NBA Player News

Thunder general manager Sam Presti has mentioned Mitchell (calf) multiple times as a player who could take on more minutes and make a jump this season, according to Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder.

Mitchell appears to be a candidate for an expanded role in Oklahoma City's rotation after showing promise in a limited capacity last season. The team lost Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Luguentz Dort this offseason, making Mitchell an obvious player to watch ahead of fantasy drafts. His exact place in the rotation will become clearer during training camp and the preseason.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti praised McCain's all-around game, describing the guard as a "winning player," Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.

Presti added that there's "a lot more" to McCain's game than his ability to knock down three-pointers. The comments suggest Oklahoma City values the 22-year-old's broader skill set and could look to utilize him in multiple ways during his first season with the Thunder, and there will certainly be more opportunities following some key departures in the wing rotation.

Poeltl is moving well and "looks good" ahead of training camp, Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said, according to Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun.

Webster added that spending time at home helped Poeltl reset ahead of the upcoming campaign. The positive update suggests the veteran center is in good shape entering camp, though his workload and status will be worth monitoring as Toronto begins preseason preparations. Injuries limited Poeltl to 46 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.

General manager Will Dawkins said during Thursday's press conference that Davis (finger) is "very much a motivated player" and that he expects the veteran big man to bounce back in 2026-27.

Davis was limited to only 20 regular-season appearances with Dallas last season due to health issues, but Dawkins said the 10-time All-Star is currently in a "great frame of mind." Washington also views Davis as a starting-caliber center in a revamped frontcourt featuring Alex Sarr and Deandre Ayton. Davis and the Wizards reportedly postponed contract extension discussions earlier this offseason, but Dawkins declined to specifically address those talks Thursday.

Vanderbilt is among the candidates for the Lakers' final starting position, according to Jovan Buha of Buha's Block.

Vanderbilt's defensive versatility, size and rebounding make him a theoretical fit for what Los Angeles wants from the role, but Buha is skeptical that he'll win the competition after playing a modest role last season. Jake LaRavia and Ziaire Williams appear to have the inside track entering camp, so Vanderbilt may need a strong preseason to move up the pecking order.

Mamukelashvili is among the options for the Lakers' final starting spot, though Jovan Buha of Buha's Block has reservations about his defensive fit.

Buha questioned whether a lineup featuring Luka Doncic, Mamukelashvili and Walker Kessler would have sufficient quickness and athleticism defensively. Mamukelashvili should nevertheless get an opportunity to compete for the job during camp and the preseason, though Jake LaRavia and Ziaire Williams appear to be the more likely candidates entering the competition.

Grimes is viewed as a lock to occupy one of the Lakers' starting spots entering training camp, according to Jovan Buha of Buha's Block.

Grimes is expected to join Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler as four established members of the starting five, leaving only one position unsettled. The offseason addition should complement Doncic and Reaves with his perimeter defense and ability to operate away from the ball, putting Grimes in line for a substantial role in his first season with Los Angeles.

Williams is expected to compete with Jake LaRavia for the final spot in the Lakers' starting five during training camp and the preseason, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

The Lakers would ideally like their fifth starter to provide positional versatility, rebounding and off-ball production alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Williams has the size to fit that profile, and his performance during camp and the preseason should determine whether he can separate himself from LaRavia and the other candidates.

LaRavia is expected to battle Ziaire Williams for the final spot in the Lakers' starting lineup during training camp and the preseason, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes and Walker Kessler are expected to occupy the other four spots, leaving Los Angeles in search of a versatile forward to round out the first unit. LaRavia's size, rebounding and ability to contribute without the ball could make him a strong fit alongside the Lakers' established starters, but the competition with Williams remains unsettled entering camp.

Sorber will be limited to begin training camp, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

The young center underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure on his right knee in early July after missing the 2025-26 campaign while recovering from a torn ACL in the same knee. Sorber had initially been expected to return to full basketball activities roughly four weeks after the procedure, so his workload will be worth monitoring as camp progresses.