NBA Player News

Despite being ranked outside the top 150 in 9-cat formats, Sexton remains rostered in over 80% of Yahoo leagues. He’ll figure prominently in the Jazz offensive attack as a starter, so there isn’t too much risk in rostering Sexton. The issue is the lack of defensive production; punt steals and blocks, and Sexton is an 11th-round player. He’s never been known as a lockdown defender, so there’s no reason for fantasy managers to expect this to change anytime soon.

Signed to a two-way contract on Wednesday, Barlow started his unofficial 76ers debut on Thursday. He only played 14 minutes against the Spurs but had a solid night shooting the basketball, and the rebounding production was also good. When healthy, the 76ers will have a frontcourt rotation that Barlow may have difficulty cracking. There isn’t a need to plan for selecting him in fantasy drafts, even if Joel Embiid is not cleared in time for training camp.

Between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, Edwards has played in four games this summer. Unfortunately, he’s only put together one solid offensive performance. The second-year wing shot 2-of-5 from beyond the arc on Thursday and did not offer much value elsewhere. If Philadelphia’s top wings are healthy, Edwards’ role will likely be limited next season. However, with his play late last season, the 76ers likely hoped for a more dominant Edwards this summer.

On a forgettable night for the 76ers, who lost by a 111-70 final score, Bona was solid as a rebounder and shot-blocker in his 17 minutes on the court. These games in Las Vegas are unlikely to change things for the second-year player once training camp begins, as he’ll compete with Andre Drummond and Johni Broome for backup center minutes. And whoever wins that competition will only have fantasy relevance if the 76ers are without starter Joel Embiid.

Bryant struggled with his shot on Thursday, but that did not keep the rookie from providing value in other ways. The first-round pick recorded four “stocks,” and his on-court communication on both ends of the floor should be overlooked despite not showing up on the box score. The hope is that fellow first-round pick Dylan Harper can play on Saturday after missing time with a groin injury. If he can go, San Antonio will have their first glimpse of Harper and Bryant on the court together.

Well, if there’s a good place to be when you catch the “hot hand,” Las Vegas is it. Jones-Garcia shot 75 percent from the field on Thursday, continuing to play well after earning All-California Classic team honors at the beginning of the week. And revenge may have been on Jones-Garcia’s mind for Thursday’s 111-70 victory, as he began his professional career with the 76ers on a two-way deal before being waived in January 2024. Jones-Garcia’s play this summer may be enough to earn him another two-way opportunity if he can continue on this path.

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.