10 NBA players with the most to lose during training camp

On the eve of the new NBA season, the restart of training is bringing many internal rivalries to light: some players are fighting for a place in the lineup, others to save their careers, and many are trying to defend previously earned minutes. After roster changes and new arrivals, several names risk losing the role they once had or even their roster spot.

According to Bleacher Report, the list focuses on the most critical situations: positional battles, career-revival opportunities and preserving contractual security. The most visible cases were selected — players with guaranteed contracts who could nevertheless end up off the team, starters at risk of being replaced, key rotation pieces who could lose their role, and well-known names trying to recapture their former potential.

Bub Carrington of the Washington Wizards is fighting for a rotation spot. The team has many alternatives on the wing and on the ball — such as Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa — while names like Tre Johnson and Bilal Coulibaly give the squad different traits. Expectations of using two centers on some teams also limit opportunities for four-guard/wing lineups, which reduces Carrington’s security in his role.

Kyle Filipowski of the Utah Jazz risks falling out of the frontcourt plans. With players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen occupying minutes at the 4 and stronger alternatives when playing with a true center, Filipowski may struggle to find space, especially due to limitations in the agility to play as a 3.

Jalen Green of the Phoenix Suns has at risk not only his starting spot but his overall stay in the rotation. Injury problems and an uncertain efficiency picture put him under pressure, while the team has other backcourt options and arrivals promising supporting minutes next to Devin Booker.

Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trail Blazers must adapt many elements of his game to stay at the center of the team’s plans. With stars like Ja Morant and Damian Lillard taking many possessions with the ball, as well as the arrival of other players who can play the creator role, Henderson must lower his on-ball possession percentage, increase his spot-up efficiency and become stronger on defense to secure significant minutes — especially in a contract year.

Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans approaches the season with a threat to his starting spot. Although historically a core part of some of the Pelicans’ most effective lineups, there are indications the staff may try alternatives, including starting young players like Jeremiah Fears, which forces Jones to fight to keep his starting role.

Nikola Jović of the Miami Heat starts the season under pressure to win minutes as a backup power forward. After a season that found him out of the rotation and awaiting a long contract extension, he must show a lot in training camp, as competition at the 4 and 5 is high and there may be alternative solutions that reduce his space.

Jake LaRavia of the Los Angeles Lakers faces many rivals for the final spot in the starting lineup and for warm minutes off the bench. With several new arrivals on the wing and the possibility of the coach reorganizing minutes and positions, LaRavia must improve his three-point shooting percentage and volume and strengthen his defense to be competitive.

Terrence Shannon Jr. of the Minnesota Timberwolves seeks to revive his role as a rotation pillar. After a season with injury problems, he must be more consistent on outside shots, make quicker decisions with the ball and deliver steady results on defense and rebounding to earn the status of an extra player in the team’s rotation.

In the end, training camp will decide which players remain important to team plans and which will see their roles diminished or disappear. Some of the expected decisions and changes are documented by Bleacher Report, which underscores the pressure and possible consequences for the names on the list.

Source: Bleacher Report