Giddey starred for the Bulls in a high-pace preseason showcase, posting 25 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in 29 minutes as Chicago locked him in for four years at $100 million. He opened with 19 points by halftime, mixed 3s with drives and earned a place on the highlight reel with a fastbreak connection to Matas Buzelis and a non-counted 60-foot heave that amplified his confidence. A heated exchange with Cam Johnson added edge to a night that still left the Bulls optimistic about a Giddey-led future alongside White.

Cavaliers throttle Pistons in preseason, flashing a stifling defensive identity as they roll to their first win. Mobley anchors the paint with three blocks and two steals, Mitchell shines offensively with 17 points and trio of steals, and Allen adds 15 as Cleveland clamped Detroit. Lonzo Ball impressed off the bench with three blocks, signaling a cohesive defensive fit in Cleveland. The result hints at a top-tier D again in 2025-26, ahead of Opening Night vs New York.

With Ball replacing Ty Jerome and a strengthening defensive backbone, Cleveland’s depth looks ready to support a repeat of elite rim protection and disruptive play. The early test comes on Oct. 22 at MSG against the Knicks, a potential East showdown that could set the tone for the Cavs’ regular-season trajectory.

Denver’s preseason twist features Jokic at power forward paired with Jonas Valanciunas in a two‑big look. The early sample was rocky—five possessions, four points, 80 offensive rating—but Adelman stresses it’s a Band‑Aid moment to test spacing and timing. The experiment leans on high‑low action, with Watson, Braun and Strawther providing length and drive to mix with the bigs.

Defensively, Adelman explores a zone with both centers at the bottom, aiming to angle rotations and protect against interior mismatches. The plan mirrors Houston’s Sengun–Adams template but remains a work in progress as Denver dials in how to space and execute with this unconventional frontline.

Ayo Dosunmu returns from shoulder surgery to a Bulls squad chasing defensive identity and more reliable offense. After months away, he flashed ball-handling and perimeter pressure in camp, while teammates adapt to a new defensive scheme that aims to curb a past reliance on individual stops.

With Dosunmu in a contract year and young players like Matas Buzelis stepping forward, Chicago needs his two-way impact every night. If he trims reckless decisions and reclaims his efficient shooting touch, Dosunmu could anchor a guard rotation and push the Bulls toward a steadier, if still unsettled, climb.

Giannis Antetokounmpo signaled plans to finish his career in Greece, naming Filathlitikos, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos or Aris as potential destinations after his NBA era. The Bucks superstar, now 30, has dominated Milwaukee with peak-level production and a championship run, while weighing a homeland farewell against a continued NBA arc.

The Bucks posted a playoff appearance in 2024-25, but were eliminated in five by Indiana, highlighting the franchise’s ongoing puzzle of maximizing Giannis’ window. Vanity trades with New York slid by without a deal, leaving Milwaukee with questions but a clear, high ceiling.

Fantasy takeaway: map Giannis’ long-term durability and the odds of a Greek finish into ownership plans, while monitoring how any overseas conclusion could alter Milwaukee’s dynasty timeline and cap strategy in coming seasons.