Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets

Watson isn't guaranteed a spot in the starting five immediately but will have the chance to compete for it during training camp. The 24-year-old forward figures to play a sizable role for Cleveland after being acquired from the Nuggets in August in a multi-team deal. Watson was limited to just 54 regular-season appearances (40 starts) in 2025-26 due in large part to a strained hamstring, though he impressed when healthy, averaging career highs in points (14.6), rebounds (4.9), assists (2.1) and steals (0.9) while chipping in 1.1 blocks per game and shooting 41.1 percent from beyond the arc. His length and defensive versatility will be key for a Cleveland team trying to reach the Finals for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign. However, his growth on the offensive end will also be crucial to achieving that objective. Watson is one of the top candidates to join James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the starting lineup, but Atkinson isn't ready to commit to that idea just yet, as the Cavaliers have other options like Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson.

With Miller coming off May surgery to address left shoulder instability, any rehab update is notable as Charlotte prepares for training camp. "It's going good, going good," Miller said. "I'm getting stronger. That's all I can ask for. The stronger I get, the more mobile I am with the shoulder and that is the most important thing." He wasn't ready to commit to a timetable, and he's still awaiting full clearance for basketball activities with training camp a little over a month away.

The Hornets say that Knueppel will be re-evaluated during the first week of the regular season, putting his status for Opening Night on Oct. 21 in jeopardy. Knueppel is coming off a dominant rookie campaign with regular-season averages of 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 47.5 percent shooting from the field.

Williams will be re-evaluated the first week of the regular season, putting his status for Opening Night in the air. Williams will have a difficult path to minutes this season as he competes with the likes of Naz Reid, Royce O'Neale and Tidjane Salaun.

Hall sustained the injury in the G League Greensboro Swarm's playoff win over the Maine Celtics on March 31. The big man appeared in 19 regular-season games (two starts) with Charlotte, averaging 4.5 points and 3.9 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per contest. He's signed to a two-way deal with the Hornets and is slated to return next season.

Dillingham, the 2024 No. 8 overall pick, has appeared in 114 regular-season games for the Timberwolves and Bulls throughout his career, averaging 5.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 13.0 minutes per contest. It's unknown what kind of role he will have in Charlotte, though it may not be a meaningful one, considering the Hornets have plenty of backcourt depth. Dillingham had minor surgery in April to remove a ganglion cyst but is expected to be ready to go to begin the 2026-27 campaign.