Watkins believes De'Andre Hunter will start at small forward next to Murray ahead of Alex Karaban. Murray underwent an arthroscopic procedure to remove loose bodies in his left ankle back in May, though he's expected to be ready in time for training camp.
Pippen will have to gain clearance ahead of training camp after undergoing a toe procedure in March, but he certainly appears to be a winner of the team's offseason moves. Ty Jerome (ankle) poses a significant risk to Pippen's role, however, and the two guards figure to engage in a battle for the top role at the point this fall. Pippen is looking to bounce back following an injury-ruined 2025-25 campaign, during which he averaged 11.4 points, 4.7 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals in 21.2 minutes per game across 10 regular-season appearances (six starts).
Hartenstein sat out FIBA qualifiers with Germany to nurse an ankle injury he sustained earlier this summer, so it's encouraging to see him back on the court ahead of training camp in the fall. The 28-year-old big man appears to be firmly on track for the start of the regular season in October, barring any setbacks along the way.