NBA

This is right around the same timeline that was initially expected, so it isn’t a groundbreaking update. Herb Jones should start in his place, which could be over a month to start the season. Naji Marshall should also see some extra minutes, though not enough for him to be relevant in fantasy.

The Spurs drafted Vassell with the 11th pick in 2020, and he has improved dramatically each season. Despite missing over half of last year, the team believes in him enough to keep him around through 2029. In 38 games last season, Vassell averaged 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.7 triples per game. If his knee can stay healthy, he should be in for a big year.

The Cavaliers paid a high price to add Strus this summer, signing him to a four-year deal worth $63 million. And given the team’s shooting struggles beyond Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, it’s unsurprising that Strus would be the presumed starter at small forward. He was added to give this team more perimeter shooting and represents a significant upgrade over Isaac Okoro. Getting to start alongside Garland and Mitchell stands to boost Strus’ 3-point production, and he averaged 2.5 makes per game in 2022-23. Fantasy managers needing 3-point production would be wise to consider Strus in the later rounds of drafts.

McGowens disclosed during Hornets media day on Monday that he sprained his ankle while working out last week, so he’ll be limited when training camp begins. He didn’t say how long that would last, simply noting that his focus would be on getting treatment and rehabbing properly. With the Hornets drafting Brandon Miller and adding Frank Ntilikina to the roster, McGowens faces difficult competition for rotation minutes. And that doesn’t even take into consideration the return of Cody Martin, who missed most of last season with a knee injury.

He also noted that “DominAyton” was coming to Portland. Ayton was much maligned in Phoenix after numerous spats with his coach and a less-than-ideal relationship with teammates in the locker room. He’ll get a fresh start with a rebuilding team where he’ll look to improve on the 18 points and 10 rebounds he averaged a season ago. Ayton’s biggest knock is his lack of blocks, and he’ll need serious improvement in that department to boost his fantasy stock.

Whitehead, the 22nd overall pick in this summer’s draft, underwent a second procedure on his right foot in early June. The rookie continues progressing in his recovery but remains without a timeline for return to action. “I got to some working out on court doing some running out on court,” Whitehead said Monday. “Not playing 5-on-5s or any contact yet, so just trying to take it day-by-day and make sure we’re not rushing this process and know I’m where I need to be when the time comes.” Given the foot issues that Whitehead’s already had to deal with, expect the Nets to take a cautious approach to getting him back on the court. While worth selecting in dynasty league drafts, managers in redraft leagues should leave Whitehead on the board.

Brissett’s plans of representing Canada at the FIBA World Cup went up in smoke due to a hamstring injury instead of the initial report of a knee injury. “Let me clear this right now. It was not my knee. My knee has been fine, is fine. It was my hamstring, it got real tight,” Brissett said. He agreed to a two-year deal with the Celtics at the beginning of free agency, and the expectation is that he’ll provide additional depth off the bench. Brissett’s fantasy value this season will likely be as a streamer, especially given Kristaps Porzingis’ medical history.

Thompson’s Summer League experience was limited to one half of basketball due to a Grade 2 ankle sprain that sidelined him for nearly a month. The rookie told Kelly Iko of The Athletic that he’s fully healthy heading into training camp, and that’s good news for the Rockets, given Kevin Porter Jr.'s expected exit. KPJ being persona non grata in Houston due to his offseason arrest for domestic violence frees up additional minutes on the perimeter. Thompson is a prime candidate for an uptick in opportunities under new head coach Ime Udoka.

It’s great news for Morant and the Grizzlies, but it’s also a positive for fantasy managers who take a chance on him in 2023-24 redraft leagues. His ability to practice and travel with his teammates means that he should come back fresh with little rust after his suspension ends. He could be a great sleeper option depending on how late you’re able to snag him in your draft.

Hyland filled the backup role in Denver before being traded to the Clippers at the February deadline but found it difficult to crack Lue’s rotation after the move. It appears that he’s in line for a consistent role this season based on Lue’s words, with the expectation being that Hyland will back up Russell Westbrook. Bones finished last season with averages of 11.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 3-pointers in 19.4 minutes per game. At best, Hyland is a player fantasy managers should consider taking a late-round flier on in deeper leagues, but at least he has a clearly defined role.