NBA

Tatum, who had the best season of his NBA career in 2022-23, went into the offseason believing he could have to undergo surgery on his non-shooting wrist. However, after consulting with multiple specialists, the star forward decided against undergoing a procedure. According to Shelburne, Tatum received a cortisone shot, and he’s feeling “comfortable” regarding his health and potentially enhanced offensive role. With Marcus Smart now in Memphis, Tatum will have more opportunities to initiate the offense, even with Derrick White now serving as the starting point guard. After averaging a career-high 4.6 helpers per game last season, don’t be surprised if Tatum increases that number. He’s worthy of consideration on the back end of the top 5 in all drafts.

There’s nothing surprising about this report, as Holiday’s career timeline does not mesh with his new team’s. According to Charania, the veteran point guard could be moved as soon as Monday, with Philadelphia being one team reportedly interested in making something happen. Holiday will offer fantasy value wherever he lands; the question is, “How much?” He last finished a season ranked outside the top 50 in 9-cat, per-game value in 2016-17, and Holiday’s rookie year (2009-10) is the only one in which he’s failed to crack the top 100.

After spending last season with the Suns, Payton will get the opportunity to be a depth piece for the Pacers. With Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell in front of him, it’s unlikely that Payton plays much of a role.

Maledon played for Charlotte on a two-way contract last season, so not much is changing for him. Unless the Hornets catch the injury bug again this year, Maledon will spend most of the year in the G-League.

Sumner was waived by the Nets on July 15, and he’ll look to provide needed PG depth for Charlotte behind LaMelo Ball. Sumner posted 7.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 triples across 13.9 minutes per game in 53 appearances for Brooklyn in 2022-23. He’s off the fantasy radar in 2023-24.

Woj announced early on Friday that Primo would be hit with a four-game suspension if he signed with a team, and he found a new landing spot just hours later. Woj also reports that Primo has been “engaged in ongoing therapy,” and that will continue in Los Angeles. From a fantasy perspective, Primo isn’t on the radar in redraft leagues, and he’s barely worth a roster spot in the deepest of dynasty leagues.

The No. 12 pick in 2021 logged only four games last season before being waived by San Antonio for allegedly exposing himself to women. Primo remains unsigned, and he’ll serve his four-game suspension if he finds a new home.

Earlier this summer, there were rumors that Avdija had been dealing with a hip injury. While Unseld neither confirmed nor denied that during his media availability, he did say that the versatile forward is set to be a full participant when training camp opens on Tuesday. And that’s good news for the Wizards and fantasy managers, especially with the franchise set to embark on a rebuild. Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis were both traded during the offseason. And while the focus of many has been on Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, Avdija has room to be a player of greater fantasy value as well. Barely a top 200 player last season, Avdija is worth using a late-round pick on in standard leagues.

Wilson, who has played for three different NBA teams since being selected by the Bucks in the first round of the 2017 draft, finished last season with Orlando’s G League affiliate. After playing well for the Magic in Summer League action, he’s earned himself a training camp invitation. Given the number of frontcourt players on the Magic roster heading into camp, this transaction was likely completed with the Osceola Magic roster in mind.

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.