Kenny Atkinson reshaped the Cavaliers into a high-powered regular-season machine, turning Cleveland from 16th in offense to the league’s best. Mobley blossomed into an All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year, while Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland clicked as a dual-threat backcourt. The bigs pairing yielded staggering 120.8 offensive ratings and a clear path to elite execution, but the playoffs exposed gaps—tempo management, depth, and crunch-time discipline remain the next frontier as Atkinson faces six months to sculpt playoff-ready answers.

The challenge isn’t just sustaining offensive firepower; it’s translating that success into postseason credibility. After a 64-win run, questions linger about countering top defenses, empowering role players in tight games, and keeping stars from good regular-season habits when stakes rise. The Cavs must balance continuity with tactical tweaks, and six months isn’t long in the crucible of playoff preparation.

Preseason NBA fantasy primer maps out who is likely to start for every team and where minute battles could tilt early-season ceilings. Hawks lean on Trae Young with Porzingis up front, while guard depth comes from Kennard and Alexander-Walker. Cavaliers rely on Garland and Mitchell behind a steady Mobley-Allen frontcourt, with Lonzo Ball eyeing a notable early role if he’s healthy. Knicks center around Brunson and Bridges, while Keegan Murray and the Kings' backcourt keep fantasy eyes peeled for swing minutes.

Across the league, expect early rotation shuffles to shape value: Sharpe and Clowney push for Nets minutes, Neemias Queta and Kalkbrenner stir Celtics’ center plans, and a bevy of vets on aging rosters demand close watch for injury-driven upside. This is a fantasy compass for the next four weeks of preseason action.

Jimmy Butler lands at No. 40 in NBA 2K26 with an 87 overall rating, his lowest since NBA 2K16 and a notable dip from the 90s he had in recent years. The Warriors’ late-season acquisition of Butler is reflected in a 35-game sample last season, where he averaged about 17.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. Butler shares the 87 rating with Amen Thompson, Derrick White, Ivica Zubac, Zion Williamson, Darius Garland, LaMelo Ball, Alperen Sengun and Domantas Sabonis at a slate of 87s, highlighting a crowded mid-80s tier among top stars. The countdown emphasizes the shifting value of veteran scorers and the evolving fantasy landscape as 2K26 climbs toward September’s release date.

The piece situates Butler’s rating in a broader context: a historic stretch of 90+ ratings earlier in his career, the impact of a midseason trade, and the way 2K26’s top 100 framing positions a mix of established veterans and rising talent. For fantasy managers, Butler’s rating suggests cautious optimism—elite scoring with questions about durability and health-driven minute volatility—and underscores the importance of roster construction around a player whose role could swing with the Warriors’ mix of veterans and younger contributors.

The Chicago Bulls are rebuilding after Zach LaVine's trade to the Sacramento Kings, acquiring promising players like Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Matas Buzelis. Despite a playoff absence, Coby White's rise to an offensive leader role and Matas Buzelis's potential are key for the future. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers excelled with a league-high scoring average, but fell short in the playoffs. They aim to maintain momentum with a strong core led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. The Detroit Pistons, fueled by Cade Cunningham's all-star season and Jalen Duren's consistent play, look to capitalize on last year's success. The Indiana Pacers surprised many last season, but face challenges after Tyrese Haliburton’s injury. Finally, the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, revamp their roster but require time to click. Each team in the Central Division has its unique strengths and hurdles as they gear up for the new season.

The NBA offseason's trade market remains active, with several stars potentially on the move before training camp. Players like Jonathan Kuminga, DeMar DeRozan, and Lauri Markkanen find themselves in uncertain situations that could lead to significant trades. Kuminga's standoff with the Warriors stems from a lack of contract agreement despite his promising stats. Conversely, Markkanen, the Jazz’s leading scorer, may not fit the team's rebuilding phase. DeRozan's age and contract could attract younger assets for the Kings. Darius Garland of the Cavaliers, despite being a young star, might also be a piece of trade chatter. In Los Angeles, LeBron James is weighing his future amidst shifting team dynamics.