Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is healthy heading into training camp after being cleared for full basketball activities in late May, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. A Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered on April 2 cost him the Lakers' final 15 regular-season games and their entire playoff run, which ended in the second round. The 27-year-old skipped Slovenia's FIBA World Cup qualifiers to spend time with his daughters and later hosted Lakers teammates for an August minicamp. Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals across 64 games last season, winning the scoring title. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, more of the offense should flow through Doncic, while Walker Kessler gives him a true lob threat. Availability is the only real fantasy concern on an otherwise elite profile.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) enters 2026-27 with renewed optimism after telling reporters at his end-of-season news conference that his knee is no longer the main concern. "We figured out the knee. It hasn't been an issue," Embiid said, according to ESPN's Vincent Goodwill. The former MVP has appeared in only 57 of a possible 164 games over the past two seasons, so the injury discount will not disappear. He still averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 31.6 minutes across 38 games last season. Sixers president Mike Gansey said in August that Embiid is healthy, with the team expected to map out a workload plan. Jaylen Brown and LeBron James joining Tyrese Maxey should lower Embiid's usage burden, but staying on the floor remains the swing factor.

Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle expects his new offensive fit to work because the skill sets around him do not overlap much. "I can do a lot with the ball off the dribble, creating," Randle said at a Skechers event in Brazil, calling Michael Porter Jr. "a great catch-and-shoot guy." The three-time All-Star averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists across 79 games with Minnesota last season, while Porter posted a career-high 24.2 points with 3.4 three-pointers per game. If Randle handles a larger share of Brooklyn's half-court creation, his assists have room to climb, and Porter should see cleaner spot-up looks. Egor Demin averaged 3.3 assists as a rookie, while Mikel Brown Jr. is still developing, so Randle looks like the safest bet to drive the Nets' offense early.

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (ankle) appears on track to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season. "We're tracking that way," Adams told New Zealand's Weekend Sport with Jason Pine when asked in August about his availability, according to ESPN's Michael C. Wright. The 33-year-old underwent season-ending left ankle surgery in January after playing 32 games last season, averaging 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 22.8 minutes. Adams is not a scoring option, but his offensive rebounding remains the fantasy hook after Houston ranked No. 1 on the offensive glass in both of his first two seasons with the team. Wright also notes the Rockets have ranked in the top three in second-chance points for two straight years. Adams should revive Houston's double-big looks with Alperen Sengun, leaving Clint Capela's path to steady backup minutes less secure.

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (shoulder) said the surgery that ended his 2025-26 season after five games was a long time coming, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Actually, I injured it back in college," Kessler said. "And then I was playing with it for a while. And then last year, it got a little worse." The 25-year-old enters his first season in Los Angeles healthy after signing a four-year, $130 million deal. Kessler was off to a strong start before the torn labrum, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks on 70.3 percent shooting. As Luka Doncic's preferred lob threat and rim protector, Kessler has a clean path to boards, blocks, and elite field-goal percentage if the shoulder holds up.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles) is expected to be a full go for training camp, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. Murray returned from a ruptured right Achilles a few games after the All-Star break and averaged 16.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals on 48.4 percent shooting across 14 games. He also logged four straight games of 30-plus minutes in mid-March, easing some workload concerns. Jamahl Mosley gives New Orleans a defense-first coach, and Murray gives him a two-way lead guard who can fill multiple categories. Jordan Poole's inefficient scoring and Jeremiah Fears' second-unit path both get tighter if Murray is fully back, though Fears has been working out with Murray and still profiles as the long-term guard to track.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) is expected back for the start of the season, but ESPN's Jamal Collier notes the team may take it slow with him early. Haliburton has had extended recovery time after tearing his right Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, and he recently said he has been "chomping at the bit" to get back on the court. The Pacers open Oct. 21 in New Orleans, and Haliburton told Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star in August that he would be ready if the season started then. The 26-year-old averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 2024-25. Ivica Zubac gives him a new pick-and-roll partner, while Andrew Nembhard, who averaged 16.9 points and 7.7 assists as the lead guard last season, could lose usage once Haliburton is fully unleashed.

Detroit Pistons forward/center Paul Reed is in line for a more featured role as the team's backup big this season, according to Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. Patterson views Detroit's decision to trade Isaiah Stewart to Memphis as a vote of confidence in Reed, who earned the promotion in the playoffs. The former G-League MVP forced his way into the rotation against Cleveland in the second round, averaging 11.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in roughly 13 minutes per game while going 24-for-34 from the field. With Stewart's 22.7 minutes a night now up for grabs, Reed's 61.7 percent shooting from last season and his knack for steals and blocks give him legitimate late-round appeal. His value could climb even higher if restricted free agent Jalen Duren's contract standoff drags into training camp.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (knee) expects to be on the floor in October when Houston opens the preseason in Macao, China, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPN. Wright notes that VanVleet has been back on the court "full-time, ramping up, feeling good" after missing all of 2025-26 with a torn right ACL. His return should restore some late-game organization for a team that struggled when defenses loaded up on Kevin Durant. VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.7 three-pointers in his last healthy season, though the 37.8 percent shooting still hurts. Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard gained valuable reps in his absence, but VanVleet profiles as the chief setup man for Durant and Alperen Sengun if he avoids setbacks.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (knee) has been playing offseason pickup games as he ramps up toward a 2026-27 return, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. Irving tore the ACL in his left knee in March 2025 and sat out all of 2025-26, leaving him 19 months removed from the injury when training camp begins. The 34-year-old has averaged 25.5 points and 5.1 assists in a Mavericks uniform, and his return would give Cooper Flagg a real off-ball partner after a rookie season worth 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Max Christie and the reserve guards would lose some minutes once Irving is active. The fantasy wrinkle is the deadline, with MacMahon noting contenders could pursue Irving if Masai Ujiri is willing to listen.

Chicago Bulls center Nicolas Claxton is projected to open the season as the starting five, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. The move does not create a brand-new role after Claxton started 68 of 69 games for Brooklyn last season, but it does give him a fresh setup as Chicago looks to fill its center spot under Tiago Splitter. Zach Collins and Jalen Smith are the main backup bigs on the roster, so Claxton should still have a steady path to the 27.8 minutes per game he logged last season. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks on 57.1 percent shooting, and playing off Josh Giddey's passing could help his lob and putback chances. The 61.6 percent free-throw mark remains the fantasy tax.

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons officially signed his one-year deal, but the structure makes this a camp audition more than a rotation promise. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports that the contract is non-guaranteed and worth up to $3.5 million, with Simmons earning $1 million if he makes the opening-night roster on Oct. 21 against the Clippers. That adds needed context after Sacramento first agreed to terms with the 30-year-old three-time All-Star last week. Simmons is attempting an NBA comeback after sitting out 2025-26, and Russell Westbrook's retirement left Sacramento with a veteran playmaking void behind rookie Darius Acuff Jr. Malik Monk still has a steadier path to backup creation, while Nique Clifford and Emanuel Sharp are also in the young guard/wing mix. Simmons is worth monitoring in camp, but his fantasy value starts with proving he has a roster spot and real minutes.

Olympiacos forward Sasha Vezenkov drew exploratory interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer, according to Marc Stein, though a formal offer never followed. The inquiry came before Minnesota signed Jonathan Kuminga, with Vezenkov signaling early that he preferred to stay in Greece. "It's tough now because here is my family, my life," the 31-year-old said, while still leaving the door slightly open by adding, "never say never." Vezenkov's lone NBA season produced 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.2 minutes across 42 games with Sacramento in 2023-24. Since returning to Olympiacos, he has won another EuroLeague MVP and led the competition at 19.4 points per game. With Julius Randle and Naz Reid gone, Minnesota had reason to search for frontcourt skill, but Kuminga's arrival and Vezenkov's decision leave Trey Lyles and the remaining bench pieces with a cleaner path to reserve minutes.

Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Max Strus said on the Link with JB podcast that he is comfortable settling into a glue-guy role built around shooting, defense, rebounding, and moving the ball. "I used to have a bag back in college, but I don't anymore," Strus said, adding that he is not afraid to guard top scorers. The 30-year-old returned from a Jones fracture in his left foot last season and averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.8 three-pointers in 12 regular-season games while shooting 40.2 percent from deep, then posted 9.6 points and 4.8 rebounds across 18 playoff outings. Darius Garland and Bradley Beal already give the Clippers perimeter creation, while Brandon Ingram is expected to arrive once the Kawhi Leonard deal is finalized. Strus should have a rotation spot in the final year of his deal, but threes and rebounds are the only reliable fantasy hooks.

Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White is expected to open the season as the team's starting point guard after LaMelo Ball was sent to Minnesota in a deal built around Naz Reid and draft capital, ESPN's Andre Snellings writes. White arrived from Chicago at last season's deadline and came off the bench for Charlotte, averaging 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 three-pointers in 19.3 minutes across 21 games. His last two full seasons with the Bulls are the better fantasy guide, as he averaged roughly 19.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 threes while carrying a larger on-ball role. Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller will need touches, and Reid adds another scoring option up front, but White has the clearest path to initiating the offense after signing a three-year, $74 million deal. A career-best fantasy season is in play if the minutes climb.

Charlotte Hornets forward/center Naz Reid is in line to open the season as a full-time starter after arriving from Minnesota in the LaMelo Ball trade, ESPN's Andre Snellings writes. The 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year has never held that kind of role, but he averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks last season while shooting 36.2 percent from three in a crowded Timberwolves frontcourt. The fit in Charlotte gives him a cleaner fantasy runway. Coby White should take over as the primary initiator, while Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller will also command touches on the wing. Reid's per-minute production has always been useful, and a steady starting workload could push him toward career highs in points, rebounds, and threes.

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed forward Dillon Jones to an Exhibit 10 contract, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. The 24-year-old arrives with two championship rings and almost no rotation resume, logging 61 NBA appearances across two seasons while averaging 2.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 9.7 minutes. He has been far more productive a level down, posting 15.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 42 G-League games between Rip City and Westchester last season. Philadelphia carries one open two-way slot behind Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert, and Jones will compete for it against fellow camp signees Tacko Fall, Jameer Nelson Jr., and Saint Thomas. Even if he wins that job, the fantasy relevance stops at Delaware Blue Coats box scores.

The Charlotte Hornets signed guard Bez Mbeng on Tuesday, according to Charlotte Observer reporter Rod Boone. The 23-year-old fills the roster spot opened by Kobe Stewart's release, and the deal is likely an Exhibit 10 as Charlotte builds out its camp group. Mbeng closed last season on the fringe of Utah's rotation, averaging 8.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.3 steals in 32.8 minutes across 15 games while shooting 50.0 percent from the field. That stretch included a 27-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double off the bench against Memphis. The steals are interesting, but Charlotte already has Coby White, Kon Knueppel, Dennis Schroder, and Grayson Allen ahead of him in the guard mix. Sioux Falls still controls his G-League returning rights, so Greensboro would need a trade to secure him if he does not make the Hornets.

The New Orleans Pelicans plan to waive center Taj Gibson after landing him from the Memphis Grizzlies in Tuesday's trade, according to Will Guillory of The Athletic. Guillory reports that New Orleans will still owe Gibson $100,000, while AJ Johnson will remain with the team for a training-camp look. The move helps the Pelicans clear the room needed to finalize Bennedict Mathurin's two-year, $16 million agreement. Gibson, 41, averaged 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 9.7 minutes across 10 games for Memphis last season and has no fantasy appeal. Johnson is the only piece worth tracking here, but a backcourt featuring Dejounte Murray, Mathurin, Jordan Poole, and Jeremiah Fears leaves him fighting for the back of the roster.

The New Orleans Pelicans are trading guard/forward Jordan Hawkins to the Memphis Grizzlies alongside Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick, and a future second-round pick swap for AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Hawkins, the former No. 14 pick, fell out of New Orleans' rotation last season, averaging 5.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.9 three-pointers in 13.6 minutes across 51 games while shooting 36.6 percent from the field. Memphis is rebuilding and still light on proven shooting, so Hawkins gets a better runway than he had with the Pelicans. The catch is roster security. He is in the final season of his rookie deal at $7.02 million, and the Grizzlies still have a crowded contract sheet to trim before opening night.