1 month agoAccording to Shams Charania of The Athletic, veteran forward
Joe Harris announced his retirement. The 2014 No. 33 overall pick spent a decade in the National Basketball Association. He appeared in 504 regular-season contests throughout his career, averaging 10.3 points with the Cavs, Nets, and Pistons. However, Harris will be remembered most for his efficient three-point shooting, with the 32-year-old draining 43.6% of his attempts from behind the arc.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
1 month agoFrench point guard
Theo Maledon will be back in his homeland for the 2024-25 campaign, joining LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. The 23-year-old made his pro debut with the Tony Parker-owned ASVEL and now returns to the team following four seasons in the NBA. Maledon started his career in the States with the Oklahoma City Thunder and spent the 2023-24 season with the Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns. Maledon made 17 appearances last term, producing 3.5 points and 1.6 assists in 12.5 minutes. Following a strong rookie campaign, during which Maledon averaged 10.1 points and 3.5 assists, he struggled to hold down a regular role on teams.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: EuroLeague
1 month agoForward
Aleksej Pokusevski will return to Europe next season, having reached a deal with Partizan Belgrade. He will join his hometown team after making 168 appearances across four NBA seasons. Pokusevski split the 2023-24 campaign between Oklahoma City and Charlotte. The former first-round pick posted 5.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14.5 minutes last term. After showing early promise as a very versatile seven-footer, Pokusevski's NBA career was derailed by injuries. He will now attempt to recapture form in Europe, and there's every chance Pokusevski will eventually return to the NBA, as he is only 22 years old.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: EuroHoops
1 month agoToronto Raptors forward
RJ Barrett boosted his fantasy stock with a productive finish to 2023-24, and even more is expected from him in the upcoming campaign. John Hollinger, former NBA executive and current Senior NBA columnist at The Athletic, believes Barrett could have a breakout season in 2024-25. Barrett shot an outstanding 55.3 percent from the field and averaged 21.8 points with 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists after moving to Toronto last season. He maintained his good form in the Paris Olympics, averaging 19.8 points on 58/44/84 shooting splits. The stage is nicely set for Barrett to boost his reputation further next season, as he is expected to continue to have a high-usage role with the Raptors.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: John Hollinger
1 month agoForward
Jacob Toppin will return to the New York Knicks for the 2024-25 season on a two-way deal. He's filling the final two-way spot for the Knicks. Toppin also had a two-way contract with the team last season, making nine NBA appearances. The 24-year-old was limited to 4.2 minutes and was a long way off from matching the production of his older brother, Indiana Pacers forward
Obi Toppin. However, Toppin has been fairly productive in the G League and could earn more opportunities in the big league in 2024-25. Last season, he averaged 14.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals with the Westchester Knicks.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Michael Scotto
1 month agoShooting guard
Terence Davis is attempting an NBA comeback and has worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Davis couldn't land on an NBA roster for the start of the 2023-24 campaign and ruptured his Achilles in January playing in the G League. However, it looks like he has now recovered from the injury and is ready to go for the new season. Davis, who made it to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2020 after going undrafted, has previously represented the Raptors and Kings in the Association. He's been a solid bench contributor, averaging 8.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16.1 minutes.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Michael Scotto
1 month agoThe Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly interested in adding some frontcourt depth for the new season. With
Evan Mobley and
Jarrett Allen roaming around, Cleveland has a high-quality duo starting on the frontcourt, but there isn't much cover for them. According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the team has had a look at Bruno Caboclo as a potential addition. The Brazilian big man performed well in the Paris Olympics and has previous NBA experience, suiting up for 105 games across spells with four different teams. He made his last NBA outings with Houston in 2020-21. On a recent appearance on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Fedor also mentioned that the Cavaliers could have an interest in former Celtic Guerschon Yabusele, who is looking to make a return to the NBA. However, Fedor doesn't see the French forward fitting on the Cavaliers roster.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Chris Fedor
2 months agoFree-agent guard
Patty Mills agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Jazz. The 36-year-old started last season with the Hawks but was waived. He eventually signed with the Heat, playing in 13 regular season contests and averaging 5.8 points and 1.5 assists. The Jazz have a young backcourt featuring
Keyonte George,
Isaiah Collier, and
Collin Sexton, so it will be difficult for anyone to get minutes. But Mills will provide invaluable leadership and guidance to a team in rebuilding mode. However, his days as a reliable fantasy option have been over for years.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Adrian Wojnarowski
2 months agoAccording to SNY's Ian Begley, New York Knicks forward
Julius Randle (shoulder) should be ready to go when the season begins on October 22. Randle has been a potent statistical producer for the Knicks over the years, most recently averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during the 2023-24 campaign. However, he suffered a shoulder injury at the beginning of 2024, resulting in surgery. While Randle likely won't be ready for training camp or participate in preseason games, the latest report from Begley is encouraging for fantasy managers. With that said, the roster looks different from the last time the 29-year-old was on the floor, meaning his production could regress somewhat in 2024-25. It may also take him time to find his rhythm early in the year after the lengthy layoff.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Ian Begley
2 months agoNew York Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson (hand) should be a full participant in training camp, according to SNY's Ian Begley. The 2018 No. 33 overall pick had a stellar season in 2023-24, averaging a career-high 28.7 points and 6.7 assists with 3.6 rebounds. He also shot 40.1% from behind the three-point line. Unfortunately, Brunson suffered a fractured left hand during the postseason. But he has been committed to getting healthy this summer, so he shouldn't have any restrictions when the 2024-25 campaign kicks off in October. With that in mind, the 27-year-old should be a consistent source of production for fantasy managers this season, considering he's expected to be involved in the MVP conversation.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Ian Begley
2 months agoAccording to Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff, center
Jalen Duren still has untapped potential. "And then Jalen Duren, I think we're just scratching the surface with what I think he's going to be able to do," said Bickerstaff during a recent podcast. "He's really, really ball-skilled." The 2022 No. 13 overall pick had the best season of his career in 2023-24, averaging 13.8 points and 11.6 rebounds. However, he still has some work to do, especially on the defensive end. Duren's durability has also been questioned, with the 20-year-old playing 128 games in his first two seasons. But with Bickerstaff at the helm, a coach who oversaw the development of
Evan Mobley and
Jarrett Allen in Cleveland, Duren has a chance to improve statistically in 2024-25.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Road Trippin'
2 months agoBrooklyn Nets forward
Cameron Johnson remains on the roster despite rumors of his eventual trade. The 28-year-old was reportedly mentioned in a trade involving Cleveland Cavaliers forward
Isaac Okoro. However, according to NBA reporter Jed Katz, discussions between the Nets and Cavs "have stalled." Johnson is coming off a down year, averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He was also limited to only 58 games due to injury and spent time coming off the bench. It appears Johnson has already played his final game in Brooklyn. Either way, the 2019 No. 11 overall pick has work to do to convince fantasy managers he's ready to turn things around, regardless of where he plays in the 2024-25 campaign.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Jed Katz
2 months agoPhoenix Suns forward
Kevin Durant recently admitted he has thought about calling it quits. "As I get older in the league and the league is getting younger, I tend to think about retirement more," said Durant. "Should I stop thinking about it? What is that? But it creeps in my mind for sure." The 35-year-old finished last season by averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 41.3% from behind the arc. While Durant has been in the league for well over a decade, he is as good as ever. Fantasy managers should consider him a first-round draft pick heading into the 2024-25 campaign. However, his dynasty stock will fall somewhat after his recent revelation.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Duane Rankin
2 months agoAccording to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Golden State Warriors remain interested in Toronto Raptors guard
Bruce Brown. The 27-year-old was moved to Toronto ahead of the trade deadline. He appeared in 34 games for the Raptors. However, he struggled, averaging 9.6 points. If Golden State can't orchestrate a deal, other teams around the National Basketball Association will look to acquire him, especially with a championship on his resume. While Brown's fantasy value will be lower to start the 2024-25 campaign if he stays in Canada, it will likely improve if he lands elsewhere at some point during the season.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Brett Siegel
2 months agoAccording to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (shoulder) "looks healthy again." The 25-year-old, who appeared in only nine games in 2023-24 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, was cleared to resume basketball activities a month ago. Things are seemingly going well, with Cole referencing Morant's quickness and agility during a recent five-on-five session. Without question, Morant is an All-Star-caliber player, averaging 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 257 games. If Morant stays on the court, he has top-10 fantasy potential during the 2024-25 campaign. Morant entering the MVP conversation is also possible.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Damichael Cole
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