NBA Player News

Both players will be out for another game, and Jalen Slawson could take on additional minutes. Kobe Brown (back) is questionable, and if he’s available, he could be in line for an expanded role.

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.

As was the case in Friday’s loss to the Celtics, Graves provided value in multiple statistical categories on Monday. Versatility is one reason the first-round pick out of Santa Clara could be an immediate fantasy asset, even though Graves is likely to come off the bench. Graves offers value as a rebounder, facilitator and defender, with Monday’s stat line only lacking a blocked shot. While he may offer a limited ceiling as a rookie, Graves may be worth the risk in deeper leagues.

While Monday’s defeat was the second consecutive game in which Okorie shot poorly, he was unable to compensate for those issues as he did in Sunday’s win over the Cavaliers. The first-round pick out of Stanford finished the loss to the Knicks with as many turnovers as assists, four. By comparison, Okorie compensated for a 5-of-17 Sunday by tallying six assists and seven steals. Even with his struggles against the Knicks, the rookie guard displayed good poise throughout and may be approaching the point where Pistons decision-makers decide they’ve seen enough from him this summer.

One day after shooting 7-of-12 from beyond the arc in a win over the Cavaliers, Lanier hit eight three-pointers on Monday. Now 15-of-24 over the last two games, it’s fair to wonder if the 2025 second-round pick has seen his last game action of the summer. And if that’s the case, Lanier made an excellent case for himself competing for rotation minutes when training camp opens in the fall. Detroit made some moves this offseason to improve its offensive spacing, including the acquisition of Isaiah Joe. However, Lanier showed in summer league that a potential solution to those issues may already have been on the roster.

Currently with the Knicks’ summer league team as an unrestricted free agent, Robbins did not play in the NBA at all last season. Performances like the one he put forth on Monday may not guarantee the 7-footer a standard contract, but it won’t hurt in his quest to earn a training camp invite or a two-way deal. Robbins did a little bit of everything on Monday, helping lead the Knicks to their first win this summer. Given his contract status, Robbins is likely to be available for New York’s final two games of the summer.

After a solid effort in his Knicks summer debut on Saturday, Kayil looked more comfortable on Monday. A reason for this may have been his insertion into the starting lineup, as the Knicks held out Mohamed Diawara and Pacôme Dadiet. More of the offense ran through players like Kayil, Tyler Nickel (nine points, six rebounds and three three-pointers) and Dillon Jones (18 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and two three-pointers), with Oziyah Sellers (10 points, seven rebounds and one assist) contributing off the bench. The lingering question for Kayil is where he’ll play his basketball next season. While the rookie has said he would prefer to remain in the NBA, the Knicks may stash him overseas to save cap space.