NBA Player News

Collins injured his shoulder early in the third quarter of Sunday’s win over the Pistons and will need his fifth surgery since entering the NBA. One of the previous four was to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder back in 2019, with the other three being on his left ankle. The expectation is that Collins will be healthy for the start of next season, which is unlikely to impact his fantasy value. With Victor Wembanyama firmly entrenched as the starting center, Collins was most valuable on nights when the French phenom did not play due to injury.

Simmons has struggled with back issues for a couple of years, most recently undergoing a microscopic partial discectomy in mid-March. According to his agent, the Nets forward will not be under any restrictions when training camp begins. While this is good news, experienced fantasy managers may hesitate to trust Simmons, and with good reason, given the track record. At best, he’s a late-round dart throw in standard league drafts. A healthy (and productive) Simmons would impact multiple players within the Nets rotation due to his ability to impact games as a distributor and defender.

There had been rumblings recently that Griffin, the 16th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was unsure if he wanted to continue his NBA career. On Friday, he and the Rockets agreed on a contract buyout, and Griffin is now evaluating his next steps as a professional. Hopefully, Griffin will find some peace, regardless of his final decision. He missed some time last season for personal reasons, and the Rockets acquired Griffin from the Rockets in June.

Waived by the Lakers on Sunday, Hinson will reportedly head north for training camp. According to multiple reports, the Warriors don’t intend to fill their 15th roster spot, so Hinson is likely headed to Santa Cruz to play for the team’s G League affiliate.

The 41st overall pick in the 2023 draft, Bailey appeared in 10 games for the Hornets and 36 for their G League affiliate last season. He faces long odds to make the Nets’ opening night roster, so fantasy managers do not need to consider Bailey in drafts.

Not selected in the 2023 draft, Justice appears headed toward a second season with the Jazz organization. He was in training camp on a similar deal last fall before playing for Utah’s G League affiliate, averaging 11.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game during the regular season. If the Jazz waives Justice and he then spends at least 60 days with the Salt Lake City Stars, he’ll receive a $77,500 bonus.

The Suns are rounding out their roster for training camp, with Shackelford being the most recent addition. With the Valley Suns, Phoenix’s G League affiliate, acquiring Shackelford’s returning player rights from the Oklahoma City Blue, look for him to be in the G League this season. This transaction will not impact fantasy basketball.

McCoy averaged 10.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds for the Austin Spurs last season.

Harris appeared in two games for the Orland Magic last season and averaged 2.0 points and 1.0 rebound per game.

LeDee was a star forward for the San Diego State Aztecs last season. He averaged 21.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per contest.

Seabron spent last season as a two-way player with the New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 2.3 points and 1.2 rebounds over six games in 2023-24.