Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard has been voted the best draft pick of the 2024 class in a poll conducted by ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo among the NBA's decision-makers. 20 executives and scouts took part in the poll. Sheppard, who was selected third in this year's draft, picked up seven votes to be the "best pick" of the 2024 draft. He was followed by Portland's Donovan Clingan, who received three votes. The No. 1 pick, Zaccharie Risacher from Atlanta, was voted the best by only one person. Sheppard boosted his reputation with outstanding Summer League performances. He averaged 20.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.8 steals in Las Vegas. Big things are expected from Sheppard in the future, with one high-ranking Eastern Conference executive saying that Sheppard has a "chance" to become an All-Star in the future.

Forward Leaky Black was cut by Charlotte, the team announced on Thursday. The 25-year-old went undrafted in 2023 but landed a two-way deal with the Hornets. He appeared in 18 games in the G League. But Black also logged 26 games with the big club, averaging only 2.7 points and 1.8 rebounds. He didn't play much better in any of his three starts. At any rate, the former Tar Heel could at least earn a camp deal heading into the 2024-25 campaign. However, Black's fantasy outlook isn't promising, so dynasty managers can drop him from their rosters.

Forward Gordon Hayward announced his retirement on Thursday. The 2010 No. 9 overall pick began his career with the Utah Jazz, where he was an All-Star in 2017. He signed with Boston in the offseason leading up to the 2017-18 campaign. However, Hayward injured his leg just five minutes into his tenure with the Celtics and wasn't the same since. The 34-year-old will finish his career by averaging 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 37.0% three-point shooting in 835 regular season appearances with the Jazz, Celtics, Hornets, and Thunder.

Free-agent forward/center Chuma Okeke agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the New York Knicks. The 25-year-old was drafted in 2019 by the Magic. In 189 games in Orlando, he averaged 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds. However, he never carved out a routine role in the rotation. With that said, despite the re-signing of Precious Achiuwa, the Knicks lack depth underneath the basket, meaning Okeke could make the team if he has an impressive training camp. While he probably won't be a reliable fantasy option anytime soon, he's worth watching in case he earns some starts with the Knicks or another team during the 2024-25 campaign.

According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, New York Knicks forward Julius Randle may need to take less cash if he's interested in receiving an extension from the team. The veteran is entering what could be the final year of his current deal but could make around $180 million on an extension. However, the Knicks still need to round out the roster while hoping to avoid hitting the second apron, meaning Randle might need to settle for less, much like Jalen Brunson did at the beginning of July. Without question, the 29-year-old is a top player in the National Basketball Association, most recently averaging 24.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during the 2023-24 campaign. Unfortunately, he appeared in only 46 games before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury. The upgraded roster in New York could mean fewer statistical contributions from Randle in 2024-25. Yet, he'll remain a top fantasy provider as long as he stays healthy.