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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Los Angeles Lakers two-way guard-wing hybrid Chris Mañon has made a strong impression through the first week of training camp. Head coach JJ Redick praised Mañon as "fantastic" during recent live play and scrimmages, noting that he was placed with the purple team to bring scoring balance to both sides. Mañon continues to fight for opportunities ahead of the Lakers' preseason opener against Sacramento on Monday.
Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo has been officially cleared to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Toronto Raptors. Adebayo looks to build on a strong 2025-26 campaign where he averaged a double-figure scoring and rebounding effort for the fourth time in his career, putting up 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.9 combined steals-plus-blocks over 73 regular-season appearances despite shooting a career-worst 44.2 percent from the field.
Tyrese Maxey featured in the starting lineup for the Philadelphia 76ers during Saturday's public scrimmage. Operating in a dynamic five-out offensive structure alongside LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe, Maxey utilized his speed to create slashing opportunities to the rim. The high-energy practice session offered fans their first look at Philadelphia's explosive new core in action.
Joel Embiid showcased strong movement and high energy in the Philadelphia 76ers' Saturday scrimmage, showing no lingering effects from past knee issues. Embiid threw down two dunks, including a strong left-handed slam, and knocked down a three-pointer. Teammate LeBron James noted Embiid hasn't missed a practice, while Embiid emphasized focusing on being a star in your role as Philadelphia integrates its new-look roster.
LeBron James made his public debut with the Philadelphia 76ers during Saturday's scrimmage, playing alongside Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe. James praised Embiid's health, noting his former Olympic teammate hasn't missed a practice. Calling the event a great first step, James highlighted Edgecombe's cerebral play and expressed confidence that Philadelphia can develop into a top-five defensive team this season.
Jaylen Brown participated in the Philadelphia 76ers' public Saturday scrimmage, drawing massive crowds alongside LeBron James. During the second quarter, Brown took charge alongside backup teammates Dean Wade, Labaron Philon Jr., and Dillon Jones, rattling off 12 points in an impressive scoring stretch. The scrimmage marked the first public appearance of Philadelphia's new-look squad as preparations ramp up for the upcoming NBA season.
Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (not injury related) will not play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Miami Heat and is also unlikely to suit up for next Saturday's contest against the Clippers. According to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca, Leonard is expected to miss both of Toronto's first two preseason games as part of a structured ramp-up plan. This leaves him with three remaining opportunities to see game action before the start of the regular season.
Washington Wizards wing Will Riley enters Year 2 with high confidence after thriving over the final three months of his rookie season, averaging 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. The 6-foot-10 player added 15 pounds in the offseason, drove 5.8 times per game, and is excited to learn from Trae Young. Riley also participated in a competitive Wizards scrimmage at CareFirst Arena as the team prepares for its preseason opener against the New York Knicks.
Brook Lopez is not guaranteed the Clippers' starting center role to begin the season, as Isaiah Jackson has been working with the first team during training camp. The 38-year-old Lopez started 40 of 75 appearances in 2025-26, averaging 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 21.8 minutes. He faces ongoing competition for minutes from Jackson and potentially Yanic Konan Niederhauser once cleared from a foot injury.
Isaiah Jackson could begin the season in a starting role after working extensively with the first team in training camp. Jackson stated he expects to start, though head coach Ty Lue may still opt for veteran Brook Lopez. Jackson averaged 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks across 15.8 minutes per game in 17 appearances off the bench last season following his trade from Indiana, facing competition from Lopez and Yanic Konan Niederhauser.
Washington Wizards big man Alex Sarr did not participate in Saturday's scrimmage as he works his way back from June surgery for a fractured right foot. Sarr has been limited in training camp but is expected to ramp up to full contact soon and be ready for the regular-season opener. Over 48 games in 2025-26, he averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 blocks in 27.2 minutes per contest.
The Houston Rockets have officially waived 23-year-old two-way center Rafael Castro. Head coach Ime Udoka explained that the decision was driven by the team's abundance of big men in camp, including Oscar Tshiebwe. Castro, who went undrafted out of the 2026 NBA Draft Combine despite impressive athletic measurements, was initially signed in August to bolster frontcourt depth after a roster jam prevented a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. His departure leaves Houston's developmental center spot vacant.
Jalen Duren was notably absent from the Detroit Pistons' open practice Saturday due to an undisclosed issue, leaving his status questionable for Monday's preseason opener against the Suns. The absence comes just days after Duren signed a massive five-year, $200 million contract extension with the franchise on Thursday following extensive offseason negotiations. Team officials have not yet provided further details regarding the nature of his absence.
Keon Ellis has quickly impressed Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernández and teammates during training camp, building on their prior relationship in Sacramento. Signed to a two-year, $18 million deal, Ellis is praised for his elite defensive hands and basketball IQ. Ellis averaged 6.7 points and shot 36.3% from three last season while splitting time between Sacramento and Cleveland. Fernández and players like Michael Porter Jr. and Drake Powell have lauded his high defensive motor and seamless fit.
The Portland Trail Blazers acquired 27-year-old guard Ja Morant from Memphis in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. Morant, set to earn over $40 million annually, experienced a turbulent year with injuries and off-court issues. However, before an elbow sprain ended his season, he averaged 28.5 points per 36 minutes and dished 36 assists in a three-game span, giving Portland a high-upside co-star alongside Deni Avdija.
The Memphis Grizzlies have mutually agreed to part ways with guard Jordan Hawkins, waiving him to resolve a pre-season roster crunch. Memphis will absorb Hawkins' full $7 million guaranteed salary for his fourth NBA season. Originally acquired from New Orleans less than a month ago, the former lottery pick shot 34.8% from three-point range across three seasons and is now expected to draw interest on a minimum deal.
Following a 17-65 season where the Washington Wizards admitted to holding back to secure the top draft pick, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa arrives as the crown jewel of their rebuild. The 6-foot-9 Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game as a freshman at BYU last year. He posed for a portrait during NBA media day on September 28, 2026, as the Wizards look forward to a revamped roster featuring healthy stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young for the upcoming campaign.
Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington revealed in an interview that the team intentionally held back last season to maximize their odds of landing the No. 1 overall pick, which they used to draft BYU forward AJ Dybantsa. Carrington stated the team is now shackles-free and looks like a playoff contender under the current coaching staff and veterans. Carrington has appeared in all 82 games in each of his first two seasons, averaging 10.7 points and 4.6 assists in 2025-26.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May is emphasizing offensive rebounding for Cooper Flagg to boost his advanced metrics and create easy scoring opportunities. Flagg ranked in the 38th percentile for OREB% last season. May aims to maximize Flagg's elite athleticism and efficiency, noting that putbacks yield 1.14 points per possession on average. This analytically-driven approach marks a departure from previous strategies, supporting Flagg and Kyrie Irving as they excel in efficient shot-making.
Devin Vassell is focusing on getting downhill and finishing through contact ahead of the 2026-27 campaign to expand his offensive game. During the 2025-26 season with the San Antonio Spurs, Vassell averaged 13.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.9 steals over 67 games (65 starts). A career-high 53.4 percent of his points came from beyond the arc, while just 42.8 percent of shot attempts were two-pointers. He aims to increase two-point volume in his key role.
