NBA Player News

Filipowski (back) is likely to settle for a bench role to begin 2026-27 after ending last season as a starter.

Filipowski filled the void left behind by Jusuf Nurkic, who underwent season-ending nose surgery in February, but the Jazz are expected to get reinforcements for Opening Night. Nurkic is the early favorite to start at center. Utah also added Jaxson Hayes to the frontcourt mix, and Jaren Jackson (knee) figures to be healthy when training camp opens this fall, leaving Filipowski with plenty of obstacles to climb to maintain fantasy relevance in 2026-27.

Williams (illness) is in line to compete for a reserve role during training camp this fall.

Williams closed last season as a starter for a Jazz team that was looking ahead to 2026-27, but they should have most of their key players healthy for Opening Night and added Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Williams, who started a career-high 41 regular-season games a year ago, failed to stand out in any one particular area, averaging 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.8 steals in 24.3 minutes per game in 2025-26.

Raynaud enters his second NBA season after flashing intriguing offensive versatility during his rookie campaign.

The seven-footer can stretch the floor and facilitate from the frontcourt, giving Sacramento a unique developmental option. However, as long as Domantas Sabonis is in town, Raynaud will likely be competing for reserve minutes. Another year of development could help Raynaud carve out a consistent role in the Kings' rotation, and if he continues to impress, the Kings may be more willing to part ways with Sabonis.

Clifford enters his second NBA season after showing flashes as a versatile two-way wing during his rookie campaign.

His ability to defend multiple positions and contribute as a rebounder should keep him in the mix for rotation minutes, though Sacramento's wing depth could make consistent playing time difficult to secure. Continued improvement as a perimeter shooter would go a long way toward expanding his role in 2026-27 after he hit 33.3 percent from beyond the arc over 75 regular-season games as a rookie.

Cardwell returns to Sacramento after spending last season with the organization, giving him a leg up in the battle for frontcourt minutes entering training camp.

The big man provides size, rebounding and rim protection, though he'll likely be competing for a reserve role behind Domantas Sabonis and Maxime Raynaud. Across 44 regular-season games in 2025-26, Cardwell averaged 5.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes per contest.

Acuff enters his rookie season with an opportunity to earn developmental minutes in Sacramento's backcourt after being selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.

The dynamic scoring guard could spend time learning behind the Kings' veteran guards while adjusting to the NBA game, but a starting role on Opening Night could be on the table. Acuff's long-term upside as a shot creator makes him one of Sacramento's top young prospects.

Sheppard continued to provide valuable depth on the wing during the 2025-26 campaign, carving out minutes with his perimeter shooting and defensive effort.

Although Indiana's veteran core limits his offensive opportunities, the organization continues to value his ability to play within the system. Sheppard's role could be reduced entering the 2026-27 season, however, as the Pacers will be getting Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) back in the mix.

Walker took another step forward during his third NBA season, earning a larger role in Indiana's rotation thanks to his defensive versatility and improving offensive game.

The 2023 lottery pick remains one of the Pacers' most intriguing young forwards and could continue seeing increased opportunities as his development progresses. He enters 2026-27 positioned to remain a key member of Indiana's frontcourt rotation.

Nesmith continued to establish himself as one of Indiana's most valuable two-way wings during the 2025-26 season, but injuries limited him to 45 regular-season appearances.

Nesmith's combination of three-point shooting, defensive versatility and energy made him an ideal fit alongside the Pacers' core. With Indiana largely standing pat this offseason, Nesmith should continue to occupy a prominent role in the starting lineup. In 2025-26, he averaged 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.9 dimes and 2.3 three-pointers for a shorthanded Pacers squad.

Siakam remained one of Indiana's most productive players in 2025-26, providing consistent scoring, rebounding and veteran leadership during a rebuilding campaign.

The four-time All-Star can now look forward to complementing a returning Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) as the Pacers' top frontcourt option and should remain heavily involved offensively. Indiana made no significant offseason additions that would impact Siakam's workload heading into 2026-27, and the fact that Indiana is projected to be competitive is great news for his outlook.