2 years agoFree-agent forward Udonis Haslem announced that he would return to the Heat for his 20th NBA season. However, he added this would be his final year in the league. The veteran has averaged 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds since being drafted in 2003. Yet, just like in previous years, he isn't expected to see the floor much during the 2022-23 campaign, likely resuming his role as a quasi-coach, giving him no value in any fantasy formats.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Tim Reynolds

2 years agoMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) didn't suit up for the final game of the Acropolis tournament due to back soreness. As a result, he underwent an MRI. Fortunately, the results came back clean, showing no signs of damage. While the 27-year-old has battled injuries throughout his career and is likely a lock to miss more than a handful of games this season, he is still considered a top option in all fantasy formats. However, his shoddy shooting percentages from the charity stripe and deep have caused his fantasy stock in category leagues to dip over the years.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: EuroHoops.net

2 years agoOklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (ankle) was injured on Saturday at the Seattle pro-am. The rookie rolled his ankle and limped off the court. Fortunately, reports indicate that it's nothing serious, so he should be ready to go for training camp. Nevertheless, with the 2022 No. 2 overall pick routinely scrutinized for his lack of size and muscle mass, fantasy managers are unquestionably hoping his latest injury isn't a sign of things to come.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Nathan Thompson

2 years agoBoston Celtics center Robert Williams III (knee) is forecasted to be 100% entering training camp. The big man tore the meniscus in his left knee back in March, keeping him out for a substantial portion of the regular season. He did manage to return during the postseason, and despite receiving a minute's cap, he was still a solid contributor for the most part. Williams averaged a career-high 10.0 points in 2021-22 while adding 9.6 boards and 2.2 blocks. However, his inability to remain healthy throughout his time in the league has been a problem, so fantasy managers should plan on taking a suitable backup in drafts heading into October.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Brian Robb

2 years agoNew York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (ankle) is expected to be ready for training camp. The veteran underwent multiple ankle surgeries last season, relegating him to 26 games. With Jalen Brunson on the roster, Rose is anticipated to be his primary backup. Although the 33-year-old is far past his prime, he should have more than a few impactful fantasy performances left in the tank. However, he'll need Brunson to miss time before earning meaningful work.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Fred Katz

2 years agoMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) didn't play during the final game of the Acropolis International Basketball Tournament due to soreness. The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 29.9 points last season, adding 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals. However, his percentages from deep and the charity stripe need work. He has also failed to play more than 67 games in each of his last three seasons. Although Antetokounmpo's latest ailment is concerning, it's not anticipated to impact him heading into the regular season. Still, it's something for fantasy managers to monitor.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Eric Nehm

2 years agoFree-agent guard Facundo Campazzo hopes to remain in the NBA. After a successful career overseas, the 31-year-old played two seasons with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 5.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. However, he was more productive throughout his sporadic appearances in the starting lineup. Nevertheless, there are teams in the league looking for depth, so he may see some interest as the regular season approaches. While Campazzo isn't worth taking during fantasy drafts ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, he has streaming potential if he's fortunate to land on a new team.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Diego Morini

2 years agoDenver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (knee) hopes to return for the team's first preseason game. The 25-year-old has been out of commission for well over a year after suffering a torn left ACL. Unquestionably, Murray is one of the most talented fantasy producers at the position. He finished the 2020-21 campaign by averaging a career-high 21.2 points and shooting 40.8% from deep while adding 4.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. However, he has missed more than enough games throughout his last two seasons. There's also a chance Murray will be eased back into things to begin the year, so it may take some time before he returns to form. In the meantime, Bones Hyland could be in line for an increased workload.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Kane Pittman

2 years agoCleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton still isn't close to receiving a new contract from the team. However, as the regular season approaches, the Mavericks have emerged as a potential sign-and-trade destination for the 23-year-old, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Still, the Cavaliers reportedly aren't interested in any of Dallas' tradable assets, so it's unlikely a deal between the two clubs will happen. Sexton, who appeared in only 11 games last season due to a meniscus tear, has averaged 20.0 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds throughout his four years with the team. That said, while he remains a capable producer on the offensive end, he hasn't played more than 65 games in any of his previous three seasons. Managers should remember this during fantasy drafts ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Chris Fedor

2 years agoIndiana Pacers center Myles Turner still has a chance to be traded before the 2022-23 campaign. Although the list of possible suitors continues to dwindle, the Lakers, who have had discussions with Indiana during the offseason, could consider moving to acquire his services. It's no secret L.A. would love to get Kyrie Irving on its roster. However, if a deal for Irving doesn't come to fruition, the attention may shift to Turner. The 26-year-old has averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks throughout his seven-year career. Yet, he has logged 62 games or less during each of his previous three seasons, so fantasy managers should remain cautious when looking for a center during drafts, despite his potential for a generous workload in L.A.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Adrian Wojnarowski

2 years agoBrooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving remains on the Lakers' radar. Yet, Brooklyn has already rejected numerous trade proposals for the multi-time All-Star over the last several months. However, with LeBron James becoming increasingly adamant Los Angeles gets more aggressive, the Lakers have reportedly recently offered Russell Westbrook, and the club's coveted 2027 and 2029 first-round picks for his former teammate. The Nets balked at the deal, with the franchise looking to remain in the championship conversation instead of entering another rebuild. Nonetheless, although there is still some time before the start of the 2022-23 campaign, Irving's chances of being moved seemingly decrease as each day passes, which likely won't motivate him to remain on the floor.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Marc Stein

2 years agoLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million extension with the team on Wednesday. The deal, which includes a player option for the 2024-25 campaign and a 15% trade kicker, makes him the highest-earning player in league history. Despite his advanced NBA age, the 37-year-old is still nearly as potent as ever. He finished last season by averaging 30.3 points while adding 8.2 boards, 6.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Although there's a good chance James will get his fair share of rest this year, resulting in missed games, he certainly has the potential to finish as a top-10 fantasy option in standard-scoring leagues. However, his lifetime 34.6% shooting from deep drops him a bit lower in category formats.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Adrian Wojnarowski

2 years agoThe Pelicans are reportedly unwilling to offer Brandon Ingram to Brooklyn in a deal for Kevin Durant, according to league sources. While New Orleans recently emerged as a potential destination for Durant, the team is eager to see how the pairing of Ingram and Zion Williamson plays out this season. The 24-year-old is also much younger and has a more agreeable salary. Nevertheless, Ingram has played well throughout his time with the Pelicans (three seasons), averaging 23.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. His shooting percentage from deep could use a little work. He also hasn't suited up for more than 62 games in any of the previous five seasons. With that said, Ingram's inability to remain healthy is an issue, so history suggests fantasy managers may be without him during some of the 2022-23 campaign.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Christian Clark

2 years agoFree-agent guard Carlik Jones has agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with Chicago. The 24-year-old signed 10-day contracts with the Mavericks and Nuggets last season, suiting up for five games between both clubs. However, he has had an impressive run in the G League, averaging 21.1 points, 8.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals throughout 33 games. While Jones is a long shot at making the regular season roster, another two-way contract could be in his future. There is also potential for some appearances at the professional level in 2022-23, so desperate fantasy managers should follow him during the season as a possible streaming option.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Keith Smith

2 years agoFree-agent forward Alize Johnson has agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with San Antonio. It is a non-guaranteed training camp deal, so the big man will compete for a spot on the regular season roster. He could also play his way into a two-way contract. After being selected with the No. 50 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Johnson has suited up for the Pacers, Nets, Bulls, Wizards, and Pelicans. Throughout his career, he's averaged only 3.0 boards and 2.5 points. While there's a chance Johnson could remain with the Spurs in some capacity moving ahead, he has a way to go before becoming relevant from a fantasy standpoint.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Jeff McDonald