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Scottie Barnes to Have More On-Ball Role This Season
Toronto Raptors small forward Scottie Barnes is expected to get more offensive touches this season. Barnes said on media day Monday that he expects to be "on the ball a lot more than I was, bringing the ball down, pushing the pace, just trying to set everyone up, but also trying to be aggressive myself and try to score the ball." In the 2025-26 season, Barnes averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. With the addition of two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard, many speculated whether Barnes would have the same offensive role in Toronto's offense. However, the speculation that Barnes is a "point guard" for this team is a major boost to his high fantasy value. With his strong two-way skills and his ability to be listed in multiple positions in fantasy lineups, Barnes is a top option in 2026-27.
Source: Michael Grange
Source: Michael Grange
More Recent News
Brandon Miller to be Full Participant in Training Camp
Charlotte Hornets small forward Brandon Miller (shoulder) is expected to be a full participant in training camp, according to head coach Jeff Peterson. After undergoing offseason surgery in May of last season, Miller is nearing 100% and expects to be ready for the season opener. In his third season, the former second-overall pick averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, a decline across all three major statistics compared with his strong 2024-25 second season. With LaMelo Ball now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miller is expected to take on a larger on-ball role alongside Kon Knueppel and Coby White. Ranked 52nd in RotoBaller's Points Rankings, Miller is fully healthy heading into a contract season and is a premier breakout candidate in 2026.
Source: Owen Watterson
Source: Owen Watterson
Rob Dillingham Waived by Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are waiving guard Rob Dillingham just one day after acquiring him from Chicago for Buddy Hield and cash, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The former No. 8 pick will become a free agent if he clears waivers, though he cannot return to the Bulls. Dillingham saw his role expand after landing in Chicago last February, averaging 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.9 steals in 21.5 minutes across 30 games while shooting 30.0 percent from three. Charlotte already has plenty of guards in the mix, so his departure doesn't change much for fantasy. Dillingham's outlook will come down to where he lands next and whether that team can give him steady minutes with the ball in his hands.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Josh Giddey Enters Camp with No Restrictions
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey says he has no restrictions entering training camp, according to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic. The 23-year-old underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle in May after hamstring and ankle issues limited him to 54 games last season. Giddey still posted career highs of 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. Chicago added Norman Powell and Nicolas Claxton during the offseason, giving Giddey another proven scorer and a capable interior target. If his ankle stays healthy, Giddey should remain the primary engine of the Bulls' offense under new head coach Tiago Splitter.
Source: Joel Lorenzi
Source: Joel Lorenzi
Morez Johnson Jr. Limited Early in Mavericks Camp
Dallas Mavericks forward Morez Johnson Jr. (undisclosed) has been limited early in training camp but is getting closer to full participation, according to Grant Afseth of the Dallas Sports Journal. Head coach Dusty May said the rookie is "working his way back" and is "close" without revealing what has been limiting him. The No. 9 overall pick averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 3.0 blocks across two Summer League games before an illness sidelined him for the final three. Dereck Lively II (foot) and Santi Aldama (knee) have also been limited in camp. May expects Johnson to work his way into the rotation, but his role in a crowded Dallas frontcourt is still taking shape.
Source: Grant Afseth
Source: Grant Afseth
Jordan Miller Out for First Half of Season
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Jordan Miller (shoulder) is expected to miss the first half of the season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn left rotator cuff. The 26-year-old underwent the procedure in late August and is scheduled to be re-evaluated six months later. Miller was coming off his best NBA season, averaging 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.8 steals in 22.1 minutes across 60 games before signing a three-year, $15.3 million deal in July. With Brandon Ingram (Achilles) also sidelined, Kobe Sanders should get a better chance to crack the rotation, while Gradey Dick could see additional wing minutes early.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Yanic Konan Niederhauser to Miss Opening Night
Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot) won't be ready for opening night but is making progress in his recovery, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. The 23-year-old underwent surgery in March after suffering a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, ending a rookie season in which he averaged 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds across 41 games. Niederhauser had started to earn more playing time late in the year, posting 8.2 points and 6.2 rebounds in 18.0 minutes over his final five appearances. Brook Lopez and Isaiah Jackson should handle the center minutes early, leaving Niederhauser as a name to revisit once his return gets closer.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Bradley Beal to Miss Start of Clippers Camp
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Bradley Beal (knee) won't be ready for the start of training camp because of right knee inflammation, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. The 33-year-old has recovered from the left hip surgery that ended his 2025-26 season after just six games, but the Clippers will now have to monitor another issue. Beal averaged 8.2 points in 20.2 minutes last season, and his regular-season status does not appear to be in serious danger for now. Still, with rookie Keaton Wagler and Max Strus among the Clippers' perimeter options, Beal will need to get healthy and reestablish his role before carrying much fantasy appeal.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Karl-Anthony Towns to Remain Hub of Knicks Offense
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns will remain a central part of the offense this season, with head coach Mike Brown saying the scheme will continue to run through him while evolving over time. The six-time All-Star averaged 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 75 games last season before taking on more playmaking responsibility during the playoffs. Towns averaged 6.6 assists through the first two rounds before that number fell to 3.1 over the final nine games. If the Knicks keep using him as a facilitator from the elbow, even a modest assist increase would add another layer to an already strong fantasy profile.
Source: Kristian Winfield
Source: Kristian Winfield
Khaman Maluach Draws Strong Praise Ahead of Camp
Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach has made a noticeable jump heading into his second season, according to Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports. Devin Booker said the 20-year-old has made "the biggest leap" of any Suns player he saw this summer and called him "way ahead of the curve." Maluach averaged just 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 8.9 minutes as a rookie before posting 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in Summer League. With Mark Williams (shoulder) sidelined for several months, Maluach and Oso Ighodaro are in line for increased center minutes. If Maluach earns the larger share, his rebounding and shot-blocking could quickly put him on the fantasy radar.
Source: Kellan Olson
Source: Kellan Olson
Brandon Ingram to Miss Start of Season with Partially Torn Achilles
Los Angeles Clippers forward Brandon Ingram (Achilles) will miss the start of the 2026-27 season after doctors discovered and addressed a partially torn Achilles during his heel surgery in May. Interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden said Monday that there is no firm timetable and that Ingram will be reevaluated around the start of the season. The 29-year-old averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 77 games with Toronto last year. His absence should leave Darius Garland with plenty of creation duties, while Rui Hachimura and rookie Keaton Wagler could see more offensive opportunities. With no return date yet, Ingram carries considerably more draft risk.
Source: Tomer Azarly
Source: Tomer Azarly
Tyrese Haliburton Says He Has No Restrictions
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) said Monday that he is 100 percent healthy and will have no restrictions entering the season. "There is no source. I am the source," Haliburton told reporters at media day after missing all of 2025-26 while recovering from a torn right Achilles. Head coach Rick Carlisle was slightly more cautious, saying the Pacers will monitor Haliburton's workload but do not anticipate many limitations. Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 1.4 steals in his last healthy season. His return should restore him as Indiana's primary playmaker, while Andrew Nembhard could see some of last year's 7.7-assist workload shift back toward Haliburton.
Source: Tyler Smith
Source: Tyler Smith
Collin Murray-Boyles to Play Both Frontcourt Spots
Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles will see time at both frontcourt spots this season, with head coach Darko Rajakovic saying he could even share the floor with Jakob Poeltl. The 2025 No. 9 pick made the All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 8.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 21.9 minutes. Murray-Boyles raised his production in the playoffs, posting 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks against Cleveland. With Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes occupying major forward minutes, his ability to handle both the four and five could help him earn a larger role. The defensive stats become especially appealing if his workload moves closer to his playoff level.
Source: Blake Murphy
Source: Blake Murphy
Kristaps Porzingis Out Indefinitely with Undisclosed Health Issue
Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (undisclosed) is out indefinitely and won't travel to Hawaii for training camp, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. General manager Mike Dunleavy said Porzingis was fully cleared and on the court last week before the issue surfaced, adding that he is unavailable for now but not necessarily for opening night. The 31-year-old averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks across 32 games last season. His lengthy injury history makes this worth monitoring, while Al Horford, Charles Bassey, and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg could handle more frontcourt work in camp.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Jalen Duren Skips Pistons Media Day
Restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren skipped Monday's media day and will miss the start of Detroit Pistons training camp as contract negotiations remain stalled, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 22-year-old has yet to accept Detroit's fully guaranteed five-year, $200 million offer and faces a Thursday deadline on his one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer. Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65.0 percent shooting across 70 games last season while earning All-NBA Third Team honors. If the standoff continues, Paul Reed could see a sizable increase in center minutes after averaging 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 13.9 minutes last season.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Max Christie Gets More On-Ball Work in Mavericks Camp
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Max Christie has spent portions of training camp working as a primary creator under new head coach Dusty May. Christie said the coaching staff is trying to build his confidence in that role, while May noted that the 23-year-old "can be a primary handler at times." Christie averaged 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 77 games last season while shooting 40.4 percent from three and making a career-high 68 starts. With Kyrie Irving back and Marcus Sasser also in the guard rotation, Christie probably won't handle the ball full-time. Still, even a small jump in assists would give his fantasy game another dimension beyond three-point shooting.
Source: Ron Harrod Jr.
Source: Ron Harrod Jr.
Alperen Sengun Works on Three-Point Shot
Houston Rockets forward/center Alperen Sengun said corner threes are the shot he most wants to add this season. The 24-year-old is working with shooting coach Chip Engelland and believes confidence is a major part of improving from deep. Sengun attempted only seven corner threes last season while shooting 30.5 percent from beyond the arc overall. He still averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, so three-point shooting remains one of the few holes in his fantasy game. If Sengun can knock down a few more corner threes, it would give defenses one more thing to worry about. His fantasy value, though, will still be driven by the scoring, rebounding, and playmaking he already provides.
Source: Johnny Askounis
Source: Johnny Askounis
Miles Kelly Joins Warriors on Training Camp Deal
The Golden State Warriors signed guard Miles Kelly to a non-guaranteed training camp contract, with the 23-year-old joining Dalen Terry and Alex Toohey as camp invites. Kelly appeared in 14 games for Dallas on a two-way deal last season, averaging 3.1 points in 9.6 minutes before being waived in March. He made a much bigger impact with the Texas Legends, averaging 21.0 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 38.3 percent from three across 33 games. Santa Cruz recently acquired Kelly's returning rights, and with Golden State already carrying 15 standard contracts and three two-way players, the G-League appears to be his clearest path. His shooting is worth tracking, but there isn't much fantasy appeal yet.
Source: Dalton Johnson
Source: Dalton Johnson
Blake Wesley Signing One-Year Deal with Clippers
Guard Blake Wesley is signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Jake Fischer. The former first-round pick heads to his third team in three seasons after averaging 4.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in a career-low 11.6 minutes across 31 games with Portland last season. Wesley also shot just 27.8 percent from three. Los Angeles already has Darius Garland and rookie Keaton Wagler leading a deep backcourt that includes Kris Dunn, Bradley Beal, and Max Strus. Wesley will have plenty of competition for playing time, leaving little reason to expect fantasy value unless injuries open the door.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Daniel Gafford Adds Three-Point Shot in Camp
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford has the freedom to take rhythm threes this season, according to Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. Head coach Dusty May said that freedom will continue "as long as he continues to earn the right," noting that Gafford went 1-for-1 from deep during live play Sunday. The 27-year-old has taken just one three-pointer in his NBA career, so any success from deep would be a bonus rather than something to count on. Gafford averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 21.7 minutes last season, and those are still the areas that matter most for fantasy. With Dereck Lively II (foot) working his way back and Morez Johnson Jr. also in the frontcourt mix, Gafford's playing time remains the bigger question mark.
Source: Mike Curtis
Source: Mike Curtis
Jalen Duren Expected to Miss Pistons Media Day
Restricted free agent center Jalen Duren is expected to miss Monday's media day as contract negotiations with the Detroit Pistons remain stalled, according to Sam Amick and Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. The 22-year-old has until Oct. 1 to accept a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer after Detroit offered him a fully guaranteed five-year, $200 million deal. Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65.0 percent shooting last season while earning All-Star and All-NBA Third Team honors. With Isaiah Stewart now in Memphis, an extended Duren absence could push Paul Reed into a much larger role after he averaged 10.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks when playing at least 10 minutes last season.
Source: Hunter Patterson
Source: Hunter Patterson
