NBA Player News

Going up against one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA, Hardaway took full advantage in a game the Mavericks played without Kyrie Irving (foot). His 31 points were both a game-high and season-high for the veteran guard, who has hit double figures in 12 of Dallas’ 13 games. But the night ended on a sour note, as Hardaway gingerly walked off the court after Kyle Kuzma fell into his right leg during the fourth quarter. Rostered in 64% of Yahoo leagues, Hardaway’s providing top 100 per-game value in 9-cat formats, well above his Yahoo ADP of 140. Luka Doncic also had a good night in D.C., finishing with 26 points (7-of-18 FGs, 8-of-12 FTs), seven rebounds, 10 assists, and four 3-pointers in 32 minutes.

Brazile did not have his best night shooting the basketball, but the second-round pick still showed why Denver made sure to draft him. Active on the glass and defensively, the 6-foot-10 forward finished with another solid stat line. Like fellow second-round pick Bryce Hopkins, Brazile has not yet agreed to a contract, with Peyton Watson’s free agency likely a factor. However, he has the potential to contribute immediately for the Nuggets because of his athleticism and motor.

Hopkins, whose contract status for next season has not been finalized, has played well throughout the Nuggets’ time in Las Vegas. The former St. John’s forward shot 3-of-6 from beyond the arc on Thursday and was a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Depending on what happens with Peyton Watson, who is a restricted free agent, Hopkins’ fantasy ceiling as a rookie will be limited. That said, he has the experience and skill set needed to contribute immediately if called upon.

Released by the Bucks in January after joining them on a two-way deal last summer, Sears is playing with the Nuggets as an unrestricted free agent. And with Denver already having KJ Simpson on a two-way deal, the former Alabama standout is likely competing for an Exhibit 10 contract if he’s to remain with the franchise in the fall. Sears put up good scoring numbers on Thursday, shooting over 50 percent from the field, but this does not change his fantasy outlook for next season.

Youngblood was one of seven Trail Blazers to score in double figures on Thursday, and he led the team with eight assists. While he’s had some good moments in Las Vegas, the Trail Blazers’ perimeter depth makes it challenging to trust Youngblood in fantasy basketball next season. The two-way deal ensures that he’ll be in training camp, but there isn’t much need to consider Youngblood outside of deep dynasty leagues.

After struggling early, Hansen was able to get some things done offensively down the stretch to help the Trail Blazers knock off Denver. Coming off a season in which he saw little playing time, this summer league experience is a big one for the 7-foot-1 center. He recorded a complete stat line on Thursday, including four blocked shots, while shooting over 50 percent from the field. With Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III in the fold, Hansen is not a player to rely on for fantasy value immediately. However, with the Time Lord’s injury history, there may be times when Hansen can work his way into the rotation.

Currently an unrestricted free agent, Young had another big scoring night in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-1 guard shot 50 percent from the field and was also active on the glass, grabbing 12 rebounds. However, Young needs to clean up the turnovers, as he was responsible for seven. With Miami having one open two-way contract slot, Young may be competing for that spot. However, an Exhibit 10 contract may also be on the table, and that would guarantee him a training camp invitation.

While two of the Raptors’ three two-way contract slots have been filled by Chucky Hepburn and second-round pick Jaden Bradley, Bittle will be in training camp on an Exhibit 10 deal. Not selected in last month’s draft, the 7-footer out of Oregon has displayed range out beyond the three-point line as well as the ability to provide rim protection defensively. While Bittle may not be in a position where he can be relied on in most redraft leagues, he’s an intriguing player to watch in dynasty formats, especially when considering Jakob Poeltl’s struggles to stay healthy last season.

The Raptors fell short of a spot in Saturday’s semifinals, but Graves came through with another solid performance for the winners. The rookie forward’s ability to fill a stat line is what pushed him into the first round despite not being a starter at Santa Clara. Graves contributed on both ends of the floor against the Heat, and he offers a similar fantasy profile to Collin Murray-Boyles, albeit at a smaller size. How valuable Graves can be as a rookie depends partially on Kawhi Leonard, whose acquisition is still on hold. Rotation minutes should not be an issue for Graves, given the many ways in which he can contribute.

The Hawks once again sat first-round picks Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor, so it’s clear that qualifying for Saturday’s semifinals was not a priority. Memphis jumped out to a huge lead, and that was it, with Veesaar offering limited production in his second start in Las Vegas. Veesaar has played well throughout the summer when sharing the court with a solid point guard, so Thursday’s effort should not cause too much concern. While Ejiofor is likely to be the priority in the competition for frontcourt minutes, Mouhamed Gueye’s foot injury opens the door for Veesaar when training camp opens in the fall.

Coward and the Grizzlies rolled to a 96-64 victory, guaranteeing themselves a place in Saturday’s semifinals. The second-year guard was efficient offensively, shooting well over 50 percent from the field, with his final line lacking only a blocked shot. With the Grizzlies embarking on a new era, the tandem of Coward and lottery pick Cameron Boozer will be asked to lead the way, and they possess the highest fantasy ceilings on the current roster.