NBA Player News

Woj announced early on Friday that Primo would be hit with a four-game suspension if he signed with a team, and he found a new landing spot just hours later. Woj also reports that Primo has been “engaged in ongoing therapy,” and that will continue in Los Angeles. From a fantasy perspective, Primo isn’t on the radar in redraft leagues, and he’s barely worth a roster spot in the deepest of dynasty leagues.

Having struggled with injuries throughout his professional career, Liddell is playing with the Nuggets in hopes of earning another opportunity. He played well on Thursday, as his dunk with just over five seconds remaining gave Denver a two-point lead. Unfortunately for Liddell, he ended up on the wrong end of the game’s final shot, with Jamaree Bouyea hitting a three over the forward’s outstretched hand as time expired. Liddell is not a fantasy target regardless of league size, but his goal is to grab a team’s attention and earn a contract.

Having suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during his summer league debut last year, Holmes played in an organized game for the first time in 363 days on Thursday. He played well, shooting 66.7 percent from the field overall and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Holmes is another player impacted by Denver acquiring Jonas Valančiūnas from the Kings, as opportunities on the back end of the rotation may be limited. However, the rookie forward is a versatile player who can be used at the four or the five, depending on the matchup. Holmes is worth watching, especially for those competing in dynasty leagues.

While Tyson did not have his best night shooting the basketball, he did finish the one-point defeat with a double-double. After appearing in 18 games as a rookie, the 2023 second-round pick made 51 appearances for the Nuggets last season. Denver’s addition of Jonas Valančiūnas strengthens their frontcourt rotation, likely making it more challenging for Tyson to offer statistical value after playing sparingly in his first two seasons.

Two of Milwaukee’s three two-way contract players saw action on Thursday, and both were factors in the team’s one-point victory. Nance offered solid value across the board, while guard Jamaree Bouyea (13/3/5/1/1 with three three-pointers) hit a step-back three as time expired to give Milwaukee the win. Neither Nance nor Bouyea has been able to do enough to stick in the NBA, but the situation in Milwaukee is an interesting one. Neither should be targeted in fantasy drafts, but there may come a time when there is streaming value to be had.

Likely needing to perform well this summer to get back onto Doc Rivers’ radar after falling out of the rotation after the All-Star break, Jackson recorded a modest stat line on Thursday. He only attempted two shots, but they were both three-pointers, and Jackson shot nearly 40 percent from deep last season. However, that was on 76 attempts, so the percentage has to be taken with a grain of salt. Jackson isn’t a draftable player in fantasy leagues, but he’s worth watching during summer league.

Waived by the Bucks on July 2, Livingston is looking to earn another opportunity in Milwaukee or elsewhere. The former second-round pick had a good night in Thursday’s summer league opener, shooting efficiently with modest production in the rebound and assist categories. Livingston was also 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, noteworthy output for a player who was 1-of-13 from deep in his first two seasons. He shouldn’t be on anyone’s fantasy radar, but it’s good to see free agents perform well in Las Vegas.

A first-round pick in the 2019 draft, Bazley is looking to earn another opportunity in the NBA. While he did not provide much value as a scorer on Thursday, the rebounding and defensive ability stood out in the Lakers’ two-point defeat. Despite Trey Jemison II and Christian Koloko being on the roster, Bazley was the starting center against the Mavericks. If Bazley can take on those assignments defensively, that may help his chances of returning to the NBA.

Swider excelled at the California Classic and started his time in Las Vegas well on Thursday. He is currently without a contract, so these performances are critical for Swider, who’s looking to impress decision-makers around the league. There’s no need to consider him for fantasy drafts, but there may come a point when some team gives Swider another opportunity to prove himself in the NBA.

After struggling in the Lakers’ first two games at the California Classic, Knecht finished well and scored 25 points in Tuesday’s finale. His first game in Las Vegas wasn’t great, but the second-year wing did provide some defensive production. Following the game, Knecht said he was dealing with some cramping but would be fine. For more experienced players, especially 24-year-olds, the hope is that it won’t take long for them to show they don’t need to play in all of their team’s summer league games. While there’s no need to panic, it would likely calm some nerves in Los Angeles if Knecht rebounded from Thursday’s performance the next time out.

Dallas’ starting guards in Thursday’s summer opener are on two-way contracts, and both shone against the Lakers. Kelly supplemented Ryan Nembhard’s excellent night with a solid performance, shooting 50 percent from the field and 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. Unlike Nembhard, Kelly does not play a position where the Mavericks need bodies, making his task of earning NBA minutes as a rookie more challenging. However, he made a positive impression on the team’s decision-makers with his effort against the Lakers.