetokounmpo and his future with the franchise, Edens said, "I had a great conversation with Giannis in June, and he made it clear that he is committed to Milwaukee and he likes having his family here."

Antetokounmpo was asked about that meeting an hour later when it was his turn.

"I cannot recall that meeting."

Antetokounmpo has never been anything but loyal to the Bucks, and has said countless times that he loves Milwaukee and raising his family there. However, he has also consistently been clear — as he was at media day — that if he feels the Bucks can't compete for a title, he will move on.

That means the drama isn't going away heading into the season. Sorry, Bucks fans.

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Warriors fans, NBA world alleviated by Jonathan Kuminga's contract agreement

Warriors fans, NBA world alleviated by Jonathan Kuminga's contract agreement originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Jonathan Kuminga saga of 2025 is over. 

The 22-year-old forward agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million contract with the Warriors on Tuesday, sources confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson. The agreement first was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Warriors and NBA fans together expressed relief at the end of the months-long standoff. 

Kuminga became a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA season. Back-and-forth negotiations dragged for what felt like an eternity for Warriors fans.

For now, the contract agreement gives Dub Nation some much-needed relief.

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Steph's brother Seth Curry, Warriors reportedly agree to one-year contract

Steph's brother Seth Curry, Warriors reportedly agree to one-year contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The day finally has come: the Curry brothers reportedly will join forces on the Warriors.

Seth Curry, the younger brother of NBA superstar Steph Curry, has agreed to a one-year free-agent contract with Golden State, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday, citing sources. Seth will join the Warriors in NBA training camp on Wednesday, per Charania.

The news comes just after sources confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson that Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors have agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million contract in restricted free agency — a months-long standoff that had Golden State’s offseason in a chokehold.

It will be the first time the brothers play on the same team in the NBA.

After going undrafted in 2013, Seth signed a non-guaranteed deal with Golden State but was waived and later signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors will be his 10th NBA team as he enters Year 12 in the league.

Like his big bro, Seth widely is regarded for his sharpshooting, and in 550 career games (224 starts), has averaged 10.0 points on 47.1-percent shooting from the field and 43.3 percent from 3-point range, with 2.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per 22.5 minutes.

He last played with the Charlotte Hornets during the 2024-25 season, and he averaged a career- and league-best 45.6 percent from deep on nearly 3.0 attempts per game.

Back in July, Seth sat down with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Warriors insider Monte Poole at the American Century Championship and discussed the possibility of teaming up with his brother in Golden State.

“I always have to do what’s best for myself,” he said. “Obviously, Steph would love me to come over there and play with him. And the fans showed me a lot of love at all times. [Our] family would love it. I’ve obviously I’ve always embraced the Warriors and their system and love the way they play. And you never know what can happen.”

Well, it has happened.

As the Currys approach the tail ends of their respective careers, they’ll at least get to do so together, living the dream of siblings around the world.

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Warriors sign Steph Curry's brother, Seth, to one-year free-agent contract

Warriors sign Steph Curry's brother, Seth, to one-year free-agent contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The day finally has come: the Curry brothers will join forces on the Warriors.

Seth Curry, the younger brother of NBA superstar Steph Curry, has signed a one-year free-agent contract with Golden State, the team announced on Wednesday.

The news comes one day after the Warriors signed Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, reported $48.5 million contract in restricted free agency — a months-long standoff that had Golden State’s offseason in a chokehold.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Tuesday that Seth will join the Warriors on an Exhibit 9 contract, since Kuminga’s deal prohibits Golden State from signing a 15th player until Nov. 15.

It will be the first time the brothers play on the same team in the NBA.

After going undrafted in 2013, Seth signed a non-guaranteed deal with Golden State but was waived and later signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors will be his 10th NBA team as he enters Year 12 in the league.

Like his big bro, Seth widely is regarded for his sharpshooting, and in 550 career games (224 starts), has averaged 10.0 points on 47.1-percent shooting from the field and 43.3 percent from 3-point range, with 2.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per 22.5 minutes.

He last played with the Charlotte Hornets during the 2024-25 season, and he averaged a career- and league-best 45.6 percent from deep on nearly 3.0 attempts per game.

Back in July, Seth sat down with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Warriors insider Monte Poole at the American Century Championship and discussed the possibility of teaming up with his brother in Golden State.

“I always have to do what’s best for myself,” he said. “Obviously, Steph would love me to come over there and play with him. And the fans showed me a lot of love at all times. [Our] family would love it. I’ve obviously I’ve always embraced the Warriors and their system and love the way they play. And you never know what can happen.”

Well, it has happened.

As the Currys approach the tail ends of their respective careers, they’ll at least get to do so together, living the dream of siblings around the world.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

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Why Warriors ironically need Jonathan Kuminga the most now heading into season

Why Warriors ironically need Jonathan Kuminga the most now heading into season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Exactly three months since the opening of NBA free agency, Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors finally came to a resolution on his restricted free agency. Take a breath, Dub Nation, it’s over.

Kuminga is signing a two-year, $48.5 million contract, sources confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area. ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report the news. 

Kuminga’s desired player option never came to fruition. The second year of his contract will have a team option. Kuminga turned down a three-year, $75 million contract with a team option on the third year to have more immediate control over his future.

The team option on the second year of Kuminga’s contract can be wiped away by the Warriors or another team, if an in-season trade happens, to make room for a completely new contract next offseason, sources also confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area.

The first four seasons of Kuminga’s Warriors tenure have been a battle of what’s best for the team and player. The Warriors won a championship that surprised many in Kuminga’s rookie year, throwing a wrinkle into team owner Joe Lacob’s highly-debated two-timelines plan. There have been multiple instances over the years when the Warriors could have traded Kuminga for a player that was more aligned with where veteran stars Steph Curry and Draymond Green are in their careers, but Lacob wouldn’t sign off on any of those deals. 

Nor would he and the front office on the sign-and-trade options the Warriors were presented over the offseason from the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. All this brought was more drama and finger pointing, while the two sides came to an agreement the same day Warriors training camp opened.

But now that Kuminga is back with the Warriors, there’s a real argument they need him more than ever. With certain conditions, of course.

The Warriors have shown they can win without Kuminga’s style of play compared to coach Steve Kerr’s philosophy, and also have clearly seen the potential and talent he has, or else they already would have let him go by now. There even was a point last season where Kuminga was handed the keys and Green agreed to come off the bench. That plan lasted one game, a 143-133 loss against the Dallas Mavericks, where Kuminga scored 20 points as a starter and Green scored 21 in a reserve role. 

Bringing Jimmy Butler aboard at the trade deadline as Kuminga still was nursing a badly sprained ankle signaled a full shift in direction, especially with how successful of a fit Butler proved to be. Kuminga returned after being out for more than two months, was never fully healthy and had a hard time playing next to Butler – an older star who has the same positional role on the Warriors. 

Kerr stuck with what was working and pushed Kuminga’s talents to the back of the bench, not using him at all in the regular-season finale, a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers that put the Warriors in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Kuminga was a DNP in the Warriors’ play-in tournament win, as well as three games of the Warriors’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets. The writing appeared to be black Sharpie written on the wall in all caps. 

The Warriors still will be run by Kerr’s ways on the court, and led by Curry, Butler and Green. That’s a given. And all three players, in one way or another, need the best out of Kuminga. 

Father Time’s shadow is bearing down on Curry (37 years old), Butler (36) and Green (35), even though Curry continues to clearly be a top-10 player in the league. With Buddy Hield (32) and the return of Gary Payton II (32), plus the presumed signing of Al Horford (39) and possibly Seth Curry (35) the Warriors could have seven players in their 30s who are an average age of 35 going into the regular season. And that number should be slightly higher knowing that Payton turns 33 on Dec. 1, as does Hield a few weeks later on Dec. 17. 

The elder Curry has played at least 70 games in back-to-back seasons. Is it fair to assume he reaches that mark again? Butler hasn’t played 65 since the 2018-19 season, and Green, who played 68 last season, is bound to need rest for all his battles against much bigger players. The entirety of the season doesn’t have to be the focus for Kuminga and the Warriors, Jan. 15 does. 

Kuminga, who turns 23 on Oct. 6, can’t be traded until Jan. 15, the same day the Warriors will play their 40th game of the season. In a loaded Western Conference, the Warriors can’t be swimming upstream in the standings by then. Kuminga clearly is their biggest trade asset, and the Warriors will need his stock to rise and value to go up by then if they do decide to move him by the Feb. 5 trade deadline. 

The schedule to start the season also suggests a need for Kuminga. The Warriors have two sets of back-to-backs in their first five games, and five in their first 17. They play eight by the end of the calendar year, nine by the first day Kuminga could be traded and 10 at the trade deadline. Those are ample opportunities for an older team to lean more on a 23-year-old who at the very least can score 20 points.

Questions will continue to be asked about Kuminga’s desire to have the ball in his hands while combating the Warriors’ ball movement offense, as well as other flaws like rebounding, 3-point shooting and team defense for one of the top athletes in the game. He’ll be under the microscope if he holds onto the ball and misses Curry. He also played 37 games with Curry last season and had the third-best net rating among Warriors who spent at least 500 minutes next to him, putting together a 118.7 offensive rating and 109.3 defensive rating for a 9.4 net rating. 

Kuminga averaged 19.6 points in 10 regular-season games Curry missed. The Warriors went 5-5 in those games. Overall, the Warriors were 28-19 with Kuminga last season, and 20-15 without him. 

Those numbers obviously don’t tell the whole story, since so much changed after the Butler acquisition. The Warriors’ season completely turned once Butler was wearing their colors, going 23-7 in the regular season after the trade. How Kuminga can play with Butler, if at all, is the bigger question than Curry. Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, believes the two can co-exist, and showed so in the final four games of the playoffs. 

“He figured out how to play off Jimmy,” Turner said to NBC Sports Bay Area on the Dubs Talk podcast. “It was going to take JK, with no training camp, time to figure out how to play off Jimmy. Jimmy’s different than what was there before. When JK left, he was the guy who was getting to the paint and creating advantages for his teammates. … JK had to accept that. JK figured it out in the Minnesota series.” 

Butler and Kuminga only played 15 games together for a total of 125 minutes in the regular season. After Curry went down to a hamstring injury in the second round of the playoffs, Butler and Kuminga became the Warriors’ main scoring options. Butler averaged 20.3 points on 45.8/33.3/76.7 shooting splits, 6.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, while Kuminga put up 24.3 points per game on 55.4/38.9/72.0 shooting splits, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists. 

The Warriors lost all four games, and Butler and Kuminga were a minus-6.8 together in another very small sample size. Seeing how they can complement each other is one priority. Using Kuminga as a focal point in games Butler needs off might be even more important for preserving his health in the playoffs. 

Nothing in Kuminga’s contract says Kerr has to give in and play him more minutes than he believes is best for the team. From a talent standpoint, getting the best out of Kuminga, for however long he remains on the roster, is only going to benefit all parties. 

Ironically, if the Warriors want to make a real run at another championship, after all that’s gone on in a marriage where divorce papers have been collecting dust and waiting to be signed, this season – or at least the first few months of it – is when they’ll need the best version of Kuminga most.

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Will LeBron James be back at Lakers media day a year from now? 'Maybe'

There was so much ground to cover at Lakers media day, so many questions about this team heading into the season: Is "skinny" Luka Doncic ready to lead this franchise and a roster better built to play around him? Can DeAndre Ayton be the high-level defensive anchor this team needs him to be in the paint? Is Austin Reaves a good fit playing next to Doncic as a secondary or tertiary shot creator, or are his skills too redundant and the defense too big a concern?

Yet everything at media day seemed to swing back to LeBron James and his future. For the first time in his career, LeBron is not the primary focus of a franchise, and he will be a free agent next summer. What are his plans? The vibe can best be summed up by a video, when LeBron appeared on the Lakers' local cable network broadcast and host Chris McGee asked him if they would see him next year at Lakers media day.

LeBron used more words to say "maybe" when asked about his future by reporters.

"I don't know when the end is, but I know it's a lot sooner than later...

"It would be literally my decision, along with my wife and two of my boys are already gone… It'll be a decision between me, my wife, and my daughter. There won't even be a meeting with my teammates."

LeBron's decision also will hinge on how this season plays out in Los Angeles. Is LeBron going to play another season after this one? (The conventional wisdom around the league is yes, but nobody is sure, probably not even LeBron.) If he does play another season, does he want that to be a farewell tour? If so, is it in a Lakers jersey? A Cavaliers jersey? Another team?

For LeBron and the Lakers, the focus as training camp opens is on the here-and-now. LeBron said his motivation to put in all the work to return this season was pretty simple.

"Full season with Luka," LeBron said.

How that full season with LeBron and Luka plays out will have everything to do with the other questions at Lakers training camp. For his part, Doncic looks ready to lead and showcased some added athleticism and motivation at EuroBasket.

The biggest question is around Ayton — the Lakers need a big body center in the paint to defend on one end, then set screens for Doncic and roll hard to the rim on the other. What the Lakers need is a return of the 2020-21 version of Ayton, when he was all those things playing next to (and being pushed by) Chris Paul on a Suns team that reached the NBA Finals.

"It's the biggest opportunity I can say of my career," Ayton said at media day, understanding the implications of this season on his next contract. "Some people say it's my last leg, some people say it's my last chance. This is an opportunity I can say I'm truly not going to take for granted. It's almost like a wounded animal. I feel all the tension, and I know where I'm at. I've been in the gym every day."

Ayton is going to be pushed by LeBron and Doncic, but the latter of those is excited to have a center of this caliber.

"I was very excited when they told me we were trying to get DA," Doncic said. "Obviously, we entered the draft together. I've known him for a long time. So, I'm very excited to have him on my team."

Doncic is also excited to have a full season alongside LeBron James, two of the highest IQ players and best passers in the league, which should create an entertaining and hard-to-stop offense. If it does, would that make LeBron more likely to return for one more year?

Maybe.

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Fantasy Basketball Category Punt Guide for 2025-26

While some fantasy managers prefer to draft the best available player, allowing for positional need, others are willing to "punt" on a particular category. To do this is to ignore a category to strengthen your production in other categories. Those more experienced in fantasy basketball may be willing to punt multiple categories during the draft process. For those willing to execute a punting strategy, it would be best to stop at three categories, with the percentages and turnovers being the simplest trifecta to pull off in most cases.

So, when should you decide to punt a category? For one, never before a draft begins, because this does not account for the picks made by other managers. For example, you're in a draft position where you expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to be on the board, setting up a free-throw percentage punt. And then he's off the board before your pick comes up, or someone of higher value slips down the board. A fantasy manager needs to be able to adjust on the fly, so one should not predetermine what category (or categories) they're going to punt.

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Below is a look at each of the nine major categories and some potential options when punting each.

2024-25 rankings credit: Basketball Monster

Points

Punting the points category tends to boost the values of players who aren't primary scoring options for their respective teams. However, this approach will likely take fold after the first round. Players such as Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can fit in various punt builds and all averaged at least 24 points per game last season. The value comes deeper in drafts, with the Thompson twins, Dyson Daniels and Josh Hart being attractive options for fantasy managers looking to punt points. Daniels and Hart finished last season as top-10 players in punt points builds. Hart's value may take a hit this season if he's moved to the bench, but he should play plenty for the Knicks, whether he starts or not.

First-round Targets: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Second-round Targets: Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Third round and later: Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks), Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls), Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors), Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors), Tari Eason (Houston Rockets), Josh Hart (New York Knicks)

2024-25 Top 12 for points punt builds:

1. Nikola Jokić
2. Victor Wembanyama
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
4. Tyrese Haliburton
5. Anthony Davis
6. Dyson Daniels
7. Karl-Anthony Towns
8. Damian Lillard
9. Josh Hart
10. Stephen Curry
11. Luka Dončić
12. Nikola Vučević

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Rebounds

Punting the rebounds category boosts the value of guards, but some bigs aren't great at hitting the glass. Memphis' Jaren Jackson Jr. and Milwaukee's Myles Turner are two examples, as they averaged 5.6 and 6.5 rebounds per game last season. The good news for managers who land either is that both are productive shot blockers and can provide additional value in the three-point category. James Harden averaged a respectable 5.8 rebounds per game last season, but that number could decrease with a healthy Kawhi Leonard on the floor, not to mention the additions of John Collins and Brook Lopez.

First-round Targets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)

Second-round Targets: James Harden (LA Clippers), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)

Third round and later: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Myles Turner (Milwaukee Bucks), Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers), Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics)

2024-25 Top 12 for rebounds punt builds:

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2. Nikola Jokić
3. Victor Wembanyama
4. Tyrese Haliburton
5. Tyrese Maxey
6. Damian Lillard
7. Stephen Curry
8. Kyrie Irving
9. Kevin Durant
10. Luka Dončić
11. Jamal Murray
12. Anthony Davis

Assists

Don't need assists? Punting the category may be the path for managers who land Wembanyama, Davis or Towns early. However, don't assume this approach will only benefit the post players. Some guards will be of higher value in punt-assist builds, including Curry and Anthony Edwards in the early rounds and Derrick White just inside the top-50. White will be an interesting case this season, as the Celtics won't have Jayson Tatum to start, potentially meaning he'll be asked to do a little more scoring to supplement Jaylen Brown's efforts.

First-round Targets: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks), Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)

Second-round Targets: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets), Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Third round and later: Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz), Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)

2024-25 Top 12 for assists punt builds:

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
3. Nikola Jokić
4. Anthony Davis
5. Karl-Anthony Towns
6. Kevin Durant
7. Kyrie Irving
8. Kristaps Porziņǵis
9. Stephen Curry
10. Dyson Daniels
11. Nikola Vučević
12. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Steals

Punting steals? Look for post players and guards not known for jumping passing lanes or stripping their opponents to be of greater value. Towns and Durant are two early-round players to consider in a build where you're punting steals, with the latter more capable of offering additional value as a shot blocker. Walker Kessler, Ivica Zubac and Nikola Vučević are among the post players who should be available as your drafts progress into the middle rounds, as well as Phoenix's Mark Williams if you're willing to roll the dice on his injury history.

First-round Targets: Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks), Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)

Second-round Targets: Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Third round and later: Myles Turner (Milwaukee Bucks), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz), Ivica Zubac (LA Clippers), Nikola Vučević (Chicago Bulls), Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)

2024-25 Top 12 for steals punt builds:

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Nikola Jokić
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
4. Anthony Davis
5. Karl-Anthony Towns
6. Kevin Durant
7. Tyrese Haliburton
8. Damian Lillard
9. Stephen Curry
10. Domantas Sabonis
11. Jayson Tatum
12. Nikola Vučević

Blocks

While punting steals will benefit post players on average, the values of guards tend to increase in builds where blocks are punted. Jokić averaged 0.6 blocks per game last season and is at 0.7 for his career, so managers willing to decide early on a punt build should strongly consider blocked shots if they're fortunate enough to land The Joker. Dyson Daniels would be a solid option, as he averaged 0.7 blocks per game last season. However, the Hawks guard was an elite producer of steals, so you'll definitely get some defensive value despite ignoring the blocks category.

First-round Targets: Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)

Second-round Targets: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), James Harden (LA Clippers), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)

Third round and later: Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers), Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors)

2024-25 Top 12 for blocks punt builds:

1. Nikola Jokić
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
3. Damian Lillard
4. Luka Dončić
5. Tyrese Haliburton
6. Stephen Curry
7. Karl-Anthony Towns
8. Tyrese Maxey
9. Kyrie Irving
10. Jayson Tatum
11. Victor Wembanyama
12. Domantas Sabonis

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Fantasy Basketball Guards 2025-26: Top 50 rankings, season outlooks, key stats
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the way in our preseason guard rankings.

Turnovers

Punting turnovers can benefit two types of players: guards and high-usage post players. Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Cade Cunningham and Trae Young are first-round options who would be helpful for those willing to punt turnovers, while James Harden is an enticing option in the second round. Another option will be Houston's Amen Thompson. He won't be the only Rockets player asked to take on more playmaking responsibilities after Fred VanVleet tore his ACL. Still, he will have more opportunities after he filled in admirably for FVV last season. LeBron James will be worth a look outside the first two rounds, especially after he provided first-round value in 12-team formats where turnovers were punted.

First-round Targets: Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)

Second-round Targets: James Harden (LA Clippers), Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)

Third round and later: LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Kristaps Porziņǵis (Atlanta Hawks)

2024-25 Top 12 for turnover punt builds:

1. Nikola Jokić
2. Victor Wembanyama
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
4. Luka Dončić
5. Anthony Davis
6. James Harden
7. Karl-Anthony Towns
8. Damian Lillard
9. Stephen Curry
10. Kevin Durant
11. Cade Cunningham
12. LeBron James

Three-pointers

Giannis Antetokounmpo's 8-cat value last season may not have been as elite as we've become accustomed to, but he'll still be a first-round pick in fantasy drafts. He'll be helpful to managers willing to punt three-pointers or free-throw percentage. Anthony Davis is another first-round option for those willing to punt triples, while Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Johnson and Evan Mobley are all potential second-round targets. Outside of the first two rounds, Zion Williamson offers intrigue, but selecting him early comes with significant risk due to his injury history. Also, post players such as Rudy Gobert, Walker Kessler and Jarrett Allen will have added value in this build. However, in Allen's case, he may take a hit due to sharing the frontcourt with Mobley, whose role may expand even more this season.

First-round Targets: Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)

Second-round Targets: Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings), Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)

Third round and later: Ivica Zubac (LA Clippers), Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks), Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors)

2024-25 Top 12 for three-pointer punt builds:

1. Nikola Jokić
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
3. Victor Wembanyama
4. Anthony Davis
5. Karl-Anthony Towns
6. Dyson Daniels
7. Ivica Zubac
8. Tyrese Haliburton
9. Domantas Sabonis
10. Mark Williams
11. Jalen Johnson
12. Jakob Poeltl

Field-goal percentage

High-usage guards who can struggle with accuracy tend to be the targets in a build where field-goal percentage is punted. Anthony Edwards, Luka Dončić, and Trae Young are among the players who should go in the first round in most drafts. Stephen Curry and LaMelo Ball would be helpful in this build among the second-round options. Beyond the third round, Charlotte's Brandon Miller and Toronto's Immanuel Quickley would fit into this punt build, as both shot 42 percent or worse from the field last season.

First-round Targets: Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

Second-round Targets: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)

Third round and later: Derrick White (Boston Celtics), Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics), Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets), Immanuel Quickley (Toronto Raptors)

2024-25 Top 12 for field-goal percentage punt builds:

1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Nikola Jokić
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
4. Luka Dončić
5. Tyrese Maxey
6. Damian Lillard
7. Tyrese Haliburton
8. Stephen Curry
9. Anthony Davis
10. James Harden
11. Jayson Tatum
12. Kyrie Irving

Free-throw percentage

One would assume that post players would benefit from punting free-throw percentage, and there's no shortage of options regardless of round. However, there will also be some perimeter players who can fit into the build. Luka Dončić shot a career-best 79.1 percent from the line after joining the Lakers last season, but he's a career 75.1 percent shooter. That isn't terrible, but it could fit into an FT%-punt build. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the one first-round player who could immediately trigger punting this category. A career 69.3 percent shooter, he's shot 68.5 percent or worse from the line in five of his last six seasons, including a career-low 61.7 percent last season.

First-round Targets: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)

Second-round Targets: Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets), Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)

Third round and later: Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz), Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans), Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors), Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)

2024-25 Top 12 for free-throw percentage punt builds:

1. Nikola Jokić
2. Victor Wembanyama
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
5. Anthony Davis
6. Luka Dončić
7. Dyson Daniels
8. Tyrese Haliburton
9. Karl-Anthony Towns
10. Walker Kessler
11. Evan Mobley
12. Ivica Zubac

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2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Draft Prep Guide: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, mock draft results, and more

The Rotoworld Basketball staff is excited to set you up for success, both on draft day and throughout the 2025-26 season. This year is especially exciting as the NBA returns to NBC and streams on Peacock, and we’re ready to bring you the fantasy coverage to match.

On this page, you’ll find links to all of our preseason content in one place. We have rankings in various formats, position breakdowns, mock draft analysis, and general draft strategy.

And this is just scratching the surface of what we'll have to offer. As the NBA preseason ramps up, we’ll continue adding fresh rankings, analysis, and strategy articles. Bookmark this page and check back often to stay ahead of your league.

Happy drafting season!

2025 FANTASY BASKETBALL RANKINGS

Preseason Top 200 led by Jokić, SGA (UPDATED OCT 9 - LeBron James injury)

Dynasty Top 300: Wemby, SGA, and Cooper Flagg’s arrival

Top 10 rookies led by Cooper Flagg

Top 20 second-year player rankings led by Clingan, Sarr

2025 FANTASY BASKETBALL POSITION BREAKDOWNS, PLAYER PROFILES

Top 50 Fantasy Basketball Guards

Top 50 Fantasy Basketball Forwards

Top 50 Fantasy Basketball Centers

2025 FANTASY BASKETBALL MOCK DRAFTS

Rotoworld Basketball Expert Mock Draft Show

️ Written Analysis from Expert Mock Draft Show

Salary Cap Mock Draft: Jokic, SGA command high prices

2025 FANTASY BASKETBALL STRATEGY ARTICLES

15 Tips to Make Your Draft Day (and Season) More Fun

Breakout Picks: Can Reed Sheppard, Toumani Camara take a leap?

Projecting the Top 25 players for 2030

Who to pair with Jokic, Wembanyama, Antetokounmpo

Franz Wagner, Zion Williamson headline staff favorites in drafts

Jalen Brunson, James Harden among staff fades based on ADP

Top three-point targets include Payton Pritchard, Norman Powell

Dynasty Sleepers: Kyshawn George and Nikola Jović among names to watch

LeBron James, Paolo Banchero among players to avoid in drafts

Hacking the Default Rankings

Fantasy Basketball Category Punt Guide for 2025-26

Draft Tips and Beginners’ Guide for Fantasy Basketball

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Sources: Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors agree to two-year, $48.5M contract

Sources: Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors agree to two-year, $48.5M contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

At long last, the Warriors’ months-long standoff with restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga has reached its end.

A day before the deadline for Kuminga to accept the qualifying offer, the 22-year-old on Tuesday agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million contract to return to Golden State with a team option on the second year, sources confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson. ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report the news via Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner.

As the summer-long negotiations persisted, the Warriors ended up increasing their offer to Kuminga by a total of $8 million over the next two years and guaranteed him approximately $15 million more than his qualifying offer would have for this season, Charania reported.

Kuminga’s absence in the Bay hung like a cloud over Warriors Media Day on Monday and the first day of NBA training camp Tuesday, but coach Steve Kerr insisted he wasn’t concerned about the situation and, through conversations with general manager Mike Dunleavy, was confident the two sides would strike a deal.

Until Tuesday, Kuminga and the Warriors had not been unable to find common ground in July, August and all of September, save a few hours, bringing Golden State’s offseason to a standstill.

Entering restricted free agency, it was unclear which direction the Warriors might go with Kuminga, a player many within the organization love but at times hasn’t fit well with Golden State’s scheme centered around Steph Curry, and especially now with the addition of veteran Jimmy Butler.

But it’s clear both the Warriors and Kuminga want to continue their partnership for the time being.

Now that the Kuminga situation has been resolved, the Warriors officially can fill out their roster with free agents. The team has both Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton committed to contracts they couldn’t sign until the Kuminga situation was figured out, and it is widely believed that Steph Curry’s brother, Seth Curry, also is waiting to come on board.

In four seasons with Golden State, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game on 50.7-percent shooting from the field and 33.2 percent from 3-point range in 258 games (84 starts).

With the option to craft a new contract next summer, Kuminga now will have the chance to prove whether or not he’s worth an even larger payday when he takes the court with Golden State during the 2025-26 NBA season.

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Spurs' De'Aaron Fox to miss start of season recovering from hamstring injury

If the Spurs are going to leap up into the playoffs in a crowded West, it's going to involve two things. One is Victor Wembanyama staying healthy and taking another leap forward. The other is point guard De'Aaron Fox and Wembanyama developing chemistry, forming an unstoppable inside-out combo that drives the offense.

The second part of that is on hold. Fox confirmed at Spurs media day that he is still recovering from a right hamstring injury and added, "I don't think I'll be ready for opening night."

Fox made this sound like the classic push-and-pull between a player who is feeling better and a team's medical staff, which understands just how easy it is to reinjure a hamstring that seems fully healed but needs more time.

"I feel good. I felt like I could have played a little bit ago, but they're not letting me," Fox said, adding later the target is a Nov. 1 return. "We're taking it day-by-day, but I feel great."

This is the first season the Spurs are supposed to be done rebuilding and start climbing up the Western standings. Wembanyama is in his third year and is the preseason heavy favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, while also taking another step forward on offense. The question becomes how does a backcourt of Fox, No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle all mesh.

Again, the second part of that is now on hold until around Nov. 1.

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How Warriors star Steph Curry has evolved offseason prep entering 17th season

How Warriors star Steph Curry has evolved offseason prep entering 17th season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors superstar Steph Curry continues to evolve entering Year 17 of his career. 

The 37-year-old guard is wrapping up an offseason that featured a book release, a trip to China and his annual youth camp. It also, of course, featured a conditioning regimen to keep himself in shape ahead of another 82-game season. 

That offseason conditioning programs looks much different than it did heading into his 2009-10 rookie season. 

“It’s evolved based on trying to be more efficient with the work that you get in and more intentional about how each day is designed on-court, off-court,” Curry said about his offseason conditioning on Monday at Warriors Media Day. 

New data-tracking technology has come into play, with metrics such as heart rate and time on feet driving the construction of an offseason regimen, according to Curry. 

“All those type[s] of things that help monitor the output that you have over the summer so that you’re working smarter and coming into camp fresh knowing that there’s still a little bit of building to go,” Curry explained, “But that I’m in pretty good shape where you’re not putting your body through any unnecessary stress with that transition from off-season to in-season.” 

Balance is key for Curry’s preparation heading into his 17th season. As an established scoring sensation, his on-court skill set does not need much improvement, if at all. Maintaining health and conditioning is the priority for the Warriors’ superstar. 

“Probably the first decade was more on-court than off-court and that’s actually flipped now where it’s probably 60-40 off-court to on-court percentage now,” Curry noted. 

Curry has played in 70-plus games in each of the last two seasons. It is the first time he has logged that many games in consecutive years since the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. 

His 16 seasons with the Warriors is the most with a single team among active NBA players. Last season, he averaged 24.5 points per game while shooting 44.8 percent from the field. Curry led the league with 3-point field goals made (4.4) and attempted (11.2) per game. 

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Forsberg: Tatum's injury recovery has potential to be ‘unprecedented'

Forsberg: Tatum's injury recovery has potential to be ‘unprecedented' originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics have taken a “no ceilings” approach to Jayson Tatum’s recovery, and it’s easy to see why.

Tatum has aggressively attacked his rehab from the very beginning. He underwent surgery in New York less than 12 hours after rupturing his Achilles tendon at Madison Square Garden in Game 4 of the Celtics’ second-round playoff series with the New York Knicks. He spent essentially his entire offseason in Boston, working out regularly at the Celtics’ training facility under the guise of trainers and medical staff. And about four months after his initial injury, he’s already participating in basketball drills, which he documented in an eye-opening YouTube video over the weekend.

Tatum’s recovery has impressed his Celtics teammates, several of whom admitted to Insider Chris Forsberg at Monday’s Media Day that they were surprised to see the All-Star forward going through a basketball workout this soon after a surgery that keeps many players sidelined for a full year.

While Tatum is the latest in a long line of NBA players who suffered Achilles injuries — most notably Dejounte Murray, Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton this past season — Forsberg believes Tatum could set a new standard with how swiftly he recovers.

“I think we’re watching something potentially unprecedented in terms of how quickly he can get back to a high level,” Forsberg said Monday on Arbella Early Edition. “There are still a lot of hurdles to go. It’s still a long time. I don’t think they’re going to rush this at all. But you can’t watch that video and then say, ‘Oh, a 200-day season and he’s not going to be back.'”

Tatum’s surgery was performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley, a renowned surgeon who reportedly has performed a special type of Achilles surgery called the “SpeedBridge” repair that can lead to a faster recovery time. It’s still unclear whether Tatum had that specific procedure, but nonetheless, he seems to be on the cutting edge of his rehab in several respects.

“You have to understand, they got him into surgery at an unprecedented rate,” Forsberg added. “No one has ever torn their Achilles and then been into surgery less than 12 hours before. Nobody who has (had) this injury in the NBA has gotten this Speedbridge procedure in that situation and then been back to rehabbing on this aggressive timeline.

“This might set a precedent for how we view this injury, and I know that’s daunting, because you never want to be the first one … but every indication is, he is progressing at a rate where we at least have to think about these conversations.”

Tatum admitted he has a date circled on his calendar for when he wants to be “100 percent,” and that he plans to make his return at a home game. So, what might that date be? It’s all speculation for now, but Forsberg is revising his initial prediction of March 4.

“I’m gonna move it up. I’m into February now, and maybe I’ll be in January at some point,” Forsberg said. “I can’t watch that tape and not think to myself he’s going to be back on a basketball court sooner than later, as long as everyone is confident he cannot re-aggravate this injury, and he is at a point where the strength is enough.”