NBA

There were reports early on that suggested that Lively would be more of a long-term project, but it appears that he has improved greatly over the last few weeks. He’ll compete with Richaun Holmes and Dwight Powell for the starting role, with Powell being the incumbent starter. He started in 64 of his 76 appearances, though he played just 19.2 minutes per game. Lively could end up as one of the best bigs in fantasy hoops if he were to secure the starting job.

Another day, another rumor regarding Lillard’s NBA future. October 2, which would be Media Day for the Blazers, is viewed as an unofficial deadline of sorts to get something done, as having the veteran guard in training camp would make for an awkward situation. Miami has been reported to be Lillard’s preferred destination, but there hasn’t been much movement on that front, according to multiple media reports over the last few days. Per Fischer’s most recent report, some around the league view Toronto and Chicago as possible destinations for Lillard, with Phoenix and Utah being franchises that could help facilitate a multi-team trade. Should Toronto acquire Lillard, his arrival would impact the fantasy values of Dennis Schroder and Scottie Barnes the most. Schroder projects to be a late-round option at best in most leagues, while fewer opportunities to play on the ball would cut into Barnes’ value as a potential top-50 player.

Stevens had been a solid piece for Cleveland over the last few seasons, but he was traded to San Antonio this summer in the deal that sent Max Strus to the Cavs. However, the Spurs waived him shortly after. Stevens met with Boston a month ago, and they finally signed him to a contract. He’ll be a solid role player, but he likely won’t impact standard-sized fantasy hoops leagues.

Since going undrafted out of Xavier in 2018, Gates has bounced around the G-League. Last season, he averaged 14 points for the Long Island Nets while shooting 55.4% from deep. New Orleans has a lot of depth already, so it’s unlikely that Gates gets much playing time in the NBA this season.

Per Charania’s report, it appears the Warriors will opt to leave a roster spot open and could end up making a move during camp or even during the regular season. Howard went through a two-day interview process with the Warriors that included workouts. He’ll likely be looking to get back into the league for a different team now that the Warriors seem to be off the table. Regardless of where he ends up, he probably won’t find a situation where he’ll contribute in fantasy.

Marang’s report regarding Lillard’s future in Portland was the second of the day, with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst saying on a podcast that the team was working to get something done before camp begins. While Miami is at the top of the guard’s wish list, neither report mentioned specific teams as being involved in the discussions. Lillard being traded would most impact Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, as they’re viewed by many as Portland’s backcourt of the future. While Anfernee Simons could be in for a short-term bump to his fantasy value, his name has also come up in trade rumors this offseason.

Bagley, the younger brother of Pistons big Marvin Bagley III, spent parts of the last three seasons at Arizona State before turning pro. However, he only appeared in 17 games, averaging 10.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Look for Bagley to spend most (if not all) of his time with the 76ers’ G League affiliate in Delaware. With Bagley’s addition pushing Philadelphia to 21 players on its training camp roster, an Exhibit 10 contract recipient will likely be waived to make room for new signing Kelly Oubre.

Audige, who wrapped up a solid college career at Northwestern this spring, will join the Wizards for training camp. During his final collegiate season, the 6-foot-4 guard averaged 14.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.4 steals, and 2.0 3-pointers per game, shooting 36.8% from the field and 83.2% from the foul line. Look for Audige to spend most of this time this season with the Wizards’ G League affiliate.

While the team agreed to a new deal with star guard Anthony Edwards earlier this summer, that was not the case for McDaniels. Per league rules, the two sides have until the day before the start of the regular season to agree to a rookie-level extension. And it is Connelly’s hope that they can get something done. “We’d love to get something done. We want Jaden to be here as long as possible,” Connelly said on a podcast hosted by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “Oftentimes, those back-and-forths pick up more as the season gets closer, but fingers crossed. In my experience in Denver and here, we like to reward people who earned it. Jaden is a huge part of what we’re doing now. He’s going to get better and better and better.” McDaniels has been a valuable player for the Timberwolves and fantasy managers, and he finished last season ranked just outside the top 100 in 8- and 9-cat per-game value.

The Warriors’ vets have reportedly approved the team adding Howard, and he’s now heading to LA to work out with Draymond Green and Chris Paul. It seems likely that Howard ends up with the Warriors within the next few days, but even if he adds some depth down low, the odds of him playing a large enough role to impact fantasy hoops are slim to none.