Category: Basketball

Pre-camp Sixers questions: Will 2025-26 Sixers have any bargain role players?  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

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

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

So far, we’ve dived into: 

• Are the Sixers about to enter a true youth movement?

• Can the Sixers be a passable rebounding team?

Next up: Will the 2025-26 Sixers have any bargain role players? 

A giant chunk of the Sixers’ team salary for 2025-26 is dedicated to Joel Embiid ($55.2 million), Paul George ($51.7 million) and Tyrese Maxey ($38 million). 

That means low-cost, high-quality role players are a necessity. Recent success stories include Guerschon Yabusele and Kelly Oubre Jr., who both signed one-year, minimum-salary deals and became important players for the Sixers. 

This time around, Trendon Watford is a clear contender after he signed a two-year minimum contract with a team option in Year 2. Watford, 24, is coming off of his best NBA season. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists with the Nets. 

The Sixers’ hope is that Watford keeps doing a little bit of everything — passing, ball handling, defending different positions — and makes meaningful growth as a shooter. Watford shot 2.0 three-pointers per game last season and hit 33.0 percent. 

“I think I’ve made big-time progress, especially the last two years with my attempts continuing to go up,” Watford said at his introductory press conference in July. “Now it’s just continuing to work on it. Having three great players that will draw a lot of attention, I’ll be able to get a lot of wide-open shots. 

“Just stay in the gym, keep working on it and keep getting better year by year. That’s my goal, be better than I was last year.”

Unless a returning veteran such as Eric Gordon or Andre Drummond surprises with a much-improved year thanks to greater health, the next logical place to look is the Sixers’ youth.

Second-year players Justin Edwards and Adem Bona each have approximately $2 million salaries for the 2025-26 campaign. Edwards earned a new contract this offseason by playing like a legitimate NBA two-way wing as a rookie. 

“I feel like it just shows all the hard work I put in,” he said on July 2. “Going undrafted, I didn’t let it determine the rest of my basketball life. I just worked hard and did what I was able to do, and I got a contract out of it.”

Jared McCain ($4.2 million salary) is an obvious player to highlight. He posted 15.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game in a rookie year cruelly ended by a left lateral meniscus tear. McCain’s studied Stephen Curry and sure has some of his special offensive tools. Given McCain’s knack for learning quickly and shooting through slumps, major development in his second season wouldn’t be shocking at all. 

The Sixers inked No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe ($11.1 million) and No. 35 selection Johni Broome ($1.3 million) to rookie contracts this summer. And perhaps one of their two-way contract players — Jabari Walker, Hunter Sallis and Dominick Barlow — can emerge and prove worthy of a standard deal. The Sixers have made a decent amount of two-way conversions in recent years with players like Edwards, Paul Reed, Ricky Council IV and Shake Milton. 

Whoever shines, the Sixers’ reality is that they require a bargain or two. 

Why Warriors are reluctant to trade Jonathan Kuminga to Kings, per Sam Amick originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It appears the Warriors don’t want to lock up Jonathan Kuminga long-term, but they also don’t want him to potentially go elsewhere and thrive with another NBA team.

Especially, it seems, the NBA team 80 miles northeast in Sacramento.

As The Athletic’s Sam Amick shared on a recent appearance on Sactown Sports 1140’s “The Carmichael Dave Show,” a small factor that has kept Golden State hesitant to send Kuminga to the Kings partly is due to the fear of the 22-year-old breaking out in California’s state capital.

“Joe Lacob is eternally in love with Jonathan Kuminga,” Amick said Wednesday. “There is a sense from some people involved that there’s a real reluctance not only to finally quit him if you will, but to see him go up the road to another Northern California NBA team that’s run by a guy in Vivek Ranadivé, who used to be with the Warriors. And what if Kuminga blows up and becomes a total star?

“From a personal ownership dynamic level, there are some folks that feel like that could be playing a small part. Again, that’s not really relevant, because these other things are the real obstacles. But I mean, Joe — like a lot of owners — is very involved, too.”

As Amick emphasized, this only is a small factor among the overarching deterrants keeping Kuminga out of Sacramento.

The Kings offered veteran guard Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick to Golden State in exchange for the young forward, per multiple reports, but the Warriors don’t want any protections attached to the future draft pick, something Sacramento has been unwilling to offer at this point.

Plus, as Amick reported in a recent column, there are other financial obstacles in the way as Monk’s current contract runs through the 2027-28 season, when he has a player option worth $21.5 million. But the Warriors are adamant about having as much financial flexibility entering that 2027 summer, as they could chase big-name superstars such as Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo, who both have player options for the 2027-28 season.

Kuminga, in four seasons with the Warriors since being selected No. 7 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has averaged 12.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting, with 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22.0 minutes through 258 career games (84 starts).

He has been in and out of Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s rotation, and after registering multiple DNP-CDs to end the 2024-25 regular season and into the postseason, Kuminga has been firm about wanting a consistent, solidified role with a team, something Golden State has yet to make feasible, especially after the late-season acquisition of six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler.

The Phoenix Suns are the other team to have shown strong interest in Kuminga via a sign-and-trade deal, and while that still would be shipping their former first-round pick to a Western Conference rival, it would seem to be a lot less painful than watching him shine in Sacramento.

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Why Warriors are reluctant to trade Jonathan Kuminga to Kings, per Sam Amick originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It appears the Warriors don’t want to lock up Jonathan Kuminga long-term, but they also don’t want him to potentially go elsewhere and thrive with another NBA team.

Especially, it seems, the NBA team 80 miles northeast in Sacramento.

As The Athletic’s Sam Amick shared on a recent appearance on Sactown Sports 1140’s “The Carmichael Dave Show,” a small factor that has made Golden State hesitant to send Kuminga to the Kings is the fear of the 22-year-old breaking out in California’s state capital.

“Joe Lacob is eternally in love with Jonathan Kuminga,” Amick said Wednesday. “There is a sense from some people involved that there’s a real reluctance not only to finally quit him, if you will, but to see him go up the road to another Northern California NBA team that’s run by a guy in Vivek Ranadivé, who used to be with the Warriors. And what if Kuminga blows up and becomes a total star?

“From a personal ownership dynamic level, there are some folks that feel like that could be playing a small part. Again, that’s not really relevant, because these other things are the real obstacles. But I mean, Joe — like a lot of owners — is very involved, too.”

As Amick emphasized, this only is a small factor among the overarching deterrents keeping Kuminga out of Sacramento.

The Kings offered veteran guard Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick to Golden State in exchange for the young forward, per multiple reports, but the Warriors don’t want any protections attached to the future draft pick, something Sacramento has been unwilling to offer at this point.

Plus, as Amick reported in a recent column, there are other financial obstacles in the way as Monk’s current contract runs through the 2027-28 season, when he has a player option worth $21.5 million. But the Warriors are adamant about having as much financial flexibility entering that 2027 summer, as they could chase big-name superstars such as Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo, who both have player options for the 2027-28 season.

Kuminga, in four seasons with the Warriors since being selected No. 7 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has averaged 12.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting, with 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22.0 minutes through 258 career games (84 starts).

He has been in and out of Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s rotation, and after registering multiple DNP-CDs to end the 2024-25 regular season and into the postseason, Kuminga has been firm about wanting a consistent, solidified role with a team, something Golden State has yet to make feasible, especially after the late-season acquisition of six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler.

The Phoenix Suns are the other team to have shown strong interest in Kuminga via a sign-and-trade deal, and while that still would include the Warriors shipping their former first-round pick to a Western Conference rival, it would seem to be a lot less painful than watching him shine in Sacramento.

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A mock draft is one of the best ways to prepare for your fantasy basketball season. With a panel of NBA Fantasy experts, I hosted a 12-team, 9-category mock draft on Yahoo to analyze different strategies and values. From the first-overall pick to late-round sleepers, I'll break down my picks with commentary on player value, position scarcity, and which players might be worth a gamble. Full results for every team can be found at the end.

1- Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

You should consider Victor Wembanyama here too, but I still believe Jokic is the safer option. He's been the best fantasy asset across the past half-decade. Nothing should change this year for him, though I wouldn't be shocked if he saw 1-3 fewer minutes per game since Denver is deeper than last year. Either way, drafting Jokic sets you up for almost any other type of build you want to execute.

24- Amen Thompson, Rockets

Maybe these next two picks could be considered small reaches, but you don't have much of a choice when picking at the turn. You have to get your guys. Thompson certainly fits that bill for me around this draft slot. He's one of the best athletes in the NBA, an All-Defensive player, and versatile on the offensive end. If Thompson can improve his perimeter shooting even a little bit, there might be a first-round fantasy asset here.

25- Josh Giddey, Bulls

You shouldn't expect Giddey to produce at the level he did in March and April last season. But he's still the lead playmaker for this run-and-gun Bulls squad, and agreeing on a contract extension cements the organization's commitment to him. He's a candidate for a triple-double every time he steps on the floor, and he's made strides as a three-point shooter and defender.

48- Coby White, Bulls

I didn't mean to grab Bulls players back-to-back, but Giddey/White is a solid pairing. You get the team's top two offensive options. White is essentially doing a Zach LaVine impersonation. He's an efficient scoring combo guard who can drop some dimes. If Giddey misses any time, White becomes the team's best playmaker by a mile.

49- Joel Embiid, 76ers

There isn't really a "right" spot for Embiid with his injury risk, but this is generally where he's being drafted. Part of me couldn't resist the MVP pairing of Embiid with Jokic. It's also important to remember Yahoo's default league requires two starting centers. There's a premium on bigs, so I didn't mind taking a bit of a gamble.

72- Josh Hart, Knicks

The fantasy basketball community doesn't buy Hart producing at the same level that he did last season. Part of that was potentially unsustainable efficiency; another part is wondering if new coach Mike Brown will play Hart (and the rest of the starters) knee-destroying minutes like Tom Thibodeau did. But at pick 72, I'll buy the dip.

73- Julius Randle, Timberwolves

Randle has holes in his game, especially defensively. But his floor is quite high as Minnesota's clear No. 2 option – a team that doesn't have many reliable playmakers. I'll happily take the points/rebounds/assists combo at this draft position.

96- Brandon Ingram, Raptors

My argument for drafting Ingram at 96 isn't much different from drafting Randle at 73. Who else in this range has 20/5/5 upside? Yes, Ingram falls this far for a reason – he can't stay healthy, and Toronto's offensive hierarchy is confusing. I knock him for those exact same reasons, but those concerns ring more hollow around pick 100.

97- Zach Edey, Grizzlies

Edey won't begin the season healthy, and it's possible he misses the first month or two. For that reason, this might be a little early for him. Still, I'll toss him in my injured reserve slot and figure it out later. Edey's play was encouraging down the stretch last season, and it seems like new coach Tuomas Iisalo is interested in featuring him more than Taylor Jenkins was. We know it doesn't take much for centers with Edey's statistical profile to contend for top-50 production.

120- TJ McConnell, Pacers

Indiana's gameplan for this season feels up in the air. Ultimately I trust McConnell to play 20-25 minutes. He's got top-75 upside if he can get more into the 26-28 minute range. At this point in the draft, he's an excellent source of assists and steals. And we know he can pop for big games when given expanded opportunities.

121- Brandin Podziemski, Warriors

Despite being about a month away from regular-season basketball, we do not have a resolution on the Jonathan Kuminga situation. That makes Podziemski's value murkier than I would like, but he improved significantly toward the end of last year after struggling out of the gate. I buy him as a glue guy with upside to expand his role if/when Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green miss time.

144- Kyle Kuzma, Bucks

I'm far from a Kuzma optimist, but the Bucks are not a deep team when it comes to playmakers. In theory, Kuzma could fill the No. 2 role behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. Very few potential No. 2 options are available with your second-to-last pick in a fantasy basketball draft.

145- Collin Sexton, Hornets

Sexton has almost faded into obscurity while playing for the tanking Jazz, but he has quietly been one of the more productive per-minute guards in the NBA. I don't trust him to have more than a sixth-man role for Charlotte, but we know LaMelo Ball has struggled to stay healthy.

Draft Results - Rounds

Round 1

Nikola Jokić (DEN - C) - Alex Barutha

Victor Wembanyama (SAS - C) - Kirien's Mat...

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC - PG) - Rotomancer

Luka Dončić (LAL - PG,SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Cade Cunningham (DET - PG,SG) - DT's Fabulou...

Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Anthony Davis (DAL - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Anthony Edwards (MIN - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK - PF,C) - Mike Catron ...

Trae Young (ATL - PG) - Joel Bartilo...

James Harden (LAC - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

Tyrese Maxey (PHI - PG) - SteveSaintP

Round 2

Stephen Curry (GSW - PG) - SteveSaintP

Devin Booker (PHX - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

Domantas Sabonis (SAC - C) - Joel Bartilo...

Evan Mobley (CLE - PF,C) - Mike Catron ...

Jalen Johnson (ATL - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Donovan Mitchell (CLE - PG,SG) - Aburnshoops

Jaylen Brown (BOS - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Jalen Williams (OKC - SF,PF) - DT's Fabulou...

Alperen Sengun (HOU - C) - Fantasy•Ba...

Kevin Durant (HOU - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Scottie Barnes (TOR - SG,SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Amen Thompson (HOU - PG,SG,SF) - Alex Barutha

Round 3

Josh Giddey (CHI - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Paolo Banchero (ORL - PF,C) - Kirien's Mat...

Chet Holmgren (OKC - PF,C) - Rotomancer

LeBron James (LAL - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Jalen Brunson (NYK - PG) - DT's Fabulou...

De'Aaron Fox (SAS - PG,SG) - Jeff's Sensa...

Bam Adebayo (MIA - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

LaMelo Ball (CHA - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

Jamal Murray (DEN - PG,SG) - Mike Catron ...

Pascal Siakam (IND - PF,C) - Joel Bartilo...

Dyson Daniels (ATL - PG,SG,SF) - Matty G @NBA...

Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM - PF,C) - SteveSaintP

Round 4

Myles Turner (MIL - C) - SteveSaintP

Kawhi Leonard (LAC - SF,PF) - Matty G @NBA...

Derrick White (BOS - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Tyler Herro (MIA - PG,SG) - Mike Catron ...

Deni Avdija (POR - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Franz Wagner (ORL - SF,PF) - Aburnshoops

Ivica Zubac (LAC - C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Trey Murphy III (NOP - SF,PF) - DT's Fabulou...

Ja Morant (MEM - PG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Cooper Flagg (DAL - SF) - Rotomancer

Brandon Miller (CHA - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Coby White (CHI - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Round 5

Joel Embiid (PHI - C) - Alex Barutha

Austin Reaves (LAL - PG,SG) - Kirien's Mat...

Desmond Bane (ORL - SG,SF) - Rotomancer

Jimmy Butler III (GSW - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Jalen Duren (DET - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Lauri Markkanen (UTA - SF,PF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Deandre Ayton (LAL - C) - Maven's Mind...

Darius Garland (CLE - PG) - Mike Catron ...

Zion Williamson (NOP - SF,PF) - Joel Bartilo...

Jakob Poeltl (TOR - C) - Matty G @NBA...

Cameron Johnson (DEN - SF,PF) - SteveSaintP

Round 6

Payton Pritchard (BOS - PG) - SteveSaintP

Mark Williams (PHX - C) - Matty G @NBA...

Nikola Vučević (CHI - C) - Joel Bartilo...

DeMar DeRozan (SAC - SF) - Mike Catron ...

Immanuel Quickley (TOR - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

Jordan Poole (NOP - PG,SG) - Aburnshoops

Jalen Green (PHX - PG,SG) - Jeff's Sensa...

Jarrett Allen (CLE - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Walker Kessler (UTA - C) - Fantasy•Ba...

OG Anunoby (NYK - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Alex Sarr (WAS - C) - Kirien's Mat...

Josh Hart (NYK - SG,SF,PF) - Alex Barutha

Round 7

Julius Randle (MIN - PF,C) - Alex Barutha

Kel'el Ware (MIA - PF,C) - Kirien's Mat...

Donovan Clingan (POR - C) - Rotomancer

Miles Bridges (CHA - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Cam Thomas (BKN - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Zach LaVine (SAC - PG,SG) - Aburnshoops

Matas Buzelis (CHI - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Onyeka Okongwu (ATL - C) - Mike Catron ...

Michael Porter Jr. (BKN - SF,PF) - Joel Bartilo...

Fred VanVleet (HOU - PG) - Matty G @NBA...

Paul George (PHI - SG,SF,PF) - SteveSaintP

Round 8

Rudy Gobert (MIN - C) - SteveSaintP

Shaedon Sharpe (POR - SG,SF) - Matty G @NBA...

Andrew Nembhard (IND - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Christian Braun (DEN - SG,SF) - Mike Catron ...

Nic Claxton (BKN - C) - Maven's Mind...

Mikal Bridges (NYK - SF,PF) - Aburnshoops

John Collins (LAC - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Anfernee Simons (BOS - PG,SG) - DT's Fabulou...

Jaden Ivey (DET - PG,SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Ausar Thompson (DET - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Toumani Camara (POR - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Brandon Ingram (TOR - SG,SF,PF) - Alex Barutha

Round 9

Zach Edey (MEM - C) - Alex Barutha

VJ Edgecombe (PHI - SG) - Kirien's Mat...

Jalen Suggs (ORL - PG) - Rotomancer

Dereck Lively II (DAL - C) - Fantasy•Ba...

Bennedict Mathurin (IND - SG,SF) - DT's Fabulou...

Devin Vassell (SAS - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Draymond Green (GSW - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Tobias Harris (DET - PF) - Maven's Mind...

Bradley Beal (LAC - SG,SF) - Mike Catron ...

Keyonte George (UTA - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Norman Powell (MIA - SG,SF) - Matty G @NBA...

Kyrie Irving (DAL - PG) - SteveSaintP

Round 10

Isaiah Jackson (IND - C) - SteveSaintP

Donte DiVincenzo (MIN - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

RJ Barrett (TOR - SF,PF) - Joel Bartilo...

Tari Eason (HOU - SF,PF) - Mike Catron ...

Isaiah Collier (UTA - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

D'Angelo Russell (DAL - PG) - Aburnshoops

Aaron Gordon (DEN - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Naz Reid (MIN - PF,C) - DT's Fabulou...

Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL - PG,SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Keegan Murray (SAC - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Zaccharie Risacher (ATL - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

T.J. McConnell (IND - PG) - Alex Barutha

Round 11

Brandin Podziemski (GSW - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Reed Sheppard (HOU - PG,SG) - Kirien's Mat...

Kyshawn George (WAS - SG,SF) - Rotomancer

Andrew Wiggins (MIA - SG,SF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Herbert Jones (NOP - SF,PF) - DT's Fabulou...

Malik Monk (SAC - SG) - Jeff's Sensa...

Scoot Henderson (POR - PG) - Aburnshoops

Jaden McDaniels (MIN - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Stephon Castle (SAS - PG,SG) - Mike Catron ...

CJ McCollum (WAS - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Jrue Holiday (POR - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

Ace Bailey (UTA - SF) - SteveSaintP

Round 12

Egor Demin (BKN - PG) - SteveSaintP

Bobby Portis (MIL - PF,C) - Matty G @NBA...

Bilal Coulibaly (WAS - SG,SF) - Joel Bartilo...

Brook Lopez (LAC - C) - Mike Catron ...

Neemias Queta (BOS - PF,C) - Maven's Mind...

Kyle Filipowski (UTA - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Santi Aldama (MEM - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Cason Wallace (OKC - PG,SG) - DT's Fabulou...

Cam Whitmore (WAS - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Jared McCain (PHI - PG,SG) - Rotomancer

Jay Huff (IND - C) - Kirien's Mat...

Kyle Kuzma (MIL - SF,PF) - Alex Barutha

Round 13

Collin Sexton (CHA - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Jonathan Kuminga (GSW - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Sam Hauser (BOS - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Ty Jerome (MEM - SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Daniel Gafford (DAL - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Yang Hansen (POR - C) - Aburnshoops

Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU - PF,C) - Maven's Mind...

Aaron Nesmith (IND - SF) - Mike Catron ...

Yves Missi (NOP - C) - Joel Bartilo...

De'Andre Hunter (CLE - SF,PF) - Matty G @NBA...

Chris Boucher (BOS - PF,C) - SteveSaintP

Draft Results - Teams

Alex Barutha

(1) Nikola Jokić (DEN - C)

(24) Amen Thompson (HOU - PG,SG,SF)

(25) Josh Giddey (CHI - PG,SG)

(48) Coby White (CHI - PG,SG)

(49) Joel Embiid (PHI - C)

(72) Josh Hart (NYK - SG,SF,PF)

(73) Julius Randle (MIN - PF,C)

(96) Brandon Ingram (TOR - SG,SF,PF)

(97) Zach Edey (MEM - C)

(120) T.J. McConnell (IND - PG)

(121) Brandin Podziemski (GSW - PG,SG)

(144) Kyle Kuzma (MIL - SF,PF)

(145) Collin Sexton (CHA - PG,SG)

Kirien's Matchless Team

(2) Victor Wembanyama (SAS - C)

(23) Scottie Barnes (TOR - SG,SF,PF)

(26) Paolo Banchero (ORL - PF,C)

(47) Brandon Miller (CHA - SF,PF)

(50) Austin Reaves (LAL - PG,SG)

(71) Alex Sarr (WAS - C)

(74) Kel'el Ware (MIA - PF,C)

(95) Toumani Camara (POR - SF,PF)

(98) VJ Edgecombe (PHI - SG)

(119) Zaccharie Risacher (ATL - SF,PF)

(122) Reed Sheppard (HOU - PG,SG)

(143) Jay Huff (IND - C)

(146) Jonathan Kuminga (GSW - SF,PF)

Rotomancer

(3) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC - PG)

(22) Kevin Durant (HOU - SF,PF)

(27) Chet Holmgren (OKC - PF,C)

(46) Cooper Flagg (DAL - SF)

(51) Desmond Bane (ORL - SG,SF)

(70) OG Anunoby (NYK - SF,PF)

(75) Donovan Clingan (POR - C)

(94) Ausar Thompson (DET - SF,PF)

(99) Jalen Suggs (ORL - PG)

(118) Keegan Murray (SAC - SF,PF)

(123) Kyshawn George (WAS - SG,SF)

(142) Jared McCain (PHI - PG,SG)

(147) Sam Hauser (BOS - SF,PF)

Fantasy•Basketball•PH's Team

(4) Luka Dončić (LAL - PG,SG)

(21) Alperen Sengun (HOU - C)

(28) LeBron James (LAL - SF,PF)

(45) Ja Morant (MEM - PG)

(52) Jimmy Butler III (GSW - SF,PF)

(69) Walker Kessler (UTA - C)

(76) Miles Bridges (CHA - SF,PF)

(93) Jaden Ivey (DET - PG,SG)

(100) Dereck Lively II (DAL - C)

(117) Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL - PG,SG)

(124) Andrew Wiggins (MIA - SG,SF)

(141) Cam Whitmore (WAS - SF,PF)

(148) Ty Jerome (MEM - SG)

DT's Fabulous Team

(5) Cade Cunningham (DET - PG,SG)

(20) Jalen Williams (OKC - SF,PF)

(29) Jalen Brunson (NYK - PG)

(44) Trey Murphy III (NOP - SF,PF)

(53) Jalen Duren (DET - C)

(68) Jarrett Allen (CLE - C)

(77) Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC - C)

(92) Anfernee Simons (BOS - PG,SG)

(101) Bennedict Mathurin (IND - SG,SF)

(116) Naz Reid (MIN - PF,C)

(125) Herbert Jones (NOP - SF,PF)

(140) Cason Wallace (OKC - PG,SG)

(149) Daniel Gafford (DAL - C)

Jeff's Sensational Team

(6) Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL - PF,C)

(19) Jaylen Brown (BOS - SG,SF)

(30) De'Aaron Fox (SAS - PG,SG)

(43) Ivica Zubac (LAC - C)

(54) Lauri Markkanen (UTA - SF,PF)

(67) Jalen Green (PHX - PG,SG)

(78) Cam Thomas (BKN - SG,SF)

(91) John Collins (LAC - PF,C)

(102) Devin Vassell (SAS - SG,SF)

(115) Aaron Gordon (DEN - PF,C)

(126) Malik Monk (SAC - SG)

(139) Santi Aldama (MEM - PF,C)

(150) Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL - SG,SF)

Aburnshoops

(7) Anthony Davis (DAL - PF,C)

(18) Donovan Mitchell (CLE - PG,SG)

(31) Bam Adebayo (MIA - PF,C)

(42) Franz Wagner (ORL - SF,PF)

(55) Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL - PF,C)

(66) Jordan Poole (NOP - PG,SG)

(79) Zach LaVine (SAC - PG,SG)

(90) Mikal Bridges (NYK - SF,PF)

(103) Draymond Green (GSW - PF,C)

(114) D'Angelo Russell (DAL - PG)

(127) Scoot Henderson (POR - PG)

(138) Kyle Filipowski (UTA - PF,C)

(151) Yang Hansen (POR - C)

Maven's Mind-Blowing Team

(8) Anthony Edwards (MIN - PG,SG)

(17) Jalen Johnson (ATL - SF,PF)

(32) LaMelo Ball (CHA - PG,SG)

(41) Deni Avdija (POR - SF,PF)

(56) Deandre Ayton (LAL - C)

(65) Immanuel Quickley (TOR - PG,SG)

(80) Matas Buzelis (CHI - SF,PF)

(89) Nic Claxton (BKN - C)

(104) Tobias Harris (DET - PF)

(113) Isaiah Collier (UTA - PG,SG)

(128) Jaden McDaniels (MIN - SF,PF)

(137) Neemias Queta (BOS - PF,C)

(152) Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU - PF,C)

Mike Catron - @watchtheboxes

(9) Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK - PF,C)

(16) Evan Mobley (CLE - PF,C)

(33) Jamal Murray (DEN - PG,SG)

(40) Tyler Herro (MIA - PG,SG)

(57) Darius Garland (CLE - PG)

(64) DeMar DeRozan (SAC - SF)

(81) Onyeka Okongwu (ATL - C)

(88) Christian Braun (DEN - SG,SF)

(105) Bradley Beal (LAC - SG,SF)

(112) Tari Eason (HOU - SF,PF)

(129) Stephon Castle (SAS - PG,SG)

(136) Brook Lopez (LAC - C)

(153) Aaron Nesmith (IND - SF)

Joel Bartilotta RW

(10) Trae Young (ATL - PG)

(15) Domantas Sabonis (SAC - C)

(34) Pascal Siakam (IND - PF,C)

(39) Derrick White (BOS - PG,SG)

(58) Zion Williamson (NOP - SF,PF)

(63) Nikola Vučević (CHI - C)

(82) Michael Porter Jr. (BKN - SF,PF)

(87) Andrew Nembhard (IND - PG,SG)

(106) Keyonte George (UTA - PG,SG)

(111) RJ Barrett (TOR - SF,PF)

(130) CJ McCollum (WAS - PG,SG)

(135) Bilal Coulibaly (WAS - SG,SF)

(154) Yves Missi (NOP - C)

Matty G @NBAGEEWHIZ

(11) James Harden (LAC - PG,SG)

(14) Devin Booker (PHX - PG,SG)

(35) Dyson Daniels (ATL - PG,SG,SF)

(38) Kawhi Leonard (LAC - SF,PF)

(59) Jakob Poeltl (TOR - C)

(62) Mark Williams (PHX - C)

(83) Fred VanVleet (HOU - PG)

(86) Shaedon Sharpe (POR - SG,SF)

(107) Norman Powell (MIA - SG,SF)

(110) Donte DiVincenzo (MIN - PG,SG)

(131) Jrue Holiday (POR - PG,SG)

(134) Bobby Portis (MIL - PF,C)

(155) De'Andre Hunter (CLE - SF,PF)

SteveSaintP

(12) Tyrese Maxey (PHI - PG)

(13) Stephen Curry (GSW - PG)

(36) Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM - PF,C)

(37) Myles Turner (MIL - C)

(60) Cameron Johnson (DEN - SF,PF)

(61) Payton Pritchard (BOS - PG)

(84) Paul George (PHI - SG,SF,PF)

(85) Rudy Gobert (MIN - C)

(108) Kyrie Irving (DAL - PG)

(109) Isaiah Jackson (IND - C)

(132) Ace Bailey (UTA - SF)

(133) Egor Demin (BKN - PG)

(156) Chris Boucher (BOS - PF,C)

Essential Resources for Fantasy Basketball Success

Check out RotoWire'sHow to Play Fantasy Basketball guide for a complete walkthrough, but here is some basic advice:

• Check out custom NBA Fantasy Projections
• Look intoFantasy Basketball Mock Drafts
• Listen to aFantasy Basketball Podcast
• Check in onFantasy Basketball Player News
• ReadFantasy Basketball Articles
• Dive into RotoWire'sFantasy Basketball Draft Kit
• StudyNBA Depth Charts
• See RotoWire'sFantasy Basketball Dynasty Rankings

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Zolak & Bertrand share intel on Tatum's intense approach to Achilles rehab originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Jayson Tatum is still a long way from returning to action for the Boston Celtics. But he seems hell-bent on making his absence as short as possible.

Tatum underwent surgery mere hours after rupturing his Achilles tendon on May 12 in the Celtics’ second-round playoff series with the New York Knicks. By early July, he was doing pool workouts. By August, he was out of his walking boot.

And what appears to be aiding his recovery is essentially treating it like a full time job.

Marc Bertrand and Scott Zolak, the co-hosts of 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand radio show, revealed Thursday that they went out to dinner Wednesday night with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who relayed some positive news about Tatum’s recovery.

“The Celtics are very happy with how hard Jayson Tatum has been working at his rehab, and his level of focus and intensity in the rehab process,” Bertrand said.

“(Tatum) did not leave town. He has been here the entire time. … Since the injury, he has not left town and he has been inside the building at the Celtics’ facility with their people and their team almost every single day for months.”

It’s not uncommon for injured players to be away from the facility during their rehab, especially during the offseason. For example, there were reports before Damian Lillard re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers that he planned to rehab from his torn Achilles in Portland, regardless of where he signed.

But Tatum apparently has been doing his entire rehab in Boston under the guise of the Celtics’ training staff at their facility. And his commitment to that rehab is such that he’s been in the building virtually every weekday, per Zolak.

“He’s taken trips. He’ll go away to a certain island or something,” Zolak said. “But he’ll get his Friday workout in, fly down, work out there at that place, fly back late Sunday night, and be right back in the building on Monday morning.”

“All summer long, all he did was take weekend trips away,” Bertrand added. “He did not go away for any extended period of time, because he wanted to be back to work on his rehab.

“He’s doing things that nobody asked him to do.”

What all of this means for Tatum’s return date is still unclear. The Celtics have refused to put a timeline on his recovery, and it’s still possible they hold him out for the entire 2025-26 season, especially if the team isn’t a serious playoff contender after losing several key players this offseason.

But if Tatum continues this round-the-clock approach to his recovery, don’t be surprised if the discussion around his possible return gets louder when the calendar flips to 2026.

Here’s more from Zolak & Bertrand on Tatum:

Tatum’s progress is undoubtedly encouraging. But even if he’s ready to play by late February or early March (about nine to 10 months after his surgery), it’s still possible the Celtics keep him out or slow-play his return to ensure he’s 100 percent healthy for the 2026-27 campaign, instead of rushing him back amid a season with lower expectations.

Either way, younger players like Walsh, second-year wing Baylor Scheierman and rookie Hugo Gonzalez will have opportunity for larger roles while Tatum is sidelined. And it sounds like there’s already a fierce competition playing out for those minutes on the Celtics’ practice courts.

“The energy is already different. You can feel it,” Walsh said. “It’s kind of like, everybody’s trying to find their footing. Everybody’s trying to make their way, because it’s a bunch of young guys who are not necessarily proven. It’s a lot of potential and unproven talent that’s on the team.

“You can feel it in every workout where everybody is going at each other’s necks. Everybody’s trying to earn that spot, earn that playing time, earn that position. So, it’s like a dog fight right now.”

Check out Walsh’s full interview with Forsberg on the latest Celtics Talk Podcast:

Sixers unveil 25th anniversary court for 2000-01 East champs originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers on Thursday unveiled the court they’ll play on 14 times this season in celebration of the 2000-01 Eastern Conference champion team. 

While the Sixers have not yet formally announced the jerseys they’ll wear on those nights, the team has strongly hinted at bringing back the black uniforms Allen Iverson and company wore that season.

Here’s a look at the 25th anniversary celebration court: 

The Sixers have said they plan to “honor the ’01 team’s legacy with alumni tributes, in-game and promotional throwbacks, custom merchandise, and much more.”

Their 25th anniversary nights are on the following dates:

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

Ramp to Camp: What's one thing you want to see from Mazzulla this season? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Every season of Joe Mazzulla’s tenure as Boston Celtics head coach has featured a rather unique challenge.

From being thrust into the fire after the dismissal of coach Ime Udoka, to watching the core of the team get overhauled before the 2024 title run, to trying to defend that crown last season with a virtually identical roster, there have been obstacles different from what most young coaches encounter during their initial runs in the big chair.

Even entering Year 4, Mazzulla will be challenged in a new way again during the 2025-26 season.

Mazzulla is now tasked with shepherding the Celtics out of a summer of change. There is new ownership, a new-look roster thinned of talent by a prohibitive second apron, and a glaring void as superstar forward Jayson Tatum rehabs from an Achilles tear.

It’s also another opportunity for Mazzulla to show why the Celtics have put their faith in him. After rewarding him with a long-term contract extension this summer, Boston’s brass has been adamant that he remains the right person to lead this team forward. The goal hasn’t changed, but the pathway to Banner 19 is much murkier.

For Day 14 of our Ramp to Camp series — and continuing our weeklong examination of what comes next for key members of the 2025-26 Celtics — the spotlight falls on Mazzulla.

It’s wild that Mazzulla has already coached nearly 300 games in green (246 regular-season games; 50 postseason). The 37-year-old coach ranks eighth among the 19 coaches in Celtics history in regular-season wins and could slide into the top five before the end of his current contract. 

Skeptics will suggest that while Mazzulla can thrive with talent-filled rosters — as evidenced by delivering Banner 18 in 2024 — he must still prove he can make the most out of more inexperienced groups.

And no one will be more excited for that challenge than Mazzulla.

Entering a season where we’ll find out a lot about the players on Boston’s roster, we’re equally intrigued to see how Mazzulla can put his imprint on this team. What’s next for Mazzulla is showing that he can make strategic decisions that help mask potential weaknesses exposed by the departure of veteran talent.

How can Mazzulla make life easy for Jaylen Brown as he elevates into the 1A role while Tatum rehabs? How can Mazzulla maintain the Celtics’ status as a top-10 defense after losing considerable size and experience in the frontcourt this offseason? How can Mazzulla deploy the talent on his new-look roster to maximize what remains? Can Mazzulla tweak the team’s play style — playing harder and faster — to mask some of the talent drain?

Can his so-called “Mazzulla Ball” thrive with the current mix of players? Can Mazzulla embrace playing younger talent in a way that wasn’t always desirable considering the veteran talent this team possessed?

There is little reason to think Mazzulla won’t be up to the task, that he can’t maximize this roster. Maybe his biggest challenge is that his current boss, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, was renowned for his ability to take lesser rosters and produce expectation-exceeding results. Fair or not, Mazzulla must show he can do the same.

We’re eager to see what changes he’ll embrace. The Celtics certainly seemed to signal a desire to play faster and harder with some of their offseason additions. The cupboards are far from bare with a team bringing back Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, but there are decisions to be made on the best way to deploy that talent while working in a newcomer like Anfernee Simons.

What’s next for Mazzulla might simply boil down to being more flexible. Maybe he has to lean harder into youth development. Maybe he has to tweak this group’s defensive tendencies or its offensive shot profile.

But as is the case for the players on his roster, it’s a chance for Mazzulla to show off a new side of his talents.

Here’s how our panel responded when asked what they want to see from Mazzulla:

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

Play the kids, Joe!

Mazzulla has been hesitant to give significant minutes to younger players, and that made sense when the Celtics were chasing championships. But it’s time for the head coach to think bigger-picture and focus on the development of recent draft picks like Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh — even if that means working through some growing pains.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

I would say some creativity when the 3s aren’t falling.

I know that’s a critique that’s often most clear in retrospect, but when you’re missing 45 threes in a playoff game and losing by three points in overtime, there is plenty of room for a coach to adjust — even if temporarily — to take care of business on a given night. Thus far, Mazzulla’s “live or die by the 3” mantra has been taken to the extreme, regardless of in-game results.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

I would like to see Mazzulla develop more of a versatile offense rather than living and dying by the 3.

It was more understandable when you had elite players and big men who could stretch the floor like Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis. However, it doesn’t feel like Boston would have the same success without Tatum, and with Neemias Queta (who has never shot a 3-pointer in an NBA game) and Luka Garza (31.4 percent 3-point shooter on 1.3 attempts per game).

Overall, it will be interesting to see how Mazzulla fares with a less-talented lineup than any he’s had before.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Maximize impact from role players.

This is a new roster with a lot less high-end talent and depth, meaning the pressure will be on Mazzulla to pull the right strings with his rotations and minutes. The bench is almost all new faces, and some guys who had small roles last season will be elevated to bigger roles this season.

I am looking at Joe to help these players develop and find the right role for each one.

Max Lederman, Content Producer

I want to see Mazzulla lean into the defensive side of the court.

He’s known for his “Mazzulla Ball” offense, but if this team is going to overachieve, it needs to be great on defense.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

Anything that allows the talking heads to stop complaining about how many 3s the team shoots.

As time ticks away on the NBA offseason, the Knicks head into training camp with the most expectations the franchise has carried in decades.

But for the team to reach its goal of a championship or at least an NBA Finals appearance, players like Karl-Anthony Towns will have a lot to prove. Let’s look at the three Knicks facing the most questions heading into the new season...

Karl-Anthony Towns

Towns arguably had the best season of his career in 2024-25. He made the All-NBA third team after finishing second in rebounds (12.4) and 12th in points (24.4). And his individual play helped the Knicks succeed, as the team won 51 games during the regular season and advanced to the Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter of a century.

Towns’ skill set is unique. It’s hard to find big men with the ability to shoot efficiently from nearly every spot on the court. But even after 10 seasons in the NBA, Towns’ fit on a championship-level roster is murky. 

When he is the last line of defense, teams mercilessly attack him. In a microcosm of the season, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton incessantly put Towns in pick-and-rolls down the stretch of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals and scored or created a good look for his teammates every time.

Can Towns consistently fit as a power forward in jumbo lineups with rim-protecting center Mitchell Robinson? The Knicks' offense held up with both big men on the floor last season, but it’s not the best way to optimize Towns individually, as he can be stuck on the perimeter to preserve spacing.

This season is pivotal for both the Knicks and Towns. The five-time All-Star will turn 30 in November. With a new head coach in Mike Brown, this season will give the Knicks a better understanding of how or if they can build around Towns.

Mikal Bridges

After signing a four-year, $150 million extension in August, Bridges has a chance to bounce back from an uneven first season in New York. 

Brown established a pass-first identity with the Kings, and there’s hope he can add some pace and ball movement to New York’s offense.

The largest beneficiary of a more equally distributed offense would be Bridges.

A former leading scorer with the Nets, Bridges has a chance to be a more dynamic perimeter weapon. When Jalen Brunson was sidelined for 15 games late last season, Bridges was more active, averaging 20.5 points and 4.9 assists. 

As the Knicks potentially try to have Brunson play without the ball more, it could provide an opportunity for Bridges to be more assertive in the offense and less of a bystander.

This offseason, the Knicks have added guards capable of making plays off the dribble like Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon. But New York's title hopes lie with Bridges. They need the wing to step up by being more aggressive. 

Will Bridges be more efficient and willing to play through contact? That will define the season.

Mitchell Robinson

The X-factor of New York’s entire playoff run was Robinson. After missing all but 17 games during the regular season, the seven-footer was a nuisance for opponents in the postseason -- leading all players in the league in offensive rebound rate.

The Knicks gave up 109.0 points per 100 possessions in Robinson’s 370 playoff minutes, per NBA Stats. In the minutes Robinson sat, New York conceded 113.3 points per 100 possessions. 

Robinson could begin this season as a part of New York’s starting lineup. Either way, his impact as a rim protector and offensive rebounder is paramount to New York’s success.

Though it’s clear how impactful Robinson is on both ends of the floor, having him available to play has been difficult. He has missed 139 games in the last three seasons, mainly due to a left ankle injury that required surgery in 2024.

Robinson is in the final year of a four-year, $60 million contract. The Knicks can sign him to an extension now, but given his injury history, it makes sense to see if Robinson is capable of staying healthy throughout the course of an entire season before digging deep into the second apron.

By Joel Bartilotta, RotoWire

A frequently overlooked yet critical component of fantasy basketball strategy is the NBA schedule. While player rest, particularly on back-to-back sets, is a common point of discussion, the full extent of the season's physical demands is often underestimated. The grueling nature of an 82-game season has a significant impact on player availability and performance.

[Join or create a fantasy basketball league for the 2025-26 NBA season]

This analysis will examine key scheduling quirks and variables to provide fantasy managers with a strategic advantage during their drafts and throughout the 2025-26 season.

Platform-Specific Scheduling: Yahoo

Fantasy managers should note that platform-specific schedules can vary. On Yahoo, the fantasy playoffs are slated for Weeks 21, 22 and 23, running from March 16 to April 5. This schedule is advantageous as it concludes before the final week of the NBA regular season, a period often characterized by unpredictable player rotations and teams resting key assets.

Another important aspect of the Yahoo schedule is the extended Week 17, which spans from February 9 to February 22 to accommodate the All-Star break. This creates a 14-day matchup period that managers must plan for.

The NBA Cup

The NBA Cup (formerly the In-Season Tournament) has become a fixture in the league calendar. From a fantasy perspective, the primary concern is how these games are scored and integrated into the weekly schedule. The key dates for the upcoming tournament are as follows:

• Group Play:

  • Friday, Oct. 31

  • Friday, Nov. 7

  • Friday, Nov. 14

  • Friday, Nov. 21

  • Tuesday, Nov. 25

  • Wednesday, Nov. 26

  • Friday, Nov. 28

• Quarterfinals: Tuesday, Dec. 9 & Wednesday, Dec. 10

• Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 13

• Championship: Tuesday, Dec. 16

Unlike last season, when weeks were been combined at points during the tournament, that is not the case this year.

Back-to-Back Sets (B2Bs)

Player management during back-to-back sets is a major variable in fantasy performance. The NBA has continued its efforts to reduce these, with the league average dropping from 14.9 per team last season to 14.4 this season. However, the distribution is not even.

Below is a breakdown of the number of B2B sets for each team:

• 16 Back-to-Backs: Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards

• 15 Back-to-Backs: Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz

• 14 Back-to-Backs: Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic

• 13 Back-to-Backs: Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder

Strategic Implications: This data is crucial for risk assessment. Players with extensive injury histories are prime candidates for rest during one leg of a B2B set. For instance, a player like Joel Embiid, on a team with 16 B2Bs, presents a higher risk of missed games compared to a younger, more durable player on a team with 13. While not a definitive predictor — as exemplified by Kawhi Leonard playing in a B2B last season — this metric should serve as a valuable tiebreaker when evaluating similarly ranked players during a draft.

Fantasy Playoff Schedule Analysis

Analyzing the weekly distribution of games provides a more targeted level of strategy. While overhauling a draft strategy based solely on the schedule is not recommended, understanding the volume of games during the fantasy playoffs is critical for success.

The Yahoo fantasy playoffs run from March 16 to April 5.

• Quarterfinals (March 16-22):

  • 5 Games: Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards

  • A five-game week for players on these rosters provides a significant advantage. However, managers must consider the potential for these teams to be in "tanking" mode, which could affect rotations.

• Semifinals (March 23-29):

  • 2 Games: Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns

  • A two-game week for star players on these teams can be detrimental to a fantasy team's chances, making it difficult to win a head-to-head matchup. This should be a major consideration for managers drafting players from the Timberwolves and Suns.

• Championship (March 30-April 5):

  • 2 Games: Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers

  • Reaching the championship with key players like Nikola Jokić or Jalen Brunson only playing two games would present a significant challenge.

Total Games During the Fantasy Playoffs

To provide a broader perspective, the following list aggregates the total number of games each team plays during the three-week Yahoo fantasy playoff period (Weeks 21-23).

• 12 Games: Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards

• 11 Games: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz

• 10 Games: Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings

• 9 Games: Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks

Teams with 10 or 11 games fall near the average. However, the outliers are significant. The nine-game schedules for the Nuggets and Knicks represent a notable disadvantage for fantasy managers rostering their players. Conversely, the 12-game schedules for the Rockets, Grizzlies, Magic, and Wizards offer a considerable boost. This information should be utilized as a key tie-breaking factor when making draft-day decisions.

It's another edition of Knicks' Mailbag with SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley ready to answer your questions surrounding the team. Let's get started...

Am I correct in thinking that trading just Kolek would not open enough enough salary cap space to sign both Shamet and Brogdon? It would have to be a trade for either Pacome or Deuce, right? - @_leeescobedo 

Thanks for the question, Lee. Some background first: the Knicks have signed Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet to nonguaranteed contracts ahead of training camp. If they want to keep both players on the regular season roster, they will have to trade one of their players signed to a traditional NBA deal. They need to do this because their team salary cannot exceed the second apron this season. There are many different trade routes the Knicks can take to keep both Brogdon and Shamet. 

A trade of either Pacôme Dadiet or Miles McBride would clear enough cap space to sign both veterans. The Knicks can also trade Tyler Kolek and have enough space under the second apron to sign both Brogdon and Shamet. But, to Lee’s point, trading Kolek and signing both vets would leave New York just $44,000 under the second apron. Unless they made another trade, in this scenario, the Knicks wouldn’t be able to sign another veteran on a pro-rated contract during the season. New York used this approach last season when signing veteran P.J. Tucker in March. Cap expert Yossi Gozlan expertly explained these trade scenarios in his Third Apron Substack.

I don’t think the Knicks will make a trade ahead of training camp. I’d expect them to let things play out during camp/preseason before they made a move to keep both Brogdon and Shamet. But if I’m betting today, I’m betting that both Brodgon and Shamet are on the regular season roster. This Knicks team is in win-now mode, and injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton give them a direct pathway to the NBA Finals. Veterans like Brogdon and Shamet are preferred options for a win-now team like the Knicks. 

Quick hitters: 

I’m confused. What’s difference between 2 way, exhibit 10 & exhibit 9? - @NorthsideNabeel 

You are not the only one, Northside. Exhibit 9 deals protect teams if a player gets injured during camp or the preseason. Teams need to have 14 players on the roster before they can sign Exhibit 9 contracts. If a player doesn’t have an Exhibit 9 deal, a team will be financially responsible for the player’s salary/rehab if they get hurt during camp. This is a risk most teams want to avoid. And it’s part of the reason the Knicks waived Dink Pate ahead of camp. Pate was on an Exhibit 10 deal, so the Knicks didn’t have injury protection there. If he set foot in camp and got hurt, the Knicks would be fiscally responsible. ESPN CBA expert Bobby Marks provided a clear definition of Exhibit 10, Exhibit 9 and two-way deals in a recent tweet. 

Do you think Melo’s number will get retired by the Knicks? - @NyCitee

I can’t tell you that I know with 100 percent certainty that the Knicks will retire Carmelo Anthony’s number. When Anthony retired, I know there was strong support internally within MSG to retire Anthony’s number. In checking around about this over the past couple of weeks, I can say that there remains strong support internally for retiring the number. Again, I can’t say with 100 percent certainty that the Knicks will retire his number. But the internal discussions about the topic have continued in recent weeks. The decision to retire -- or not retire -- Anthony’s number will ultimately be made by owner James Dolan. 

NEW ROLE FOR GREEN AT OTE 

A Brooklyn native is taking on one of the biggest jobs in basketball. 

Khalid Green has been elevated to the head of recruiting at Overtime Elite, one of the preeminent development basketball programs in the country. 

Green recently spoke to SNY about the new role. 

"With Overtime Elite, my focus is on the second word in that title: elite players with elite attitude and obviously elite skill set," Green said.  

Green has hit the ground running, landing top class of 2027 players in guard Anderson Diaz and big man Caleb Ourigou. Diaz and Ourigou -- both from New York City -- will join NYC native and big man Asher Elson at Overtime. 

He relishes the opportunity to compete with other high schools, development programs and top colleges for the best players in the country. 

"If I were to give it a comparison in terms of cars, this place is a Bentley truck," Green said of Atlanta-based Overtime Elite. "You have to maintain it, it gives you great resources and it produces at a high rate. But I’m the caretaker now so I have to make sure the upkeep is right and the people that I let ride in the car don’t abuse it and respect it."

"There’s no eating, drinking or smoking in this car, man," Green adds with a laugh. 

When he pitches Overtime Elite to potential recruits, Green can sell players and their families on the facilities, top trainers, coaches and a media outlet. 

"We can help (players) on a micro and macro level. On a micro level, if a kid wants to come in here and put on weight, then we have the strength and conditioning program to activate to make sure he puts on weight," Green says. "If a kid wants to come in and get their jump shot right, on a micro level, we can help with that. Get them to shoot 200, 300 400  jump shots a day. We can track it with our AI system and our technology. We don’t do any guessing; everything is done through metrics and data."

"Everybody’s aligned to get these kids to get to the next level," Green adds. 

Green has been a fixture in local and national basketball circles for over two decades. He coached at Abraham Lincoln High School, Benjamin Banneker High School, and Bishop Loughlin High School. He also worked for the Nets as a scout and later in community relations. He worked in the same department for the Knicks. 

He’ll lean on the relationships he’s built over two-plus decades in basketball to help his players at Overtime Elite. 

"I have friends that are general managers, I have friends that are scouts, friends that are top college coaches and they pick up my call right away," he says. "When I call I’m not calling for me. I’m calling as an advocate for these young men. I’m calling to get their name out, get input on what these executives are feeling about our players and relay that info back to he and his family."

As a young grassroots coach in Brooklyn, Green recruited two of the top players in their class in Doron Lamb and JayVaughn Pinkston to play for him. He’ll have the same mindset in his new role at Overtime Elite. 

"I’m always going to swing for the fences,” Green said. “JayVaughn at the time was top 5 in country, Doron Lamb -- same narrative. I always believe I’m a magnet for big-time players and I want big-time players."

Draymond Green weighs in on Warriors' ongoing Jonathan Kuminga situation originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors’ situation with Jonathan Kuminga has become much more complex than anticipated.

But as a 13-year NBA veteran, Draymond Green understands the business side of the league.

When recently asked for his two cents on the matter, the Warriors star forward shared a forthright response on Threads.

“Negotiations are rarely easy,” Green wrote, “but they usually get done in the end.”

Well, that is the hope.

The situation has dragged out all offseason, and with training camp less than two weeks away, a resolution still is being worked out.

But one seems to be near.

Golden State upped its offer to the 22-year-old wing to three years and $75.2 million with a team option for the third season, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater reported Monday, citing sources. Slater shared that Kuminga and his agent, Aaron Turner, want the team option to be changed into a player option and they’ll accept the deal, which was confirmed by NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson.

Since Kuminga entered the league in 2021 as the No. 7 overall pick by the Warriors, Green has taken him under his wing every step of the way.

Earlier this offseason, Green was critical of the NBA and how its new CBA rules have impacted the free-agent market.

“Sadly, I sit here and watch so many players overplay the market and not understand what they are up against with the new rules,” Green wrote on Threads in early July. “Which leads me to trying to understand the [staggering] percentage of guys that has no idea of THE BUSINESS they are a part of. And I as a ‘VET’ in this league watch players mismanage their careers and before they know it, look back like DAMN, where to next?”

While his multiple-post rant raised plenty of eyebrows, Green made it clear that he wasn’t solely talking about Kuminga’s situation with the Warriors.

“Also before y’all run and make this about [Jonathan Kuminga], it isn’t,” Green wrote. “He’s 22 and will be great and make a bunch of money, so this ain’t got nothing to do with him.”

Seventy-two days after those posts, nothing about Kuminga’s situation has changed.

Regardless of the outcome, however, it’s clear that Green wants the best for his mentee.

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