Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
During the Los Angeles Lakers' 101-89 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors, Luka Dončić went viral for his four-word reaction to a fan dancing to NSYNC's 'Bye Bye Bye' during a timeout. Dončić, who was held out of the game for rest purposes and is not injured, shrugged and remarked 'Oh s***. He’s good!' after watching the fan on the arena broadcast cameras.
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has signed a 2-year, $44.2 million contract extension keeping him in Boston through the 2028-29 season, with a mutual option for 2029-30. Entering his seventh year following a Sixth Man of the Year campaign, Pritchard is focused on expanding his leadership and learning how to draw more fouls to reach the free-throw line more often, working with mentor Mike Conley as he prepares for an elevated role.
Anthony Davis has been identified as one of the top 50 players to watch on the trade market entering the 2026-27 NBA season, as front offices around the league monitor potential roster shakeups.
Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona is on track to return from a foot sprain within two weeks of training camp. With Ariel Hukporti sidelined for the season by an Achilles tear, Bona faces increased opportunities to secure the backup center role. Having spent his summer working on floor spacing, post presence, and learning from international play, Bona aims to cut down on fouls and showcase his athleticism and rim-protection skills.
Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti has been ruled out for the entire 2026-27 season after suffering a torn Achilles. The devastating injury leaves the Sixers with severely depleted depth at the center position behind Joel Embiid, forcing head coach Nick Nurse to consider experimental lineups, downsizing, and increased opportunities for backup big men like Adem Bona as the team searches for solutions.
Kawhi Leonard returns to the Toronto Raptors at age 35 after averaging 27.9 points per game and earning All-NBA Second Team honors. While Leonard is capable of taking over, the plan is for Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley to carry the load during the regular season. Leonard stated he can play off anybody and wants Barnes to remain the primary face of the franchise, stepping in as the go-to option when the team needs him most in high-pressure moments.
Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel comes from a decorated basketball family, but initially showed little interest in the sport until getting a Nintendo Wii. Playing NBA 2K and NBA Jam sparked an obsession that turned his family background into a true career passion. Entering his sophomore season with maturity praised by Dell Curry, the former Duke star is ranked as the 43rd-best player in the NBA while establishing key goals following a positive coach's update.
Former 11th overall pick Jett Howard signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks after spending three seasons in Orlando. Following a career-best shooting year where he averaged 5.5 points and shot 37.2% from three, Howard hopes to provide crucial floor spacing alongside Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. Mavericks coach Dusty May will look to see if Howard can expand his volume and defensive consistency to carve out a permanent spot in the regular rotation.
San Antonio Spurs guard Keldon Johnson is highlighted following his 2026 NBA Sixth Man of the Year campaign, where he broke Manu Ginóbili’s franchise record for points off the bench. Known as the team's unofficial DJ, Johnson has embraced his ranch lifestyle featuring an expanded pond and everyday boot attire. As the Spurs prepare for their season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, high expectations surround the team following a stellar Western Conference Finals run.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson looks to build on a stellar 2025-26 campaign where he averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, earning All-Star and Third Team All-NBA honors. After grueling film study of their postseason series against the New York Knicks, Johnson aims to solidify his status as the team's undisputed alpha dog. With new roster support from trade acquisitions like Luguentz Dort, Johnson is primed for a massive season.
Ben Simmons revealed that the Sacramento Kings earned his signing after general manager Scott Perry visited him in Florida to watch him work out, unlike other teams offering only camp invites. Simmons signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal after missing the entire 2025-26 season due to injuries. Now fully healthy and confident following physical workouts and taking contact in practice, he aims to provide size, playmaking, and defensive versatility for Sacramento.
Walker Kessler made his long-awaited preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers after recovering from a jammed left pinky finger sustained in training camp. Playing only in the first half of a 101-89 loss to the Golden State Warriors, the 7-foot-2 center finished with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, nine rebounds, one block, and one steal. Kessler showcased strong rim protection and offensive activity, providing an encouraging first look for his new team.
Deni Avdija delivered a standout performance with 26 points (9-13 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 6-6 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks across 25 minutes in Tuesday's 110-98 preseason victory over Sacramento. The versatile Portland forward finished just one rebound shy of a double-double while shooting efficiently and committing only one turnover. Avdija continues to demonstrate strong chemistry alongside teammate Damian Lillard.
Austin Reaves led the Los Angeles Lakers with 28 points, seven assists, and four rebounds across 25 minutes during Tuesday's 101-89 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors. Operating efficiently with Luka Doncic resting, Reaves shot 10-for-18 from the field, including 4-for-7 from beyond the arc and 4-for-4 on free throws, while also committing seven turnovers as the Lakers surrendered a large lead.
Yaxel Lendeborg recorded 17 points (5-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 6-9 FT), five rebounds, four assists, and two steals over 26 minutes in Tuesday's preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Golden State rookie forward briefly exited the contest after tweaking his ankle but was able to return to action. Lendeborg delivered a productive, well-rounded stat line across multiple categories while committing just a single turnover.
Entering the 2026-27 season after a strong preseason, Jayson Tatum is poised for an MVP-caliber campaign for the Boston Celtics. Tatum has looked effortlessly dominant in limited exhibition action. Alongside key contributors like Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Paul George, Tatum anchors a revamped Boston squad ready to employ a democratic style of play under head coach Joe Mazzulla as they chase a championship.
Meleek Thomas shined as the lone Cavalier standout in a 132-116 preseason loss to the Orlando Magic, scoring 14 of his 16 points in a strong fourth-quarter breakout. He finished 6-for-9 from the field with three rebounds, showcasing encouraging on-ball scoring flashes off the bench. While his off-ball fit remains a question for the rookie, these explosive garbage-time minutes give the Cleveland coaching staff plenty to evaluate as opening night approaches.
Nearly 16 months after a torn Achilles cost him the 2025-26 season, Tyrese Haliburton returned to the court. After shaking off an ankle issue, he started and delivered 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks in 18 minutes during Tuesday's 114-112 preseason loss to Oklahoma City. He shot 9-for-14 from the field, including 4-of-6 from deep, though he committed four turnovers. His strong performance provides an encouraging sign as he helps the Pacers reclaim competitive standing.
Jared McCain amassed 20 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal across 19 minutes in Tuesday's 114-112 preseason overtime win over the Pacers. Returning after sitting out Monday's loss to Atlanta, the Duke product caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down a game-high six triples on 12 attempts while leading the Thunder in scoring. The 22-year-old guard is expected to come off the bench behind Cason Wallace to begin the regular season with a meaningful second-unit role.
James Wiseman closed Tuesday's 148-98 preseason loss to the Raptors with 18 points and 10 rebounds across 24 minutes. With the Knicks resting their usual starting five in the second leg of a back-to-back set, Wiseman entered the first unit and made the most of his spot start. Competing for a regular-season roster spot, the big man was extremely productive, missing only one field-goal attempt by going 7-for-8 from the floor and 4-for-4 at the line while pacing New York in scoring.
