It's been less than a week since training camp started for most teams, but a few players are already staking claims to roster spots that were up for grabs. A pair of camp invitees appear to be making significant strides toward jobs in the Atlantic Division, according to reports.
- Former Wizards big man Andray Blatche is with the Nets on a non-guaranteed minimum-salary deal, but Tim Bontemps of the New York Post says "it's pretty clear" Blatche will be in the team's rotation to start the season, and is a "lock" to be on the floor whenever starting center Brook Lopez needs a break. Nets coach Avery Johnson says the team believes Blatche "could be one of the steals of free agency," echoing a comment from former NBA coach John Lucas, who spent the summer helping Blatche work back from last year's disappointing season in Washington.
- Undrafted rookie Maalik Wayns had a strong training camp with the Sixers, and could wind up as the backup to point guard Jrue Holiday at the start of the regular season, John Hollinger of ESPN.com hears (Twitter link). Wayns signed a minimum-salary deal that's partially guaranteed for $75K. The Sixers only have 12 players on fully guaranteed deals, and Wayns is the lone camp invitee with a partial guarantee, so he seems a strong bet to make the opening day roster.
- John Shurna isn't turning quite as many heads in Knicks camp, but he's made a positive impression on coach Mike Woodson so far, as Zach Braziller of the New York Post writes. The 6'9" Shurna's minimum-salary contract is partially guaranteed for $50K, and Braziller believes he's competing with five others for the last spot on the team.