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Andrew Wiggins SF | MIA
Heat's Andrew Wiggins: Meshing well on revamped roster
Wiggins' versatility should allow him to fit comfortably alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Miami's other high-usage players this season, according to Heat reporter Zachary Weinberger.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra praised Wiggins' ability to adapt to playing alongside other stars, noting that the veteran has become increasingly effective playing off the ball despite previously serving as a No. 1 option. Spoelstra also highlighted Wiggins' ability to defend opposing teams' top players while remaining capable of creating with the ball, giving Miami flexibility in how it utilizes him within its revamped lineup.
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Trey Murphy III SF | NO
Pelicans' Trey Murphy: Working with Zion
Murphy has been working alongside Zion Williamson during three-point shooting drills at training camp, offering advice as his teammate attempts to expand his offensive game, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.
Murphy said he's been giving Williamson pointers during the drills and praised the forward for being willing to listen and put in the work. This highlights Murphy's growing leadership role in New Orleans as he enters his sixth NBA season, while his established perimeter shooting makes him a natural resource for Williamson as the latter works to become a more consistent threat from outside. Murphy is poised to have a considerable role on both ends of the court in 2026-27.
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Darryn Peterson PG | UTA
Jazz's Darryn Peterson: Impressing with maturity
Peterson has impressed veteran teammate Jusuf Nurkic with his maturity and work ethic during training camp, according to Jazz reporter Chandler Holt.
Nurkic said that in 13 NBA seasons he hasn't seen a player enter the league with Peterson's level of maturity, adding that the rookie spends so much time working that Utah has nearly had to tell him to stay out of the gym. Peterson is preparing for his first NBA season after being selected No. 2 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and should have an opportunity to take on a substantial role immediately.
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Matisse Thybulle SF | LAL
Lakers' Matisse Thybulle: Making impact on defense
Thybulle has made an immediate impact defensively during his first training camp with the Lakers, recording at least seven steals through the team's first two practices, according to Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com.
Head coach JJ Redick specifically highlighted Thybulle's ability to disrupt passing lanes, joking that his teammates need to learn not to throw the ball when the veteran wing is positioned to make a play. Thybulle's defensive ability should give him a strong opportunity to earn consistent minutes as Los Angeles sorts through a crowded competition on the wing.
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Isaac Okoro SF | CHI
Bulls' Isaac Okoro: Likely to play big role
Okoro is expected to play significant minutes this season, with head coach Tiago Splitter calling him Chicago's "best perimeter defender," Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reports.
Splitter praised Okoro's physicality, relentlessness and ability to navigate screens while stating that the veteran wing will "definitely" play a lot. Okoro's defensive value should provide him with a consistent path to playing time even within a deep Bulls rotation, though his offensive role could remain relatively modest.
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Alpha Diallo SF | DEN
Nuggets' Alpha Diallo: Making case for minutes
Diallo has impressed head coach David Adelman on both ends of the floor during training camp, according to DNVR Nuggets.
Adelman praised Diallo's ability to navigate screens and described his defense as a "special skill," while also noting that the 29-year-old has been impressive offensively with his positioning and movement. The reigning EuroLeague Best Defender has already received work with Denver's second unit during camp, and Adelman indicated that Diallo's combination of defense, cutting and off-ball movement could give him a chance to earn regular rotation minutes.
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Mikel Brown Jr. PG | BKN
Nets' Mikel Brown: Not yet cleared for contact
Brown (ankle) hasn't been cleared to practice with contact and remains without a timetable for a return, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.
Brown suffered an ankle injury before the start of training camp, and while he's been able to get back on the court in a limited capacity, the team is taking a cautious approach to his rehab. "Yeah, as of right now they're just telling me you could get back to moving a little bit, really just trying to get the strengthening it back up," said Brown on Thursday. "I mean, I am back on the court moving. That's all I'm really worried about right now. I'm just taking it one step at a time." It remains to be seen whether Brown will be cleared in time to play in the preseason.
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Marcus Sasser PG | DAL
Mavericks' Marcus Sasser: Standing out in camp
Coach Dusty May has been impressed by Sasser's off-ball play during training camp, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.
Sasser is competing for a bench role ahead of the 2026-27 season, and he's showing early on why he deserves a spot in the rotation. "Sass, first of all, I've been impressed with his cutting. He's been a real contributor when he wasn't even directly involved in the play," said May. "He's had a lot of those hidden plays that really make the team go. His shooting, his decision-making has been very sound, and defensively, he played at Houston, so we know we're going to get his best effort." Sasser averaged 5.2 points, 1.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 38 regular-season appearances a season ago in Detroit before joining Dallas in June as part of a six-team trade.
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Yves Missi C | NO
Pelicans' Yves Missi: Issued challenge to continue development
Coach Jamahl Mosley stated during Thursday's media day that he's challenging Missi to contend for Defensive Player of the Year this season, Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site reports.
Mosley notes that he's well aware of how talented Missi is on the defensive end, and he's looking for the third-year center to take yet another step forward as the 2026-27 season approaches. The big man saw his opportunities take a hit during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 19.7 minutes over 66 games after logging 26.8 minutes per game in 73 appearances during his rookie year. Missi is poised to open his third NBA season behind starting center Herbert Jones.
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Jaylen Brown SF | PHI
76ers' Jaylen Brown: Learning new system in Philly
Brown stated Thursday that he's in the process of learning an entire new system in Philadelphia, Chris Hine of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Brown noted that he's been grateful for his teammate Tyrese Maxey during the install, as Maxey has reportedly been an excellent communicator and leader to start camp, per Austin Krell of OnPattison.com. The 29-year-old will have a few more weeks to get used to this new system before the 76ers open the 2026-27 season against the Knicks on Oct. 20.