NBA Player News

Memphis is missing a few players including Smart and John Knochar. The Grizzlies bench is deep, though, with minutes opening up for Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia. Kennard can help with 3-point field goals and LaRavia will provide some blocks and steals.

As was the case in his preseason debut on Saturday, Jakučionis struggled with his shot against the Lakers. The rookie missed all three of his shot attempts, with a perfect afternoon at the foul line providing his point total, and was responsible for five turnovers. Jakučionis recorded three steals and provided a little more value in non-scoring categories than he did on Saturday. Rookies require patience, and Jakučionis’ struggles with his shot and turnovers are unsurprising, given the pre-draft conversations.

Inactive for the Lakers’ first game of the summer on Saturday, James was available and in the starting lineup on Sunday. He only played 11 minutes, but the Lakers guard knocked down two corner threes and opened the action with a breakaway dunk. Expecting Bronny to earn consistent rotation minutes next season may be a bit ambitious, but this is an important summer for him after playing sparingly as a rookie.

While incoming rookies and high-upside returnees tend to be the focus of summer league competition, it’s also an essential proving ground for veterans looking to earn a longer NBA look. Swider qualifies, and he’s played well in the Lakers’ first two games of the summer. After scoring 24 points against the Warriors on Saturday, he produced another 20-point effort on Sunday. Swider is not a player to consider for fantasy leagues, but he is a player who may earn himself a two-way contract or training camp deal if he can build on his first two games of the month.

Needing to upgrade their backup center situation, the Nuggets acquired Valančiūnas from the Kings in exchange for Dario Šarić. However, on Thursday, it was reported by BasketNews that the veteran center was considering a move to Europe to play for Greek power Panathinaikos. Valančiūnas is under contract with the Nuggets, so he would require a buyout to move to Greece. According to Charania, the Nuggets view JV as a key component for next season, so he’ll have to fulfill the requirements of his contract. Playing behind Nikola Jokić limits Valančiūnas’ fantasy value, but he’ll have “real” value to a team that hopes to contend for a championship.

Paul also said that he wants to stay close to Los Angeles next year to remain closer to his family. That leaves a few potential options for where he could suit up next season. The 40-year-old point guard should still play a role next season, but there likely won’t be an ideal opportunity for him to continue to shine for fantasy managers.

Plowden was sent to Phoenix as part of the historic seven-team deal that dealt Kevin Durant to Houston. However, they won’t keep him around. He’ll look for a new home after spending last season on a two-way with the Hawks.

Kevin Durant is the headliner of the deal, and now these teams are trying to fill in the gaps to make the trade work. Plowden made a few appearances with the Hawks last year and will now join the Suns, though it’s unclear if they will keep him around.

Roddy started last season with Atlanta before ending the year on a two-way with Houston. It’s unclear if he’ll remain with the Hawks, but he certainly won’t be a large part of the team’s rotation.

Third-year NBA players should dominate Summer League if they play in it. Sensabaugh wasn’t flawless, but the 76ers didn’t really have an answer for him. The turnovers weren’t pretty, but he was a one-man wrecking crew at times as a scorer. It wouldn’t be shocking if he didn’t play much more this summer.

It wasn’t a perfect performance from Filipowski, but he certainly was a beast on the offensive end, which helped Utah secure the win to kick off the Salt Lake City Summer League for the home team. He has a lot to clean up on the defensive end, but the offensive production should be there for the rest of the summer and into next season.