Kenneth

Lofton Jr.

Lofton can’t seem to stick with an NBA team but averaged 25.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in the G League last season. The big man might get another shot down the road in 2024-25 but isn’t likely to be a regular NBA contributor.

Charania’s report includes that Lofton will compete for a spot during training camp, which likely means that this isn’t a guaranteed deal. If he doesn’t make their final roster, he’ll likely suit up with their G-League affiliate this upcoming season and could be a silly season hero if Chicago is out of the playoff race.

Lofton and Bazley played with the Jazz last season, with the former appearing in four games and the latter six. Neither departure will impact fantasy basketball, as Lofton and Bazley weren’t in the rotation most nights.

Lofton Jr. signed with the Jazz just before the end of last season after starting the year in Memphis and also spending time in Philadelphia. He’ll remain under contract with Utah for the next two seasons, but it is unlikely that he is able to become a consistent fantasy contributor. The only times that he has put up numbers in his career is during silly season, and it’s difficult to imagine him taking minutes from the forwards in front of him in the rotation. Still, it’s encouraging to see him play well this summer.

Lofton Jr. signed a three-year deal with Utah in March, but he didn’t see the floor much until their last two games. After he had 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block and two triples in their last game, he had another big performance in this one, which included a career-high for assists. He should see big minutes again on Sunday in the finale against the Warriors. However, he isn’t a player to consider having on your roster outside of silly season.

George was responsible for five of Utah’s 14 turnovers, but the overall stat line was solid, and he had plenty of help as the Jazz ended a 13-game losing streak. The rookie point guard was one of seven players in double figures, and he’s scored at 20 in two of his last three games. George has played 30 minutes or more in five of his previous six games, and it’s been clear since the All-Star break that Utah will give him every opportunity to make the starting point guard job his moving forward. Talen Horton-Tucker (16/5/5/0/2 with two 3-pointers in 29 minutes) and Kenneth Lofton Jr. (14/9/5/2/1 with two 3-pointers in 27 minutes) gave Utah good minutes off the bench and should not lack playing time in the final two games of the season.

Lofton Jr. has averaged just 3.7 points and 1.6 rebounds across 6.8 minutes in 41 career NBA games. There’s certainly some upside, as Lofton Jr. posted 42 points and 14 rebounds in his only career start - a matchup with OKC to close out his rookie campaign. Pay attention to Lofton Jr. in the coming weeks, as Utah should be motivated to give him some meaningful minutes down the stretch.

After missing multiple games, Lofton is back with the 76ers, but he’s unlikely to play rotation minutes. He should remain on the waiver wire in all leagues.

Though Melton was “hopeful” about playing in this game, he has immediately been ruled out, along with Batum and Lofton Jr. That will allow both Kelly Oubre Jr. and Marcus Morris Sr. to remain in the starting unit. Lofton Jr.'s status won’t impact fantasy basketball, though Melton and Batum will have their next chance to return to the lineup against the Warriors on Wednesday.

There is no clear indication of when Lofton will return, but his continued absence won’t have an impact on the team’s rotation.