TITLE: Embiid Nears Preseason Debut; Nets Add Malachi Smith; Cavs’ Core Earns High ESPN Ranking
SLUG: embiid-preseason-status-nets-sign-malachi-smith-cavs-big-three
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PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Head coach Nick Nurse said MVP center Joel Embiid could make his first preseason appearance Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The All-Star is working back from offseason knee surgery and has steadily increased his workload without any setbacks, according to Nurse. Embiid participated in Sunday’s Blue & White scrimmage and briefly shared the court with second-year big man Adem Bona, who has started all three preseason contests and is tracking as Embiid’s primary backup. Nurse said he wants Bona to rebound more aggressively and avoid foul trouble.
Forward Paul George (knee) and swingman Trendon Watford (hamstring) have returned to portions of practice after completing individual work, signaling improving health across the roster ahead of opening night.
BROOKLYN NETS
Brooklyn signed free-agent guard Malachi Smith, the team confirmed. The former Gonzaga standout averaged 11.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season with the G League’s Memphis Hustle. The Long Island Nets already hold Smith’s G League rights, making it likely he will be waived and reassigned to the affiliate.
The Nets have issued partial guarantees—rather than Exhibit 10 contracts—as part of a strategy to reach the salary-cap floor. Similar deals were given to Tre Scott and Terry Roberts, who were subsequently released, with their guaranteed salaries still counting toward the cap. The approach allows Brooklyn to reshuffle finances while funneling developmental talent to Long Island.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
ESPN ranked the Cavaliers’ trio of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley third on its annual “Big Three” list, trailing only Oklahoma City and Denver. Analyst Tim Bontemps cited Cleveland’s 64-win season and the long-term contracts secured by its young core, though he noted that last spring’s five-game playoff loss to Indiana keeps the group just outside the top tier.
Cleveland opens the regular season next week in New York. Team optimism remains high as Garland and Mobley continue to develop, while Mitchell returns from a First Team All-NBA campaign.
Source: Hoops Wire
