AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, September 28

Stephon Castle Prepares for Key Role in Spurs Dynamic Three-Guard Rotation

AutoDraft Pro AI

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle downplayed narrative noise surrounding the team's backcourt, embracing a flexible role alongside De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper. Head coach Mitch Johnson plans to utilize the trio together more often this season. Castle, who drew attention for calling Madison Square Garden's NBA Finals crowd underwhelming compared to Oklahoma City's, was also the target of lighthearted teasing from teammates during Spurs media day.

Walker Kessler Joins Los Angeles Lakers After Being Traded From Jazz

AutoDraft Pro AI

Walker Kessler was determined to leave the Utah Jazz and pursue unrestricted free agency in 2027 before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for four first-round picks. Kessler, who played only five games last season due to shoulder issues, was heavily desired by superstar Luka Dončić. The 25-year-old rim protector is expected to serve as the long-term answer at center, providing elite interior defense and play-finishing in L.A.

Paul George Ready to Prove Doubters Wrong in Boston Celtics Debut

AutoDraft Pro AI

Embarking on his 17th NBA season, Paul George addressed the 'washed' label during Boston Celtics media day, attributing his recent statistical decline to playing through injuries in Philadelphia. Fresh off his first fully healthy offseason in years, George expressed excitement about joining a winning culture and excelling in a complementary role alongside Jayson Tatum to help the Celtics contend.

Franz Wagner Fully Healthy and Eager for Orlando Magic Season Opener

AutoDraft Pro AI

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner enters training camp with a clean bill of health after resting a calf injury and skipping FIBA World Cup action with Germany this summer. Wagner was limited to 34 regular-season games last year due to ankle and calf issues, but delivered high-level production when available, averaging 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 0.9 steals per game for Orlando.

Mitchell Robinson Confident in Handling Larger Workload for Celtics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mitchell Robinson expressed confidence in handling a consistent workload for the Boston Celtics after signing in free agency. Averaging 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 19.6 minutes last year, Robinson brings elite offensive rebounding prowess. During media day, Robinson joked about Joe Mazzulla apologizing for past Hack-a-Mitch tactics and noted he has been working heavily on his 50.8% career free-throw mark.

Josh Giddey Cleared for Full Participation at Chicago Bulls Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Chicago Bulls star guard Josh Giddey will be a full participant with no restrictions at training camp, according to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic. After undergoing ankle surgery in the spring, Giddey is fully recovered and primed for another massive campaign as Chicago's go-to playmaker. He enters the season fresh off a stellar 2025-26 breakout year where he posted career-high averages of 17.0 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game for the Bulls.

Myles Turner Reflects on Transformative Offseason and Milwaukee Future

AutoDraft Pro AI

Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner opened up about his busy offseason, including a $1 million commitment to food insecurity, animal advocacy, and taking on a role as NBPA Vice President. Reflecting on his transition year in Milwaukee and Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure, Turner emphasized his unwavering competitive mindset. Entering his prime at age 30, Turner is focused on leadership, embracing discomfort, and using the pain of his 2025 Finals run with Indiana to fuel another championship pursuit.

Zach LaVine Healthy and Ready to Roll for Sacramento Kings Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine is fully healthy entering training camp, general manager Scott Perry confirmed. LaVine underwent season-ending surgery in February to repair a torn tendon in his right fifth finger, limiting him to 39 games in 2025-26 where he averaged 19.2 points while shooting 47.9 percent from the field. His complete recovery puts him firmly on track to resume a prominent starting role in Sacramento's backcourt for the start of the new campaign.

Keegan Murray Cleared and 100 Percent Healthy Entering Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray is fully healthy and cleared for training camp, general manager Scott Perry announced. Murray was limited to just 23 regular-season appearances in 2025-26 due to multiple injuries, most notably issues with his left ankle that required an arthroscopic procedure in May to remove loose bodies. His full participation indicates the issue will not limit him as the Kings begin preparations for the upcoming regular season under normal conditioning.

Joel Embiid Shows Encouraging Offseason Health and Progress for 76ers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Joel Embiid has made significant progress in his body, game, and mental preparation, entering training camp visibly leaner and feeling pretty good. After appearing in only 38 games in 2025-26 due to durability concerns, teammate LeBron James and the Philadelphia front office have expressed optimism about his health. Embiid stated there is a strict plan in place to keep him healthy throughout the upcoming campaign so he can be at his absolute best when the postseason arrives.

DeMar DeRozan Set to Operate as High-Usage Focal Point off Nuggets Bench

AutoDraft Pro AI

DeMar DeRozan is expected to serve as the primary offensive engine for the Denver Nuggets' second unit under head coach David Adelman. The plan keeps Denver's starting five intact while putting the ball frequently in the hands of the veteran forward. Despite spending nearly his entire career as a starter, the 37-year-old's scoring and playmaking will provide a dependable offensive spark whenever Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are off the floor.

VJ Edgecombe Focused on Shooting Improvement for 76ers

AutoDraft Pro AI

VJ Edgecombe emphasized improving his shooting during the offseason, alongside finishing and ball-handling. As a rookie, he was a rotation player, shooting 43.6% from the field and 35.9% from three. Further development as a shooter could enhance his complement to the 76ers' other key players.

Zach Edey Cleared for Activity, Nearing Return for Grizzlies

AutoDraft Pro AI

Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Edey (ankle/elbow) has been cleared for on-court activity and is on pace to play in the team's regular-season opener on Oct. 21. The big man underwent surgeries in March but is trending positively. Edey appeared in 11 games in 2025-26, averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Ready to Dominate with Miami Heat

AutoDraft Pro AI

Giannis Antetokounmpo is confident he can still "dominate the game" as one of the world's best players entering the next stage of his career following a blockbuster trade to the Miami Heat.

Coby White Excited for New Starting Role with Hornets

AutoDraft Pro AI

Coby White stated his desire to return to the Charlotte Hornets to embrace a new role, expressing excitement for the upcoming season. Following the trade of LaMelo Ball, the Hornets signed White to a three-year, $74 million deal. He is expected to move into a starting position after providing a spark off the bench last season, averaging 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 19.3 minutes over 21 games.

Mikel Brown: Dealing with Ankle Injury, Expected Back Soon

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks stated rookie Mikel Brown rolled his ankle last week but is not expected to miss considerable time. He will ramp up at training camp. Brown, the sixth overall pick, averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists at Louisville.

Collin Murray-Boyles: Set to Play Both Power Forward and Center

AutoDraft Pro AI

Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic announced Collin Murray-Boyles will play both power forward and center this season. He may play alongside Jakob Poeltl, offering a bigger frontcourt option. His versatility could secure a significant role. His sprained finger from Summer League is apparently healed.

Kon Knueppel: Status for Opening Night Uncertain Due to Hamstring Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

Charlotte Hornets GM Jeff Peterson stated uncertainty regarding Kon Knueppel's (hamstring) availability for the season opener. He has been ruled out for the preseason as he recovers from his left hamstring injury. His status will become clearer as training camp progresses.

AJ Dybantsa Named Cover Athlete for 2026 Topps Flagship Basketball

AutoDraft Pro AI

Washington Wizards star AJ Dybantsa has been selected as the cover athlete for the 2026 Topps Flagship Basketball set. Dybantsa, who began collecting cards this year, will be featured prominently on the upcoming release.

Brandon Miller: Expected to Participate in Hornets Training Camp

AutoDraft Pro AI

Charlotte Hornets GM Jeff Peterson confirmed Brandon Miller (shoulder) is expected to participate in training camp and be ready for the regular season. This is a positive sign after injury issues last season. His availability is crucial for the Hornets, especially if Kon Knueppel (hamstring) is sidelined.