NBA Player News

WCJ and KCP will return from one-game absences against Atlanta. Gary Harris and Goga Bitadze will likely be relegated to bench roles on Sunday.

For some NBA teams, the end of the first weekend of Summer League leads to “known quantities” being shut down for the rest of the event. The Rockets have decided to take that approach with Reed Sheppard, which resulted in even more opportunities for Chandler. Chandler, the 38th overall pick in the 2022 draft, appeared in 36 games with the Grizzlies during the 2022-23 season and has not been back in the NBA since. Performances like the one he produced on Monday may increase the point guard’s chances of receiving a training camp from someone, whether it’s Houston or another team.

Newell’s production took a hit after a stellar performance in Sunday’s win over the Suns. However, the reps are more important than the numbers, as the first-round pick won’t turn 20 until early October. With the Hawks among the teams still in contention to reach the semifinals of the NBA 2K26 Summer League, Newell does not appear to be a shutdown candidate. If so, that would mean more opportunities for Jack McVeigh. He shined against the Rockets, finishing with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, one block and four three-pointers in 27 minutes off the bench.

Bufkin shot the ball far better than on Sunday, when the Hawks guard shot 3-of-17 from the field in a win over Phoenix. However, the scoring efficiency was countered by a brutal day regarding ball control. Bufkin turned the ball over nine times against the Rockets, eight more than his total on Sunday. While his opportunities will be limited once the regular season begins, Bufkin must be efficient as a scorer and playmaker to log consistent minutes off the bench.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, George injured his knee during a recent workout. The 76ers wing only appeared in 41 games in his debut season with the team, as groin and knee injuries sidelined him for good in March. George initially hyperextended his left knee during the preseason, and it remained an issue throughout the year. With Joel Embiid also recovering from offseason knee surgery, the 76ers could be without two of their stars when training camp opens in September.

Toppin, who agreed to a two-way contract in March, played well in Las Vegas before suffering an injury. According to the Hawks, he’s dealing with a left hip injury sustained during the first half of Monday’s game. Given Atlanta’s depth at the power forward position, Toppin may struggle to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball once the regular season begins. That said, the Hawks had to be pleased with his play at summer league.

With only $250,000 of Holmes’ contract for the 2025-26 season guaranteed, he was considered a candidate to be waived this offseason. The veteran forward/center appeared in 31 games for the Wizards last season, averaging 7.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 17.2 minutes. If Holmes were to catch on with another team, he could provide frontcourt depth, but he’s unlikely to impact fantasy basketball.

Deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder limited Wemby to just 46 appearances in Year 2. The superstar big man has been phenomenal through his first two NBA seasons, and fantasy managers should expect more of the same for the 2025-26 season, assuming there are no additional health issues. He should be a consensus top-3 pick in upcoming fantasy basketball drafts.

Raynaud suffered a right wrist injury, and it will cost him at least one game. The second-round pick from Stanford has been solid in Summer League play, and it could translate to a substantial role for Sacramento in Year 1.

Spencer agreed to a two-year, $4.5 million, fully guaranteed deal at the end of June, but his payday will get a bit bigger with this new deal.

Sheppard led Houston in scoring in two straight Summer League appearances, but he notably struggled with ball security and efficiency. Houston doesn’t need to see any more from the second-year guard in this year’s Summer League, and Sheppard will head into the season likely to occupy a similar role to the one he held as a rookie. Don’t expect much playing time for the offense-first guard.