Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland, who is currently dealing with a toe injury, went through a light individual workout on Tuesday. This activity occurred after the team's shootaround, as reported by Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Garland's participation in the workout signifies a positive step in his recovery process.
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart was notably absent from team practice on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as he is currently managing a back ailment. This development was reported by Ian Begley of SportsNet New York, highlighting a potential health concern for the Knicks' roster. Hart's inability to participate in Tuesday's session suggests the team is taking a cautious approach with his recovery. Fans and fantasy managers will be closely monitoring for further updates regarding his condition and availability for future team activities, as his presence is crucial for the Knicks.
Kevin Durant is officially slated to make his highly anticipated debut for the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, participating in the preseason game against Utah. The star forward had been held out previously for rest, but is now ready to join his new team on the court. This significant development was reported by Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle, confirming Durant's readiness to kick off his tenure with the Rockets. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see Durant in action as he integrates with the squad during the preseason.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum will serve as Duke's Chief Basketball Officer, a new volunteer advisory role for his alma mater. This position involves sharing basketball knowledge and providing guidance on development, leadership, and athlete life. This new commitment comes as Tatum recovers from a ruptured Achilles injury sustained in the playoffs, which is expected to sideline him for the early part of the 2025-26 NBA season. The injury contributed to the Celtics' Eastern Conference semifinals loss to the New York Knicks. Despite the setback, his recovery is reportedly progressing well, and Tatum has not ruled out a return during the upcoming season. He is also ranked as the #17 small forward in fantasy basketball dynasty leagues.
Incoming rookie Cooper Flagg has made an unprecedented entry into fantasy basketball dynasty rankings, securing the #5 spot among power forwards for the Dallas Mavericks. This remarkable valuation places him among the league's elite even before he has played a single regular season game. Flagg's early high ranking signifies his exceptional potential and makes him a highly coveted asset for dynasty league managers.
San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama has been unequivocally identified as the most valuable player in fantasy basketball dynasty leagues. He holds the #1 ranking among centers, highlighting his immense long-term potential and immediate impact. This top valuation underscores his status as a cornerstone player for any fantasy manager, solidifying his position as a generational talent in the league.
Under new head coach Jordan Ott, Devin Booker is thriving as the Suns' primary ball-handler, showcasing impressive distribution in a system not reliant on a traditional point guard. In a recent preseason win, Booker recorded a game-high seven assists with just one turnover, demonstrating comfort in his familiar lead role. Ott's offense emphasizes constant motion, allowing Booker to quickly initiate halfcourt sets. Historically, Booker has excelled as a playmaker, ranking in the 92nd percentile or better in assist percentage in seven of the last eight seasons, with a career-best 7.1 dimes in 2024-25. His scoring gravity and playmaking importance are central to Ott's all-encompassing system, which will also feature a committee approach with players like Royce O’Neale, Dillon Brooks, Collin Gillespie, Jalen Green, and Grayson Allen contributing to the playmaking load.
Ja Morant's 2025-26 season is pivotal for the Memphis Grizzlies, with the central question being whether he can return to his former superstar status. Once touted as a future face of the league, Morant's career has regressed due to persistent injuries and off-court issues, including a serious suspension for flashing guns on Instagram. After missing most of 2023-24 and playing 50 games last season, he averaged 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists, though his shot development remains a concern. Currently nursing an ankle injury, his performance and availability are crucial for Memphis's competitiveness. Morant is also tasked with guiding second-year players and ensuring team buy-in to new coach Tuomas Iisalo's system, with his ability to perform like a superstar directly linked to the Grizzlies' relevancy.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham was chosen as the sixth overall pick in a recent 12-team, 9-category fantasy basketball mock draft. Analyst Alex Barutha, who drafted Cunningham, described him as the "most well-rounded option available" at that pick. Cunningham's selection as the first pick for Barutha's team was pivotal, allowing the drafter flexibility to decide on a specific punt build strategy with subsequent selections.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley was selected as the 19th overall pick in a recent 12-team, 9-category fantasy basketball mock draft. Drafted by analyst Alex Barutha, Mobley is highlighted as an "underrated breakout candidate" for the upcoming 2025-26 season. His versatility, qualifying at both power forward and center, was a key factor in his selection, influencing the drafter's strategy to build a team around versatile bigs and to punt three-pointers and free-throw percentage.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is challenging third-year guard Brandin Podziemski to refine his playing style, aiming for an "edge" without emotional downswings. Kerr expects Podziemski to take another leap this season, noting his competitive nature and high aspirations. The coach reported that Podziemski has been "lights-out" and playing at a "really high level" during training camp. In the Warriors' first preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Podziemski contributed eight points and two steals in 18 minutes. Kerr specifically wants Podziemski to curb his tendency to complain to referees, expressing satisfaction that he avoided doing so during a recent scrimmage with NBA officials. Kerr believes Podziemski's emotion can both elevate and hinder the team, emphasizing the importance of staying even-keeled.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed excitement and high praise for rookie guard Will Richard, the 56th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft whose rights were acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies. Kerr described the 22-year-old, 6-foot-4 guard as a "great young guy" who is "totally engaged," possesses "good size," "can shoot it well," and is "such a sponge" and "so coachable," believing he "has got a future." Richard brings collegiate experience from Belmont and the University of Florida, where he started 105 games. Despite the positive assessment, Kerr does not anticipate Richard playing for the veteran-laden Warriors "any time soon" this season. Instead, he expects Richard to gain significant playing time with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G-League, learning from established stars like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Al Horford.
Giannis Antetokounmpo seriously considered his future this summer, with reports confirming the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks engaged in trade discussions in August. Antetokounmpo, who wants to be on a championship-contending team, identified New York as his sole preferred destination outside Milwaukee. However, talks never gained traction, with the Bucks insisting they preferred not to move their franchise player, while believing the Knicks' offer wasn't strong enough. Conversely, New York felt Milwaukee wasn't serious about a deal. Antetokounmpo, 30, is under contract through 2026-27 with a $54.12 million cap hit this season, and holds a player option for 2027-28. He has recovered from COVID and joined training camp. The two-time MVP, who averaged 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds last season, is considered the face and economic engine of the Bucks, who would demand a significant haul for him. A trade this season is difficult due to his salary and the tax apron, making an offseason move more probable if frustration mounts.
NBA insiders are currently breaking down the significant impact of Fred VanVleet's injury on the Houston Rockets. The injury is affecting the team's overall performance and its players. Discussions are underway regarding potential moves Houston could make to bolster its lineup in response to VanVleet's absence, suggesting the team may look to add new talent to compensate for the injury.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed strong confidence in Jimmy Butler's role, highlighting his immediate impact since arriving from the Miami Heat last season. Butler, considered the league's best isolation player, helped the Warriors achieve a 23-7 record in his 30 regular-season appearances during the 2024-25 NBA season. Paired with Steph Curry, the duo posted a 26-8 record and defeated the No. 2 seed Houston in the first round of the playoffs. Kerr emphasized Butler's ability to create shots for himself and others, necessitating floor spacing. Last season, Butler averaged 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.2 rebounds, also providing invaluable leadership and high-IQ play. Kerr anticipates even better chemistry and continuity with Butler participating in a full training camp, expecting him to grow more comfortable within the team's existing offensive framework. The main question for the Warriors' title contention hinges on the duo's ability to stay healthy for a full season.
Dallas Mavericks' rising star Cooper Flagg, at just 18 years old, delivered a sensational NBA preseason debut that immediately turned heads. Flagg showcased legitimate point-guard chops, demonstrating a level of skill and composure far beyond his years. His performance was so impressive that he looked as though he had already been playing in the league for half a decade, seamlessly integrating into the professional game. This initial outing signals a promising future for Flagg with the Mavericks, as he quickly established himself as a player to watch.
Victor Wembanyama showcased his versatility and dominance in Monday's preseason win against the Ghuangzhoi Loong-Lions, nearly recording a triple-double in a mere 16 minutes of play. The San Antonio Spurs star posted an impressive stat line of nine points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. He was highly efficient from the field, shooting 3-of-3, including 1-of-1 from beyond the arc, and was perfect from the free-throw line (2-of-2). This strong performance highlights his potential to impact games across multiple statistical categories even in limited playing time.
Cole Anthony sustained a chin laceration on Monday and subsequently received stitches, as reported by Tim Reynolds of Associated Press. Due to this injury, Anthony will not be returning to Monday's game. This development impacts the Milwaukee Bucks' lineup for the remainder of the contest.
Peyton Watson is slated to be in the starting lineup for Monday's preseason matchup against Toronto, according to Vivek Jacob of the Raptors' official site. This indicates a prominent role for Watson with the Denver Nuggets as they prepare for their upcoming game.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the ongoing investigation into alleged salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard will not affect the 2026 All-Star Game at the Clippers' new Intuit Dome. The league is probing an alleged "no-show" endorsement contract Leonard had with Aspiration, a Clippers sponsor in which team owner Steve Ballmer and minority owner Dennis Wong had invested. Allegations, first reported by the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast, suggest Leonard received a $48 million endorsement deal, including $20 million in now-worthless stock, without performing any work, with the intent to circumvent the salary cap. Both Leonard and the Clippers deny wrongdoing, stating they were defrauded and welcome the league's investigation, which currently has no completion timeline.
