NBA Player News

It’s fairly rare for teams to have control of options in this NBA landscape, so this can be viewed as a one-year deal with the potential for a second go-around. An earlier report from Shams Charania of The Vertical stated that Black’s second season includes a guarantee date, so this followup doesn’t come as a surprise. The Lakers previously took this approach with Jordan Hill, but unlike Hill, Black is a player Los Angeles has invested in and has shown a desire to develop.

Jones made his unofficial Suns debut on Sunday night in Palm Desert, and the team had to be pleased with his performance. The assists (six) and low turnover count (one) were unsurprising, but there may be room for Tyus to offer unexpected value in the 3-point category. After averaging a career-high 1.6 3-pointers per game in Washington last season, he made all three attempts on Sunday. While Jones will be Phoenix’s primary playmaker, playing alongside Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant should result in an increase in catch-and-shoot looks. Jones is a must-draft player in standard leagues and can provide top-100 value in this lineup.

Sunday night was Phoenix’s first opportunity of the preseason to play against outside competition, and to no one’s surprise, the starters looked rusty. Booker and Kevin Durant (6/5/2 in 14 minutes) shot a combined 7-of-22 from the field, but there’s no need for concern. With Tyus Jones in the fold, those two can focus more on scoring and less on making plays for others, which limited Phoenix’s offensive firepower last season. Booker can provide 1st-round fantasy value but is more likely to land outside that range in standard leagues. As for Durant, he’s a popular player to select with either a late-first or early-second-round pick despite the availability concerns.

After struggling with injuries during his first season with the Suns, Beal is looking to return to his true self in 2024-25. Phoenix’s additions at the point guard position should help, with Tyus Jones and Monte Morris being signed during the offseason. Beal didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, but availability is a more significant concern for fantasy managers. Look for him to come off the board in the middle rounds of most fantasy drafts, unlikely to fall outside the first 75 picks.

After scoring just nine points in Friday’s exhibition loss to the Timberwolves, Hachimura was better on Sunday. There were likely two big reasons for this: the presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, neither of whom played against Minnesota. While the two stars soak up most of the usage, their presence on the floor usually produces cleaner looks for “supporting cast” members like Hachimura. If he can make strides as a perimeter shooter in JJ Redick’s system, Hachimura may be a late-round option in fantasy leagues.

After sitting out the Lakers’ preseason opener on Friday, Davis was in the starting lineup on Sunday. He had a good night against Phoenix, with the 3-point category being something fantasy managers can track. Last season, Davis averaged 1.4 3-point attempts per game, and in the third straight year, he accounted for 1.8 or fewer. New coach JJ Redick wants the Unibrow to be more willing to put up those shots, possibly reaching five 3-point attempts per game. Davis shot three on Sunday and likely consistently meets or exceeds that number during the regular season.

Making his first preseason appearance, James looked relatively sharp in Palm Desert. He was a steal shy of a full stat line, with the lone blemish being four turnovers. And LeBron was able to play alongside his son during the first half. If that happens during the regular season, it will be the first time in NBA history that a father and son have played in the same game. As for LeBron’s fantasy prospects, the age has limited him to the 3rd-round in most drafts, with it likely that he exceeds that value when it’s all said and done.

The Pistons’ most recent lottery pick had a solid night in his preseason debut. Holland was responsible for six rebounds and five assists, with only Marcus Sasser (nine assists) having more of the latter. Perimeter shooting remains an issue, with Holland missing all three of his 3-point attempts. But Sunday’s performance was a sign that he can provide value in other categories, as Ausar Thompson did last season before blood clots prematurely ended his rookie campaign. Detroit adding more veterans to the mix may limit Holland’s upside early in the season, but it’s a move that may ultimately benefit him and the Pistons’ other young players.

Cunningham’s fantasy value primarily boils down to turnovers and availability. Last season, he provided top-50 per-game value in 8-cat formats while appearing in 62 games. However, in 9-cat, Cunningham finished just outside the top 75. The hope in Detroit is that the change from Monty Williams to JB Bickerstaff will bolster the Pistons’ young core, and after a slow start on Sunday, the team looked considerably better as the game progressed. However, it’s only the preseason. Cunningham should not get out of the top 50 in most drafts, but selecting him does come with considerable risk.

Playing for new head coach JB Bickerstaff for the first time, the Pistons starters were on the court through the third quarter of Sunday’s preseason opener. That helped them establish a solid offensive rhythm after a slow start, with Ivey looking excellent. He was efficient and assertive as a scorer, making all three of his 3-point attempts while not committing a turnover. With Cade Cunningham firmly entrenched as the primary playmaker, Ivey must be effective as a quick decision-maker once he receives the ball. Sunday’s performance qualifies as a step in the right direction after a disappointing 2023-24.

Lillard looked incredibly sharp in Milwaukee’s preseason debut, shooting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc in the first quarter. There was no need for Doc Rivers to see much else from his star guard, with “Dame Time” reaching its conclusion at halftime. Milwaukee was without Giannis Antetokounmpo for Sunday’s exhibition, but Lillard should look more comfortable in Year 2, regardless of who is (or isn’t) on the court. He’s been a third-round selection in most early drafts, but don’t be surprised if Lillard exceeds that value.