NBA Player News

Bassey could see more playing time to begin the season if Kristaps Porzingis (undisclosed) isn't ready for Opening Night.

Bassey bounced around last season, appearing for the Warriors, 76ers, Grizzlies and Celtics, but he's looking to find a home in Golden State. Assuming Draymond Green starts at power forward, Bassey could challenge veteran Al Horford for the starting position at center if Porzingis is out to start the year.

Horford could open the season as a starter if Kristaps Porzingis (undisclosed) isn't ready for Opening Night.

Horford's best fantasy days may be behind him at 40 years old, but the opportunity for a larger role exists while Porzingis is on the mend. The veteran big man provided late-round fantasy numbers as a starter last regular season, having averaged 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 blocks in 23.7 minutes per contest over 13 games in the first unit.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Nance is limited to 5-on-0 work at training camp after suffering a hamstring injury just over two weeks ago, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

There is optimism that the veteran center will be a full participant within the next one or two weeks. The injury appears unlikely to threaten Nance's availability for the start of the regular season, though his progress throughout camp will be worth monitoring.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised George's experience Tuesday, per Justin Turpin of WEEI.com.

George has big shoes to fill in Boston this season, stepping into the role as one of Jayson Tatum's running mates following Jaylen Brown's exit. Staying on the court has been a major concern for George, who has made at least 70 regular-season appearances just once in his past seven seasons, but he should push for mid-round fantasy value when healthy after averaging at least 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game in back-to-back years for the 76ers.

Buzelis expects to have more offensive freedom this season and said he focused on becoming more physical and attacking the rim during the offseason, Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reports.

The 21-year-old felt he attempted too many three-pointers last season, when 51.4 percent of his field-goal attempts came from beyond the arc, and he wants to incorporate more mid-range opportunities into his game. Buzelis also prioritized adding weight and strength, which could help him play through contact as he looks to build upon his 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game from the 2025-26 regular season.

Williamson entered training camp in "impeccable condition," according to Pelicans executive Joe Dumars, who challenged the forward to prioritize his conditioning this offseason, according to New Orleans reporter Shamit Dua.

Dumars said Williamson accomplished that goal and has also been encouraged to expand his offensive game by taking more jumpers. Williamson is listed at 277 pounds, down from 284 last season, and improving his conditioning and perimeter game could help him remain productive while handling a significant role for New Orleans.

Walsh is learning from Paul George this offseason on how to expand his offensive game, per Bobby Krivitsky of Forbes.com.

After making a career-high 25 starts last regular season, Walsh is looking to take another step forward in 2026-27. He's in contention for a starting spot on the wing with Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Sam Hauser during training camp, which will remain a battle to monitor this fall.

Head coach Steve Kerr wants Green to shoot more open three-pointers this season, per Danny Emerman of SFStandard.com.

Green already took a career-high 4.6 three-point attempts per game last regular season, and it sounds like there's room for growth in that area. The veteran forward is worthy of a late-round pick in most fantasy leagues this fall, but he'll likely need the playmaking threats of Jimmy Butler (knee) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) to be in the lineup in order to maximize his efficiency.

Dick could see increased opportunities to begin the season while Brandon Ingram recovers from a partially torn Achilles and right heel surgery.

Dick arrived in Los Angeles alongside Ingram in the Kawhi Leonard trade and will compete for minutes on a Clippers team currently thin on the wing. Ingram's absence gives Dick an opportunity to earn a consistent rotation role, though he'll still face competition for playing time.

Sanders could have a clearer path to playing time early in the season with Brandon Ingram unavailable for the opener due to his recovery from a partially torn Achilles and right heel surgery

Los Angeles is already dealing with several injuries on the wing, and Sanders is expected to compete for meaningful minutes off the bench. Ingram's absence should give Sanders an opportunity to establish himself in the Clippers' rotation during the opening portion of the campaign. During the 2025-26 regular season, Sanders averaged 7.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists.