NBA Player News

Bassey, who was signed to a 10-day contract by the 76ers in late January, is back in the NBA. He can give the Celtics a little more insurance in the post while the team awaits Nikola Vučević’s return from a fractured finger. However, there’s no need to consider adding Bassey in fantasy leagues.

After struggling in his first appearance of the summer, Bryant was much better in the Spurs’ 70-49 victory. In addition to shooting 70 percent from the field, he made both of his three-point attempts and recorded three “stocks.” With the Spurs adding Tobias Harris to the mix via free agency, Bryant is likely to take on a limited offensive role again next season. However, he can provide value as an “energy guy” and defender, and those characteristics were on display against the Knicks.

The Pacers were in danger of being run out of Cox Pavilion on Saturday, but the play of their point guards helped force overtime. Smith, the NBA’s all-time assist leader, racked up five while also scoring 16 points. However, it was Yuki Kawamura who provided the initial spark, and he finished with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and one three-pointer. All three of the Pacers’ two-way contract slots have been filled, so Smith and Kawamura may be competing for one training camp invite in Las Vegas. Being the draft pick may give the latter an edge in the competition.

Slawson’s energy and production were two reasons why the Pacers were able to rally from 24 points down to force overtime on Saturday. And that’s likely what the front office wants to see after deciding to tender a two-way qualifying offer to the forward. While Slawson did not shoot the ball well on Friday, his activity may force some other teams with available two-way slots to keep an eye on him. Just in case the Pacers don’t look to hold onto the 2023 second-round pick.

As was the case in his summer debut on Thursday, Philon did not have the best day shooting the basketball. However, he consistently applied pressure to the Pacers’ defense off the dribble and committed two turnovers to go with the six assists. Philadelphia’s perimeter depth may make it challenging for Philon to earn significant minutes as a rookie, but he’s a fun prospect for dynasty league competitors.

After having his rookie season end just after the All-Star break due to a torn meniscus, Broome has looked good in the 76ers’ two summer league games. Two days after posting 19 points and 13 rebounds in a complete stat line, the 2025 second-round pick recorded another double-double in Saturday’s 100-93 overtime victory. While Joel Embiid’s injury history makes it imperative that the 76ers have options behind him, the presence of Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti means that Broome will face challenging odds of cracking the rotation next season.

After shooting 2-of-11 from the field in his summer debut on Thursday, Anderson was better on Saturday. The 18th overall pick in last month’s draft, he shot 2-of-8 from beyond the arc and 5-of-14 overall. More concerning than the shooting was Anderson not recording an assist, but the fact that Sion James and Liam McNeeley also took on playmaking responsibilities was a factor. With the Hornets re-signing Coby White, Anderson will have time to develop, so fantasy managers should not be too concerned by his slow start in Las Vegas.

After attempting just four shots on Thursday, Salaün was more aggressive in hunting his shot on Saturday. Unfortunately, the Hornets forward was 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. The good news was that Salaün was active on the boards, and that’s an area where he’ll need to step up to earn rotation minutes next season. Even with the Hornets moving Miles Bridges, they added Naz Reid via trade and Hannes Steinbach via the draft. As a result, there’s more competition for Salaün going into next season.

After shooting 2-of-10 from inside the arc on Thursday, McNeeley was 2-of-3 on Saturday in a quieter offensive performance. He still shot the ball relatively well, but the second-year wing recorded six turnovers against the Pelicans. That said, summer league is a place where players like McNeeley can be more aggressive offensively, and mistakes will come with that. He’s looked good overall, an encouraging sight after McNeeley didn’t play much as a rookie.

Bufkins wasn’t as prolific offensively as he was on Thursday, when he put up 30 points in a loss to the Timberwolves. A 1-of-7 day from beyond the arc had a lot to do with that, but Bufkin deserves credit for filling the stat line. Playmaking and defense will need to be his calling cards if he’s to lock down a spot in the NBA, and he was solid in both areas against the Hornets.

Back with the Pelicans on a two-way contract, Dickinson had a good afternoon offensively on Saturday. He scored on all three levels, shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc and 50 percent from the field overall. Of course, the Pelicans will want to see a bit more from him defensively and on the glass, but Saturday’s offensive effort was a step in the right direction. Given New Orleans’ frontcourt options, cracking the rotation next season will be a challenge for Dickinson.