NBA Player News

Once again starting for the injured Zion Williamson (hamstring), Murphy was excellent on both ends of the floor in Game 1. The third-year wing made some timely baskets as the Pelicans mounted a rally that fell two points short while racking up four “stocks.” Offseason knee surgery derailed Murphy’s progress early in the season, but he has played solid basketball recently, outside of the Pelicans’ regular-season finale against the Lakers. With Oklahoma City devoting much of their defensive attention to CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, Murphy and Herb Jones won’t lack opportunities to score. Jones struggled in Game 1, shooting 2-of-10 from the field and finishing with eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 33 minutes.

Not selected in the 2023 draft, Justice appears headed toward a second season with the Jazz organization. He was in training camp on a similar deal last fall before playing for Utah’s G League affiliate, averaging 11.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game during the regular season. If the Jazz waives Justice and he then spends at least 60 days with the Salt Lake City Stars, he’ll receive a $77,500 bonus.

The Suns are rounding out their roster for training camp, with Shackelford being the most recent addition. With the Valley Suns, Phoenix’s G League affiliate, acquiring Shackelford’s returning player rights from the Oklahoma City Blue, look for him to be in the G League this season. This transaction will not impact fantasy basketball.

McCoy averaged 10.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds for the Austin Spurs last season.

Harris appeared in two games for the Orland Magic last season and averaged 2.0 points and 1.0 rebound per game.

LeDee was a star forward for the San Diego State Aztecs last season. He averaged 21.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per contest.

Seabron spent last season as a two-way player with the New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 2.3 points and 1.2 rebounds over six games in 2023-24.

Robinson struggled with left facet syndrome late last regular season, missing nine games. He was able to return for the postseason, and the good news is that the Heat sharpshooter is under no restrictions as training camp approaches. “We took all the necessary steps, seeing who we needed to see,” Robinson told the Herald. “Not restricted in any way. Have [not been limited] for the better part of eight weeks. Playing pickup. No limitations. It’s still a focus and emphasis in terms of what I’m doing in the weight room.” While the Heat did lose Caleb Martin in free agency, Robinson remains in a difficult spot regarding fantasy viability. There could be times when he’s worth streaming, but Robinson is not someone fantasy managers need to target in drafts.

The Timberwolves are rounding out their training camp roster, with Omoruyi and Mays being the latest additions. Fantasy managers should not expect either to be impactful, as Omoruyi and Mays will not be on guaranteed contracts. The latter has one season of two-way contract eligibility remaining, while the former does not.

Undrafted after completing his college career at Pittsburgh, Hinson agreed to a two-way contract in late June. However, with the Lakers reportedly working to sign Christian Koloko to a two-way, freeing up a slot was needed. Hinson is the odd man out, and there’s a feeling that the combination of size and perimeter shooting ability will get him a look elsewhere.

Morris’ contract is not guaranteed, and he will compete for the Knicks’ final standard contract slot in training camp. That puts him in the same category as Landry Shamet and Chuma Okeke, who have also agreed to non-guaranteed deals with the Knicks. This will be Morris’ second go-round with New York, as he averaged 19.6 points per game during the 2019-20 season before being traded to the Clippers at the February deadline. Morris is unlikely to impact fantasy basketball if he makes the Knicks’ opening night roster.