Category: Basketball

Nineteen games. The season before, 39.

That's how many games Joel Embiid has played since his MVP season. While he remains a dominant force when on the court, he comes into this season off another arthroscopic left knee surgery in April, with no timetable for his return this season, he said at 76ers media day. While that is concerning, Embiid said that there was a plan in place.

"The goal is to play consistently," Embiid said, via the Associated Press. He later added, "I think going forward, we're just going to listen to the body. I'll be honest and say it's going to be unpredictable at times, and that's OK. We're going to work with that."
There was also no timetable for Paul George's return to the court. He had arthroscopic surgery on his knee in July after injuring it during a workout. That said, both George and Embiid are largely expected to be ready to go early in the season (if not opening night).

Embiid and George being healthy is at the heart of the 76ers' potential — if things mostly go right, this team could be a contender in the East. That starts with Embiid, who averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game when he was on the court last season.

"I want to play. I want to play every single game," Embiid said. "I've been pretty unlucky when it comes to that compared to most NBA players."
The 76ers opened training camp this week before flying to the United Arab Emirates for two preseason games in Abu Dhabi (against the Knicks).

Philadelphia already had some unlucky injury news to start the season as second-year guard Jared McCain tore a ligament in his thumb and will miss the start of the season. Philly needs McCain to show that his fast start to last season was not a fluke, and it also needs Tyrese Maxey to play like an All-Star, rookie V.J. Edgecombe to provide athleticism and a spark, and it needs its veterans — guys like Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Kelly Oubre and Kyle Lowry — to pump the team up when needed.

However, if the 76ers want to be a threat in the East, what they need most of all is a healthy Embiid.

"I've had so many injuries," Embiid said. "The only thing I've always told myself is you can't give up."

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics are expecting a smooth ownership transition - and not just because much of the old brain trust is sticking around.

New owner Bill Chisholm says he isn't going to mess with the success of the people who won two NBA championships in their 23 years in charge.

“Let’s do whatever we can to win championships and raise banners, and raise as many as we can,” he said in a news conference on Thursday, flanked by former lead owner Wyc Grousbeck, incumbent president Rich Gotham and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. “I will do whatever it takes, whatever the Boston Celtics need me to do.”

A Massachusetts native who made his money in private equity, Chisholm leads a group that will pay at least $6.1 billion for the Celtics - at the time, a record price for an American professional sports franchise; the NBA unanimously approved the deal last month. He told reporters on Thursday that the opportunity to buy into his favorite team was too good to pass up.

“The Celtics have brought me joy my entire life,” he said. “I feel like I have something to add here. This was an opportunity that was a dream that came true. For me to have this chance, I would never forgive myself if I didn’t go for it.”

Grousbeck and co-owner Steve Pagliuca led a group that bought the Celtics in 2002 for $360 million and presided over an era in which the Celtics won two NBA titles, lost in the Finals two other times and made the playoffs in 20 of 23 seasons. The team’s most recent title came in 2024, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Grousbeck said he will continue with the team as the CEO for five years - with no plans to leave after that. His ownership share will dip below the 15% required for him to continue as the team’s designated governor for league matters, though, so he will serve as alternate governor.

“I’m staying in, shoulder-to-shoulder with Bill,” he said. “I want a third ring. And then I want a fourth ring. I’ve got two, it’s a nice start.”

In all, Grousbeck said, more than half of the old ownership group will be sticking around, along with Stevens, Gotham and coach Joe Mazzulla.

But there should be no question who is in charge.

“There’s a governor, and the governor has the final say, and that’s me,” Chisholm said. “Ultimately, I’m the one responsible.”

Chisholm said he supported the idea of a WNBA team in Boston.

The Connecticut Sun are for sale, and Pagliuca offered to buy them and move them to Boston. (Pagliuca also made an offer for the Celtics but was outbid by Chisholm.)

But the league nixed the deal, saying cities that had already applied for expansion teams were a higher priority.

“It’s definitely something we’re going to look at. And I know the (WNBA) has a process,” Chisholm said. “We’ll do what we can to expedite things. There’s a process there. But philosophically it makes so much sense.”

Chisholm also sounded like he wasn't eager to move out of TD Garden, which the Celtics share with the NHL's Boston Bruins, saying “we've got a great thing going right now.”

“I really like the Boston Garden, personally. More importantly, the team and the players really like the Boston Garden. And equally important, the fans really like the Boston Garden. So that’s a starting point,” he said. “The second thing is I think the Celtics and the Bruins belong together."

Also meeting the media on Thursday was Aditya Mittal, the son of one of India’s richest men and the CEO of a ArcelorMittal, the second-largest steel-producing company in the world. He said he first visited Boston in the 1980s and attended a Celtics game at the old Boston Garden.

“It was magical,” he said. “I fell in love with it.”

Chisholm takes over the team in a bit of a transition just two seasons after its latest title.

Tatum is recovering from surgery to repair the ruptured right Achilles tendon he suffered in Boston’s Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the New York Knicks, dooming the Celtics’ hopes of a repeat.

And in order to avoid the second apron penalties of the NBA’s salary tax, the Celtics traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis - key parts of the title-winning team – this summer. Grousbeck said those deals would have happened even if the team wasn’t sold.

Stevens said the deals weren’t about the financial penalties as much as the roster restrictions: If Boston had been over the second apron at the time, it would not have been able to acquire Porzingis, Holiday or Derrick White in the first place.

“You have to give yourself the flexibility and opportunity to jump at the right deals. You don’t always know when those are present themselves,” Stevens said. “So the second apron was the key.”

Chisholm said his message to the basketball operations crew is “Let’s go for it, but let’s do it in a reasonable way.”

“The flexibility the Brad talks about, I think that’s paramount to doing that," he said. "But, ultimately, we’re going to do everything we can to win. It’s job No. 1.”

Quentin Grimes wants to capitalize on his red-hot finish to last season after being traded to Philadelphia. The 76ers remain $1.7 million below the luxury tax line this season — despite having two players in Joel Embiid and Paul George making north of $50 million this season — and don't want to mess with future flexibility for a roster where there is great potential but a lot of questions.

That is likely to lead to a one-year deal between Grimes and Philly, something that has seemed likely from earlier reporting and was confirmed by Michael Scotto of Hoopshype. Grimes was seeking a long-term offer starting north of $17 million (approximately $20 million per season or close to it), and the Sixers' first formal offer was significantly below that, at four years, $39 million, Grimes' agent, David Bauman, told Scotto. The Sixers have pushed back on that idea as a formal offer and it was simply part of a negotiation.

However the sides wish to spin it, they are too far apart to find common ground on a long-term deal before the Oct. 1 deadline (when Grimes would have to pick up his qualifying offer). That has the sides moving toward a one-year contract. Scotto added details on that.

At this point, the 76ers have formally offered Grimes a one-year deal that's slightly higher than his qualifying offer of $8.7 million with the caveat that he'd waive his no-trade clause, league sources told HoopsHype. For Grimes to waive his no-trade clause flexibility on any one-year deal, Philadelphia's offer would preferably be somewhere north of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($14 million) and $19 million range, league sources told HoopsHype.

Grimes has made a total of $11.1 million across four NBA seasons, so taking the qualifying offer at $8.7 million more than doubles what he made in any one season of his career. That said, he doesn't want to leave money on the table now, and for Philly, if it offers him something like $15 million for the season, it retains his Bird rights and can pay more next summer to keep him if it wishes. That said, anything north of $9.8 million pushes the Sixers above the first apron of the luxury tax, somewhat limiting their ability to make in-season moves.

Grimes wants to cash in on the red-hot 28 games he had with the 76ers after the trade deadline last season, when he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists a game. Philadelphia is deep with guards, including Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain (who will miss the start of the season with a thumb injury) and just-drafted VJ Edgecombe. Grimes' role this season will be a smaller one than he had at the end of last season, but still a key one as a starter or sixth man, and how much are the 76ers willing to pay for that?

We will find out by Oct. 1.

The 2025-26 NBA season is fast approaching, and what better time to break down Rotoworld’s positional rankings?

You can find our Top 50 guards here and our Top 50 forwards here. Now, it’s time to break down the top-50 big men.

In the realm of fantasy hoops, Nikola Jokic has reigned supreme as the top center and fantasy’s top player for the better part of the last five seasons. He’s been mostly untouchable thanks to his elite passing abilities and penchant for stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis. Third-year phenom Victor Wembanyama can get it done in a number of ways, but is he a legitimate threat to dethrone Joker as fantasy’s top center?

Here’s how we value the top 50 centers in fantasy basketball for the 2025-26 season, starting with Joker.

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.

• Rotoworld Staff,

1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 2.0 three-pointers

There’s Nikola Jokic, and then there’s everyone else. Over the last five seasons, Joker has won three MVPs and arguably should have won five straight.

But we’re not here to talk about voter fatigue.

Jokic became just the third player - and first center - in NBA history to average a triple-double when he reached double figures in points, rebounds and assists during the 2024-25 campaign. Most impressively, he ranked top-5 in all three of those categories and, surprisingly, also in steals.

He became the first player in NBA history with a 30/20/20 game when he dropped 31/21/22 in an OT victory over the Suns on March 7, showcasing his monstrous upside to win fantasy managers their weeks on the back of just one game.

Simply put, Jokic is in a class of his own, and his gaudy numbers across multiple key categories keep him in the conversation as fantasy basketball’s top overall player.

2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 blocks, 3.1 three-pointers

Wemby is the only other center whose name can be whispered in the same breath as Joker’s. The extraterrestrial landed in 2023 with a resounding Rookie of the Year campaign, and he was even better in Year 2.

Wemby’s skillset is freakish, and his out-of-this-world contributions on the defensive end give him an elite boost in the realm of fantasy hoops. Injuries derailed a promising 2024-25 season, but availability is the only concern here.

He should be a 20/10/3 guy who averages close to five steals+blocks per contest, making him a guy who can challenge Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for fantasy’s top spot.

3. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks, 2.0 three-pointers made

Towns’ production had seen a steady decline in consecutive seasons in Minnesota, but the move to New York revitalized his career and propelled him back into the top-10 in fantasy hoops.

A perennial first-rounder, KAT’s fantasy appeal waned before his trade to the Knicks, but his value is at an all-time high. New York gave him the starting center gig, and for much of the season, he led the Association in rebounds per game.

Towns found his groove as the 1b to Jalen Brunson’s 1a on offense while chipping in serviceable defensive numbers to go with an elite effort on the glass.

Mitchell Robinson’s availability could eat into Towns’ rebounding numbers marginally, but there’s no reason to think the latter will cause a major disruption to another top-10 campaign for the Big KAT.

4. Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.8 blocks, 0.3 three-pointers

Sengun is Jokic 3.0, or Domantas Sabonis 2.0, depending on how you look at it. He’s a gifted passing center, which is typically a cheat code in the realm of fantasy hoops.

The big man grabbed a career-high 10.3 rebounds per game, but he took a step back across most other statistical categories. Most notably, Sengun’s shooting percentages regressed, and he shot below 50% from the field and 70% from the charity stripe.

His defensive contributions don’t show up as gaudy numbers in the box score, and he’s not a gifted three-point shooter. Sengun is a traditional center who thrives in the paint, but he doesn’t boast elite FG% or blocks as some of his peers with a similar skillset do.

Fantasy managers drafting him will have to bank on improved efficiency and a significant step forward in assists if they hope for him to reach his ceiling.

5. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year didn’t rack up blocks and steals at an elite clip like some of his contemporaries, but make no mistake about it, he is a lethal defender. Mobley finished 10th in blocks overall and 15th in steals among centers.

Mobley isn’t looked at as a premier passer in the same way that Jokic, Sengun and Sabonis are, but he’s quite an effective playmaker from his position.

He matched his career high in assists in 2024-25 while posting a new career best in the scoring department. His rebounds and defensive contributions were in line with previous seasons’ production, but he took a noticeable step forward as a shooter.

Mobley tripled his three-pointers from 0.4 to 1.2 without sacrificing efficiency. His FG% slipped to 55.7%, but it was a negligible change from the 58% he shot a season ago. Mobley also knocked down a career-best 72.5% of his shots from the charity stripe.

Strong production across the board, improved efficiency and the addition of a three-point shot propelled Mobley into the second round in 2024-25, and fantasy managers should expect the same in 2025-26.

6. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks, 0.9 three-pointers

Sabonis led the Association in triple-doubles during the 2023-24 campaign before ceding that title to Jokic last season. In lieu of a second straight triple-double title, he picked up the rebounding title while corralling nearly 14 boards per game.

Sabonis is an otherworldly passer at his position, and he’s consistently among the league leaders in rebounds. A lack of strong defensive contributions in the box score and absence of an outside shot have kept him out of the top-3 conversation, and there’s no reason to expect a drastic change in any of those categories in 2025-26.

7. Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.0 blocks, 2.2 three-pointers

Indiana’s longest-tenured player finally departed last offseason. After nearly a decade of trade rumors and speculation, Turner will suit up for another squad in 2025-26.

Brook Lopez went west when he signed with the Clippers, and Turner will fill in the vacant center position in Milwaukee. Bobby Portis is an excellent backup, but Turner should get the lion’s share of minutes at the position.

Milwaukee’s depth chart isn’t exactly deep at any position, so fantasy managers should expect plenty of playing time, plenty of touches and strong production. Turner isn’t an adept rebounder, but he’s a perfect BroLo replacement - a center who likes to block shots and step outside for a three-pointer. Another top-50 season is on the horizon.

8. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.2 blocks, 1.4 three-pointers

Holmgren, much like Turner above, had a pretty forgettable playoff run. Fortunately for fantasy managers, only regular season stats are counted.

After missing the entirety of what would have been his rookie season due to a broken foot, Holmgren roared back with 82 games in 2023-24. Following that fully-healthy campaign, he appeared in just 32 games in 2024-25 after fracturing his hip early in the season.

Holmgren’s 2024-25 numbers were comparable to those in 2023-24 despite playing two fewer minutes. His efficiency dipped slightly, but we’ll cut him a break, as he was playing at less than 100%. He finished just inside the fourth round in per-game fantasy value, but he has first-round upside. Fantasy managers can get Holmgren at a discount on draft day and should take advantage of the value.

9. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.0 three-pointers

For the fifth straight season, Adebayo averaged these numbers or better: 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and 0.7 blocked shots. Consistency is key with the big man, and fantasy managers spending a mid-round selection on him will get a well-established floor. The emergence of Kel’El Ware in Miami’s double-big lineups didn’t hamper Adebayo’s production, and he should be in line for another productive season. Tyler Herro’s absence to start the season could mean more offensive looks for the big man, as he averaged 24.8 points across four games without Herro last season. The emergence of a three-point shot gives Bam’s fantasy skillset another dimension, though it did result in his first season shooting under 50% from the field.

10. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

The force was truly strong with “Zubacca” in 2024-25 as the big man enjoyed the best statistical season of his career, posting career highs in points and rebounds and assists.

He finished 30th in per-game fantasy value and was ninth overall in total value thanks to his 80 games played.

Zubac tied for second-most 20-rebound games (5) and games with 20 points and 20 boards (4). LA’s center depth is a little better than it was a season ago thanks to the addition of Brook Lopez, but Lopez is a three-and-D center who won’t eat significantly into Zoob’s traditional role in the paint. He might not be a top-30 guy again, but he could push for top-50 numbers.

11. Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.8 three-pointers

Rumors of his demise are greatly exaggerated each and every season. This guy just won’t go away! Fantasy managers continue to balk at drafting him in the third through fifth rounds of fantasy drafts, as they wait for a dropoff that doesn’t seem to be coming anytime soon.

Vooch finished 47th in per-game and 12th in totals last season while appearing in 73 games. He’s been the model of consistency and durability throughout his career, and until Chicago finally moves him, there’s no reason to expect a sharp dropoff in production.

12. Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals, 2.4 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers

After a noticeable dip in points and boards from Year 1 to Year 2, Kessler came roaring back to life in Year 3 with career highs in both categories and his usual allotment of swats. The big man is dreadful at the free-throw line, but he offers a reliable floor thanks to his elite rebounding, FG% and blocks. He finished inside the top-50 in per-game production a season ago and should have similar output in 2025-26. The Jazz currently have veterans Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love backing up Kessler, but it would be shocking if either player was on the roster by the end of the season.

13. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Allen finished the 2024-25 campaign with a four-year low in points and five-year lows in rebounds and minutes. He swatted less than one shot per game for the first time in his career, though his FG% represents a new career best. Cleveland cut playing time for its starters across the board, choosing to share the love and trust the bench. The formula worked as the Cavs won 64 games and secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference. With Cleveland’s “anti-Thibodeau” rotation methodology and the continued ascension of Evan Mobley, don’t expect a big shift in numbers from Allen in 2025-26.

14. Kristaps Porziņģis, Atlanta Hawks

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.5 blocks, 2.5 three-pointers

As always, availability should be at the forefront of fantasy managers’ minds when considering Porzingis on draft day. The big man is consistently ranked in the top-30 in per-game fantasy value, and he’s got a monster ceiling to go off on any given night. The problem is his injury history and lack of games played throughout his career. KP could have some strong performances in Atlanta, but with a depth of talent in the frontcourt, the Hawks won’t rush him out on the court if he’s not at 100%. He’s a fine later-round fantasy selection with a ton of built-in risk.

15. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers

In two seasons since winning the MVP in 2022-23, Embiid has appeared in just 58 games. He was limited to just 19 last season and looked far from healthy when on the court. The knee injury that hampered him surely contributed to his sharp decline in production, and it eventually required surgery. It’s unclear if he’ll be ready for opening night, and fantasy managers taking a shot on him can’t spend an early-round pick given the massive risk. When healthy, he’s got No. 1 overall upside, but he simply can’t be trusted right now given the health concerns.

16. Mark Williams, Phoenix Suns

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Williams posted career highs in points, rebounds and assists last season while also knocking down a career-best 80.2% of his attempts from the charity stripe. Unfortunately, his 44 games played also represented a career high. Availability has been a glaring concern for Williams in his three years in the Association, as he’s appeared in just 106 of 246 total games. The big man was dealt to the Suns where he’ll presumably slot in as the team’s starting center. Rookie Khaman Maluach will be chomping at the bit behind him, and fantasy managers who take Williams would be wise to handcuff him with Maluach.

17. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 11.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Duren’s Year 3 production dipped slightly from Year 2, but that was in large part due to the three fewer minutes per game he played. His per-36 numbers were similar, indicating no significant dropoff when on the court. Duren’s points and rebounds slipped, but he set career highs in assists, steals, blocked shots and FG% (69.2). Detroit, much like Cleveland, was generous with its minutes distribution, and that trend should continue in 2025-26. Don’t expect huge minutes from Duren, but he can still be taken confidently as a late-round center option with top-75 upside.

18. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 6.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.6 blocks, 0.2 three-pointers

The lottery pick out of UConn made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign, filling in for Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams as needed and ending the season as Portland’s starting center. While his season-long numbers were solid, Clingan was even better as a starter. In 37 appearances with the first unit, the big man averaged 7.9 points, 10 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.1 blocked shots. His FG% isn’t elite, and his FT% is dreadful, but if you can stomach poor efficiency, you’ll get a 10/10 guy who can rack up defensive stats with the best of them.

19. Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, 0.6 three-pointers

Okongwu posted the best numbers of his career, setting new career-best marks in points, rebounds, assists, steals and triples. His 27.5 minutes per game were the most of his career, though he only started 42 of 74 games in which he played. Production hasn’t been an issue for Okongwu throughout his career. Getting on the court has been a major impediment to his growth, as the talented big man has had to play behind Clint Capela and now faces the challenge of competing with Kristaps Porzingis and a surging Jalen Johnson. The talent and skillset are there for Okongwu to be a fantasy stud, but will he get the time he needs?

20. Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Poeltl posted career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and minutes (29.6) in 2024-25, and his tremendous season earned him a four-year, $104 million extension in July. Set to anchor Toronto’s frontcourt for the foreseeable future, expect the big man to approach 30 minutes and rack up plenty of counting stats. The Raptors’ center depth is bereft of big-time talent, setting Poeltl up nicely to push for another career year.

21. Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.0 block, 0.2 three-pointers

Ayton has been a slow and steady contributor since getting drafted first overall in 2018, but his production has never been elite. Last season saw him tie his career low in points and finish with the second-lowest rebound mark of his career. Don’t expect a bounce-back in the scoring department as he plays alongside LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. Ayton should see big minutes at center for a team that’s desperately needed a quality big man, so a 10/10 season with a block and efficient FG% seems like a reasonable projection.

22. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 12.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.4 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

At this point in his career, Gobert is an unremarkable, yet serviceable, fantasy option with a low ceiling. His 12 points per game represent a 10-year low, and his 10.9 boards and 1.4 blocks are his second-lowest marks in that span. Gobert’s floor is a 10/10 average with low turnovers, high FG% and a block per game, but he’s certainly not going to thrill fantasy managers with those numbers. He’s best viewed as a late-round center option with a steady floor and limited upside.

23. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

Hartenstein enjoyed a strong finish to the 2023-24 campaign, making the most of his extended playing time and usage due to numerous frontcourt injuries in New York. He departed after the season and got paid by OKC, showing the team’s faith in the newly-acquired big man. Hartenstein made good on OKC’s pay day, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots and minutes. Hartenstein issued the first month of the season due to injury, but he hit the ground running, playing key minutes in the frontcourt while Chet Holmgren was sidelined. Hartenstein should continue to see solid minutes alongside Holmgren, but if Holmgren doesn’t miss over half the season, the former’s production could take a hit.

24. Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.5 blocks, 1.6 three-pointers

Sarr was effective as a rookie, showcasing his offensive versatility and defensive prowess with strong production as a three-point shooter and shot-blocker. The big man logged 27.1 minutes per game as a rookie, but he should see north of 30 minutes per game in Year 2 with even less competition for touches and playing time. Washington’s roster is one of the youngest and expected to finish with one of the worst records in the Association. The team is fully committed to its young core, of which Sarr is the centerpiece. He’s an intriguing, late-round center option in fantasy basketball drafts.

25. Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.4 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers

Though Claxton logged 70 games last season, he played at less than 100% for much of the campaign as he battled a nagging back injury. He logged only 26.9 minutes, but court time wasn’t the main reason for his dip in production. Claxton’s per-36 numbers were lower than they were in each of the last two seasons, but there’s optimism for 2025-26. If Claxton can come into the season healthy and push for 28-30 minutes, he can be a mid-round center option with strong rebound and block numbers. He finished outside the top-120 last season, but he should be better moving forward, making him a value pick in fantasy drafts.

26. Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

27. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, 0.3 three-pointers

28. Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.8 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

29. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.3 three-pointers

30. Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

31. Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

32. Brook Lopez, LA Clippers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.9 blocks, 1.7 three-pointers

33. Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 9.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.5 three-pointers

34. Kel’El Ware, Miami Heat

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.5 three-pointers

35. Isaiah Jackson, Indiana Pacers

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

36. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets

Position: C

2024-25 college stats (Creighton): 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.7 blocks, 0.6 three-pointers

37. Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans

Position: C

2024-25 college stats (Maryland): 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.2 three-pointers

38. Jay Huff, Indiana Pacers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.3 three-pointers

39. Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns

Position: C

2024-25 college stats (Duke): 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.2 steals, 1.3 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers

40. Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

41. Jonas Valančiūnas, Denver Nuggets

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers

42. Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.3 blocks, 1.1 three-pointers

43. Al Horford, Free Agent

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.9 three-pointers

44. Moussa Diabaté, Charlotte Hornets

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 5.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

45. Chris Boucher, Boston Celtics

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.4 three-pointers

46. Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 9.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.9 three-pointers

47. Jusuf Nurkić, Utah Jazz

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 8.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks, 0.6 three-pointers

48. Hansen Yang, Portland Trail Blazers

Position: C

2024-25 international stats (Qingdao, Chinese Basketball Association): 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 2.6 blocks, 0.4 three-pointers

49. Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies

Positions: PF/C

2024-25 stats: 8.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

50. Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics

Position: C

2024-25 stats: 5.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — J.J. Redick showed he could handle the job in his first season as the Los Angeles Lakers head coach, leading the team to 50 wins and the No. 3 seed.

That was enough for general manager Rob Pelinka and the Lakers organization to give Redick a contract extension, Pelinka announced Thursday.

"Confidence and belief," Pelinka said as to why he wanted to give his coach an extension after just one season. "We think he's a special coach with a special voice that's really helping us to continue to define the culture of Lakers excellence. We just wanted to make a clear statement that this is what we believe in, what we're going to lean into, and what our players are going to mold into as we continue to develop the identity. I think having long-term planning is helpful as we build this team and go forward."

There were no details on the extension, but Redick had three years remaining on the contract he signed just more than a year ago. A good guess is that this aligns Redick's contract with Pelinka's.

"I think it starts with just a high level of gratitude to the Lakers, to Mark [Walters, incoming team owner], Jeannie [Buss, team governor], and Rob for having that confidence in me," Redick said. "And it's not lost on me the sort of rarity of a first-time head coach getting an extension. Like I recognize how fortunate I am to be with an organization that supports me that way."

Redick also discussed what he learned in his first year on the job, and how he plans to approach it in the future.

"I thought about a lot of things. You certainly reflect on the previous season, both successes and failures, and you do a lot of self-assessment, and that was really where I spent a lot of the first probably four to six weeks, was on sort of self-assessment," Redick said of his offseason. "But I would say the two words that immediately, when you ask that question, pop into my mind are philosophy and methodology, the philosophy of how we want to play, the methodology as a coach of how I want to teach that. And so that's where I spent a lot of time this summer."

Redick and Pelinka talked all things Lakers for more than half an hour at the Lakers practice facility in the days before training camp opens next Tuesday. Among the topics covered:

• LeBron James' future in Los Angeles. Entering his 23rd season, when he will turn 41, LeBron remains a crucial part of the Lakers' attack this season. He will also be a free agent after this season. Will he return to the Lakers? Retire?

"The first thing we want to do in terms of LeBron and his future is just give him absolute respect to choose his story with his family in terms of how many years he's going to continue to play," Pelinka said. "He's earned that right."

Pelinka added, as he has before, that he would love LeBron to retire a Laker. Whether that happens or not is another question.

• Luka Doncic's leadership. The Lakers signed Luka Doncic to an extension, and as part of that process, Pelinka and Buss traveled to Poland to meet with him and watch him play in a EuroBasket game for Slovenia. Outside of Doncic looking fit, it was his leadership that impressed Pelinka.

"I think the thing that probably stood out among many things... just his overall leadership tone and how he not only led by example, but he was very demonstrative in the practice in terms of his expectations of the team, how they played, their togetherness," Pelinka said. "And I think just seeing that continued evolution and growth with him is not only a leader by example, but a leader with his voice really stood out to me, and I think it's something that's going to carry into camp this year."

Doncic was shocked when he was traded in the middle of last season, then landed on a team with the commanding presence of LeBron in the locker room. Understandably, Doncic didn't walk in the door a vocal leader, but that may change this season.

As for his improved conditioning, Redick said this is not just a one-summer thing, but rather a new routine.

"I get the sense from talking to him all summer or spending time with him, not only just here but at the Backstreet Boys, that this is his life now," Redick said. "This is his routine. This is just a daily commitment to the new standard that he's set for himself."

Jared McCain was the early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year last season until a torn meniscus in December ended his season. This season, the 76ers are counting on him to take a step forward in his sophomore season as part of a promising young backcourt with Tyrese Maxey, Quentin Grimes (who is still negotiating his contract for this season) and No. 3 pick last June V.J. Edgecombe.

Now comes word that McCain will miss the start of the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb, the team announced.

This injury has hit other NBA players — most notably Paul George — and usually takes about a month to recover from.

Last season, McCain stood out to start the season, averaging 15.3 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds a game while shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc. He's also a standout NBA player on social media, most recently because of a team photo of him looking like he was about to bench 10-pound weights. McCain had fun with that and posted a video of himself doing bicep curls with a 2.5-pound dumbbell.

That was funny. To Sixers fans his injury is not as this team has the potential to be a contender in a down East, but only if everyone stays healthy.

In an NBA where a rim-protecting big man who shows some athleticism, can set screens and roll hard to the rim — and then finish — has real value, which is why a lot of teams have called and tried to pry Walker Kessler out of Utah. To no avail, he has remained the Jazz's starting center.

That doesn't mean Utah and Kessler are ready to ink his next contract. The sides remain well apart on a deal, and all signs point to Kessler playing out this season then becoming a restricted free agent next summer, reports Tony Jones at The Athletic.

"According to sources, [the Jazz] highly value Kessler and see him as a cornerstone to the future.... So, if the Jazz value Kessler so much, why not extend him now and lock him into a five-year deal?

The answer is simple: money. And the NBA is a business.

The Jazz see themselves trying to end their time near the bottom of the Western Conference standings as soon as next summer. By not signing Kessler now, he would have a cap hold of $14.9 million next summer, which would give the Jazz enough space to keep Kessler's hold and still do work in free agency.

If the Jazz signed Kessler to a contract extension worth a hypothetical $25 million a season, then next summer Kessler would count for $25 million against the salary cap, reducing the money the Jazz would have in free agency. Because Utah has Kessler's Bird rights, they can make whatever moves they want next summer and then re-sign Kessler (and go over the cap to do it).

The risk is that other teams have cap space next summer and could come in and try to poach Kessler with a contract that Utah doesn't want to match (the Lakers have had interest in him before and will have cap space next summer). That is not likely, however, regardless of how many other teams have cap space. Ask this year's restricted free agents Jonathan Kuminga, Quentin Grimes and Cam Thomas about that — restricted free agency favors the team that has the rights.

Kessler played in 58 games last season averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks a game. He is a plus defender in the paint who doesn't shoot a lot, but he does he's efficient shooting 66% last season.

For this season, Kessler stays in Utah and plays for his next contract, which also most likely will be in Utah. If he builds on those numbers from last season, it just gets more expensive for the Jazz to keep him.

Quentin Grimes and the Philadelphia 76ers would both love to work out a four-year contract that would lock in the 25-year-old guard who was one of the few bright spots for the team after the trade deadline. The problem is that the sides view the money side of the deal very differently.

Which means Grimes could end up taking the $8.7 million qualifying offer and becoming a free agent next summer. The sides are talking, but that doesn't mean they are close to a deal, reports Tony Jones of The Athletic.

Grimes has two offers on the table, according to sources. One is the qualifying offer, which is worth one year and $8.7 million. The other is a one-year balloon payment, which is designed for Grimes to waive the no-trade clause that would be attached to him accepting the qualifying offer.

The 76ers, league sources say, want to work out a long-term, four-year deal with Grimes, which is something that Grimes would actually be amenable to. The issue is what the money would be, and right now, the two sides are far apart on that.

Grimes reportedly was seeking something in the $20 million a season range from Philly, which wanted something less, considering it is currently just $1.7 million below the luxury tax line and may not want to cross that threshold without a sign this team can stay healthy and live up to its potential.

In 28 games with Philly last season, Grimes averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists a game. 76ers fans were dreaming of a guard rotation featuring Tyrese Maxey, Grimes, a healthy Jared McCain and just-drafted VJ Edgecombe. The problem is that you have to pay all those guys, and right now, the Sixers have Joel Embiid and Paul George making more than $50 million each, Maxey making $38 million, and in a couple of years, McCain and Edgecombe will be up for extensions.

Grimes has made a total of $11.1 million across four NBA seasons. This is a big opportunity to more than double his career earnings in one season. That is hard to walk away from, but it feels like this negotiation could go down to the Oct. 1 deadline when Grimes has to take the qualifying offer (as Cam Thomas has done in a similar situation), or sign something else.