Hoops Rumors is within the strategy of taking a better have a look at every NBA crew’s present roster state of affairs, evaluating which golf equipment nonetheless have some strikes to make and which of them appear most ready for coaching camp to start.
This sequence is supposed to supply a snapshot of every crew’s roster presently, so these articles received’t be up to date within the coming weeks as extra signings, trades, and/or cuts are made. You possibly can comply with our roster counts web page to maintain tabs on groups’ open spots as opening evening nears.
We’re persevering with our pre-camp Roster Snapshot sequence at this time with the Northwest Division. Let’s dive in…
Denver Nuggets
- Gamers on assured commonplace contracts: 15
- Gamers on Exhibit 10 contracts: 3
- Gamers on two-way contracts: 3
Beneath basic supervisor Calvin Sales space, the Nuggets have sometimes set their coaching camp roster early within the offseason and never made any modifications to the again finish till the preseason is underway. Final 12 months, as an example, Denver maxed out its 21-man roster on August 3 and didn’t make one other roster transfer till October 13.
It seems to be just like the crew will most likely stick with that sample this 12 months, taking the present group to camp after which rotating some Exhibit 10 signees on and off the roster in the course of the preseason. With 15 gamers on assured contracts and three on two-way offers, Denver’s projected common season roster additionally seems to be set.
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Gamers on assured commonplace contracts: 13
- Gamers on non-guaranteed commonplace contracts: 1
- Gamers on Exhibit 10 contracts: 3
- Gamers on two-way contracts: 3
- Gamers who’ve reportedly reached contract agreements: 1
Though the Timberwolves have some back-end roster flexibility, in addition they have important projected luxurious tax penalties, and with the battle for management of the franchise headed to arbitration this fall, it’s nonetheless unclear who precisely can be on the hook for that tax invoice.
With that in thoughts, I’d be shocked to see the Wolves carry a full 15-man commonplace roster into the common season. And it’s most likely protected to imagine Dozier will begin the season because the 14th man, since he has a $1MM partial assure that the crew must eat if he’s waived and changed with a newcomer. Minnesota may doubtlessly make a change at that 14th spot earlier than the league-wide assure date on January 7 if Dozier doesn’t show within the first half that he deserves it, however his place on the opening evening roster seems to be comparatively protected.
Whereas I count on some extra Exhibit 10 shuffling within the coming days and weeks, the Wolves may set their camp roster by merely finishing Randle’s deal, which might get them to the 21-man restrict.
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
- Gamers on assured commonplace contracts: 13
- Gamers on non-guaranteed commonplace contracts: 1
- Gamers on two-way contracts: 3
- Gamers who’ve reportedly reached contract agreements: 2
Even when they finalize their reported Exhibit 10 offers with Boeheim and Leons earlier than October 1 and have each gamers with them in coaching camp, the Thunder would solely have 19 gamers below contract, so that they probably have extra strikes up their sleeve within the coming week or two.
The Thunder are one of many few NBA groups properly positioned to herald one other veteran free agent who may make the 15-man commonplace roster. Whereas Jaylin Williams will make the crew, that also leaves the fifteenth spot open, and Oklahoma Metropolis is greater than $11MM away from the posh tax line, so one other minimum-salary signing wouldn’t be an issue financially. With Matter out for the season and Kenrich Williams seemingly unlikely to be prepared for opening evening, the membership may additionally use one other depth piece.
It’s unclear whether or not the Thunder are perusing the free agent market with a watch towards including a fifteenth man, however yet another wing would make sense to me, with Oshae Brissett, Nassir Little, Justin Vacation, and Reggie Bullock among the many out there gamers who may match.
Portland Path Blazers
- Gamers on assured commonplace contracts: 14
- Gamers on non-guaranteed commonplace contracts: 2
- Gamers on Exhibit 10 contracts: 1
- Gamers on two-way contracts: 3
Banton’s large numbers (16.7 PPG, 3.6 APG) down the stretch for the Path Blazers have been the results of important utilization (27.2%) relatively than a bounce in scoring effectivity (he shot .408/.311/.780). Nonetheless, I’d give him the sting over Graham for the fifteenth roster spot in Portland since he’s youthful and has a small partial assure. That spot’s not set in stone although.
The Path Blazers nonetheless have one opening on their 21-man preseason roster. Except the Blazers intend to herald one other participant to compete with Banton and Graham to be the fifteenth man, that roster spot might be used to churn by way of Exhibit 10 signees for the Rip Metropolis Remix, Portland’s G League affiliate.
Utah Jazz
- Gamers on assured commonplace contracts: 15
- Gamers on Exhibit 10 contracts: 3
- Gamers on two-way contracts: 3
The Jazz‘s roster seems to be fairly near prepared for the common season, with 15 gamers on assured commonplace contracts and all three two-way spots occupied. Utah’s roster strikes this fall may include rotating Exhibit 10 gamers out and in earlier than making last cuts on the finish of the preseason.
A two-way shake-up is at all times a risk, however Potter, Preston, and Tshiebwe all performed properly within the G League final season, so one of many non-guaranteed camp invitees must make a robust impression in October for the crew to make a change there.
Beforehand:
