NBA Player News

Saraf (rest) is in line for a reserve role in 2026-27 after the Nets drafted Mikel Brown earlier this summer.

The 2025 first-rounder bookended his rookie campaign as a starter, but a bench role appears more likely to open this season now that Brown is in the fold and Egor Demin is healthy. Nolan Traore is recovering from offseason knee surgery but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in the fall, so Saraf is set to battle with youngsters Traore and Drake Powell as well as veterans Keon Ellis and Terance Mann for playing time in the second unit.

Wolf (rest) is ticketed for a reserve role in 2026-27 after the Nets acquired Julius Randle from Minnesota earlier this offseason.

Wolf closed last season as a starter while the Nets gradually began shutting down most of their key players, but the 2025 first-rounder might even struggle for a significant Opening Night role in 2026-27. Not only did Brooklyn add Randle as its starting power forward, but the team also signed Moritz Wagner and drafted Joshua Jefferson to further upgrade the frontcourt.

Demin (rest) is looking to take a step forward ahead of his second NBA season in 2026-27.

The 2025 first-rounder is coming off an exciting Summer League run, having averaged 21.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 2.6 three-pointers per game over five appearances. Demin is set to work alongside a new backcourt partner after the Nets drafted Mikel Brown earlier this summer, and he should operate as a full-time starter in 2026-27.

The Raptors announced Wednesday they've signed Jemison to a two-way contract.

Jemison had previously been an unrestricted free agent after the Knicks declined to tender him a qualifying offer earlier this offseason. The big man is preparing for his fourth NBA season ahead of 2026-27, but most of his playing time is likely to come with the G League's Raptors 905.

Fears enjoyed an outstanding rookie season, appearing in all 82 regular-season games while averaging 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Fears capped the year by setting the franchise rookie scoring record with a 40-point performance and enters 2026-27 as one of New Orleans' most promising young guards. Even with Dejounte Murray expected back, Fears has positioned himself for a significant role in the Pelicans' backcourt rotation.

Queen impressed during his rookie campaign despite missing time early in the season due to a wrist injury, flashing the versatile offensive skills that made him a lottery pick.

Queen posted several standout performances, including the first 30-point triple-double by a rookie center in NBA history. Queen should compete for an even larger frontcourt role in 2026-27 as one of New Orleans' top young building blocks.

Poole provided New Orleans with an additional scoring threat initially during the 2025-26 campaign, but he would eventually fall out favor with the coaching staff.

Poole ended up making 39 regular-season appearances, shooting 37.2 percent from the field with 13.4 points, 3.1 assists and 2.0 rebounds. With Dejounte Murray (hand) expected to be back at full strength, Poole will face an uphill battle for playing time in 2026-27.

Murphy (ankle) continued his emergence as one of New Orleans' top offensive weapons before injuries interrupted another strong campaign.

Murphy's combination of three-point shooting, athleticism and secondary shot creation should once again make him a featured option alongside Zion Williamson. Murphy has averaged at least 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal in back-to-back seasons, but he's made more than 66 regular-season appearances only once in his past five years.

Murray (hand) remains a cornerstone of New Orleans' backcourt despite missing the first half of last season due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Murray's playing time was monitored closely after his delayed 2025-26 debut, and he missed the final games of the regular season due to a bruised hand. Assuming he's fully healthy entering training camp, Murray should reclaim a starting role and provide veteran leadership alongside the Pelicans' young guards. His ability to contribute across the board as a scorer, facilitator and defender gives him a chance to bounce back in 2026-27.

Missi (hand) continued to play a meaningful role in New Orleans' frontcourt during his second NBA season, averaging 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 66 regular-season appearances.

The 22-year-old remains one of the Pelicans' top young interior defenders, and New Orleans has reportedly rebuffed trade interest from multiple teams this offseason, underscoring how highly the organization values him. Although he'll continue competing for frontcourt minutes alongside Derik Queen and DeAndre Jordan, Missi should remain an important part of the center rotation entering 2026-27.