Browsing: depth

Oct 24, 2025, 11:13 AM ET

Free agent center DeAndre Jordan is joining the New Orleans Pelicans on a one-year, $3.6 million contract, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management told ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The Pelicans announced Jordan’s hiring Friday without disclosing terms.

In New Orleans, Jordan will look to find playing time on a front line led by star Pelicans big man Zion Williamson, who has missed at least 12 games in every year of his NBA career. The Pelicans are without center Kevon Looney, who is missing the start of the season with a left knee injury. They used a trio of centers — Yves Missi and rookies Derik Queen and Hunter Dickinson — during their season-opening loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

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Missi, who started Wednesday’s game, is questionable to play Friday against the San Antonio Spurs after twisting his right ankle against the Grizzlies. He is listed as day-to-day.

Jordan was with the Pelicans on Friday morning and was expected to be available to play against the Spurs.

A three-time All-NBA center and 2023 champion with the Denver Nuggets, he is entering his 18th season in the league. Jordan, 37, had spent the past three seasons with the Nuggets.

Brought in to be a veteran leader in Denver’s locker room, Jordan often proved to be the Nuggets’ most reliable option at backup center, and he appeared in 56 games last season, his most since 2020-21, while averaging 3.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game.

Jordan has appeared in 1,111 career games with 791 starts. The Pelicans are his eighth NBA team.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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It was a good opening week of the season for the Florida Panthers.

After picking up a pair of one-goal victories over the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers to kick off their 2025-26 campaign, Florida welcomed the Ottawa Senators to Sunrise on Saturday and earned a resounding 6-2 victory over their divisional rivals.

Despite going into the season without several key players due to injury, the defending back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions have continued humming along, playing their physically challenging brand of hockey while receiving contributions from up and down the lineup.

Florida has also gotten off to an excellent start on special teams. Weâ€ll see if all this success can continue once they hit the road next week.

For now, letâ€s get to the takeaways from Florida capping off a perfect 3-0-0 homestand:

POWER PLAY SUCCESS

The Panthers have scored power play goals in all three of their games so far this season.

Overall, theyâ€ve cashed in five times out of 12 opportunities, good for a 41.7% success rate that will be incredibly difficult to sustain over the course of an entire season.

All kidding aside, there are several reasons why Floridaâ€s power play has been so formidable, as they can throw two very unique units at you that each feature some potent offensive players.

They’re also keeping things relatively simple and leaning on the foundational pieces they began installing early in training camp.

“Weâ€re not overcomplicating it,†said Panthers defenseman Seth Jones. “Obviously we have new units this year, so we did a lot of work in the preseason to try to get everyone in the right spots and everyone understand what the plays are, and just being direct. It really ties into our five-on-five game, there’s nothing crazy about it.â€

STEADY ON PK

Just as Floridaâ€s power play has been a major source of strength, their penalty kill has been equally reliable.

Through three games, the Panthers†PK has killed off each of the seven power plays its been called upon to extinguish, allowing only seven total shots against while down a man.

As Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice pointed out, this yearâ€s killers have done well to replicate the success they found last season and, similarly to what Jones said about the power play, are doing so by keeping things simple.

“I don’t think that they’ve changed much,†Maurice said. “We look a little different on it because of the personnel that’s out, but the structure of it (looks the same). Those defensemen have done a really fine job of being able to play off of different forwards, and we’ve run a lot of different combinations. The D have done a nice job in that structure.â€

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ALL OVER

Florida has scored 11 goals over their three wins, with nine different players lighting the lamp.

The overall points have been spread evenly throughout the lineup as well.

Four of Floridaâ€s defenseman have multiple points (Seth Jones, Jeff Petry and Gus Forsling each have two assists), and representatives from all four of the Panthers forward lines have scored goals.

“It’s going to be the critical piece,†Maurice said of the teamâ€s depth scoring. “We going to have more nights of two and three (goals), like the first two games, than we will like tonight, so you need to have as many people as you can coming to the rink believing they can get score, that they have that positive feel. I think each line has generated enough that they’re feeling positive about their game, so they don’t really need to change it.â€

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Photo caption: Oct 11, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Mackie Samoskevich (11) scores a goal past Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

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The Premier League season is seven games in and with the transfer window closed until Jan. 1, there will be no more incomings or outgoings (unless a free agent can be snapped up.)

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As teams start to hit their stride and new additions from the summer become accustomed to their surroundings, it’s time to take a look at where the players stand in their respective squads.

Here are depth charts of the best options for the first XI and backup XI for the six most followed clubs in the league. Of course, it’s hard to predict who could be called upon as the fixtures pile up, but this should give you an idea of how strong each team is.

(Note: Each player appears in the main squad list once, even if he could fit into multiple spots. We have also included injured players, though those likely to be out for the season are noted separately.)

Goalkeeper: David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Tommy Setford
Right back: Jurriën Timber, Ben White
Left back: Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Center back: William Saliba, Gabriel, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapié
Central midfield: Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino, Christian Nørgaard, Ethan Nwaneri, Eberechi Eze
Forward: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, Max Dowman
Striker: Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz

FIRST XI (4-3-3)

Raya
Timber – Saliba – Gabriel – Calafiori
Ødegaard – Zubimendi – Rice
Saka РGy̦keres РMadueke

SECOND XI (4-3-3)

Arrizabalaga
White РMosquera РHincapi̩ РLewis-Skelly
Merino – Nørgaard – Eze
Trossard – Havertz – Martinelli

EXTRAS: Setford, Dowman, Nwaneri
LONG-TERM INJURY: Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal ended the summer transfer window looking markedly stronger. Midfielder Thomas Partey was the only established departure, with five elite internationals brought in and two credible competitors now for each starting spot.

Martin Zubimendi is the clearest like-for-like upgrade in the No. 6 midfield role, giving manager Mikel Arteta a press-resistant, deep playmaker. Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapié were also eye-catching additions, and striker Viktor Gyökeres finally answers the long-running call for an out-and-out No. 9 with his tenacity, penalty box presence and goal threat. Kai Havertz can also now drop into a deeper role when required, adding height and timing to the second wave of attacks.

Versatility is a theme throughout the squad. While Myles Lewis-Skelly covers left back and holding midfield with equal high-level input, Riccardo Calafiori, Hincapié and Jurrien Timber are comfortable both at left back and center back, allowing Arsenal to alternate their build-up patterns.

Midfielders Mikel Merino and Eze can operate as advanced No. 8s or between the lines, complementing Martin Ødegaard’s orchestration and Declan Rice’s ball-winning range. Out wide, Noni Madueke also adds options to an already strong line of wide forwards, though has now suffered an injury. And, on top of that that, academy graduates Max Dowman (15) and Ethan Nwaneri (18) offer game-changing qualities off the bench.

Though cohesion may take some time to establish, when it comes to depth, balance and tactical flexibility, Arsenal now look built to contest silverware on every front.

Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez, Filip Jørgensen, Gabriel Slonina
Right back: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong
Left back: Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato
Center back: Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo
Central midfield: Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos, Dário Essugo, Cole Palmer, Facundo Buonanotte
Forward: Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Mykhailo Mudryk, Estevao, Tyrique George
Striker: João Pedro, Liam Delap

FIRST XI (4-2-3-1)

Sanchez
James – Adarabioyo – Chalobah – Cucurella
Fernandez – Caicedo
Estevao – Palmer – Neto
Joao Pedro

SECOND XI (4-2-3-1)

Jørgensen
Gusto – Fofana – Badiashile – Hato
Andrey Santos – Lavia
Gittens – Buonanotte – Garnacho
Delap

EXTRAS: Slonina, Essugo, George.
LONG-TERM INJURY: Levi Colwill.
LONG-TERM ABSENTEES / INACTIVE: Disasi, Mudryk, Sterling.

A certain level of stability has finally arrived after over £2 billion of spending and years of chopping and changing, but right now injuries — and a couple of internal decisions — are testing the squad depth. A defensive crisis (and, to a lesser extent, one up front), plus Raheem Sterling, Axel Disasi and Mykhailo Mudryk being frozen out, has also complicated matters.

The first choices in central defense were edging toward clarity after the Club World Cup, only for Levi Colwill’s long-term absence to force changes. It’s now a priority is to find a preferred pairing and, until then, the defensive line will feel patched together. By contrast, the full backs are quality starters and Chelsea have competent cover on both sides. The fact that Malo Gusto isn’t a certain starter proves that point.

In midfield, the double pivot is already well-established and high-performing. Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo offer control in possession, energy and defensive bite. They are arguably the league’s top duo on paper, which means there is a drop in performance when either is missing. While Andrey Santos is a brilliant player, he’s still learning the trade at this level, and Romeo Lavia’s fitness is an issue.

Further forward, the talent is undoubtedly there, even if the cohesion is a work in progress. Summer signings Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens are still finding their feet at Chelsea, but provide elite competition to Pedro Neto and Estevao for the inverted-winger slots. Up front, Liam Delap’s physicality and directness blends in nicely with Joao Pedro’s more-technical skill set.

Despite the issues, manager Enzo Maresca has enough quality to compete on multiple fronts. Yet the key elements to succeed are settling the center back partnership, keeping the double pivot on the pitch and accelerating the adaptation of the new wide forwards — the signs are certainly promising, given Estevao’s magnificent start.

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman
Right back: Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley
Left back: Andy Robertson, Milos Kerkez
Center back: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni
Central midfield: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Stefan Bajcetic, Florian Wirtz
Forward: Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha
Striker: Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike

FIRST XI (4-2-3-1)

Alisson
Frimpong – Konate – Van Dijk – Kerkez
Mac Allister – Gravenberch
Salah – Wirtz – Gakpo
Isak

SECOND XI (4-2-3-1)

Mamardashvili
Bradley – Gomez – Leoni – Robertson
Endo – Jones
Ngumoha – Szoboszlai – Chiesa
Ekitike

EXTRAS: Bajetic

Champions Liverpool were already in a position of strength, but spent over £450 million to bring in five high-profile additions this summer. Their start to the season has been wobbly. Still, there’s tremendous potential in the squad and the challenge is to get the new names properly bedded in.

With Alisson still the trusted No. 1 — and arguably the most complete goalkeeper in the world — Giorgi Mamardashvili gives Liverpool a valid second option. Yet, judging from his debut (and from Valencia), there’s room for improvement when it comes to distribution and there’s little reason to believe that the Georgia international will threaten Alisson for the starting spot this season if he’s not injured.

While pace and energy have been a staple of Liverpool’s full backs during the recent seasons, there’s even more of that to come as the new pair settles in. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez were clearly brought in to be starters and should add significant attacking output — providing width, underlaps and relentless running power in the final third — with Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley high-level cover.

Centrally, Liverpool’s summer interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi shows they would have liked even more strength in depth. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté are one of the best partnerships there is, but neither Joe Gomez nor Giovanni Leoni can provide the same sky-high standards, and the 18-year-old Leoni recently tore his ACL. If Liverpool lose either of their starting central defenders, their solidity will be compromised.

The double midfield pivot — Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch — was brilliant last season, with Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo reliable rotation … though Gravenberch’s creativity deep in midfield can’t be easily replaced. Higher up the pitch, £100 million new signing Florian Wirtz will need minutes to adjust to the pace of the Premier League, and though Dominik Szoboszlai is versatile and highly useful, Liverpool haven’t quite been able to keep up last year’s momentum. Hugo Ekitike has shown some encouraging early signs, as has 16-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, but £150 million arrival Alexander Isak hasn’t hit the ground running and Mohamed Salah’s patchy start to the season is a real worry.

Regardless of their shaky start, Liverpool have built their squad meticulously by reinforcing several areas that were already functioning well. With a bit of patience, they should be devastating.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford, Stefan Ortega
Right back: Rico Lewis
Left back: Rayan Aït-Nouri,
Center back: Rúben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Aké, Joško Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov
Central midfield: Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico González, Nico O’Reilly, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, , Kalvin Phillips
Forward: Phil Foden, Jérémy Doku, Savinho, Rayan Cherki, Oscar Bobb
Striker: Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush

FIRST XI (4-1-4-1)

Donnarumma
Matheus Nunes – Dias – Gvardiol – Aït-Nouri
Rodri
Foden – Bernardo Silva – Reijnders – Doku
Haaland

SECOND XI (4-1-4-1)

Trafford
Khusanov – Stones – Aké – O’Reilly
Nico Gonzalez
Savinho – Kovacic – Cherki – Bobb
Marmoush

EXTRAS: Ortega, Phillips, Lewis

Given Pep Guardiola’s insistence on keeping a small squad, it’s ironic that, after a very busy summer window, he has ended up with a more abundant group than at any other point during his tenure. But with his unique perception of roles and characteristics, Guardiola will ensure his side is among the most versatile out there.

Signing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, just weeks after spending £25 million to sign James Trafford, was a likely result of an opportunity rather than planning. Yet the outcome is a huge upgrade on last season as Ederson headed out to Fenerbahçe.

The options in the defensive line also open up a variety of scenarios. At right back there’s Khusanov when duel prowess and recovery speed are needed, Matheus Cunha for possession-heavy encounters, and Rico Lewis for the underlapping variation. Having four left-footed defenders (including Nico O’Reilly, who can easily slot in at left back) is also a luxury.

With 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri back in central midfield, Nico Gonzalez provides decent cover at No. 6. There’s also Mateo Kovacic to turn to for most tasks in the middle of the park or if reverting to a double pivot. Five brilliant dribblers competing for two winger roles is also more than sufficient, and Guardiola does like to change his wide men after 75% of games, so they will all get minutes. The obvious shortcoming of not having a proper central striker to take some pressure off Erling Haaland — although he hates to be substituted — was fixed in January with the £70 million arrival of Omar Marmoush.

In essence, following their two-window revamp, City have a more complete squad that a year ago, but the question remains whether there’s enough world-class quality throughout the team to fight for another Premier League or Champions League title this season.

Goalkeeper: Altay Bayindir, Senne Lammens, Tom Heaton
Right back: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui
Left back: Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Patrick Dorgu, Diego León
Center back: Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Ayden Heaven
Central midfield: Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo
Forward: Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha
Striker: Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee, Chido Obi

FIRST XI (3-4-2-1)

Bayindir
Yoro – De Ligt – Martinez
Dalot – Fernandes – Ugarte – Dorgu
Cunha – Mbuemo
Sesko

SECOND XI (3-4-2-1)

Lammens
Maguire – Heaven – Shaw
Mazraoui – Mainoo – Casemiro – León
Amad – Mount
Zirkzee

EXTRAS: Heaton, Obi
LONG-TERM INJURY: Malacia

Manchester United emerge from another lavish summer — with around £200 million spent — still a work in progress. Ruben Amorim’s squad is arguably stronger, particularly up front, yet the manager’s insistence on sticking to his 3-4-2-1 system keeps the puzzle complicated. While the wing back dilemma has somewhat edged toward balance (there are at least three defined options now), misalignments remain, or have popped up elsewhere.

Midfield remains the headline issue. Despite seasons of evidence, no new summer recruit arrived to add stamina, tenacity, or defensive coverage across the system’s most vulnerable zone. The consequence is a cascade of challenges: namely, that star player Bruno Fernandes is pulled closer to the buildup, reducing his impact as an “No. 8½” and final-third force. United still possess hybrid midfielders with technical ability rather than the pure ball-winners or destroyers the structure cries out for.

At center back, Lisandro Martínez’s recurrent absences remove the distributor and proactive defender the setup relies upon (with left back Luke Shaw being relied upon instead) and there is no like-for-like cover to replicate his quality. Cohesion suffers, and the line oscillates between competent and shaky under pressure.

The bright spot is the front line. A summer spending spree saw United splash most of their money on signing Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, and while that adds speed, physicality and finishing skill to the starting XI, it also complicates things. Their compatibility with each other and the system is still lacking, so at least one of them would be more useful as a rhythm changer off the bench. Furthermore, the attacking output logically remains tied to the platform behind it — supply, timing, and structure — which currently points to greater effectiveness in transition. Until those structural weaknesses are addressed, their summer’s work reads as incremental rather than decisive.

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky, Brandon Austin
Right back: Pedro Porro, Djed Spence
Left back: Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies
Center back: Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu DraguÈin, Kevin Danso, Kota Takai
Central midfield: João Palhinha, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, James Maddison, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall
Forward: Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons
Striker: Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel

FIRST XI (4-2-3-1)

Vicario
Porro – Romero – Van de Ven – Udogie
Bentancur – Palhinha
Kulusevski – Simons – Kudus
Solanke

SECOND XI (4-2-3-1)

Kinsky
Gray – Danso – Dragusin – Spence
Bergvall – Bissouma
Johnson – Sarr – Richarlison
Kolo Muani

EXTRAS: Austin, Davies, Takai, Odobert, Tel
LONG-TERM INJURIES: Bissouma, Maddison

Calling this the most competitive Spurs squad of the modern era is not a stretch, though their current injury predicament is masking the real depth. New boss Thomas Frank has a large, fresh and talented group — evenly divided position-wise — at his disposal, and the rearguard alone (goalkeepers included) features 10 full internationals. Sure, availability has haunted them over the past year and, yes, losing center backs Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven — too frequent a theme last season — still triggers an immediate drop in quality, but that first-choice pairing remains among the Premier League’s elite.

If the midfield and attack stay injury-free, the selection puzzle will only grow. While characteristics differ, standards don’t as Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, Joao Palhinha, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur can all claim to be ready to start games. Under the 4-2-3-1, with a dedicated No. 10, only two of that quintet can start, which makes the “First XI” a moving target.

The same pattern holds out wide. Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert bring distinct threats — ball progression, creativity and one-on-one proficiency — and rotation is simpler here given changes up front are pretty standard after the hour.

The fight for the No. 9 striker role is also a proper battle. With just one place left to lead the line, the question is which profile Frank prefers: Richarlison’s aggression, Dominic Solanke’s hold-up and link-up play, Randal Kolo Muani’s runs in behind and movement, or Mathys Tel’s explosiveness. Injuries aside, this is a deep squad with quality starters and genuine competition for places, which in theory should allow them to fight for a Champions League spot and not languish toward the end of the table as they did last season.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Cole Schwindt was a player the Florida Panthers reluctantly included in the trade that brought them Matthew Tkachuk from Calgary three years ago.

And now, the Panthers brought Schwindt back.

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions claimed Schwindt off waivers Friday — a move that, somewhat ironically, figures to help them get through playing without Tkachuk for the first few weeks of the season.

“We had him before and we know what he can do,” Florida president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito said. “There’s a lot of upside. It’s a great opportunity for him.”

Schwindt — who was in the deal that sent Jonathan Huberdeau, Mackenzie Weegar and draft capital to the Flames for Tkachuk in 2022 — spent last season with Vegas, playing in 42 games and finishing with a goal and seven assists. He played in three games with Florida in 2021-22 and four games with Calgary in 2023-24, never registering a point in either of those stops.

But with Tkachuk out until probably December, and with captain Aleksander Barkov expected to miss most if not the entire season with torn knee ligaments, Florida needed to replenish its depth. Schwindt was placed on waivers Thursday by Vegas and the Panthers won the claim.

Schwindt’s brother, Kai Schwindt, is also part of the Panthers organization. Kai Schwindt was in camp with the team this fall and was assigned earlier this week to Florida’s AHL affiliate in Charlotte.

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NBA training camps have officially begun!

Monday marked the arrival of media day for most of the league’s 30 teams, with on-court practice beginning Tuesday — exactly three weeks before the Oklahoma City Thunder will raise their 2024-25 NBA championship banner.

We’ve got you covered as you dig into the 2025-26 season, with roster breakdowns for every team, top storylines, looming decisions and lingering issues to keep an eye on for the next few weeks.

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WSH

Guaranteed contracts: 10
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Managing expectations, Trae Young and Dyson Daniels

No extension for All-Star Trae Young and a possible new deal for All-NBA defender Dyson Daniels are the two biggest storylines coming out of Atlanta’s offseason. However, how this revamped team manages expectations will play a huge role in how we determine its success this season..

The Hawks added Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard and Asa Newell to a roster that lost to the Magic in the play-in, and according to ESPN BET, Atlanta now has the fourth-best odds to win the Eastern Conference. Keep in mind that since the 2017-18 season, Atlanta has missed the playoffs five times and has advanced past the first round only once.

As for the two extension candidates, Young is eligible to sign up to a four-year, $229 million deal through June 30, and Daniels is eligible up until Oct. 20. The Hawks last season signed Jalen Johnson to a five-year, $150 million rookie extension on the last day before the start of the regular season.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The last day to extend Dyson Daniels

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option for Zaccharie Risacher

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 12
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Frontcourt minutes

In a period of six weeks, the Celtics lost Jayson Tatum to an Achilles injury, traded Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta and saw Luke Kornet sign in San Antonio. Plus, last week, veteran Al Horford signed with Golden State. Those five players combined to start 184 games last season, averaging 61.3 points per game.

This past postseason, the Celtics gave 99.5% of their center minutes outside garbage time to Horford, Porzingis and Kornet, per Cleaning the Glass.

How the Celtics replace their production will come down to the committee of Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, Xavier Tillman and Josh Minott. In six starts last season, Queta averaged 9.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. He recently averaged 15.5 points per game for Portugal at the FIBA EuroBasket.

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Tatum feels ‘no pressure’ to return sooner from Achilles injury

Celtics star Jayson Tatum explains why there is no pressure to return quicker from his Achilles injury.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The contract of Neemias Queta becomes guaranteed

• Oct. 21: The salary protection of Jordan Walsh increases from $200K to $1.1 million

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Baylor Scheierman

Extension candidates:

• Jordan Walsh

• Anfernee Simons

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 1
Two-way:2

What to watch for:Player development, the minimum salary floor and roster cuts

From a development perspective, Brooklyn has eight players on first-round rookie contracts, including Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf and Drake Powell. The Nets also became the first team in history to select five players in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft. This offseason, they traded for former top-15 pick Kobe Bufkin and returned Dariq Whitehead and Noah Clowney for their third years.

Sixteen players on the current roster are 26 years old or younger, and Brooklyn will have to reduce its roster to 15 players by the start of the season.

With 15 players already on guaranteed contracts, the easy answer is to waive the three players on partial or non-guaranteed contracts: Jalen Wilson, Tyrese Martin and Drew Timme. Brooklyn has to spend 90% of the salary cap by the first day of the regular season, and by waiving all three, the Nets would fall below the minimum floor. They are currently $1.9 million over it.

To reach the floor, Brooklyn can either guarantee each of the three players and then waive them, keep all three but at the expense of a guaranteed contract, or use some of the available $13.6 million in cap space in a trade.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contract of Michael Porter Jr.

• Oct. 21: The contract of Jalen Wilson ($88K to $382K) increases in protection

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the fourth-year team options of Kobe Bufkin, Dariq Whitehead and Noah Clowney

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Roster availability, player development and final roster cuts

Expect the words “availability” and “player development” to be repeated often during training camp.

Last season, the Hornets ranked second in missed shots and used 36 different starting lineups. LaMelo Ball has played more than 60 games only once in five seasons and has missed at least 25 in the past three. Brandon Miller played only 27 games last season, missing the remainder of the season recovering from right wrist surgery. The trio of Ball, Miller and Miles Bridges started just seven games last campaign.

From a development standpoint, the Hornets have seven players on first- or second-round rookie contracts, including Tidjane Salaun, the sixth pick in the 2024 draft. Last season, Salaun averaged 21 minutes per game and shot 33% from the field and 28.3% on 3-pointers.

The Hornets also have decisions to make with their roster. They currently have 15 players with guaranteed contracts — and Moussa Diabate with no protection. Diabate started eight games at center last season and is expected to be part of the Hornets’ rotation.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 22: The protection of Moussa Diabate increases from $0 to $250K

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Tidjane Salaun and fourth-year team option of Brandon Miller

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts:15
Partial/Non:0
Exhibit 10: 1
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Who will start at small forward?

The Bulls eliminated a preseason distraction when restricted free agent Josh Giddey signed a four-year, $100 million contract in early September.

With Giddey signed, the focus in training camp is the open competition at small forward between Kevin Huerter and Isaac Okoro.

Since March 1, Huerter averaged 32.3 minutes per game and averaged a team-high plus-7.9, as the Bulls went 15-3 in their final 18 games when Huerter was on the floor. Okoro was acquired in the swap for Lonzo Ball, and he gives Chicago a physical defender but less spacing offensively when he is on the court.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The last day to extend the contract of Dalen Terry

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Matas Buzelis

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 11
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 5
Two-way:2

What to watch for:Donovan Mitchell’s workload and Lonzo Ball

It was no coincidence that Mitchell playing the fewest minutes in his career played a role in the All-Star playing 71 games last season, his most since 2018-19.

But because of injuries to Darius Garland and Max Strus at the end of the season, how the Cavaliers continue to manage the workload of Mitchell comes with questions.

Garland underwent toe surgery on June 9 and has resumed basketball activities. Strus underwent surgery on Aug. 26 for a Jones fracture in his left foot and will be reevaluated in three to four months.

The Cavaliers did acquire Ball in the offseason as a replacement for Ty Jerome and insurance while Garland is recovering. After missing two seasons recovering from multiple left knee surgeries, Ball played 35 games last season with Chicago but missed the last 23 games with a right wrist injury and played more than 30 minutes just once.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Jaylon Tyson

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:2

What to watch for:The first starting lineup

What a difference six months make.

Last spring, injuries decimated the Mavericks’ roster, leaving them with the league minimum of eight players available for games at times.

Head coach Jason Kidd now has the welcome challenge of selecting a starting lineup from one of the deepest teams in the NBA as the Mavericks enter training camp. Out of the 15 players on the roster, only rookie Cooper Flagg did not start an NBA game last season.

D’Angelo Russell and Klay Thompson will likely form the backcourt, but Kidd has a decision on which two players complement Anthony Davis in the frontcourt.

The candidates are Flagg, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II.

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0:53

Jason Kidd doesn’t consider Kyrie ‘ahead of schedule’

Mavs coach Jason Kidd dismisses reports that Kyrie Irving is ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 22: The salary protection of Brandon Williams increases from $200K to $850K

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the fourth-year team option of Dereck Lively II

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Ben Tenzer’s first season and future finances

Tenzer was elevated to executive vice president of basketball operations after GM Calvin Booth was fired along with head coach Michael Malone on April 9.

Since his promotion, Tenzer and his staff have reshaped the Nuggets, trading for Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas while signing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr.

The next task on the to-do list? Navigating rookie extensions for Christian Braun and Peyton Watson.

Braun averaged a career-high 33.9 minutes and started 77 of the 79 games he played. This is the third year in a row that Braun has played more than 75 games (he played all 82 in the 2023-24 season). He also joined Dyson Daniels as the only two players in the past two seasons to increase their scoring by more than eight points per game.

Watson averaged career highs in minutes played, field goal percentage and points per game last season. He also posted a plus-11.7 points per 100 possessions in the minutes played with Jamal Murray, Braun, Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic.

Since the 2022 offseason, Denver has been aggressive in extending its own players, signing Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Murray and former players Porter and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Jokic, Johnson, Braun and Watson

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the fourth-year team option of Julian Strawther and third-year team option of DaRon Holmes II

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Continued player development

The Pistons, after going 14-68 to land at the bottom of the East in 2023-24, were one of the great comeback stories last season.

Detroit became the first team to triple its win total in one season and became only the sixth team in league history to increase its win total by at least 30 games.

The obvious question entering this season is whether Detroit can be more than a first-round team, one that could potentially contend with the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

“I don’t think we truly understand who our players can be at this point,” GM Trajan Langdon told The Athletic. “I just think it’s too early for us to truly understand what the best way to press the proverbial gas pedal is right now. So we’re gonna try to be patient with that and let our young guys continue to develop.” One area of success for Detroit last season was improving its 3-point shooting percentage from last in the league in 2023-24 to a respectable 17th.

The Pistons replaced Malik Beasley, Dennis Schroder and Tim Hardaway Jr. with a healthy Jaden Ivey and free agents Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson and Javonte Green this offseason. They also return four of the five starters on a roster that lost to New York in the first round, including All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Ron Holland and fourth-year team options of Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 12
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for: The role of Jonathan Kuminga and final roster spot

The Warriors avoided a training camp headache when Kuminga signed a two-year contract, 24 hours before his qualifying offer was set to expire.

With Kuminga now under contract and ineligible to be traded until Jan. 15, the goal for training camp and the early part of the season is carving out a role not only off the bench but with the starting unit.

Kuminga started 56 games the past two seasons, averaging at least 15 points in each, but his role was reduced at the end of last season and first round of the playoffs. “The lineup with Jimmy, Jonathan and Draymond doesn’t fit real well, frankly. It just doesn’t,” Kerr told 95.7 The Game in April. The Warriors were minus-28.2 points per 100 possessions when Kuminga, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green were on the court together. That lineup did improve in the second-round loss to Minnesota. The Warriors were plus-9.4 points when all three were on the court, and Kuminga averaged 19.5 points, shooting better than 50% in the second round.

As for the final roster spot, the Al Horford signing leaves Golden State $2 million below the second apron. Barring a trade to clear out money, the Warriors cannot have 15 players on their roster to start the season. They are allowed to sign a player to the prorated veteran minimum starting on Nov. 11.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 1
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Who starts at point guard and the big lineups

The Rockets were already thin at the guard position before starter Fred VanVleet tore his right ACL in an offseason workout.

Now with VanVleet out indefinitely, the burden falls on Aaron Holiday, Reed Sheppard and potentially Amen Thompson. Since the Rockets are $1.2 million below the first apron, they are not allowed to sign a player to their final roster spot unless they make a trade because they are hard capped at the first apron.

Holiday has played 140 games, including four starts, since Houston signed him in 2023. In his lone start last season, he had a season-high 25 points. Meanwhile, Sheppard averaged 12.6 minutes per game and shot 33.8% on 3-pointers. The addition of Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela also gives coach Ime Udoka options in the frontcourt. “It’s to be determined,” Udoka told Ben DuBose of RocketsWire, referring to who will start alongside Durant and Alperen Sengun. “I do think Jabari [Smith Jr.] showed tremendous growth this offseason, and obviously he started the majority of his time here, before the injury. But we’ll take a look at everything. We feel we have incredible depth this year and a lot of versatility, so we could go a number of different ways, as far as that. I think some of that will be proven in training camp.”

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1:07

Windy: Durant wants to be in Houston ‘long-term’

Brian Windhorst explains Kevin Durant’s contract status with the Rockets and his desire to stay with the team.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The deadline to extend the contract of Tari Eason

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Reed Sheppard and fourth-year team option of Amen Thompson

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Life without Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner

There was a strong case entering Game 7 of the NBA Finals that Indiana would have been one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference this upcoming season.

Then, in a period of 10 days, All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles and the Pacers’ longest-tenured player, Myles Turner, defected to the Milwaukee Bucks. Indiana was plus-8.0 per 100 possessions when the two players shared the court in the regular season, and they led the team to average 118.9 points per 100 possessions.

How the Pacers fill the Haliburton void is by expanding the roles of Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin. Over the past two seasons, McConnell averaged 18.2 and 17.9 minutes per game, respectively. Nembhard has never averaged more than 29 minutes in his career.

Mathurin averaged 16 points for a second time in his three seasons and led all reserves in postseason points. He started 49 games last season, averaging 16.7 points and six rebounds.

Expect the center position to be filled by a rotation of Jay Huff, James Wiseman and Tony Bradley.

Huff started two games last season with Memphis, and Wiseman is coming off an Achilles injury.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Kawhi Leonard and buy-in from the veterans

It is highly unlikely there will be a resolution to the alleged salary cap circumvention the Clippers are under investigation for, but that does not mean Leonard and the team are not under the microscope.

The Clippers have been adamant, both publicly and privately, that Leonard was not paid additional compensation for a sponsorship deal, despite owner Steve Ballmer and minority owner Dennis Wong investing in the company, Aspiration. Blocking out the public noise from the Leonard investigation and most importantly, getting buy-in from their veterans, could determine if the Clippers advance past the first round for the first time since 2021.

The Clippers signed veterans Brook Lopez, Chris Paul and John Collins in the offseason. The trio started 96% of their games played last season and are now likely to come off the bench.

The addition of Paul and Bradley Beal could also impact the role of Kris Dunn. Last season, Dunn started 58 games and averaged 24.1 minutes.

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0:51

Kawhi: Allegations of no-show deal not accurate

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard responds to allegations he had a no-show deal with Aspiration.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:LeBron James

The last time we saw LeBron James playing basketball, the 40-year-old was limping off the court in a first-round series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was eventually revealed that James suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee.

“I have a lot of time to take care of my injury, my knee, the rest of my body and make sure I’m as close to 100 percent as possible when training camp begins in late September,” James told The Associated Press in June.

James is set to enter an unprecedented 23rd training camp. Where he is healthwise will still play a big role in the Lakers’ success this season.

“It remains to be seen,” James told ESPN when asked about his planned participation in training camp and the preseason. “Obviously I want to be out there as much as I can … but we know where I’m at and the coaching staff knows where I’m at as far as getting to a place where we’re all good as far as getting on the court.”

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Frontcourt depth

Memphis over the past two seasons has been besieged by injuries.

And it hasn’t gotten any better, with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey undergoing surgery in the offseason. Edey had surgery on June 10 on his left ankle and Jackson on July 2 for turf toe.

Jackson was cleared to begin ramping up basketball activities and is expected to play in four to six weeks. Edey, meanwhile, is expected to return in six to nine weeks.

Without either player on the court, Memphis is left with a frontcourt of Santi Aldama, Brandon Clarke and Jock Landale. Clarke had a high-grade PCL sprain in March and missed 18 games, including the first round of the playoffs. He will have another procedure to address knee synovitis and will be reevaluated in six weeks.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Ja Morant, John Konchar and Brandon Clarke

• Oct. 31:The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Zach Edey

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 12
Partial/Non: 3
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:2

What to watch for:Tyler Herro and the offense

The Heat are in a unique situation with Herro.

The All-Star answered the call last season, playing a career-high 77 games and averaging at least 20 points for a fourth straight season. He shot a career-high 47.2% from the field and averaged a career-high 5.5 assists per game.

His production should warrant discussion on a long-term extension. He has two years left on his contract and is eligible starting on Oct. 1 to sign a three-year, $149.7 million extension. The first year of the extension in 2027-28 starts at $46.2 million, nearly $6 million less than the maximum allowed.

“Pay me now or pay me later, whatever it is,” Heat president Pat Riley said after the season. “We’ve already talked about it. I talked about it with Tyler, and so we’ll see what happens as we plan. The numbers are getting pretty big for a lot of guys. Max salaries in this league, who do they go to? I mean, who do they go to and who is really? If you’re going to make $70 million a year, who are those five or 10 guys that deserve that? But Tyler definitely is deserving of the thought of an extension. But are we going to do it? We haven’t committed to it, but we’re going to discuss it and I’ve already talked to him about it. He’s cool.”

Paying Herro now comes with risk, considering the six-year veteran underwent surgery on his left ankle and is expected to miss the start of the regular season.

If an extension is not reached, both sides would then be eligible to negotiate a four-year extension next summer for up to $207 million.

As for the offense, Miami traded for Norman Powell in the offseason, but there is still a void to fill with Herro now sidelined for the early part of the season. The Heat were minus-8.6 points per 100 possessions when Herro was off the court and went 12-21 after the Jimmy Butler trade, ranking in the bottom 10 in offensive efficiency. They were 14-26 in clutch games (3-12 after the trade) and lost a league-high nine games when leading by at least 15 points.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Tyler Herro and Nikola Jovic

• Oct. 22:The $978K salary protection of Pelle Larsson increases to full

Extension candidates:

• Nikola Jovic

• Norman Powell

• Tyler Herro (as of Oct. 1)

• Andrew Wiggins (as of Oct. 1)

• Terry Rozier

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 1
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Who starts at point guard, Kyle Kuzma and the final roster spot

There were already questions about who the Bucks’ starting point guard would be this season, long before Damian Lillard was waived and stretched in July due to his Achilles injury

Who starts in his place could come down to Ryan Rollins, AJ Green or Kevin Porter Jr. Rollins started 19 regular-season games and Game 4 of the first-round series, and averaged 10.1 points and 3 assists, and shot 48.6% from the field and 45.2% on 3-pointers in those starts. Green, on the other hand, might be better suited for the sixth man role having started only seven of his 73 games last season. For a third straight season, he shot greater than 40% on 3-pointers. Porter has the most career starts (150) of the three players, mostly during his time with the Rockets.

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There is no denying Kuzma was a disappointment, and especially in the postseason. In the first round, he shot 34.3% from the field and 20% on 3s. Prior to that, in the 2021 postseason with the Lakers, he shot 29.2% and 17.4%, respectively.

The final roster spot in Milwaukee was thought to come down to Andre Jackson Jr. or Amir Coffey, but then Milwaukee signed Thanasis Antetokounmpo to a one-year guaranteed contract.

The Bucks could still keep Jackson or Coffey, but likely at the cost of former second-round pick Tyler Smith.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

• AJ Green

• Andre Jackson Jr.

• Kyle Kuzma

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:The growth and development of Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Joan Beringer.

The Timberwolves gave up a future unprotected first-round pick to San Antonio with the hope that Dillingham would be the replacement for Mike Conley Jr. Dillingham is coming off an uneven rookie season in which he appeared in only 49 games and averaged just 10.5 minutes per game. With Conley in the last year of his contract, can Dillingham become a reliable rotational player and eventual starter?

Dillingham and Shannon will be relied on more with Nickeil Alexander-Walker departing for Atlanta. In the 12 regular-season games Shannon was in the rotation, he averaged eight points and shot 51.4% from the field. He followed up the 2024-25 season by averaging 22.7 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in three summer league games.

In just the first game of summer league, team executives took notice of Joan Beringer. He blocked 10 shots and has the ability to crack the rotation as a backup to Rudy Gobert.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The deadline to extend the contract of Donte DiVincenzo

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team options of Terrence Shannon Jr. and Rob Dillingham

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Health and perimeter defense

The Pelicans went through an injury-plagued season, losing Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones and Zion Williamson for extended periods of time.

The injuries led New Orleans to start 47 different lineups and win just 21 games.

All four players are under contract, but, once again, health will play a role if the Pelicans want to compete in the Western Conference.

Williamson has played in just 46% of regular-season games since being drafted No. 1 in 2019 and has never appeared in the playoffs. Murray tore his right ACL on Feb. 1 and had surgery four days later. Murphy and Jones will play in the preseason and are expected to be ready for the season opener. The Pelicans also got help at the guard position by drafting Jeremiah Fears and trading for Jordan Poole.

On the court, will the Pelicans’ weakness be perimeter defense?

After All-NBA defender Jones, coach Willie Greene is relying on Poole, Murphy, Williams, Jordan Hawkins and rookie Micah Peavy.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The deadline to extend the contracts of Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole

• Oct. 31:The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Yves Missi and fourth-year team option of Jordan Hawkins

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 11
Partial/Non: 5
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Bench depth

After the Knicks were eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals, the priority this offseason was improving a bench that ranked last in minutes per game. Their starters, on the other hand, averaged 94 points, the second most since the 1986-87 season.

The quest to strengthen their reserves ranged from internal development of their former draft picks, Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek, to exploring trades and seeking lower-cost options in free agency.

Although Dadiet, Kolek, Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson remain, New York went out and signed Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele in early July and also signed Malcolm Brogdon, Garrison Mathews, Landry Shamet and Alex Len to non-guaranteed contracts.

On the surface it looks as if New York’s bench has improved.

But because Yabusele signed for part of the tax midlevel exception, New York is hard-capped at the second apron. If the Knicks want to keep two of the players on non-guaranteed contracts, they’ll have to trade either Dadiet, Kolek or McBride.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The deadline to extend the contract of Karl-Anthony Towns

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Pacome Dadiet

Extension candidates:

• Karl-Anthony Towns

• Mitchell Robinson

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:2

What to watch for:Expectations, Nikola Topic and Ousmane Dieng

With any team coming off a championship, there is always the risk of a letdown.

But Oklahoma City does not fit the mold of the usual defending champion after handing out nearly $800 million in new contracts to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell.

Though the Thunder return 14 out of 15 players from last season (Dillon Jones was traded to Washington), there is room to improve, with 12 of the returning players at 26 years old or younger.

One of those players is 2024 lottery pick Topic. The guard sat out last season rehabbing from a torn left ACL but averaged 10.8 points and 5.8 assists over six summer league games.

With such a deep roster, there is also the question of whether time has run out on Dieng. After landing at the 11th pick in the 2022 draft, Dieng has averaged just 14.6, 11.1 and 10.9 minutes in his three seasons, respectively. He had four games of double-digit points last season, including 21 against Milwaukee. He is extension eligible until Oct. 20 and will be a free agent next offseason.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The deadline to extend Ousmane Dieng

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Nikola Topic and fourth-year team option of Cason Wallace

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 5
Two-way:2

What to watch for:Desmond Bane and health

When you trade four first-round picks for Bane and then extend Paolo Banchero on a $239 million contract, the goal is to compete for the playoffs — and not just the final spot. The Bane addition has not only shifted the odds in the Eastern Conference but also addressed a weakness on the court for the Magic. Bane improves a roster that ranked last in 3-point shooting the previous two seasons. He shot greater than 38% from 3 the past five seasons.

Despite losing in the first round in consecutive seasons and not advancing to the second round since 2008-09, Orlando has the third-best odds to win the East, according to ESPN BET.

Last season, the Magic lost Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner to season-ending injuries. Suggs underwent surgery on March 2 to remove cartilage in his left knee and has played fewer than 54 games in three out of his first four seasons. Wagner was in consideration for Sixth Man of the Year before he tore his left ACL in December. He was averaging 12.8 points and 4.9 rebounds at the time.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

None

Guaranteed contracts: 12
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Joel Embiid, Paul George and Quentin Grimes

The physical and emotional state of Embiid is one of the bigger storylines in training camp.

From a health perspective, Embiid has played 58 games the past two seasons, including 19 in 2024-25. He underwent surgery on his left knee in February 2024 and this past April.

Embiid also recently gave a lengthy interview to ESPN and talked about his distrust with the organization. “That goes back to the trust thing,” he said. “Once you cross that — you can’t expect me to be part of a team meeting again. That’s just not going to happen.” Embiid was referring to information leaked after a team meeting last season.

The addition of George was supposed to help Philadelphia contend in the East. Instead, George played 41 games and averaged his fewest points since 2014-15. Since the 2019-20 season, George has played more than 60 games only once. He had left knee surgery on July 14 and his status to start the regular season is unclear. “I don’t think there’s a timeline,” George said at media day, “just how the body is doing as we’re ramping up the work.”

The 76ers and Grimes continue to be at an impasse over their negotiations for a long-term contract. He has until Oct. 1 to sign a one-year $8.7 million qualifying offer and will remain a restricted free agent if the deadline passes. In the 28 games after he was traded, Grimes averaged 21.9 points on a career-high 46.9% shooting from the field. He had 16 games of 25-plus points or more.

Grimes continues to be affected by a lack of teams with money to spend, the 76ers’ current finances and the logjam in the backcourt. In consecutive years, Philadelphia has drafted guards Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe. But McCain recently suffered a torn UCL in his right thumb and is out indefinitely.

Not including the qualifying offer, Philadelphia is $21.7 million below the second apron.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 1: The deadline for Quentin Grimes to sign a qualifying offer

• Oct. 20: The contract of Adem Bona becomes guaranteed

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third year team option of Jared McCain

Extension candidates:

None

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for:The organizational reset and Mark Williams

There is a shift in roster-building philosophy under Suns owner Mat Ishbia.

Gone are the days of a championship-or-bust mindset, trades for high-priced veterans (Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal) at the cost of draft capital, limited financial flexibility and veteran coach hires (Frank Vogel, Mike Budenholzer).

Those principles are now replaced with a first-year head coach (Jordan Ott), a revamped front office, nine players age 26 years old or younger and roster optionality. The Suns are no longer a first- or second-apron team.

“We have young players that are ascending instead of players that are descending,” Ishbia told the local “Burns & Gambo Show.” “We have players that want to be here, that are buying into the Phoenix Suns’ culture.” One of those players Ishbia is referring to is Williams. Acquired in a draft-night trade with Charlotte, Williams is rookie-extension eligible until Oct. 20. After the All-Star break, Williams averaged 28.6 minutes, 15.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and a career-high 1.3 blocks. His 44 games played were a career high.

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Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20: The last day to extend the contracts of Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams

• Oct. 31: The deadline to exercise the third-year team option of Ryan Dunn

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:2

What to watch for:The starting five and future financial flexibility

With the emergence of Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, does Portland shift Jerami Grant to a sixth-man role?

Since he was acquired from Detroit in 2022, Grant has never come off the bench in Portland.

He played fewer than 50 games last season for only the second time in his career and shot below 40% for the first time since his rookie season. He also saw his point production decline from 21.0 to 14.4. Avdija averaged a career-high 16.9 points last season and started 54 games while Camara was named All-NBA second team defense last season. He had 11 games of three steals or more and started 78 games. Sharpe started 52 games last season and averaged 18.5 points.

The Jrue Holiday $34.8 million salary next season took a significant bite out of the Trail Blazers’ cap flexibility. Portland could still have room next season but only if Sharpe and Camara do not sign extensions.

Sharpe is eligible through Oct. 20 and Camara June 30.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 4
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Defense

The Kings went through an uneven 2024-25 season, firing head coach Mike Brown and then trading De’Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine.

Doug Christie, Brown’s replacement, has a full training camp to evaluate a roster that struggled defensively, most noticeably after the trade deadline.

The Kings gave up 121 points per 100 possessions and were minus-7.1 when LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis shared the court. For comparison, Sacramento was plus-14.0 per 100 possessions when former King Jonas Valanciunas replaced Sabonis. The Kings also had the league’s worst 3-point defense (38.1%) and gave up 14.5 3’s per game this past season, which tied for sixth most in NBA history. Sacramento went 18-31 when outscored from 3.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The deadline to extend the contract of Keegan Murray

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Devin Carter

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 13
Partial/Non: 2
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for:De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama

We originally had the backcourt of Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper as the “what to watch for” in Spurs camp. Then Harper partially tore a ligament in his left thumb, requiring surgery. He is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season but probably will sit out the preseason.

Outside of evaluating how the three players complement one another, the on-court chemistry of Fox and Wembanyama is next on the list.

The duo played only five games and 120 minutes together. In the small sample of possessions, they gave up 118.3 points per 100 possessions and were a minus-4.3.

Fox had surgery to repair the extensor tendon in his left fifth finger. He then announced on media day that he suffered a hamstring injury and could be out to start the regular season.

If Fox and Harper are not ready to start the season, expect a larger role for Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year.

Wembanyama was on pace to be named Defensive Player of the Year before he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder on Feb. 21. He had surgery in late March.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The deadline to extend the contracts of Jeremy Sochan

• Oct. 21:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Stephon Castle and fourth-year team option of Victor Wembanyama

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 14
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Roster availability and defensive identity

Add Toronto to the list of teams where health will play a huge role in whether the Raptors can contend this season for a playoff spot.

Out of the five key players on the roster — Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl — only Quickley has played more than 64 games in a season since 2022-23. Because of an ankle injury Ingram suffered in New Orleans, this preseason will be the first time to see how he fits with the four players. Even without Ingram last season, the Raptors went 22-21 after Jan. 13. That improvement from the start of the season (they started 8-31) is a result of a defense that ranked second in efficiency and first in opponent effective field percentage since that date.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The last day to extend the contracts of RJ Barrett and Ochai Agbaji

• Oct. 31: The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Ja’Kobe Walter and fourth-year team option of Gradey Dick

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 0
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way:3

What to watch for: Taylor Hendricks and the final roster spot

Last season was supposed to be a breakout season for Hendricks.

In the 23 games the former top-10 pick started in 2023-24, Hendricks averaged 9.2 points, while shooting 47.9% from the field and 40.4% on 3-pointers.

Then three games into the 2024-25 regular season, the forward sustained a fractured right fibula and dislocated right ankle injury. He would eventually have surgery and sit out the remainder of the regular season.

Hendricks has been cleared to play, evident by his participation in the NBPA sanctuary runs in Spain this summer.

Dates to watch:

Extension candidates:

Guaranteed contracts: 15
Partial/Non: 1
Exhibit 10: 2
Two-way:3

What to watch for:Player development and final roster spot

The Wizards open training camp with open competition at every position and an unprecedented 10 players on first-round rookie contracts: Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, Malaki Branham, Cam Whitmore, Will Riley, AJ Johnson, Kyshawn George and Dillon Jones. They have 13 players 26 years old or younger.

But two of those players, Coulibaly and Sarr, are likely sidelined for the preseason. Coulibaly had surgery on Sept. 12 to repair a ligament tear in his right thumb. Sarr suffered a calf injury on Sept. 1 and sat out the remainder of EuroBasket.

Besides evaluating their young players, the Wizards have to reduce their roster by one player before the start of the season. They have 15 players on guaranteed contracts and one player (Justin Champagnie) with no salary protection.

Dates to watch:

• Oct. 20:The deadline to extend the contract of Malaki Branham

• Oct. 31:The last day to exercise the third-year team option of Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George and fourth-year team option of Cam Whitmore and Dillon Jones.

Extension candidates:

Exhibit 9, Exhibit 10 and Two-way contracts

The inclusion of an Exhibit 9 or 10 in a player contract was introduced in the 2017 collective bargaining agreement.

Exhibit 9

This type of contract protects a team in case a player is injured in training camp.

For example, the New York Knicks signed Marcus Morris Sr. and Landry Shamet to Exhibit 9 contracts in September. If either player is injured during training camp and then waived, New York is responsible for only $15,000 in salary.

But Tristan Thompson’s non-guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers does not have an Exhibit 9. Thompson was not eligible because Cleveland at the time of the signing had fewer than 14 players (not including two-way) under contract. If Thompson suffers a season-ending injury, the Cavaliers are then responsible for his full salary.

Exhibit 10

A player who signs an Exhibit 10 is eligible to receive up to a $77,500 bonus (on top of his G League salary) if he signs a contract with an NBA team’s G League affiliate upon being waived from the parent club. To receive the bonus, a player must remain with his G League team for at least 60 days.

Two-way contracts

Two-way contracts are considered an extension of the regular roster. Each team can have three players on two-way contracts without counting against the 15-man roster limit.

• A two-way player will be paid a flat salary of $578,577 for the 2024-25 season.

• The salary does not count toward the salary cap and luxury tax.

• No player on a two-way contract may be on the active list for more than 50 games during the regular season.

• The deadline to sign a two-way player is March 3.

• Two-way players are not eligible for the playoffs.

Only players with three years of service or less can sign a two-way contract. A player with four years of service is also allowed to sign a two-way deal only if he missed a season because of an injury.

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As summer wound down, Kevin Rooney found himself sifting through PTO opportunities from a couple of teams around the NHL.

When the 32-year-old saw the New Jersey Devils were one of those teams, he felt it was a “no-brainer” to sign a professional tryout with his former club.

“I have already been here, and I am familiar with the organization,” he told The Hockey News on Saturday. “With the uncertainty of not knowing where you stand, I wanted to go someplace where I would be comfortable because training camp is quick. It is two weeks where you have to show yourself.

“I am really happy to be back,” he continued. “It has been a great experience so far being back in New Jersey.”

Rooney began his NHL career with the Devils in March 2017. He appeared in 330 games with New Jersey before continuing his career with the New York Rangers, and eventually, the Calgary Flames.

Now, he is competing for a bottom-six role on the Devils for the 2025-26 season. The Massachusetts native has plenty of competition for the fourth-line center position with veteran Luke Glendening on a PTO as well.

On Friday, The Hockey News asked Devils’ head coach Sheldon Keefe for his thoughts on his players who are on professional tryouts at this juncture of his training camp.

“I think they have shown well,” Keefe shared. “They have both shown what we had expected in terms of what they can provide. We are going to continue to put them in different positions to show that and see how they fit in, and trying to use them in different situations with different types of lineups and different linemates and all these sorts of things.

“(We want) to see them in games when they don’t have a lot of support from our top guys, so they got to take on a lot more in terms of heavy lifting and match-ups and all of these sorts of things,” Keefe continued. “Then, a game like we played the other day, we have a lot of our top guys, so now it is a little bit more like their role would actually feel like in a regular game. That is what I am going to try to do the rest of the way here. The games are coming quick now, and we are going to try to keep putting them in different spots and seeing how the fit is.”

Off the ice, Rooney has spent time with Glendening as the two are staying at the same hotel during camp.

“It has been awesome having a guy like that here,” Rooney said. “He is a guy I have looked up to throughout my career. He is obviously a little older than me, but we have been going to dinners and stuff together. It has been awesome getting to know him.”

Throughout his career, Rooney has averaged 11:38 of ice time per game. As a depth player, he understands and enjoys his role, explaining what it takes to be effective in limited ice time.

“I think just staying in the game, you know? I mean (it could) be communication on the bench,” he said. “I am a guy who loves to talk to my linemates and talk throughout the game, letting people who are on the ice know if they have time with the puck and whatnot. It is just doing those little things that keep you involved in the game in a little bit different of a way.

“Obviously, you feel your best when you are playing 12 to 15 minutes, but that is not realistic every night,” he continued. “You have to find ways to contribute, whether you get eight minutes or 10 minutes. It is something that, over the years, I have just gotten better at.”

One thing that affects the ice time of players like Rooney is the TV timeouts during games.

“I don’t know if it is actually true, but it feels like the fourth line is always about to go, and then there is a TV timeout,” he said with a chuckle. “Then it resets.”

It is a small facet of the game that can go unnoticed not only to fans but to other players in the NHL, who are accustomed to more ice time on a nightly basis.

“I actually have a funny story. One of my really good friends is Adam Fox,” Rooney shared. “He played in the 4 Nations Face-Off, and wasn’t getting his normal 20 to 25 minutes (of ice time). When I was hanging out with him this summer, he said he had a better appreciation for guys like me who don’t play as many minutes. You know, it is harder, and it is cool to see a guy like that appreciate it.”

The Devils have four preseason games remaining with a split squad on Sunday. Half of the team will be at Prudential Center hosting the Washington Capitals, while the other group travels to Quebec City to play the Ottawa Senators.

There is still time for Rooney to make a positive impact on the Devils’ front office before the regular season kicks off on Oct. 9 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the center knows what is at stake and that he, in essence, has to seize the moment.

“When you get your opportunities, you really have to make the most of them, because it doesn’t come around often, honestly.”

Make sure you bookmark THN’s New Jersey Devils site for THN’s latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes

Hischier’s Manager Patrick Fischer: ‘He’s Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied’

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The Providence Bruins are going to have a boatload of talent going into next season, specifically offensively. For the 2025-24 campaign, their top-six forward group, and maybe even deeper, will be littered with NHL-fringe players.

Last season, Providence finished eighth in the overall AHL standings, registering 90 points and a 41-23-8 record. With that, they advanced to the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs, but were eliminated by the Charlotte Checkers in the Atlantic Division semifinal, losing in five games.

The Bruins†offense was already one of their strong suits last season. They finished fifth overall in goals scored with 240, averaging 3.33 goals per game. They also had the best power-play percentage in the Eastern Conference – third-best in the entire league – registering 21.4 percent.

Providence lost two of its top five scorers from last season in Vinni Lettieri and Tyler Pitlick. However, center Georgii Merkulov, their leading scorer from last season with 54 points, remains. On top of that, center Patrick Brown and Riley Tufte are also sticking around as they signed one-year contracts in the off-season.

Coach Ryan Mougenel wonâ€t have to worry about making up for lost scoring because theyâ€ll be receiving a few players who will only bolster their attack.

Five AHL Coaches Nearing Promotions To The NHL
Oftentimes, when an NHL coach is fired or removed from their role in any fashion, itâ€s natural to immediately look for candidates who are next in line to take that job. The obvious picks are outside hires who have NHL experience and who are one or two years removed from an NHL coaching position.

Along with the previously listed players, Providence will still have Matthew Poitras, Fraser Minten, Fabian Lysell and others on the roster. But still coming in are center Alex Steeves and right winger Matej Blumel.

Steeves is coming off the best season of his four-year pro-hockey career. He scored 36 goals and 62 points in 59 games for the Toronto Marlies last season. He finished second in the league in goals and eighth in points. He also made a few NHL appearances for the Toronto Maple Leafs in each of those four years.

The one player who had more goals than Steeves last season was also picked up by the Bruins organization in Blumel. The Czech right winger scored a league-leading 39 goals, but also ended up second in the AHL in points with 72 to his name. He was just one point behind San Jose Barracuda center Andrew Poturalski, who is now a member of Omsk of the KHL.

Thereâ€s no denying that a handful of those players who make up Providenceâ€s scoring depth will get looks with the NHLâ€s Boston Bruins. But, in the big picture, this team should be reaching new heights this coming season.

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.

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The Indiana Pacers have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free agent guard Monte Morris, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

It’s a non-guaranteed deal, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Pacers beat writer Tony East added that it’s an Exhibit 9 contract.

Keith Smith of Spotrac explained what an Exhibit 9 deal entails.

“An Exhibit 9 contract includes a provision that protects the player against injury while under that contract. If a player is injured while on an Exhibit 9 deal, the team is responsible for paying that player $15,000 (this is up from $6,000 in the prior CBA). That $15,000 does hit the salary cap and luxury tax as a form of dead money charge, upon the player being waived.”

The 6’2″ Morris has played eight NBA seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns. The 30-year-old played 45 games off the bench for the Suns last year, averaging 5.2 points on 42.6 percent shooting (36.0 percent from three), 1.6 assists and 1.5 rebounds.

The defending Eastern Conference champion Pacers will play the 2025-26 season without superstar Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

Indiana will miss him, but the Pacers still have tremendous depth, as evidenced by its run to the NBA Finals.

Here’s a look at how the depth chart may appear now with Morris aboard (h/t RealGM and CBS Sports).

PG: Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, Monte Morris, RayJ Dennis

SG: Bennedict Mathurin, Ben Sheppard, Kam Jones, Quenton Jackson, Taelon Peter

SF: Aaron Nesmith, Johnny Furphy, Jalen Slawson

PF: Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker

C: Jay Huff/Isaiah Jackson (with the non-starter as the top backup), James Wiseman, Tony Bradley

The Pacers open training camp on Sept. 29. Preseason begins for Indiana on Oct. 7 with the regular season starting on Oct. 23 with an NBA Finals rematch against the Oklahoma City Thunder at home.

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TORONTO — Unfortunately for Joseph Woll, training camp is seldom the smooth ramp to regular-season action it is meant to be.

The Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender took an indefinite leave of absence on Tuesday to attend to a family matter. No further details were provided. No timeline for Woll’s return was given. And general manager Brad Treliving asked reporters gathered at Ford Performance Centre to respect the playerâ€s privacy.

“Itâ€s a private matter at this point, and Joe and us intend to keep it that way for him,” Treliving said.Â

“Itâ€s not a substance abuse issue. Itâ€s a personal family matter that Joe is going to deal with.”

Added close friend and teammate Matthew Knies: “Weâ€re all here for him and feel for him, and we’re just gonna try our best to support him and give him space

“I think heâ€s fine. Iâ€ve yet to get in contact with him, but I will here shortly, and hopefully he’s doing good.”

The 27-year-oldâ€s status for opening night is in doubt, again. And Torontoâ€s goaltending depth could be tested early.

Wollâ€s plan to start Game 1 for Toronto last fall was derailed when he suffered a lower-body injury in training camp.

“It was disappointing,” Woll recalled in a recent sit-down with Sportsnet.ca. “But youâ€re only afforded so much time to be disappointed. And it was disappointing because I knew how much work I put in on my body, and I felt like thatâ€s the most preparation Iâ€d done for a season. And then, just like that, youâ€re out for a week or so.

“Disappointing. But whatâ€s really important is that I stayed healthy then for the rest of it. A minor setback, but I learned through it, and then was happy with how I maintained for the rest of the season.”

Treliving is encouraged that Woll will return.

In the interim, the GM maintains he is comfortable rolling with newly re-signed prospect Dennis Hildeby as the No. 2 netminder behind Anthony Stolarz.

“I don’t know too much about it. I just know we love Joe, and weâ€re here to support him and hope he gets back as soon as possible,” said Hildeby, who signed a three-year, $2.53-million extension before camp.

“It means theyâ€re showing confidence in me, which helps. Now it’s up to me to earn that trust every day. Just keep going, working hard.â€

The six-foot-seven Hildeby will get his first exhibition start Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena and is trying to mould his game after the equally ginormous Stolarz (six-foot-six).

“We love the size. And heâ€s got a lot of tools, too. He’s athletic for a big guy. And heâ€s been practising well, especially lately,†coach Craig Berube said.

The 24-year-old Swede is trying to eliminate some of the scramble in his style that resulted in an .878 save percentage over his first six NHL appearances last season.

More composure. Controlled aggression.

“Maybe bit of a bumpy road,†Hildeby concedes. “But I feel like coming into this year, I’m more aware of how I want to play.

“When I feel good, it doesnâ€t look too hard.â€

Though Hildeby was ostensibly re-signed to be the third-stringer behind Woll and Stolarz, neither goalie ahead of him on the depth chart has played more than 42 games in a single season.

The chances of the Leafs leaning on the unproven youngster at some point are high now that Treliving has bypassed the veteran security blanket of creases past (see: Matt Murray, Martin Jones).

Hildebyâ€s opportunity may come sooner than imagined with Woll on leave.

“Itâ€s obviously a tough situation for him,†Berube said.

“We miss him, and weâ€re all here to support him as best we can.â€

One-Timers: Max Domi did not skate Tuesday because he was attending his grandfatherâ€s funeral… Simon Benoit remains sidelined with an upper-body injury. Berube doesnâ€t believe itâ€s serious…. Brandon Carloâ€s approach to all those Berube battle drills with teammates: “You pull back on the cross-checks maybe a little bit more, just on the low back. But other than that, I think it’s a free-for-all. You want to battle. You want to show that compete.â€â€¦ Auston Matthews†ideal number of pre-season games to shake off the rust is two…. The Leafs (1-0) host the Ottawa Senators (0-1) in pre-season action at 7 p.m. ET.

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The Dallas Cowboys are going to be shorthanded going into their highly anticipated Week 4 game against the Green Bay Packers.

ESPN’s Todd Archer reported Monday offensive guard Tyler Booker will miss four-to-six weeks after he suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears. He pointed out the offensive line is already without center Cooper Beebe for at least three more games.

What’s more, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported wide receiver CeeDee Lamb suffered a high ankle sprain as well and likely won’t take the field against Green Bay. Schefter wrote that “the Cowboys want to see how Lamb is doing the next 10-14 days before making further determinations about his status.”

Team owner Jerry Jones provided an update on the outlook for both players:

Here is a look at the updated offensive depth chart with so many injury concerns looming:

Lamb suffered his injury in the first half against the Bears, and the offense struggled to build any type of consistency without him on the field.

While Chicago gave up 52 points against the Detroit Lions the previous week, it held Dallas to a mere 14 points and picked off Dak Prescott twice. It also intercepted Joe Milton III after the backup entered the game in the fourth quarter.

The Cowboys offense looked nothing like the unit that put up 40 points in its Week 2 win over the New York Giants.

Things only figure to get more difficult against the Packers. The shorthanded offensive line will be tasked with blocking Micah Parsons, who will be firmly under the spotlight in the matchup against his former team following the headline offseason trade.

Green Bay gave up just 13 points to the same Lions team that destroyed the Bears and is yet to allow more than 18 points in a single contest.

It appears to be one of the best defenses in the league in the early going this season, and Prescott will have his hands full without his top weapon in the receiver room and with some of his offensive line missing.

If the Cowboys lose again, they will be 1-3 and facing an uphill battle to get back into the postseason picture in the NFC.

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