NBA Player News

Surprisingly, Edwards only attempted two shots during the first half of Game 4. A little too willing to allow the game to come to him, the Timberwolves’ star was more aggressive after halftime, even if that did not mean more shots for him early on. Edwards’s ability to get into the paint led to others getting clean looks, helping Minnesota trim the deficit. Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, while Edwards was better after halftime, Julius Randle (5/7/3/1 in 28 minutes) struggled, shooting 1-of-7 from the field. With their season on the line Wednesday night, Minnesota will need Edwards and Randle to be on their A-games from the start in Game 5.

After missing time with a sprained right ankle, Tonje made his summer league debut on Monday. And the efficient scoring that made him one of the best wings in college basketball last season was on display, with the second-round pick shooting over 50 percent from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Utah has a lot of questions to answer regarding its young wings, which may result in Tonje receiving immediate opportunities to prove himself once training camp begins. He isn’t a must-draft player, but dynasty league managers should keep an eye on the former Wisconsin standout, especially as Cody Williams continues to struggle.

Collier’s shooting struggles continued on Monday, as he shot 5-of-17 from the field in the two-point lead. The good news is that he dished out 12 assists, and setting up others was a strength of his last season. While Kyle Filipowski has looked like a player who should be shut down, Collier and Cody Williams (10/4/4/3/2 with one three-pointer) appear to need more game reps based on their play in Las Vegas. Utah plays again on Wednesday, and it will be interesting to see which experienced players do, or don’t, play.

Given how well Filipowski has played in Utah’s three games in Las Vegas, Monday’s overtime defeat may be the last time he plays until the start of the 2025-26 season. The second-year forward/center was outstanding against the Spurs, producing another efficient offensive effort while also grabbing 11 rebounds. Filipowski’s emphatic dunk with 1.9 seconds remaining in overtime tied the game at 91, but a Riley Minix turnaround as time expired gave San Antonio the win.

Based on his play in Salt Lake City and now Las Vegas, Jones-Garcia has seemed intent on taking someone’s job this summer. He’s a free agent, and the Spurs have yet to allocate any of their three two-way contracts. Given Jones-Garcia’s productivity, a two-way contract may be selling him short, whether it’s with the Spurs or another team.

Harper struggled with inefficient play on Monday, shooting well below 50 percent from the field and committing five turnovers. However, his layup with 4.1 seconds remaining in regulation forced overtime, with a Riley Minix turnaround at the buzzer giving San Antonio the win. More important than Harper’s stats was the increase in playing time, as he logged 25 minutes after playing 17 on Saturday. That’s a sign the groin injury that sidelined him for the start of summer league has not been an issue.

Bryant has struggled with his shot throughout the summer. However, that is not surprising, given how his lone season at Arizona went. The offensive skill set is a work in progress, but the good news is that Bryant’s defensive ability and athleticism allow him to offer value in other ways. San Antonio has ample offensive weapons on their roster, which should afford Bryant the room needed to grow offensively at a measured pace.

After spending most of his rookie season in Sioux Falls with Miami’s G League affiliate, Johnson is looking to carve out a role with the “big club” in 2025-26. He shot the ball exceptionally well on Monday, making 80 percent of his field goal attempts. Add in the other stats, and Johnson contributed a complete stat line in Miami’s first win in Las Vegas. Johnson’s chances of being a fantasy-relevant player to begin next season are slim, but he should potentially have opportunities to change that during training camp.

Give Ware credit for responding to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra’s recent comments about the young center’s need to improve his professionalism and consistency. The 7-footer shot 3-of-3 from beyond the arc in Monday’s victory and grabbed 15 rebounds. Once he moved into the starting lineup last season, Ware was able to develop into a solid fantasy option in standard leagues. He possesses a high ceiling heading into Year 2, especially if he’s consistently aggressive on both ends of the floor.

Larsson and the Heat picked up their first win of the summer on Monday, and he led the way offensively as a scorer and playmaker. While Kel’el Ware being called out over the weekend grabbed the headlines, he wasn’t the only Heat player whose competitiveness left something to be desired in Miami’s first two games. Larsson stepped up against the Celtics, and the Heat will need him consistently next season.

While González has not shot the ball well in his two appearances in Las Vegas, going 7-of-24 from the field, the competitiveness and ability to contribute in various ways have been on display. The first-round pick was solid on the glass and as a playmaker, which was also the case in Boston’s win over the Grizzlies on Friday. Due to the changes to the Celtics’ roster, González will have opportunities to contribute next season. While not a lock to be fantasy-relevant next season, he’s worth holding in dynasty league drafts.