NBA Player News

Diawara said he's completely healthy after undergoing surgery for a minor finger injury this summer, Steve Popper of Newsday reports Saturday.

Diawara missed the Knicks' final three Las Vegas Summer League games due to the finger injury, though he should be ready to go for Monday's preseason opener against the 76ers. The 21-year-old forward appeared in 69 regular-season games (seven starts) in his rookie season, averaging 3.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in 9.2 minutes per contest.

Vassell has been working on getting downhill and finishing through contact ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, Cory Mose of KVUE News reports Saturday.

Vassell scored a career-high 53.4 percent of his points from beyond the arc in 2025-26, averaging 13.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.9 steals across 30.5 minutes per game in 67 regular-season appearances (65 starts). Just 42.8 percent of Vassell's shot attempts came from two-point range, marking a career low after he finished above 50.2 percent in each of his previous five seasons. He may look to increase his two-point volume as he continues playing a sizable role for a San Antonio squad aiming to get back to the NBA Finals.

Bittle (foot) didn't participate in Thursday's scrimmage, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Bittle was spotted in a walking boot in early September and is still on the mend from a right foot injury. He can be considered highly questionable for Saturday's preseason opener against the Heat until the Raptors offer an update on his foot.

Gardner said Monday that he's "back now" and "ready to get going" after missing the Las Vegas Summer League with an ankle injury, Ricardo Urrusuno of Lemon City Live reports.

Gardner also said that he spent time in Miami recovering this offseason, and he appears to be at full strength ahead of Saturday's preseason opener against Toronto. The 25-year-old is set to compete for a spot in Miami's rotation this season.

Olynyk signed a contract with BC Roma in Italy on Saturday, Emiliano Carchia of Sportando.com reports.

Olynyk will head overseas after spending the past 13 years in the NBA. The big man produced multiple career lows with the Spurs in 2025-26, averaging 3.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 49.0 percent from the field in 8.8 minutes per contest.

Jones tweaked his hamstring and did not practice Friday, Harrison Wind of TheDNVR.com reports.

Wind added that the injury does not sound serious, though the Nuggets are expected to proceed with caution ahead of the regular season. Jones can be considered questionable to play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Jazz until Denver offers an update on his status.

Hawkins and the Grizzlies mutually agreed to part ways Friday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Hawkins wouldn't have been a lock to crack Memphis' Opening Night rotation after being traded from New Orleans on Sept. 8, and he'll now have the opportunity to find a new home if he clears waivers. The 2023 first-rounder spent the first three years of his career with the Pelicans and saw a reduced role in 2025-26, when he averaged 5.1 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 13.6 minutes per game across 51 regular-season appearances (one start).

Niang was seen playing some small-ball center during Thursday's scrimmage, and head coach Steve Kerr said he's "capable of playing small-ball five, but you've got to put the right group around him," Luca Evans of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Kerr noted that Niang's inclusion in small-ball lineups could "really be lethal" on the offensive end, though he has some concerns with rim protection. The Warriors have plenty of experience utilizing Draymond Green as a small-ball five, and with Kristaps Porzingis (undisclosed) without a timetable, Kerr could try Niang at center on occasion, especially if any combination of Porzingis, Green and Al Horford misses time during the season.

Williams has been impressive during training camp, with head coach Steve Kerr praising his speed and ability as a "defensive pest," Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports.

Kerr called Williams the "fastest guy we've ever had," and he's made a positive impression with the Warriors thus far after signing a one-year deal with the club in late August. The 26-year-old guard was productive for the Mavericks in 2025-26, averaging 13.0 points, 3.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 0.9 steals across 22.2 minutes per contest in 66 regular-season outings (15 starts). He'll likely fight to carve out a rotational role and figures to compete for playing time with the likes of De'Anthony Melton, Gary Payton and Will Richard.

Jerome is emerging as a potential option at point guard for the Grizzlies, Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal reports.

With Memphis still sorting through its point guard depth chart, it's possible Jerome is in pole position to begin the season as Memphis' top point guard in favor of Scotty Pippen. Health has long been a major obstacle for Jerome, but he's certainly shined in his starting opportunities over the past several years. Dating back to 2020-21, the 29-year-old has averaged 18.6 points, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in just 25.6 minutes per contest across 25 regular-season games as a starter in his career.