Wed Jul 10 11:50am ET
Field Level Media
Team USA forward Kawhi Leonard will not compete in the Paris Olympics, USA Basketball announced Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Clippers star withdrew in order to spend the summer preparing for the 2024-25 NBA season.
"Kawhi has been ramping up for the Olympics over the past several weeks and had a few strong practices in Las Vegas," USA Basketball said. "He felt ready to compete. However, he respects that USA Basketball and the Clippers determined it's in his best interest to spend the remainder of the summer preparing for the upcoming season rather than participating in the Olympic Games in Paris."
It would have been the Summer Games debut for Leonard, 33, who missed 12 of the Clippers' final 14 games last season due to inflammation in his right knee.
USA Basketball has not named a replacement for Leonard on the 12-man roster. The Americans' opening game is on July 28 against Serbia.
A two-time NBA champion, six-time All-Star and seven-time All-Defensive team selection, Leonard's 68 starts in the 2023-24 season were his most since 2016-17. He missed all of 2021-22 with an ACL injury.
Leonard has career averages of 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals in 696 games (667 starts) with the San Antonio Spurs (2011-18), Toronto Raptors (2018-19) and Clippers.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, veteran forward Joe Harris announced his retirement. The 2014 No. 33 overall pick spent a decade in the National Basketball Association. He appeared in 504 regular-season contests throughout his career, averaging 10.3 points with the Cavs, Nets, and Pistons. However, Harris will be remembered most for his efficient three-point shooting, with the 32-year-old draining 43.6% of his attempts from behind the arc.
Forward Aleksej Pokusevski will return to Europe next season, having reached a deal with Partizan Belgrade. He will join his hometown team after making 168 appearances across four NBA seasons. Pokusevski split the 2023-24 campaign between Oklahoma City and Charlotte. The former first-round pick posted 5.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14.5 minutes last term. After showing early promise as a very versatile seven-footer, Pokusevski's NBA career was derailed by injuries. He will now attempt to recapture form in Europe, and there's every chance Pokusevski will eventually return to the NBA, as he is only 22 years old.
Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett boosted his fantasy stock with a productive finish to 2023-24, and even more is expected from him in the upcoming campaign. John Hollinger, former NBA executive and current Senior NBA columnist at The Athletic, believes Barrett could have a breakout season in 2024-25. Barrett shot an outstanding 55.3 percent from the field and averaged 21.8 points with 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists after moving to Toronto last season. He maintained his good form in the Paris Olympics, averaging 19.8 points on 58/44/84 shooting splits. The stage is nicely set for Barrett to boost his reputation further next season, as he is expected to continue to have a high-usage role with the Raptors.
Shooting guard Terence Davis is attempting an NBA comeback and has worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Davis couldn't land on an NBA roster for the start of the 2023-24 campaign and ruptured his Achilles in January playing in the G League. However, it looks like he has now recovered from the injury and is ready to go for the new season. Davis, who made it to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2020 after going undrafted, has previously represented the Raptors and Kings in the Association. He's been a solid bench contributor, averaging 8.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16.1 minutes.
Forward Jacob Toppin will return to the New York Knicks for the 2024-25 season on a two-way deal. He's filling the final two-way spot for the Knicks. Toppin also had a two-way contract with the team last season, making nine NBA appearances. The 24-year-old was limited to 4.2 minutes and was a long way off from matching the production of his older brother, Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin. However, Toppin has been fairly productive in the G League and could earn more opportunities in the big league in 2024-25. Last season, he averaged 14.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals with the Westchester Knicks.
Free-agent guard Patty Mills agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Jazz. The 36-year-old started last season with the Hawks but was waived. He eventually signed with the Heat, playing in 13 regular season contests and averaging 5.8 points and 1.5 assists. The Jazz have a young backcourt featuring Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, and Collin Sexton, so it will be difficult for anyone to get minutes. But Mills will provide invaluable leadership and guidance to a team in rebuilding mode. However, his days as a reliable fantasy option have been over for years.
According to SNY's Ian Begley, New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (shoulder) should be ready to go when the season begins on October 22. Randle has been a potent statistical producer for the Knicks over the years, most recently averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during the 2023-24 campaign. However, he suffered a shoulder injury at the beginning of 2024, resulting in surgery. While Randle likely won't be ready for training camp or participate in preseason games, the latest report from Begley is encouraging for fantasy managers. With that said, the roster looks different from the last time the 29-year-old was on the floor, meaning his production could regress somewhat in 2024-25. It may also take him time to find his rhythm early in the year after the lengthy layoff.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (hand) should be a full participant in training camp, according to SNY's Ian Begley. The 2018 No. 33 overall pick had a stellar season in 2023-24, averaging a career-high 28.7 points and 6.7 assists with 3.6 rebounds. He also shot 40.1% from behind the three-point line. Unfortunately, Brunson suffered a fractured left hand during the postseason. But he has been committed to getting healthy this summer, so he shouldn't have any restrictions when the 2024-25 campaign kicks off in October. With that in mind, the 27-year-old should be a consistent source of production for fantasy managers this season, considering he's expected to be involved in the MVP conversation.
According to Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff, center Jalen Duren still has untapped potential. "And then Jalen Duren, I think we're just scratching the surface with what I think he's going to be able to do," said Bickerstaff during a recent podcast. "He's really, really ball-skilled." The 2022 No. 13 overall pick had the best season of his career in 2023-24, averaging 13.8 points and 11.6 rebounds. However, he still has some work to do, especially on the defensive end. Duren's durability has also been questioned, with the 20-year-old playing 128 games in his first two seasons. But with Bickerstaff at the helm, a coach who oversaw the development of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in Cleveland, Duren has a chance to improve statistically in 2024-25.
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson remains on the roster despite rumors of his eventual trade. The 28-year-old was reportedly mentioned in a trade involving Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro. However, according to NBA reporter Jed Katz, discussions between the Nets and Cavs "have stalled." Johnson is coming off a down year, averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He was also limited to only 58 games due to injury and spent time coming off the bench. It appears Johnson has already played his final game in Brooklyn. Either way, the 2019 No. 11 overall pick has work to do to convince fantasy managers he's ready to turn things around, regardless of where he plays in the 2024-25 campaign.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant recently admitted he has thought about calling it quits. "As I get older in the league and the league is getting younger, I tend to think about retirement more," said Durant. "Should I stop thinking about it? What is that? But it creeps in my mind for sure." The 35-year-old finished last season by averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 41.3% from behind the arc. While Durant has been in the league for well over a decade, he is as good as ever. Fantasy managers should consider him a first-round draft pick heading into the 2024-25 campaign. However, his dynasty stock will fall somewhat after his recent revelation.
According to Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (shoulder) "looks healthy again." The 25-year-old, who appeared in only nine games in 2023-24 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, was cleared to resume basketball activities a month ago. Things are seemingly going well, with Cole referencing Morant's quickness and agility during a recent five-on-five session. Without question, Morant is an All-Star-caliber player, averaging 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 257 games. If Morant stays on the court, he has top-10 fantasy potential during the 2024-25 campaign. Morant entering the MVP conversation is also possible.
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Warriors remain interested in Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown. The 27-year-old was moved to Toronto ahead of the trade deadline. He appeared in 34 games for the Raptors. However, he struggled, averaging 9.6 points. If Golden State can't orchestrate a deal, other teams around the National Basketball Association will look to acquire him, especially with a championship on his resume. While Brown's fantasy value will be lower to start the 2024-25 campaign if he stays in Canada, it will likely improve if he lands elsewhere at some point during the season.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Caleb Martin wants to do something "special" with his new team and sees himself playing a significant role. "They're putting a great team together. They've got a lot of guys with a lot of talent," Martin told Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "So I think it should elevate my game in a personal way and as a team. I feel like we can do something special." Martin had a good spell with the Miami Heat but never established himself as a regular starter. However, he is projected to start life in Philadelphia as a member of the first unit, which increases Martin's fantasy value.
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Reggie Jackson is excited to link up with Nick Nurse in the City of Brotherly Love and isn't overly concerned about his playing time, despite facing a lot of competition for minutes at the point guard position. "Since he was with the Raptors and became a head coach, kind of seeing how his team played, it was very interesting," Jackson told Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Obviously, they played Lowry and (point guard) Fred VanVleet how well they played together. They played long lineups where you had (forwards) Kawhi (Leonard), you had Pascal (Siakam), you had (Chris) Boucher. Shoot, he played (post players) Serge (Ibaka) and (Marc) Gasol at times together." Jackson finds himself as the third point guard in Philadelphia behind Tyrese Maxey and Kyle Lowry. However, he could still play a significant part in the rotation if Nurse continues to roll with lineups featuring multiple point guards.
Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (leg) hasn't suffered any setbacks in his recovery from a rare leg injury but isn't close to returning to basketball activities. "He's in Latvia. He's starting to do more and more and more," Celtics president Brad Stevens told Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. "He was in a boot for a while there, but every indication is he's progressing well and he's on the right timeline. But it's going to be a while." Porzingis had surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon after the NBA Finals. He was expected to be out for 5-6 months, meaning the Latvian big man will likely be unavailable until at least late November. Al Horford will have elevated fantasy value at the start of next season with Porzingis on the shelf.
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton was carrying a leg injury during the Paris Olympics. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Haliburton dealt with a "minor" leg injury and had an MRI during the tournament. The Pacers star featured in only three games during Team USA's run to win another gold medal, logging 26 total minutes. Injuries have started to trouble Haliburton quite often, but this setback shouldn't keep him from being ready to go for the start of the new NBA campaign. Haliburton had a fantastic season in 2023-24, and as a relatively young player, he should have the potential to elevate his game even further.
Brooklyn Nets point guard Dennis Schroder enters a contract year with the aim of securing himself a long-term future with the team. "I want to be in Brooklyn long-term. Hopefully that works out," Schroder said in an interview with Marc J. Spears of Andscape. "I want to be a veteran who shows the young people the way and how we should play and how we play as a team. I understand that the NBA is always more individual, but I want to make one team like we had in Atlanta where it was about just winning and really not (caring) who scores." Schroder landed on the Nets roster during the latter part of 2023-24 and had a good time. He averaged 14.6 points and 6.0 assists with 41.2 percent shooting from downtown. The German is under contract for $13.4 million next season.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Utah Jazz are seeking two first-round picks for center Walker Kessler. The 23-year-old averaged 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks as a rookie. He also shot 72.0% from the field. However, outside of Kessler's statistical contributions as a shot-blocker, his production regressed while being limited to just 22 appearances in the starting lineup. At this point, there's a chance Kessler remains on the team, at least to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Yet, with John Collins, Drew Eubanks, and 2024 No. 32 overall pick Kyle Filipowski on the roster, Kessler doesn't have a clear path to playing time, significantly decreasing his fantasy value.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been in the rumor mill quite a bit this offseason in the midst of the Lauri Markkanen trade talks. After recent news saying that the Warriors are not including Kuminga in trade talks, it looks like they'll need to work on extensions for a couple of their younger players. Kuminga and Moses Moody are looking to get themselves some extra money, and the former is looking for a max extension from his rookie deal. Other players to get max extensions from the 2021 rookie class include Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, and Franz Wagner. Kuminga improved in every category last season as he averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.