Ja Morant sprained his left ankle in practice and is week-to-week, delaying Memphis' preseason and start of the season. Scotty Pippen Jr. figures to carry primary playmaking duties as the Grizzlies navigate Morant’s absence and a thinner big-man group.

Injuries also loom: Jaren Jackson Jr. rehabbing turf toe, Zach Edey returning from ankle surgery, and Brandon Clarke sidelined with knee synovitis. Offseason moves reshaped the guard depth, with Desmond Bane traded to Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Anthony waived) and four first-round picks.

Memphis opens preseason vs Detroit and the regular season vs New Orleans on Oct. 22, a daunting start as Morant recovers and the rotation re-stabilizes.

Sleepers outside the top 100 picks could redefine drafts this season. Porter Jr. projects heavy Bucks usage; Edey and Eason should push for meaningful minutes as teams lean on youth; Ivey and Buzelis carry multi-cat upside in pivotal seasons. Pritchard, Avdija and Nembhard add shooting, efficiency and playmaking while Giddey’s post‑All‑Star run hints at continued upside. The value ladder is dense and dynamic.

Pritchard, Avdija and Nembhard offer floor + upside; Giddey’s late surge is a reminder of ceiling. Reed Sheppard, Cam Camara, Scotty Pippen Jr., Whitmore and Morant’s Grizzlies cohort shape a rich late-round tapestry. Toumani Camara and Jaden Ivey anchor defensively and offensively, while Matas Buzelis blends 3-and-D upside with block potential.

Fox signed a four-year, $229 million extension with the San Antonio Spurs, creating an immediate win-now core around Victor Wembanyama. The deal threads Fox’s All-Star ceiling with Wembanyama’s rookie-era development, while Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper are positioned for rookie extensions on the same timeline. Spurs fans debate cap flexibility, but the piece argues the long-term upside justifies the sacrifice, binding a high-velocity offense to a developing superstar.

Klutch Sports, Rich Paul’s agency, casts a wide net in the league’s power dynamics. While San Antonio isn’t chasing LeBron James, the club’s willingness to financially honor Klutch clients could unlock future marquee targets like Tyrese Maxey, Collin Sexton, or Scotty Pippen Jr. The strategy aims to keep Klutch engaged and open doors to upgrades, marrying a ready-now push with a flexible runway for Wembanyama’s ascent.

Boston Celtics fans might be surprised to learn that Scottie Pippen, the legendary Chicago Bulls icon, was almost a Celtic during a turbulent time for the franchise. As the Bulls transitioned away from their Michael Jordan era, Pippen's value was being assessed in trade talks, and the Celtics, having just hired Rick Pitino as their head coach, appeared poised for a resurgence. While the potential trade generated excitement, it ultimately fell through, leading Boston into a challenging period before their resurgence in the latter part of the 2000s.

In the 1992 NBA Finals, the Chicago Bulls faced the Portland Trail Blazers in a thrilling Game 6, showcasing a significant moment in NBA history. While Michael Jordan was the series' standout, Scottie Pippen's pivotal role often goes overlooked. Pippen credited rigorous practices against Jordan for instilling confidence that propelled the Bulls to victory. The team rallied from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter, with Pippen hitting crucial shots, including a go-ahead jumper. Despite Jordan's 33 points, his early inefficiencies prompted coaching interventions, highlighting the importance of team dynamics in clutch moments. This game is a testament to the depth of the Bulls' roster, proving that championships are often won through collective effort and resilience.