Fantasy Basketball

It’s never too early to fill out the roster for training camp, with the Lakers making two such moves on Wednesday. Olivari, who began his college career at Rice before finishing at Xavier, was not selected in this summer’s draft. As for Kelley, the former Oregon State big man spent last season with the Maine Red Claws and has yet to make his NBA debut. It’s more likely that Olivari and Kelley wind up with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, and the Exhibit 10 contracts mean they would be in line for a $77,500 guarantee if they stick with the G League team for at least 60 days (if the Lakers waive them).

A first-round pick in 2016, Labissiere last played in the NBA in 2020, spending time in the G League. He spent last season with Sacramento’s G League affiliate in Stockton, which may also be his fate this time. The Exhibit 10 deal can guarantee him more money ($77,500) should the Kings waive him during training camp, and he goes on to spend at least 60 days with their G League affiliate.

Robinson underwent two separate surgeries on his left ankle during the 2023-24 season, the second occurring in mid-May after suffering a stress injury during the playoffs. At the time, it was reported that an update would be provided in 6-8 weeks. Given Begley’s recent update, there’s still work for Robinson to do rehab-wise before he’s given full on-court clearance. With Isaiah Hartenstein leaving in free agency, the Knicks need a healthy Robinson on the court as they look to contend in the East. As for his fantasy value, it will be difficult for managers to fully trust a player who appeared in 31 regular season games last season.

After spending last season with the Knicks on a two-way deal, Toppin will remain with the team on similar terms in 2024-25. Undrafted out of Kentucky, the younger brother of former Knick Obi Toppin appeared in nine NBA games as a rookie. Given how deep New York is at the forward positions, Toppin is unlikely to get the minutes needed to be worthy of consideration in any fantasy leagues.

Drell played in just four games for the Chicago Bulls last season and doesn’t seem likely to make the Trail Blazers’ final roster.

Mills averaged a career-low 2.7 points per game last season with the Atlanta Hawks. He isn’t likely to play a significant role with Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson ahead of him on the depth chart in Utah.

Hours after multiple outlets reported that the Jazz were waiving Taevion Kinsey, the team confirmed that move while announcing who would take over that two-way slot. Tshiebwe, who was not selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, spent last season on a two-way deal with the Pacers and played most of his minutes in the G League. Making 21 appearances for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Tshiebwe earned G League Rookie of the Year honors and was also a first-team All-G League selection. This move will not significantly impact fantasy basketball next season unless Utah moves Walker Kessler.

A little over one month after the Jazz signed Kinsey to a two-way contract, the team will reportedly waive him. Undrafted out of Marshall, the 6-foot-5 guard spent most of last season with Utah’s G League affiliate, agreeing to a 10-day deal with the Jazz in early March. Kinsey’s exit frees up a two-way slot for Utah, with Jason Preston and Micah Potter occupying two spots.

Haliburton was limited by the injury after undergoing an MRI and averaged 8.8 minutes per contest in his three outings. The Indiana Pacers guard doesn’t appear to be in any serious trouble ahead of the 2024-25 season, though.

Yabusele was outstanding during France’s run to the silver medal in Paris, and his play has sparked some discussions regarding a potential return to the NBA. The 2016 first-round pick said after Saturday’s loss to the United States that he has “been waiting for my second chance, I’m ready.” The issue regarding a return for the 2024-25 season: Yabusele’s contract buyout with Real Madrid. On July 15, that figure increased from $1 million to $2.5 million, and that doesn’t even take into consideration potential salary demands. Yabusele will be a free agent next summer, which may be a more realistic time for the former Celtic to return stateside.