NBA

It’s always good news that a roster is fully healthy heading into training camp, especially when Anthony Davis and LeBron James are among those marquee players. Neither Lakers star has appeared in at least 60 regular season games since the 2019-20 season, and that was one interrupted for more than four months by the coronavirus pandemic. On paper, the Lakers will be deeper than they were last season due to the work done by Rob Pelinka in free agency. But if this team is to be a title contender, they’re going to need Davis and James to avoid any major injuries. Davis should again provide 1st-round fantasy value, while James is in that 2nd-to-3rd round range in most leagues.

There shouldn’t have been a question regarding Russell’s place within the rotation, especially after the Lakers re-signed him to a two-year deal in July. Russell didn’t play well in the Western Conference Finals, leading to some openly questioning if he would move to the bench. Ham made it clear that D’Lo remains his starting point guard, likely providing a confidence boost with the proclamation, especially with Gabe Vincent being signed in free agency. While he was a top 75 player in 9-cat per-game value for the entire season, Russell ranked outside the top 150 after the February trade deadline. There should be a greater level of comfort in playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis than there was after he was traded, so look for Russell to provide greater fantasy value in 2023-24.

The Pacers were busy on Thursday as they continued final training camp preparations. Bell, who played in China last season, will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot. However, with 17 players already under contract for the upcoming season, it’s more likely that this move was made with the team’s G League affiliate in mind. In addition to signing Bell, the Pacers waived Craig Sword and Pedro Bradshaw. With both being on Exhibit 10 contracts, those moves were made to secure the players’ G League rights.

Alvarado was already considered questionable for camp, but he’ll also miss the start of the preseason. Dyson Daniels and Kira Lewis Jr. should see more point guard opportunities to start camp. Nance’s absence should result in Cody Zeller seeing the backup center minutes and Naji Marshall being the backup power forward.

Nothing is official yet, but the Suns are expected to move on from both players after acquiring Jusuf Nurkic, Nassir Little, Grayson Allen and Johnson in the Damian Lillard trade. Phoenix has worked hard to add depth this summer, which gives them the flexibility to move on from these guys. Johnson hasn’t done much since the Clippers selected him with the 21st pick in 2021, but he has loads of potential and athleticism. He should be able to find a new team to play for.

The Wolves re-signed NAW to a two-year deal this summer, and it appears that the team believes that’s a bargain for them. He played a minimal role for them last season and hasn’t really panned out since the Pelicans selected him in 2019. He isn’t worth drafting in standard leagues, but if they really believe in him to this level, he’s worth keeping an eye on.

Kerr was very complimentary of TJD, who slipped to the Warriors at pick No. 57 in the draft. Not many second round players are able to carve out roles on contenders in year one, but Jackson-Davis was excellent through four years at Indiana. He should be capable of filling a role for them, even if it isn’t large enough for him to make a fantasy impact for most of his first year in the NBA.

Grant isn’t eligible to be traded until January 15th, but that gives Portland about a month to move him before the trade deadline in February. Grant should start the season as the primary scoring option in Portland, which should lead to real fantasy success. However, if he ends up dealt to a contender, his production would likely drop significantly. They signed him to a massive five-year, $160 million deal, so we’ll have to see what contenders could be interested in bringing in that lengthy contract.

Oladipo has struggled mightily to remain healthy since rupturing the quad tendon in his right knee in 2019. The most significant injury since then was a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee in late April during Game 4 of Miami’s first-round series against the Bucks. With the Thunder having a roster loaded with young talent that needs to play, there would not have been much room for Oladipo had he been fully healthy. In fact, Presti also said during his press conference that the team will have to make a decision on Oladipo’s contract when the time comes. So, don’t expect to see him in a Thunder jersey once medically cleared to play.

Hampton, waived by the Pistons in late June, was a first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He appeared in 47 games for the Magic and Pistons last season, averaging 6.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 16.0 minutes. Hampton is unlikely to get the minutes needed to be of value to fantasy managers, but this contract gives him another opportunity to solidify his place in the NBA.