Phoenix Suns opened the preseason with a 103-81 win over the Lakers, flashing Jordan Ott’s pressure defense and a multi-weapon offense that aims to empower every passer. Devin Booker led with 24 points and 7 assists, while Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks spaced the floor and pressed on defense. The bench—Gillespie, Richards, O’Neale, Hayes-Davis—provided depth, and rookie Maluach flashed late with a dunk.

Booker’s playmaking and off-ball creativity set the tone as the Suns teased more action through Durant and Beal when healthy. Extended looks went to Ighodaro, Maluach and Fleming as they prepare for two China exhibitions against the Nets, testing rotations and depth for a longer season.

The Suns open training camp with three clear bets: who grabs the backup point-guard slot behind Booker and Green, how the frontcourt behind Dunn settles into the rotation, and how four rookies develop into usable players in a high-pace system. The period will reveal which players earn real minutes, how the rotations form, and what this youth movement could mean for early-season fantasy upside.

Three focal battles drive the early narrative: Goodwin vs Butler for the backup guard role, a PF battle behind Dunn among Hayes-Davis, Fleming, and Brooks, and the rookie development path to ensure Phoenix’s long-term upside. Expect sharp competition, measured minutes, and rapid lessons as the Suns shape their identity.

Knicks pivot to a development-first plan under Brown, elevating Billy Lange to oversee player growth. Lange’s track record at St. Joe’s and with Philly prospects signals a push to accelerate young talents like Hukporti and Dadiet, while Brown runs faster, deeper rotations around Brunson and Towns. With Clarkson and Yabusele joining, New York aims to close the gap to the top by building from within.

Steve Donahue was named St. Joseph’s head coach, taking over after Billy Lange steps down to join the New York Knicks’ player development team. Lange finishes with 81-104 in seven seasons and no NCAA Tournament appearances. Donahue arrives from Penn, promising Hawk Hill depth, culture, and top facilities as the program begins a new chapter.

The Hawks lose three transfers—Xzayvier Brown (Oklahoma), Erik Reynolds, Rasheer Fleming (Phoenix Suns)—while Derek Simpson and Anthony Finkley provide returning leadership. Exhibition season kicks off Oct. 25 vs Delaware, then Lafayette on Nov. 3, as fans eye a potential rise in Hawks’ fantasy-friendly depth and production.