NBA Player News

After offering minimal offensive production in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals, Lively’s output picked up in Dallas. The rookie center recorded double-doubles in both games, and he hit his first 3-pointer (regular season or playoffs) in Game 4. While Lively logged 22 minutes before both coaches cleared their respective benches, starting center Daniel Gafford (seven points, four rebounds, and one blocked shot) played ten. While the order of the rotation won’t change for Game 5 on Monday, Lively projects to be the better option for DFS players.

The eighth overall pick in last summer’s draft, Walker played limited NBA minutes as a rookie. And with the Pacers re-signing Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin, the path to rotation minutes at power forward appears to be blocked. As a result, he will see plenty of time at the three in Las Vegas. “He’s going to start at the 3, but today’s game is positionless,” Pacers summer league coach Jannero Pargo said. “If he’s ahead of the play, we want him dunking it and playing in the paint. If he’s not, spacing the floor, handling the ball, playing in pick-and-roll, making decisions off the dribble. In all facets of the game, we want to use him because he’s that kind of a player.” Regardless of where Walker slots into the lineup once the games count, he’ll be part of a loaded Pacers rotation on the wings. While he remains a viable option in dynasty leagues, his value in redraft formats may be limited in 2024-25.

McGowens may have been credited with just eight official shot attempts, but that was due to his ability to get downhill against Team China consistently. The former Hornets guard attempted 14 free throws, making 12 on his way to a game-high 20 points. McGowens was waived by the Hornets just before summer league but still decided to play with the team. Like many players who will see action in northern California, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas this month, he’s auditioning for all 30 teams. Until his status for next season is solidified, there’s no need to make plans to select McGowens in fantasy drafts.

After shooting 3-of-12 from the field on Saturday, Knecht matched his point total on Sunday but again struggled with inefficiency. The first-round pick has not shot the ball well, but he has been productive in other areas. Knecht accumulated two steals on Sunday, one day after dishing out four assists without committing a turnover. While the offensive skill set is why draft analysts thought so highly of him during the pre-draft process, the ability to do the “other things” is what will give him a shot at earning credible rotation minutes as a rookie.

Lewis was the only Lakers player to struggle on Sunday, but he took a noticeable step back after scoring 14 points in Saturday’s loss to the Kings. Selected with the 40th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Lewis was limited to 34 appearances (3.0 minutes per game) as a rookie. The Lakers still have one more game to play in northern California before heading to Vegas, so Lewis will have opportunities to make a positive impression on the new coaching staff. He’ll need to be more consistent offensively, especially if he’s to have a chance of cracking a veteran-laden rotation once training camp begins.

Puerto Rico will participate in the men’s basketball competition at the Summer Olympics for the first time since 2004, and Alvarado led the way in Sunday’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament final. The Pelicans guard takes on a vastly different role with Puerto Rico, taking on more scoring responsibilities. Alvarado led Puerto Rico in scoring while also knocking down four 3-pointers. While he only recorded one steal on the day, the point guard’s point-of-attack defense was crucial. Puerto Rico will compete in Group C in Paris, joining the United States, Serbia, and South Sudan.

After spending last season on a two-way contract, Ford faces an uphill battle for a camp invite, with Sacramento having already allocated its three available slots. While Sunday’s scoring production was encouraging, one would like to see more from Ford in the assist category (zero vs. Miami). In a similar position this summer is Adonis Arms, who chipped in with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block, and one 3-pointer in 26 minutes. While Arms and Ford are representing the Kings, they’re auditioning for all 30 NBA teams.

Swider spent last season on a two-way contract, and the Heat have yet to decide what they’ll do with their three available slots. Shooting the ball as well as he has through two games should strengthen Swider’s chances of earning a return, as he is now 9-of-16 from beyond the arc. He isn’t a player worth targeting in drafts, but solid play this summer will go a long way toward ensuring that Swider is in training camp with the Heat (or another team).

After blocking five shots in his summer league debut on Saturday, Ware showed off the full offensive game on Sunday. In addition to improved finishing in the paint, he displayed the ability to hit shots in the mid-range, going on to lead all scorers with 26 points. Rebounding and shot-blocking is where the rookie’s bread will be buttered this season, and Ware has been productive in those areas thus far. He isn’t going to pass Bam Adebayo in the pecking order, but the backup center job should be Ware’s this fall/winter.

The men’s basketball team is holding training camp in Las Vegas ahead of the Paris Olympics, and Steve Kerr’s team has been down a man. According to The Athletic, Durant did not participate in either of the first two days of practice as he is nursing a strained calf. Limited to light individual work, KD’s availability for Wednesday’s exhibition against Canada has yet to be determined. He’ll have time to get healthy, as the United States does not begin group play until July 28 against Serbia.

After logging 22 minutes in his Lakers summer debut on Saturday, James is being held out of Sunday’s matchup with the Warriors. This is considered a precautionary measure, and the Lakers expect Bronny to be available for Wednesday’s game against the Heat.