Lakers No. 9 threads a long, dynamic lineage. Jim Chones arrived in 1979 to shore up the frontcourt and help LA capture the 1980 title, posting 10.7 points and 7.4 rebounds in two seasons. A 1981 swap sent Chones to Washington Bullets as compensation when Mitch Kupchak signed with LA, reshaping the No. 9 legacy. Chones finished in Washington and later broadcast Cavaliers games, keeping the thread alive from Detroit Gems to Showtime.

From the Gems’ NBL roots to Minneapolis and onward, the No. 9 arc illustrates how one digit can echo through eras: frontcourt fits, championship runs, and rosters reshaped by trades and signings that ripple through fantasy value across generations.

Boston Celtics chatter is heavy with lineup tinkering, trade whispers, and rookie upside. Derrick White’s evolving game could lift his points, assists, and steals pace, while Al Horford’s veteran case hints at heavier rotation duties and ceiling durability. Neemias Queta’s EuroBasket growth adds intrigue for late-round dynasty bets, and Jaylen Brown’s trade rumors keep managers on edge about role stability. Historic names like Rajon Rondo and Larry Bird anchor the legacy talk.

All eyes are on whether Boston finalizes a move that reshuffles minutes, which could swing fantasy outcomes for White, Brown, and Horford. Queta’s path to minutes remains the wild card for big-man depth. In short, expect rotation shifts and a handful of surprise contributors as the season approaches.