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.

Rasheer Fleming is ready to stake his claim in Phoenix by maximizing defensive impact first, then letting the offense come. The 6-foot-8 wing/forward emphasizes slowing the game to his pace and using length to disrupt on-ball tasks, a nod to an NBA-ready defensive toolkit. Open runs against Devin Booker sharpen the test, while summer-league reps in Las Vegas showed a composure that fits a guard-turned-frontcourt contributor. Coaching plans under Jordan Ott stress possessions gained through steals, boards, and transition opportunities, aligning with Fleming’s multi-level scoring potential once comfort on defense is established.

Fleming’s path hinges on defensive work and high-IQ playmaking: the Suns see him as a defender who can guard multiple positions, then grow offensively as confidence and reps accumulate. His summer league numbers—near 50% shooting, strong rebounding and a few steals—mirror a player who can earn early minutes by doing the dirty work. Teammate ties, including fellow rookie Khaman Maluach, hint at a young, Klutch-backed group that values versatility, pace control, and a defense-first identity as the season opens against a challenging schedule.

Beyond on-court fit, Fleming’s idolization of LeBron and Durant signals aspirational ceiling and durability benchmarks. The piece nods to Fleming guarding Booker in open runs, a microcosm of the battle he expects in real NBA minutes. With Ott’s emphasis on generating possessions and his own pace discipline, Fleming could carve a niche as a defensive table-setter early, then expand offensively as he matures within the Suns’ system.

Phoenix Suns offload their big-three era in a dramatic 2025 makeover: Kevin Durant heads to Houston, Bradley Beal exits via buyout, and Devin Booker is signed to a max extension as the lone star remaining. In return, Phoenix adds Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Mark Williams, plus three 2025 draft picks—Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and Koby Brea—locking in a new core around Booker. Green is cast as the primary secondary option, but questions linger about fit, defense, and playmaking alongside Booker. The swap signals a win-now pivot with a heavy youth infusion, aimed at restoring contention after a playoff drought.

The fantasy implications run deep: Booker remains the engine, while Green carries high-usage upside but efficiency and defensive concerns cloud ceiling. Beal’s departure reshapes rotation and minutes, and Williams provides a rookies-in-waiting floor with long-term upside. The incoming trio of teens signals upside-first bets in dynasty formats, while seasoned wings Brooks and Williams offer defensive traction and steady counting stats. In short, Phoenix is recalibrating for a return to relevance, leaning on Booker as the anchor with a volatile but exciting surrounding cast that could surprise if the pieces click.

Rasheer Fleming, selected 31st overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, signed a four-year, $8.7 million contract with the Phoenix Suns. The deal is fully guaranteed for the first three years and includes a team option for the fourth year. In his junior season at Saint Joseph's, Fleming averaged 14.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the All-Atlantic 10 first team. Notably, he recorded multiple double-doubles and was a standout defensively, ranking 19th in the nation for defensive rebounds.

Fleming's debut will occur during the NBA Summer League. He is one of eight players in his conference to achieve multiple 20-point, 10-rebound games in a season. His skills on both ends of the floor will be closely monitored as he transitions to a professional career with the Suns.