NBA Player News

The Celtics have depth at the center position, even with Kristaps Porzingis (leg) expected to miss 5-6 months after undergoing surgery last month. Queta wasn’t considered by many to be in the equation, but his play in Las Vegas may change that. After tallying 20 points and nine rebounds in Saturday’s loss to the Heat, the 7-footer put up 22 and eight with three blocks against the Lakers. Queta’s contract for next season is guaranteed, so he will be on the roster. As for getting the minutes needed to be relevant in fantasy leagues, Queta’s best chance will be on nights when Al Horford doesn’t play.

Brownridge was waived one day after being signed to an Exhibit 10 contract. He was expected to return to the Delaware Blue Coats for another season, so Wednesday’s transaction is unsurprising. Due to the move, Brownridge can earn a bonus of $77,500 if he remains with the Blue Coats for at least 60 days.

After spending the last two seasons in Utah, the Chicago native is reportedly headed home. Horton-Tucker appeared in 51 games for the Jazz last season, averaging 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 3-pointers in 19.8 minutes. THT made 11 starts for Utah, and he’ll likely take on a reserve role if he can lock down a roster spot with the Bulls. Horton-Tucker is not a player fantasy managers should plan on drafting, especially with Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu on the roster.

For the second consecutive fall, McClung will go through training camp with the Magic. However, unlike last year, his contract will be partially guaranteed. While known primarily for his dunk contest prowess, McClung has made strides as a player. Playing for the Osceola Magic, he won G League MVP honors last season. In 27 games, he averaged 25.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 35.4 minutes, shooting 50.9% from the field. McClung’s unlikely to impact fantasy basketball next season, but he’ll have another opportunity to earn an NBA roster spot.

Jackson injured his foot while playing basketball on August 27. According to the Grizzlies, the surgical procedure was successful, and Jackson will be re-evaluated in three months. Any fantasy managers hopeful of deriving late-round value from GG must pivot; Vince Williams Jr. was a better option even before the injury. Due to the likely ramp-up time needed before he’s fully cleared to return, Jackson may not offer much to managers in redraft leagues this season.

Undrafted after a stellar collegiate career at Santa Clara, Brownridge has spent the last seven seasons with the 76ers’ G League affiliate (Delaware Blue Coats). This transaction may be more about rewarding Brownridge for his service to the franchise than him legitimately competing for a standard contract, as 13 76ers will go into camp with guaranteed deals. If he’s waived and spends 60 days with the Blue Coats, Brownridge would be in line for a bonus worth $77,500.

Goodwin spent most of last season with the Phoenix Suns, where he averaged 5.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 40 outings. He then notched 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 17 games with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Bertans has been a free agent since July 6, when the Hornets waived him. In 28 games with Charlotte, the veteran forward averaged 8.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.4 3-pointers, shooting 37.5% from beyond the arc. He’ll look to earn a training camp invite from the Warriors, and this is not a situation that will significantly impact fantasy basketball.

Fournier finished last season with Detroit after a few years with the Knicks. After playing with France this summer, he’ll remain in Europe for next season. It has been a few years since he was relevant in fantasy hoops, so this move won’t have much of an impact.

Mintz, who went undrafted after two seasons at Syracuse, averaged 18.8 points and 4.2 assists per game during his sophomore campaign. All three of Philadelphia’s two-way contract slots are filled, so he’ll need an impressive training camp to work his way into the mix. In all likelihood, Mintz will spend the majority of his time with the 76ers G League affiliate.

Yurtseven spent last season with the Jazz, who waived him in late June. In 48 games, the 7-footer averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in 11.4 minutes for Utah. While he went through a free-agent workout with the Knicks in mid-August, the team did not move to sign Yurtseven. He will head to Greece for the next chapter in his professional career on a two-year deal (including an option for the second season).