NBA Player News

Murray was cleared to resume contact on March 25, but he’ll end the season with his last game action occurring on February 25. Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden have seen their minutes increase substantially over the final month of the season, and they should play plenty on Sunday.

After coming off the bench in his first two summer league games, Cenac moved into the Celtics’ starting lineup on Monday. And as he did in his summer debut, the first-round pick out of Houston blocked four shots. Cenac was also responsible for five turnovers, but there should not be too much concern about that category. As long as he’s active on defense and on the glass, there should be opportunities for Cenac to contribute this season, even with Boston improving its frontcourt depth by signing Mitchell Robinson.

The Hawks did not have Zuby Ejiofor or Asa Newell for Monday’s game, which opened a spot in the starting lineup for Veesaar. The second-round pick, who many believed could have gone in the first round, shot 4-of-6 from beyond the arc and recorded a complete stat line. Veesaar’s contract has not been finalized yet, so he could be on a two-way or standard deal once the season begins. However, he has the offensive tools and rebounding ability to provide added value off the bench for the Hawks, who need more size in the frontcourt.

The younger brother of Hawks star Jalen Johnson, Kobe spent last season with the team’s G League affiliate after going undrafted. He’s an unrestricted free agent and the Hawks have one two-way contract available, so Monday’s performance came at the right time for Kobe. With no Kingston Flemings or Zuby Ejiofor, there was more room for Johnson and others to step up offensively, and he took advantage. There’s no need to consider Johnson for fantasy drafts, but a few more good performances may be enough to land either a two-way or Exhibit 10 contract.

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.