Bilal Coulibaly underwent surgery on a right-thumb ligament, a move that likely sidelines him at the start of the 2025-26 season. The 21-year-old No. 7 pick averaged 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in Eurobasket, flashing development after a breakout sophomore year (12.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG). Washington’s brightest young core—Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Will Riley—now faces an early-season rise in responsibility, joined by Cam Whitmore and other first‑round hopefuls. Veteran help from CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton, plus a reshaped rotation after Poole’s move to New Orleans, keeps playoff odds distant ( +3000 ) but not impossible if the youth flourishes.

The Wizards’ 2023-24 and 2024-25 narratives converge: minimal recent wins, a hopeful pipeline, and a front office embracing youth with a veteran bridge. The injury compounds uncertainty around opening-night lineups, tempo, and scoring balance, but it also sets up late-season momentum if Coulibaly returns healthy and the rookies hit their marks. The margin remains thin, but the path to relevance for Washington stays open with the right development arc.

Jason Collins, trailblazing NBA veteran and Harvard-Westlake standout, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. The NBA released a compassionate statement on behalf of Collins and his family, asking for privacy as they prioritize his health. The news highlights Collins’ storied career, his Stanford roots, and his ongoing legacy off the court as an NBA Cares ambassador.

Collins split 13 NBA seasons across Rockets, Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics and Wizards, after a standout California prep and college run. His 2013 coming-out and the 2014 Nets-Lakers moment reshaped how teams and fans address LGBTQ+ athletes, making this health update resonate beyond the hardwood.

Ime Udoka outlined a plan to weave Kevin Durant into Houston's offense at the upcoming coaches retreat, emphasizing a seamless fit rather than a spotlight hog. Durant’s presence should elevate efficiency and open looks for the Rockets’ young core, with Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun likely anchoring the starting group alongside Durant, while Jabari Smith Jr. competes for the fifth spot during camp.

Durant’s track record of high efficiency and late-game decision-making should lift the Rockets’ half-court execution, historically a weakness. Udoka and Royal Ivey’s Brooklyn ties to Durant hint at a similar, ball-sharing approach that still leverages Durant to close games, while precamp drills in late September will determine exact lineups and roles.

The trade that sent Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix clears the deck for Durant to blend with Houston’s core, with Durant drawing attention that should free up shooters and cutters. The mix of Durant’s IQ and the Rockets’ length and scoring depth sets up a potentially more efficient and versatile offense this season.

Jason Collins, 46, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, per NBA announcement. A 13-season veteran, Collins helped reshape the league as the first openly gay active player across North America’s major sports. His health update places a spotlight on resilience and advocacy beyond the box score.

Collins was drafted by the Rockets at No. 18 in 2001 but spent the bulk of his career with the Nets, with stops in Memphis, Minnesota, Boston, Atlanta and Washington. He wore No. 98 to honor Matthew Shepard—a tribute that underscored his openness and impact. He retired in 2014, leaving a lasting imprint on and off the court.

As privacy is requested while he battles treatment, the moment underscores the human side of pro basketball and the enduring legacy of a trailblazer. Fantasy players should note the real-world context but Collins’ status today carries no direct fantasy relevance.

The news is a sober reminder that a player’s legacy can outlive any season, and it foregrounds the importance of health and support networks for athletes at every level.

The Brooklyn Nets will kick off the 2025-26 season with Practice in the Park at Potomac Playground in Bed-Stuy on Sep. 27, giving fans a first look at drills and community buzz. The event, presented by Ticketmaster, blends on-court work with neighborhood festivities—Gersh Park vs. Zone 6 Park, a Brooklyn Celebrity Game, and a basketball combine—building excitement as five rookies join the squad.

Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. headline the on-court action, with Egor Demin, the eighth pick in 2025, also slated to appear. Nets leadership stresses community connection as a foundation for a season aiming to flip last year’s 26-56 mark and propel a younger, more dynamic identity.