NBA Player News

Given how well Love has played, it feels inevitable that he’ll eventually be upgraded to a standard contract. The rookie guard had another excellent night on Saturday, and he’s scored at least 17 points in five consecutive games. And a spot start could be in Love’s future, as the Trail Blazers visit Sacramento on Sunday. Jrue Holiday (9/3/4 with one three-pointer) played 20 minutes, but he isn’t far removed from an extended absence with a strained calf. If he sits, Love will likely start.

After going off for 20 points in a win over the Celtics on Monday, Veesaar struggled in his final two games of Summer League. In losses to the Grizzlies and Wizards, the 6-foot-11 center shot a combined 3-of-14 from the field. However, Veesaar did offer some production in the defensive categories. His outlook for next season changed somewhat when Mouhamed Gueye suffered a foot injury that will keep him out for three to four months. Fellow rookie Zuby Ejiofor likely has the leg up in the competition to back up Onyeka Okongwu, but there may also be opportunities for Veesaar to contribute, especially early in the season.

While Thornton did not perform as well as he would have wished in his final action of the summer, the Rockets have to be pleased with what they saw from the second-round pick overall. And even with his shot not falling in Saturday’s semifinals, Thornton still offered value with the rebounds and assists. Given Houston’s current backcourt, getting the minutes needed to affect fantasy basketball as a rookie will be challenging. However, Thornton’s skill set and experience likely make him better equipped to earn playing time next season.

One game removed from scoring 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting, Boozer didn’t have the best day shooting the basketball against the Rockets. However, he found other ways to add value, most notably as a rebounder and facilitator. Viewed by some as a player who possesses the highest floor in this summer’s draft class, that label may be selling Boozer’s ceiling short. His ability to affect games as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator makes him one of the top fantasy rookies, and the defense should not be overlooked, either.

The results in Summer League don’t mean a great deal, but teams with a chance to take home the title usually ramp things up a notch toward the end of the week. Coward has surpassed 20 points in each of his last two games, with Saturday’s effort helping push the Grizzlies into Sunday’s title game. Given the players Memphis has moved on from within the last year, the franchise is embarking on a new era, and Coward is expected to be one of the leaders. And his skill set is such that he could be an incredibly valuable player in fantasy basketball, especially for those competing in category leagues.

Ament finished his first Summer League with a solid overall stat line in Milwaukee’s 96-94 victory. While fellow lottery pick Brayden Burries was one of the best performers in Las Vegas, things did not go as smoothly for Ament. However, the final outing was encouraging, and the former Tennessee forward still boasts immense upside. While his fantasy ceiling in redraft leagues may be limited next season, Ament is a must-roster player in dynasty leagues.

While he missed all four of his three-point attempts, Burries finished his summer with another excellent showing. The tenth overall pick in last month’s draft was Milwaukee’s best player in Las Vegas and has the look of a player who should compete for rotation minutes immediately. Whether he was on the ball or off it, Burries made things happen offensively, and his defense was solid as well. With the Bucks paying Gary Trent Jr. $64 million and adding Tyler Herro and Kasparas Jakučionis in the Giannis trade while also having Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, the backcourt projects to be crowded next season. However, good luck keeping Burries off the floor, given how well he played this summer.

Cissé, who spent his rookie season on a two-way deal with the Mavericks after going undrafted, is a restricted free agent. As a result, the Mavericks have the right to match the offer sheet, which will be worth just under $2.2 million next season and just under $2.6 million in 2027-28. While the Knicks did sign Andre Drummond earlier in free agency, there is still a need for a third big, and Cissé offers youth and a far more athletic profile if the reigning champions can sign him.

Cisse is a restricted free agent, so he’s not on the Knicks officially just yet. The 23-year-old center agreed to a two-year offer sheet with New York. His salary would only be guaranteed for the first year, according to Charania. Cisse had a minimal role last year with the Mavericks. Dallas has 48 hours to match the offer sheet or they’ll lose Cisse to the Knicks.

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.