NBA Player News

Schroder recorded 23 points (7-11 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 7-7 FT), one rebound, six assists and two steals in 26 minutes during Germany's 99-83 win over the Netherlands in Thursday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.

Schroder paced Germany in scoring and continued his strong summer ahead of his first season in Charlotte. The 32-year-old was acquired from Cleveland earlier this month after averaging 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 24.2 minutes across 70 regular-season appearances last season. With LaMelo Ball traded to Minnesota and Tre Mann subsequently sent to Washington, Charlotte's backcourt has undergone a significant overhaul, though the presence of Coby White figures to keep Schroder in a reserve role. The veteran should nevertheless have a path to consistent minutes as one of the Hornets' primary ball handlers off the bench.

Hansen recorded 15 points (7-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt), nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 20 minutes during China's 83-57 win over Qatar in Thursday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.

Hansen came off the bench but led China in both scoring and rebounding, continuing an encouraging offseason for the 21-year-old center. The 2025 first-round pick had a limited role as a rookie with Portland, averaging just 2.2 points and 1.5 rebounds per game during the regular season, but he'll have an opportunity to push for a larger role in his sophomore campaign.

Hachimura recorded 29 points (11-14 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block in 28 minutes during Japan's 106-78 win over Saudi Arabia in Thursday's FIBA World Cup qualifier.

Hachimura was nearly flawless in his return to international competition while committing zero turnovers. The 28-year-old will begin a new chapter in 2026-27 after signing a two-year, $28 million contract with the Clippers this offseason. Hachimura shot a career-best 44.3 percent from three-point range with the Lakers last season and should provide the Clippers with another capable floor spacer. However, the wing depth could make consistent fantasy production difficult to come by. He'll likely compete with players such as Max Strus for minutes and isn't guaranteed a starting role heading into training camp.

Johnson agreed to a two-way contract with the Heat on Thursday, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Miami didn't extend Johnson a qualifying offer ahead of the Las Vegas Summer League, but the two sides ultimately renegotiated a new deal. Johnson joins Vladislav Goldin and Tre Donaldson as the squad's trio of two-way players and should see ample playing time for the G League's Sioux Falls Skyforce this season.

Larsson dropped 31 points (9-17 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 11-14 FT) and five rebounds for Sweden in Thursday's FIBA World Cup qualifier against Finland.

Larsson is leaving a strong impression while getting reps overseas this offseason, as his pathway to minutes for the Heat during the upcoming season has another obstacle following the signing of Klay Thompson. Larsson should still have an Opening Night role on the wing, as his main competition for playing time otherwise looks to be rookie second-rounder Ryan Conwell and a mostly unproven Myron Gardner.

Bey tentatively projects as the Pelicans' starting small forward, but the addition of Bennedict Mathurin gives him a formidable threat for a starting job.

Mathurin was effectively a full-time starter for the Pacers before becoming the first man off the bench following his trade to the Clippers. Bey is coming off a career year, averaging a career-high 17.7 points per game while shooting 45.1 percent from the field in his first season with New Orleans (72 regular-season games), so the camp battle between Bey and Mathurin for a spot in the first unit should be one to monitor this fall.

The Pelicans gave Poole another competitor for playing time with the signing of Bennedict Mathurin on Wednesday.

Poole was a massive disappointment from a fantasy perspective in 2025-26, averaging 13.4 points, 3.1 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game over 39 regular-season appearances while falling out of the rotation at times. He'll be battling with Jeremiah Fears for the backup point guard role behind Dejounte Murray at training camp, while the addition of Mathurin could make it difficult for Poole to see steady minutes at shooting guard off the bench.

Hawkins is likely to begin the season outside of the rotation after the Pelicans signed Bennedict Mathurin on Wednesday.

Hawkins was already hard-pressed for an Opening Night role, and Mathurin's presence further complicates matters for him. Hawkins appears to be behind Mathurin, Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole and perhaps even Micah Peavy when it comes to the reserves on New Orleans' initial depth chart.

Fears is set to share the second unit with Bennedict Mathurin in 2026-27.

The Pelicans bolstered their bench with Wednesday's signing of Mathurin, who is expected to help lead New Orleans' second unit alongside Fears in the backcourt. Over 82 regular-season games in 2025-26, Fears averaged 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 25.8 minutes per game.

Ayton won't play for the Bahamas during upcoming FIBA action, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports.

There's no report of an injury to Ayton, who appears to be sitting out for maintenance purposes. After being shipped to the Wizards this offseason, the 28-year-old big man is lined up as the primary backup big behind Alex Sarr and Anthony Davis ahead of training camp.