NBA Player News

Peterson (rest) is set to compete for a starting role during training camp in the fall.

The rookie No. 2 overall pick has Ace Bailey to overcome for the top spot at shooting guard with the Jazz. Whether he starts or comes off the bench right off the bat, Peterson is certainly primed for a significant role for Utah in 2026-27. Over five Summer League appearances, the 19-year-old stood out with averages of 23.0 points, 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

Bailey's (back) role is undetermined heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

The addition of No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson may leave Bailey without a spot in Utah's starting lineup to begin the new year. The Jazz are also getting Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen back in the lineup after the two stars sat out the final stretch of a losing season in 2025-26. Bailey began to blossom late last year, averaging 18.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks per game in 23 regular-season appearances (all starts) after the All-Star break, so he should have a chance to battle with Peterson for an Opening Night starting position.

Filipowski (back) is likely to settle for a bench role to begin 2026-27 after ending last season as a starter.

Filipowski filled the void left behind by Jusuf Nurkic, who underwent season-ending nose surgery in February, but the Jazz are expected to get reinforcements for Opening Night. Nurkic is the early favorite to start at center. Utah also added Jaxson Hayes to the frontcourt mix, and Jaren Jackson (knee) figures to be healthy when training camp opens this fall, leaving Filipowski with plenty of obstacles to climb to maintain fantasy relevance in 2026-27.

Williams (illness) is in line to compete for a reserve role during training camp this fall.

Williams closed last season as a starter for a Jazz team that was looking ahead to 2026-27, but they should have most of their key players healthy for Opening Night and added Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Williams, who started a career-high 41 regular-season games a year ago, failed to stand out in any one particular area, averaging 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.8 steals in 24.3 minutes per game in 2025-26.

Raynaud enters his second NBA season after flashing intriguing offensive versatility during his rookie campaign.

The seven-footer can stretch the floor and facilitate from the frontcourt, giving Sacramento a unique developmental option. However, as long as Domantas Sabonis is in town, Raynaud will likely be competing for reserve minutes. Another year of development could help Raynaud carve out a consistent role in the Kings' rotation, and if he continues to impress, the Kings may be more willing to part ways with Sabonis.

Clifford enters his second NBA season after showing flashes as a versatile two-way wing during his rookie campaign.

His ability to defend multiple positions and contribute as a rebounder should keep him in the mix for rotation minutes, though Sacramento's wing depth could make consistent playing time difficult to secure. Continued improvement as a perimeter shooter would go a long way toward expanding his role in 2026-27 after he hit 33.3 percent from beyond the arc over 75 regular-season games as a rookie.

Cardwell returns to Sacramento after spending last season with the organization, giving him a leg up in the battle for frontcourt minutes entering training camp.

The big man provides size, rebounding and rim protection, though he'll likely be competing for a reserve role behind Domantas Sabonis and Maxime Raynaud. Across 44 regular-season games in 2025-26, Cardwell averaged 5.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes per contest.

Acuff enters his rookie season with an opportunity to earn developmental minutes in Sacramento's backcourt after being selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.

The dynamic scoring guard could spend time learning behind the Kings' veteran guards while adjusting to the NBA game, but a starting role on Opening Night could be on the table. Acuff's long-term upside as a shot creator makes him one of Sacramento's top young prospects.

Sheppard continued to provide valuable depth on the wing during the 2025-26 campaign, carving out minutes with his perimeter shooting and defensive effort.

Although Indiana's veteran core limits his offensive opportunities, the organization continues to value his ability to play within the system. Sheppard's role could be reduced entering the 2026-27 season, however, as the Pacers will be getting Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) back in the mix.

Walker took another step forward during his third NBA season, earning a larger role in Indiana's rotation thanks to his defensive versatility and improving offensive game.

The 2023 lottery pick remains one of the Pacers' most intriguing young forwards and could continue seeing increased opportunities as his development progresses. He enters 2026-27 positioned to remain a key member of Indiana's frontcourt rotation.