In the latest fantasy basketball roundup, we highlight key storylines that may impact fantasy this season, including Chris Paul’s return to the Clippers, the Hornets’ success in the Summer League and standout players from Vegas who will now compete for rotational minutes during training camp.
Chris Paul signs with the Clippers
The past couple of weeks have been all about reunions. First, Damian Lillard returned to Portland and now, CP3 is back with the Clippers. Paul joined the Clippers on a one-year deal after hinting that this would be his final season. Paul has been one of the best fantasy players over his 20-year career, finishing in the top-10 in 9-cat 11 times and top-20 16 times, per Basketball Monster. He’s never finished outside the top 100, so can he keep that streak alive with his minutes and usage declining?
Advertisement
From a fantasy perspective, I view Paul as a late-round option in deeper formats for those chasing assists and steals. He can produce numbers there, even in limited minutes. However, the drop-off in scoring and shot volume is no longer reliable. He’s unlikely to crack standard league lineups unless the Clippers suffer an injury in the backcourt.
Summer League standouts – first & second teams revealed
The 11-day tournament concluded on July 20, with the Charlotte Hornets taking home the title of champion at the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League. Following that game, the NBA announced the 2025 All-Summer League teams, highlighting the young players who made the strongest impressions during July’s action.
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]
Among this group, a few players are in particularly favorable positions to crack their teams’ regular-season rotations:
Advertisement
Nique Clifford – G, Sacramento Kings
The 24th pick by the Sacramento Kings displayed a surprisingly versatile fantasy bag. He finished Vegas averaging 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 3s and 1.5 steals with 49/46/63 shooting splits across six games. The playmaking stood out most and that’s where he can help the Kings from Day 1. Right now, he’s penciled in as DeMar DeRozan’s backup, but he’s a player who should climb dynasty draft boards after a phenomenal showing in Summer League.
Ron Holland II – F, Detroit Pistons
Detroit deciding to bring in Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert didn’t help Holland’s cause in terms of earning minutes right away. However, Holland showed significant growth in Vegas. The defense was legit, racking up four steals per contest while also dropping over 21 points with 6 rebounds across three games. He’s another dynasty asset who improved his stock this summer.
Advertisement
Terrence Shannon Jr. – F, Minnesota Timberwolves
A physical slasher who immediately looked “too good for Summer League” was deserving of MVP. In three games, Shannon averaged 23-6-5 with 48/39/95 shooting splits. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker gone and the Wolves in the first apron, Shannon should play meaningful minutes off the bench. He can be a force on both ends, so he’s a player I’ll be eyeing on waivers if an injury occurs to one of the Wolves’ core players.
Kon Knueppel – G/F, Charlotte Hornets
Knueppel took home the MVP of the Summer League title game. He and KJ Simpson led the Hornets to their first Summer League championship in the franchise’s history. Even though it’s the Summer League, it’s a welcome W for a squad that’s historically been stuck in neutral.
Advertisement
Knueppel may be among the handful of rookies to start on opening night. That means something for fantasy, even though his fantasy profile initially looks to be a 3’s guy with lowkey assists. He should be a top-five option in dynasty startups, though.
Kyle Filipowski’s tournament dominance
Kyle Filipowski’s breakout Summer League performance earned him MVP honors, and it’s not hard to see why. The Jazz forward averaged 23.2 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.2 APG, and 1.0 BPG across six combined games. He played a ton of minutes and shot efficiently from the floor, knocking down 53% of his FG attempts. What makes Filipowski particularly intriguing is that he has gotten swole af in the offseason and resembles Lauri Markkanen. With John Collins departing, Filipowski’s role will expand in the Jazz frontcourt. I’m not going to rule out Flip becoming a late-round option in fantasy in points or 9-cat formats this upcoming season.
Advertisement
Marcus Smart goes to the Lakers
The Wizards bought out Marcus Smart and now he’ll head to L.A. to give the Lakers a tenacious perimeter defender and seasoned playmaker. He figures to fill a sixth-man role, contributing defensive energy, hustle plays and secondary ball-handling behind Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. But between his injuries and the Lakers’ crowded backcourt, Smart’s fantasy ceiling is too low to get excited about this season.
Young fantasy futures on hold
Josh Giddey, Cam Thomas and Jonathan Kuminga are restricted free agents. They’re at a stalemate with their respective franchises, which appear unwilling to budge on giving the trio an extension. Giddey and Thomas put up the best numbers of their careers last year, so they’re not wrong in their position. Kuminga’s situation is unclear since his role has fluctuated significantly since entering the league.
Advertisement
Should they bet on themselves — sign their qualifying offers and test free agency in the summer of 2026? Thanks to the new CBA, many franchises’ budgets have dried up, so few teams can actually sign them at the rate they want. So, the trio should either play the year out in the hopes of signing a bigger deal next summer or help facilitate a trade.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
NFL Preseason Week 3 Recap: Buffalo Bills 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19
As the Bills seek to bolster their defense in 2025, they received encouraging contributions from potentially emerging players in their preseason finale, a 23-19 win over the Buccaneers. Fourth-round pick Deone Walker continued his impressive August, amassing three pressures and a 33.3% pass-rush win rate on 12 pass-rushing snaps. Also, corner Dane Jackson permitted just two catches on his four targets, letting up seven yards and forcing an incompletion in the process. Although this contest didn't feature either Josh Allen or Baker Mayfield, the two sides combined for 616 total yards and 14 explosive plays. Tampa receiver Tez Johnson and Buffalo running back Frank Gore Jr. each secured a 15-plus-yard reception of their own as they fight for roster spots. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive […]
Kansas Shines in Win vs. Fresno State as Jayhawks Open Rebuilt $450M Stadium
Sixth-year senior Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to newcomer Cam Pickett, and Kansas opened its rebuilt, $450 million on-campus stadium with a 31-7 rout of Fresno State on Saturday.Daniels finished 18 of 20 while running for 47 yards, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams had a long touchdown run, helping the Jayhawks pile up nearly 400 yards of total offense and win their fifth consecutive season-opener.E.J. Warner had 179 yards passing with two interceptions for Fresno State. Elijah Gilliam had a touchdown run.This one had all the pomp and circumstance of a homecoming — and, well, it was one after the Jayhawks spent all of last season playing home games at stadiums in the Kansas City area. In the meantime, their 104-year-old stadium was razed and the majority of it was rebuilt, with only […]
NFL Preseason Week 3 Recap: Miami Dolphins 14, Jacksonville Jaguars 6
The Dolphins closed out their preseason with a tune up on both sides of the ball, defeating the Jaguars 14-6 in an intra-state clash. Miami's defense limited Jacksonville to only 190 total yards and no explosive passes. Second-year edge rusher Chop Robinson registered two pressures and a sack on only six pass-rushing snaps, while Bradley Chubb also notched a sack in his second taste of preseason action in his return from season-ending knee surgery. Although Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins' starting offense played just three series, the group scored a touchdown thanks to Malik Washington‘s efforts. Also encouraging was the performance of Miami's starting offensive line, which did not surrender a pressure against the Jaguars' backups. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will […]
Grêmio empata com Ceará em casa por 0 a 0 e torcedores criticam Mano Menezes
Grêmio enfrenta Ceará na Arena. (Foto: Richard Ducker / Grêmio FBPA)Na noite deste sábado (23), o Grêmio empatou em casa com o Ceará por 0 a 0, na 21ª rodada do Brasileirão. O time de Mano Menezes até teve maior posse de bola, mas não conseguiu produzir grandes chances. Assim, a torcida tricolor foi às redes sociais reclamar do técnico, que continua sob pressão. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADECom o empate, o Grêmio vai a 24 pontos e ocupa a 13ª posição do Brasileirão. Assim, se Vitória e Vasco vencerem, o Tricolor vai ficar a apenas 2 pontos de entrar na zona de rebaixamento ao fim da rodada. Enquanto isso, o Ceará vai a 26 pontos e ocupa o 10º lugar.Grêmio domina posse de bola, mas erra muitoApesar de o Grêmio ter amplo domínio da posse de bola, esse jogo ficou marcado pelo […]
Grêmio empata com Ceará em casa por 0 a 0 e torcedores criticam Mano Menezes
Grêmio enfrenta Ceará na Arena. (Foto: Richard Ducker / Grêmio FBPA)Na noite deste sábado (23), o Grêmio empatou em casa com o Ceará por 0 a 0, na 21ª rodada do Brasileirão. O time de Mano Menezes até teve maior posse de bola, mas não conseguiu produzir grandes chances. Assim, a torcida tricolor foi às redes sociais reclamar do técnico, que continua sob pressão. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADECom o empate, o Grêmio vai a 24 pontos e ocupa a 13ª posição do Brasileirão. Assim, se Vitória e Vasco vencerem, o Tricolor vai ficar a apenas 2 pontos de entrar na zona de rebaixamento ao fim da rodada. Enquanto isso, o Ceará vai a 26 pontos e ocupa o 10º lugar.Grêmio domina posse de bola, mas erra muitoApesar de o Grêmio ter amplo domínio da posse de bola, esse jogo ficou marcado pelo […]
Shilo Sanders Ejected From Bucs’ Preseason Game vs. Bills for Throwing Punch
Shilo Sanders was ejected from Tampa Bay's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills for throwing a punch at Zach Davidson in the second quarter on Saturday night.Sanders, the son of Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, is battling for a roster spot after going undrafted out of Colorado, where he played for his father. He was also penalized for pass interference earlier in the game.Sanders, a hard-hitting and playmaking safety at Colorado, had an impressive debut for the Bucs in the preseason opener, but he has strong competition to make Tampa Bay's roster and his latest impression won't help his chances.Sanders was engaged with Davidson for a few yards, pushing and shoving each other. He was immediately flagged after throwing a punch that sent him to the locker room.It was a tough day for both of the sons of "Coach […]
Related
NFL Preseason Week 3 Recap: Buffalo Bills 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19
As the Bills seek to bolster their defense in 2025, they received encouraging contributions from potentially emerging players in their preseason finale, a 23-19 win over the Buccaneers. Fourth-round pick Deone Walker continued his impressive August, amassing three pressures and a 33.3% pass-rush win rate on 12 pass-rushing snaps. Also, corner Dane Jackson permitted just two catches on his four targets, letting up seven yards and forcing an incompletion in the process. Although this contest didn't feature either Josh Allen or Baker Mayfield, the two sides combined for 616 total yards and 14 explosive plays. Tampa receiver Tez Johnson and Buffalo running back Frank Gore Jr. each secured a 15-plus-yard reception of their own as they fight for roster spots. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive […]
Kansas Shines in Win vs. Fresno State as Jayhawks Open Rebuilt $450M Stadium
Sixth-year senior Jalon Daniels threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to newcomer Cam Pickett, and Kansas opened its rebuilt, $450 million on-campus stadium with a 31-7 rout of Fresno State on Saturday.Daniels finished 18 of 20 while running for 47 yards, and Iowa transfer Leshon Williams had a long touchdown run, helping the Jayhawks pile up nearly 400 yards of total offense and win their fifth consecutive season-opener.E.J. Warner had 179 yards passing with two interceptions for Fresno State. Elijah Gilliam had a touchdown run.This one had all the pomp and circumstance of a homecoming — and, well, it was one after the Jayhawks spent all of last season playing home games at stadiums in the Kansas City area. In the meantime, their 104-year-old stadium was razed and the majority of it was rebuilt, with only […]
NFL Preseason Week 3 Recap: Miami Dolphins 14, Jacksonville Jaguars 6
The Dolphins closed out their preseason with a tune up on both sides of the ball, defeating the Jaguars 14-6 in an intra-state clash. Miami's defense limited Jacksonville to only 190 total yards and no explosive passes. Second-year edge rusher Chop Robinson registered two pressures and a sack on only six pass-rushing snaps, while Bradley Chubb also notched a sack in his second taste of preseason action in his return from season-ending knee surgery. Although Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins' starting offense played just three series, the group scored a touchdown thanks to Malik Washington‘s efforts. Also encouraging was the performance of Miami's starting offensive line, which did not surrender a pressure against the Jaguars' backups. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will […]
Grêmio empata com Ceará em casa por 0 a 0 e torcedores criticam Mano Menezes
Grêmio enfrenta Ceará na Arena. (Foto: Richard Ducker / Grêmio FBPA)Na noite deste sábado (23), o Grêmio empatou em casa com o Ceará por 0 a 0, na 21ª rodada do Brasileirão. O time de Mano Menezes até teve maior posse de bola, mas não conseguiu produzir grandes chances. Assim, a torcida tricolor foi às redes sociais reclamar do técnico, que continua sob pressão. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADECom o empate, o Grêmio vai a 24 pontos e ocupa a 13ª posição do Brasileirão. Assim, se Vitória e Vasco vencerem, o Tricolor vai ficar a apenas 2 pontos de entrar na zona de rebaixamento ao fim da rodada. Enquanto isso, o Ceará vai a 26 pontos e ocupa o 10º lugar.Grêmio domina posse de bola, mas erra muitoApesar de o Grêmio ter amplo domínio da posse de bola, esse jogo ficou marcado pelo […]
Grêmio empata com Ceará em casa por 0 a 0 e torcedores criticam Mano Menezes
Grêmio enfrenta Ceará na Arena. (Foto: Richard Ducker / Grêmio FBPA)Na noite deste sábado (23), o Grêmio empatou em casa com o Ceará por 0 a 0, na 21ª rodada do Brasileirão. O time de Mano Menezes até teve maior posse de bola, mas não conseguiu produzir grandes chances. Assim, a torcida tricolor foi às redes sociais reclamar do técnico, que continua sob pressão. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADECom o empate, o Grêmio vai a 24 pontos e ocupa a 13ª posição do Brasileirão. Assim, se Vitória e Vasco vencerem, o Tricolor vai ficar a apenas 2 pontos de entrar na zona de rebaixamento ao fim da rodada. Enquanto isso, o Ceará vai a 26 pontos e ocupa o 10º lugar.Grêmio domina posse de bola, mas erra muitoApesar de o Grêmio ter amplo domínio da posse de bola, esse jogo ficou marcado pelo […]
Shilo Sanders Ejected From Bucs’ Preseason Game vs. Bills for Throwing Punch
Shilo Sanders was ejected from Tampa Bay's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills for throwing a punch at Zach Davidson in the second quarter on Saturday night.Sanders, the son of Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, is battling for a roster spot after going undrafted out of Colorado, where he played for his father. He was also penalized for pass interference earlier in the game.Sanders, a hard-hitting and playmaking safety at Colorado, had an impressive debut for the Bucs in the preseason opener, but he has strong competition to make Tampa Bay's roster and his latest impression won't help his chances.Sanders was engaged with Davidson for a few yards, pushing and shoving each other. He was immediately flagged after throwing a punch that sent him to the locker room.It was a tough day for both of the sons of "Coach […]
Be the first to leave a comment