Shabazz

Muhammad

The Lakers could use some more depth and shooting on the wings, but they have very little cap space, so this is the tier of players they can work with. Lamb could make some sense in LA, and he could possibly even compete for a starting spot, but he’ll need to earn a contract first.

Dellavedova, who spent last season playing in his native Australia, is reportedly hoping to get back into the NBA for the 2022-23 season. The same can be said for Cook and Muhammad, with the latter being a former lottery pick. This is likely a “baby steps” situation, in which each of the veteran players is first hoping to lock down a training camp invite. From there, the goal will be to land a spot on any team’s opening night roster.

Two weeks after it was reported that Muhammad would be joining the Shaan Xi Wolves, he has instead agreed to a deal with Shenzhen. As a member of the Shanxi Brave Dragons last season he averaged 29.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Muhammad joins Pierre Jackson on the Shenzhen roster, with each Chinese NBL team allowed to have two non-Asian players on their rosters.

The Bucks waived Muhammad last October and he signed on with the Shanxi Brave Dragons in China. He averaged 29.7 points and 11.2 rebounds in China last season.

The Bucks waived Shabazz Muhammad earlier this week.

Muhammad was fighting for the Bucks’ final roster spot but couldn’t make the cut. A former lottery pick in 2018, he’s not a fantasy asset even if he does earn another deal in the NBA.

Muhammad was once thought of as a guaranteed lottery pick and a possible top-five selection. However, the UCLA swingman was unimpressive at the scouting combine and SI.com quotes at least one Eastern Conference exec as being concerned about the depth of Muhammad’s game. While it’s wise to take this talk with a healthy grain of salt, it’s worth mentioning since this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of Muhammad’s name sliding down draft boards.

The Wolves have also been linked to Indiana G/F Victor Oladipo. It’s clear that they plan to address their deficiencies on the wings in the draft at No. 9 overall. Muhammad, whose stock has been falling since the Combine, is likely to be available for Saunders. They’d have to trade up to get Oladipo.

New Wolves GM was “especially high” on Muhammad as recent as a couple weeks ago. Minnesota has also been linked to Indiana G/F Victor Oladipo, although he’ll likely be gone by the time the Wolves pick at No. 9. Muhammad, on the other hand, is slated to go toward the end of the lottery, which could put him in perfect position for Minnesota and Saunders.

Muhammad “did not impress, according to several scouts,” and we’re beginning to hear Muhammad’s name as one that could fall on draft night. Once seen as a certain lottery pick, it’s possible, but not probable, that the UCLA product could fall far enough to be drafted outside the first 14 picks. He has time to improve his standing, but it’s not an ideal start.