NBA Player News

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.

Jones continues to provide New Orleans with elite perimeter defense and positional versatility, making him one of the NBA's premier role players.

While Jones' offensive responsibilities remain modest, his ability to contribute steals, blocks and efficient complementary production keeps him fantasy relevant. His role as the Pelicans' top defensive wing should remain unchanged heading into 2026-27.

Williamson (knee) bounced back with a productive campaign in 2025-26, reestablishing himself as the focal point of New Orleans' offense despite the team's 26-56 finish.

Williamson remains one of the league's most efficient interior scorers when healthy and should once again lead the Pelicans in usage entering 2026-27. With no major offseason additions threatening his role, Williamson is expected to remain the franchise centerpiece.

Smith remained a key contributor for Houston, providing frontcourt size, floor spacing and defensive versatility throughout the 2025-26 season.

Smith's ability to complement both Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun gives him an important role on a team with championship aspirations. After an otherwise quiet offseason, Smith is expected to retain a prominent place in Houston's starting lineup entering 2026-27.

Sheppard showed flashes of becoming a long-term rotation piece during his second NBA season, demonstrating his ability to stretch the floor and handle secondary playmaking duties when called upon.

Although Houston's veteran core limits his offensive opportunities, the organization continues to value his shooting and decision-making. Sheppard should once again compete for consistent backcourt minutes while continuing his development behind the Rockets' established starters. However, his upside may not be as high with the return of Fred VanVleet (knee).

Thompson established himself as one of the NBA's best young two-way players, earning recognition for his elite perimeter defense while continuing to expand his offensive game in 2025-26.

Thompson's athleticism and versatility allowed him to impact virtually every category on a nightly basis, making him one of Houston's most valuable players beyond the box score. The Rockets' quiet offseason should allow Thompson to continue developing in a featured role alongside Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.

Sengun continued his ascent as one of the league's premier offensive centers during the 2025-26 campaign, serving as Houston's primary facilitator in the frontcourt while forming an elite partnership with Kevin Durant.

Sengun's combination of interior scoring, rebounding and passing remained the foundation of the Rockets' halfcourt offense throughout the regular season. With Houston returning most of its rotation, Sengun's role should remain virtually unchanged entering 2026-27.