NBA Roundup: Harper keeps focus on Finals, Cavs confident in Hezonja, Watkins faces long rehab
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San Antonio, Cleveland and Washington — Second-year guard Dylan Harper says his only objective is a return trip to the NBA Finals after helping the San Antonio Spurs reach the championship series as a rookie.
“I feel like we all have that one team goal that we felt like we should have had last year,” Harper told RG.org. Asked about possibly coming off the bench again, he added, “I’m in the NBA. There’s only like 450 people in the NBA.”
Cavaliers plan to keep Hezonja
The Cleveland Cavaliers expect newly signed forward Mario Hezonja to hold a regular spot in their rotation despite overseas reports suggesting Real Madrid fears he could head back to Europe if his NBA stay is brief. According to Cleveland.com, the club has no intention of waiving the veteran.
Cleveland continues to survey the wing market and remains interested in DeMar DeRozan, Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson. Acquiring Kuminga or Watson would likely require a sign-and-trade, and the Cavaliers are hesitant to part with core players or major draft capital.
Watkins sidelined after ACL surgery
The Washington Wizards announced that second-year wing Jamir Watkins underwent successful surgery on Thursday to repair a torn ACL suffered during Summer League play. Recovery is typically 10–12 months, putting most or all of the 2026-27 season in doubt for the 24-year-old, who cracked the rotation late last year after starting on a two-way contract.
Source: Hoops Wire
