NBA Player News

The 40th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Ighodaro appeared in all 82 games this season, starting 24. The 7-footer’s role expanded when a foot injury sidelined Mark Williams, and that could remain the case in 2026-27 if the Suns were to move on from the former Hornet. However, one would assume that Phoenix would look to upgrade the position if that were the case, and 2025 lottery pick Khaman Maluach would also be in the mix for more playing time. Ighodaro averaged 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season. That production was not enough to make him much more than a deep-league streamer on nights when Williams was out.

While Johnson’s production was expected to take a hit after his move to Denver, his debut season in the Mile High City was disappointing. In addition to the perimeter shooting struggles, availability was once again an issue for the veteran forward. Johnson has played 58 games or fewer in each of his last four seasons, another reason why he’s slipped down draft boards. While capable of offering top-100 value, fantasy managers can’t use that early of a pick on Johnson, given the recent history.

Jokić needed just three quarters to record a triple-double, logging 26 minutes. At this point, there’s little to say about the three-time MVP’s fantasy outlook. Regardless of league format, Jokić should be a top-2 pick in drafts, with San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama being the alternative.

While Gordon finished the 2025-26 season with increased averages in points, rebounds and three-pointers, injuries limited him to 36 regular-season games. As a result, fantasy managers didn’t reap as many rewards from his improvement as they would have liked. Gordon’s perimeter shooting has improved, with the veteran forward making 41.3 percent of his attempts over the last two seasons. AG shot 3-of-4 from deep on Sunday, and while no one expects him to shoot 75 percent consistently, his improved shooting raises his ceiling.

With Nic Claxton out with an injury, Miller has had more opportunities during the preseason. He hasn’t started, but that didn’t keep Miller from having one of the best nights of his NBA career, even if the game didn’t officially count. He shot 4-of-6 from three and made his first six shots before finally missing early in the third quarter. Jalen Smith (11 points, three rebounds, one steal and three three-pointers) started in Claxton’s place, but there should also be room for Miller. He shouldn’t be selected in most drafts, but Miller may have streaming value at various points in the season.

While Turner didn’t offer much offensively, he blocked five shots before fouling out. Last season, the Bucks’ center had six games with at least five blocks. The issue, whether in fantasy value or “real” value, was Turner’s lackluster rebounding. He’s never been elite there, but the Bucks (and fantasy managers) need more than two rebounds from him in 24 minutes.

Leading four Bucks in double figures with 18 points, Herro has taken on more playmaking responsibilities this preseason. However, that hasn’t led to a significant increase in assist production. Through two games, Herro has recorded five assists, so fantasy managers may not want to expect too much of a jump in that category once the regular season begins. That said, he should be Milwaukee’s first scoring option, so there’s little need to worry about Herro’s assists.

After scoring 13 points in his Hornets’ preseason debut against the Nets, Reid was a little more effective on Sunday. He shot 50 percent from the field, but the overall stat line was a bit lean. In Charlotte, Reid should have more room to flourish offensively. However, increased usage doesn’t guarantee increased production. His current ADP sits in the middle rounds of 12-team leagues, a fair spot for Reid.

Miller was on the court on Sunday after sitting out Charlotte’s preseason opener. He led the Hornets in scoring, and he’ll be expected to do that nightly once the regular season begins. Kon Knueppel (hamstring) is not expected to be available when the season opens on October 21, which may raise Miller’s fantasy ceiling. However, to live up to those hopes, he’ll need to be more efficient.

With Kon Knueppel (hamstring) ruled out for the entire preseason and likely unavailable at the start of the regular season, the Hornets have a hole in their starting lineup. Could McNeeley be in the conversation? After an underwhelming rookie season marked by an ankle injury and limited minutes, the former UConn wing has started both of Charlotte’s preseason games. McNeeley led the team with five assists and shot 3-of-8 from deep. He isn’t a must-draft player, but keep an eye on Charlotte’s rotation in their remaining preseason games.

Banchero had a challenging night in Cleveland, as he missed all seven of his two-point attempts. Matching up with Evan Mobley and, at times, Jarrett Allen, can be a problem, especially around the basket. Banchero’s bigger fantasy concern is turnovers, as he’s averaged at least three per game each of the last three seasons.