NBA Player News

Jones continues to provide New Orleans with elite perimeter defense and positional versatility, making him one of the NBA's premier role players.

While Jones' offensive responsibilities remain modest, his ability to contribute steals, blocks and efficient complementary production keeps him fantasy relevant. His role as the Pelicans' top defensive wing should remain unchanged heading into 2026-27.

Williamson (knee) bounced back with a productive campaign in 2025-26, reestablishing himself as the focal point of New Orleans' offense despite the team's 26-56 finish.

Williamson remains one of the league's most efficient interior scorers when healthy and should once again lead the Pelicans in usage entering 2026-27. With no major offseason additions threatening his role, Williamson is expected to remain the franchise centerpiece.

Smith remained a key contributor for Houston, providing frontcourt size, floor spacing and defensive versatility throughout the 2025-26 season.

Smith's ability to complement both Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun gives him an important role on a team with championship aspirations. After an otherwise quiet offseason, Smith is expected to retain a prominent place in Houston's starting lineup entering 2026-27.

Sheppard showed flashes of becoming a long-term rotation piece during his second NBA season, demonstrating his ability to stretch the floor and handle secondary playmaking duties when called upon.

Although Houston's veteran core limits his offensive opportunities, the organization continues to value his shooting and decision-making. Sheppard should once again compete for consistent backcourt minutes while continuing his development behind the Rockets' established starters. However, his upside may not be as high with the return of Fred VanVleet (knee).

Thompson established himself as one of the NBA's best young two-way players, earning recognition for his elite perimeter defense while continuing to expand his offensive game in 2025-26.

Thompson's athleticism and versatility allowed him to impact virtually every category on a nightly basis, making him one of Houston's most valuable players beyond the box score. The Rockets' quiet offseason should allow Thompson to continue developing in a featured role alongside Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.

Sengun continued his ascent as one of the league's premier offensive centers during the 2025-26 campaign, serving as Houston's primary facilitator in the frontcourt while forming an elite partnership with Kevin Durant.

Sengun's combination of interior scoring, rebounding and passing remained the foundation of the Rockets' halfcourt offense throughout the regular season. With Houston returning most of its rotation, Sengun's role should remain virtually unchanged entering 2026-27.

Pickett and the Clippers agreed to a two-way contract Wednesday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.

The Nuggets declined their team option for Pickett on June 29, but he lands in a pretty good spot with the Clippers in the early stages of a rebuild. Pickett figures to get plenty of G League reps to open the 2026-27 campaign.

Durant (ankle) averaged 26.0 points per game during his first season with Houston and continued to cement his place among the NBA's all-time great scorers, moving into the top five on the league's career 30-point games list.

Durant led the Rockets to a 52-30 record and a playoff berth despite battling injuries late in the year. Houston made no major changes to its core during the offseason, so Durant should once again operate as the club's primary scoring option while chasing another deep postseason run.

Jackson agreed to a training-camp deal with the Raptors on Tuesday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.

Jackson was unable to land a guaranteed contract, but he'll have a chance to prove himself during training camp in hopes of earning a roster spot with the Raptors. The wing spent the first three seasons of his career with the Bucks. Appearing in 48 regular-season games (one start) during the 2025-26 campaign, Jackson averaged 2.4 points and 1.5 rebounds in 8.5 minutes per contest.

Doncic (hamstring) recently stated he is "100% healthy again," Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

Doncic suffered a hamstring strain on April 2, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2025-2026 regular season and the postseason. However, after taking a "real break from basketball" to rehab, the multi-time All-Star reports he is ready to go. Doncic came as close as ever to capturing his first MVP in 2025-26, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals across 35.8 minutes in 64 regular-season appearances. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, Doncic could be just as productive this season, though durability has been an issue throughout his career.