NBA Player News

Boston has not appeared in a game since February 8, and that will not change on Thursday. His continued absence does not significantly impact fantasy basketball, as Jordan Hawkins and Bruce Brown have absorbed most of the reserve wing minutes.

The 28th overall pick in the 2021 draft, Springer is still looking to lock down a consistent role in the NBA. The former first-round pick came off the bench on Monday and provided solid production, shooting 50 percent from the field and 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. Dallas’ reserves made the difference on Monday, with Springer and undrafted rookies Darin Green Jr. (18/3/5/2 with five three-pointers) and Kodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu (16 points, four rebounds and two blocks) combining to score 51 points.

De Larrea had an excellent floor game on Monday after struggling in Saturday’s loss to the Lakers. The rookie guard was responsible for 12 of Dallas’ 25 assists on the night, with the other four Mavericks starters combining for six. With Kyrie Irving expected to be fully healthy when next season begins and Cooper Flagg also in line to have the ball in his hands plenty, de Larrea’s fantasy ceiling may be limited as a rookie. But the basketball IQ makes him someone worth stashing in dynasty leagues.

After coming off the bench in his first two summer league games, Cenac moved into the Celtics’ starting lineup on Monday. And as he did in his summer debut, the first-round pick out of Houston blocked four shots. Cenac was also responsible for five turnovers, but there should not be too much concern about that category. As long as he’s active on defense and on the glass, there should be opportunities for Cenac to contribute this season, even with Boston improving its frontcourt depth by signing Mitchell Robinson.

The Hawks did not have Zuby Ejiofor or Asa Newell for Monday’s game, which opened a spot in the starting lineup for Veesaar. The second-round pick, who many believed could have gone in the first round, shot 4-of-6 from beyond the arc and recorded a complete stat line. Veesaar’s contract has not been finalized yet, so he could be on a two-way or standard deal once the season begins. However, he has the offensive tools and rebounding ability to provide added value off the bench for the Hawks, who need more size in the frontcourt.

The younger brother of Hawks star Jalen Johnson, Kobe spent last season with the team’s G League affiliate after going undrafted. He’s an unrestricted free agent and the Hawks have one two-way contract available, so Monday’s performance came at the right time for Kobe. With no Kingston Flemings or Zuby Ejiofor, there was more room for Johnson and others to step up offensively, and he took advantage. There’s no need to consider Johnson for fantasy drafts, but a few more good performances may be enough to land either a two-way or Exhibit 10 contract.

McLaughlin appeared in 44 games for the Spurs last season, averaging 6.4 minutes per appearance. With De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper on the roster, the veteran point guard is likely to take on a similar role next season. McLaughlin is not someone who should be selected in fantasy drafts.

While Smith had a rough shooting day, missing all four of his three-point attempts, the rookie guard did a good job running the team in Indiana’s 94-93 defeat. Smith committed just two turnovers in his 27 minutes while recording a team-high nine assists. The Pacers don’t have an open two-way contract, so Smith is likely competing for an Exhibit 10 deal unless the front office waives someone.

The Pacers don’t have an open two-way contract slot, but they can offer Slawson an Exhibit 10 deal, which would include an invitation to training camp. Given how he’s played in Las Vegas, the forward is making a good case to all 30 teams that he should be in the NBA next season. After putting up 26 points in Saturday’s loss to the 76ers, Slawson scored 21 more on Monday while also grabbing eight rebounds and blocking two shots. Given the contract uncertainty, there’s no need to begin planning to select him in fantasy drafts. However, Slawson has looked like a legitimate NBA player in Las Vegas.

Not selected in last month’s draft, Mast had his best performance of summer league on Monday. The 6-foot-10 center shot 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, showing the ability to add value as a pick-and-pop big in the two-man game. Add in the rebounding, and Mast may have strengthened his argument for an Exhibit 10 deal with the Pacers or another team. Indiana does not have an open two-way contract slot, so the most they can give Mast right now is an Exhibit 10, unless they waive someone.

Lundy has been one of the best free agents in Las Vegas, and the 2023 second-round pick had another excellent outing on Monday. Filling the stat sheet, he shot 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and made the game’s biggest defensive play. Lundy’s rejection of a Rienk Mast floater in the final seconds preserved Toronto’s 94-93 victory. Given how well he’s played in Las Vegas, it would be unsurprising if Lundy landed a two-way contract, whether it’s with Toronto or another team.