Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Detroit Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham will have new offensive support this season following the offseason arrival of forward John Collins. Collins praised Cunningham's exceptional playmaking ability and noted his plan to complement the point guard by generating easy baskets and floor spacing, following a 2025-26 campaign where Collins converted 40.6 percent of his three-point attempts.
Detroit Pistons forward John Collins plans to leverage his versatility and perimeter shooting to complement star guard Cade Cunningham after joining the team this offseason. Collins, who shot 40.6 percent from three-point range during the 2025-26 regular season, highlighted Cunningham's playmaking ability and expressed a desire to generate easy baskets playing off him to provide a dynamic offensive threat.
Andre Drummond drew interest from several clubs but chose the New York Knicks in free agency, fulfilling a lifelong dream as a childhood fan born in Mount Vernon and raised in Connecticut. Expected to play a significant role off the bench to help make up for the loss of Mitchell Robinson, Drummond brings veteran rebounding depth. Captain Jalen Brunson emphasized that Drummond is simply brought in to be himself rather than replace Robinson.
Steven Adams has been fully cleared for basketball activities after undergoing left ankle surgery in January, head coach Ime Udoka announced Tuesday. Although previously limited before training camp, Udoka expects the veteran center to play during Houston's preseason trip to Macao. Adams may still be managed carefully and limited during back-to-back sets early in the regular season as part of his workload recovery.
Entering training camp in the spotlight following offseason roster turnover, Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta is ready for increased responsibility after averaging career highs of 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 76 appearances last season. Queta praised new teammate Mitchell Robinson, coining the team's versatile big-man group "Big Fella University." Queta expressed 100 percent confidence in the Celtics' reliable frontcourt rotation as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Mitchell Robinson departed the New York Knicks in free agency, signing a three-year, $47.4 million contract with the Boston Celtics. At media day, Robinson addressed past tension with head coach Joe Mazzulla over intentional fouling strategies, noting they have cleared the air. Mazzulla welcomed Robinson's versatility into a frontcourt rotation featuring Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, while Robinson remains unconcerned about his starting status as training camp begins.
Kon Knueppel has already been ruled out for the preseason due to a hamstring injury, and his absence could potentially extend into the regular season for the Charlotte Hornets. In his absence, teammate Grayson Allen is expected to handle a bigger role and potentially open the year as a starter until Knueppel is fully healthy and cleared to return.
Grayson Allen could open the season as a starter for the Charlotte Hornets if Kon Knueppel is not ready for Opening Night due to a hamstring injury. Knueppel has already been ruled out for the preseason. Allen stands to see a sizable boost in streaming appeal, having previously averaged 17.6 points, 4.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per contest across 27 starts for the Suns in the 2025-26 season.
Former NBA champion JR Smith was arrested on Monday in Texas on a charge of assault causing bodily injury involving family violence. The unexpected legal development places the former veteran guard in serious trouble as local authorities move forward with the domestic violence charge.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was a full go at Miami Heat training camp on Tuesday, showing no limitations after missing the end of the 2025-26 campaign with a nagging knee issue. Coach Erik Spoelstra described it as a surreal experience watching Antetokounmpo go through one-on-one drills with teammate Bam Adebayo as the Heat ramp up preparations for the upcoming regular season.
Al Horford could open the 2026-27 season as a starter for the Golden State Warriors if Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined due to an undisclosed injury for Opening Night. While at 40 years old his best fantasy days may be behind him, Horford has an opportunity for a larger role. Last season as a starter across 13 games, he averaged 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 23.7 minutes per contest.
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Paul George's veteran experience as the forward steps into a major role alongside Jayson Tatum following Jaylen Brown's departure. While durability has been a concern with George making at least 70 regular-season appearances just once in seven years, he projects for strong mid-round fantasy value when healthy after averaging over 16 points and 5 rebounds in consecutive years.
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis expects to have more offensive freedom this season after focusing on physical development and attacking the rim during the summer. Feeling he relied too heavily on three-pointers last year, the 21-year-old wants to incorporate more mid-range opportunities. Buzelis also added weight and strength to help him play through contact as he builds upon his 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Zion Williamson entered New Orleans Pelicans training camp in impeccable condition, weighing 277 pounds compared to 284 last season. Executive Joe Dumars challenged the forward to prioritize conditioning and expand his offensive game by taking more jumpers. Improved fitness and a stronger perimeter game should help Williamson remain highly productive while carrying a significant role for the Pelicans this year.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wants Draymond Green to shoot more open three-pointers this season. Green already took a career-high 4.6 three-point attempts per game last regular season, and there is room for growth. He remains a late-round fantasy target, though he will likely need the playmaking gravity of teammates like Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis on the floor to maximize his shooting efficiency.
Max Strus could be in line for an expanded role to begin the season with Brandon Ingram sidelined while recovering from a partially torn Achilles and right heel surgery. The Clippers haven't established a timetable for Ingram's return, opening additional minutes on the wing. Strus's perimeter shooting makes him a logical option to absorb some of Ingram's playing time while Los Angeles awaits its new forward's return.
Recently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, Brandon Ingram faces a delayed debut after undergoing surgery in May for a partial Achilles tear and heel spur. The recovery timeline spans six to nine months, presenting an early hurdle for the team. Meanwhile, Max Strus could be in line for an expanded role and additional minutes on the wing while Los Angeles waits for Ingram to return to the court.
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson spent the offseason refining his free throws and jumper with shooting coach Chip Engelland, with head coach Ime Udoka noting initial growth targets in midrange efficiency. Following a stellar campaign and a five-year, $208 million extension, the 23-year-old looks to build on averages of 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Although his three-pointer remains a work in progress, Thompson aims to expand his offensive repertoire alongside returning guard Fred VanVleet.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter stated that his primary goal for the season is to become the best off-ball player in the NBA. Believing his cutting ability and catch-and-shoot skills provide the necessary tools to reach that elite level, Porter emphasized that physical conditioning will be vital to sustaining his impact. He is expected to shoulder a significant role in Brooklyn's offensive scheme, utilizing those exact off-ball strengths to maximize his scoring efficiency.
Tyrese Haliburton is quickly establishing a strong rapport with new frontcourt addition Ivica Zubac and Pascal Siakam following the Pacers' players-only minicamp. Zubac highlighted Haliburton's high basketball IQ, noting that playing alongside the star point guard feels seamless and natural. Haliburton will once again orchestrate Indiana's high-pace offense as the team integrates its retooled roster. Additionally, Haliburton confirmed he is fully healthy and ready to go for the upcoming campaign.
