Taylor Hendricks faces a pivotal return for Utah after a brutal leg injury, with fantasy managers weighing his ceiling as a 3-and-D wing in a rebuilding Jazz. His path back, minutes, and shooting volume will determine early-round value this season. The piece also centers Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh as fellow 2023 lottery peers and contrasts Hendricks with past Jazz stars via injury lessons from Gordon Hayward, Rudy Gobert, and Donovan Mitchell in the team’s rebuild saga.

In that context, Hendricks’ health and role loom large for fantasy, while Utah’s long-term plan edges toward a core of versatile wings. The balance of defense, three-point shooting, and lane aggression will define not just his own trajectory but how aggressively fantasy managers chase Jazz exposure as the rebuild unfolds.

The Los Angeles Clippers have navigated a significant roster shift, opting for depth over star power after Paul George's departure. With Kawhi Leonard and James Harden already in the fold, the Clippers capitalized on the financial flexibility created by George's exit, adding players like Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn, transforming their roster from two stars to five impactful players.

Bradley Beal's buyout from the Suns positioned him to join the Clippers for a fraction of his previous salary, a strategic move that benefits both parties. While Beal and George find themselves at similar career crossroads, the Clippers have managed to secure a valuable asset at a low cost, allowing them to maintain competitive depth. Meanwhile, the Suns' decision to dump Beal reflects their attempts to reconfigure their roster around Devin Booker, albeit at a long-term financial cost.

The Utah Jazz showcased their young talent at the Salt Lake City Summer League, where rookie Walter Clayton Jr. shone brightly, leading his team with a game-high 20 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Known for his clutch three-point shooting, Clayton's transition to the NBA will hinge on adapting to stronger defenders and maintaining composure under pressure.

Ace Bailey, another promising prospect, demonstrated the potential to evolve into a star despite sitting out the final game. His ability to make tough shots and contribute defensively is noteworthy, but he will need to refine his shot selection and decision-making.

Meanwhile, Brice Sensabaugh, the only fully rostered Jazz player in the summer squad, proved too skilled for this level of competition and will not participate further. He focused on improving his decision-making and defensive efforts while displaying his scoring prowess.

Kyle Filipowski emerged as a consistent performer, showcasing passing skills and scoring ability, though his physical strength remains a concern. Cody Williams, the 2024 lottery pick, showed promise in athleticism and aggression, while Isaiah Collier's performances were inconsistent, indicating areas for growth in his game.

The Philadelphia 76ers have finalized their summer league roster following the NBA draft, where they secured VJ Edgecombe as the No. 3 overall pick and Johni Broome at No. 35, alongside undrafted player Hunter Sallis on a two-way deal.

As the team prepares for the summer league, starting July 5 against the Utah Jazz, all eyes are on rookies Edgecombe, Broome, and Sallis, while veterans like Justin Edwards and Adem Bona are expected to guide them. Unfortunately, Jared McCain, recovering from meniscus surgery, will miss the summer league, focusing instead on rehabilitation for a full return in October.

The Utah Jazz are positioning themselves for a promising future with their recent draft selections, focusing on bolstering their backcourt. The team secured Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick and traded up to pick former Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. at No. 18. This move involved trading guard Collin Sexton, a starter who averaged over 18 points per game last season, to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for veteran center Jusuf Nurkic.

Bailey is expected to step into a starting role immediately, with Clayton potentially joining him in the lineup. The Jazz traded up to select Clayton, as Miami was reportedly interested in picking him at No. 20. Clayton's impressive senior year, where he earned first-team All-America honors and helped lead Florida to a national championship, adds to the excitement surrounding his NBA debut. The upcoming Summer League will be crucial for assessing their readiness for the upcoming season.