Fantasy Basketball: 2024-25 Southeast Division Workforce Previews

By Noah Rubin

The 2024-25 NBA season is just a little over one month away, making this prime time for fantasy managers to arrange for his or her drafts. Rotoworld may have articles dropping all through this time, starting with fantasy-related ideas on each group. Subsequent up in our division-by-division previews is the Southeast Division. Whereas Orlando retained its core, Atlanta traded Dejounte Murray, which ought to enhance Trae Younger’s worth. Charlotte and Washington are rebuilding, whereas Miami fashions itself as a big participant within the Jap Convention.

Atlanta Hawks

2023-24 Document: 36-46

Tempo: 100.84 (sixth)

Offensive Ranking: 116.4 (twelfth)

Defensive Ranking: 118.4 (twenty seventh)

One Potential Sleeper: Dyson Daniels

The return for a former All-Star in Dejounte Murray could not have appeared vital, however Daniels, a former top-10 decide, is primed for a breakout 12 months. His defensive influence makes him an elite counterpart to Trae Younger within the backcourt, and an elevated function will enable his numbers to rise throughout the board. His strongest class will probably be his potential to swipe steals, and he’ll have to take steps as a shooter to thrive, however the scenario is good for Daniels to shine.

One Potential Bust: Onyeka Okongwu

This isn’t to say it is going to be one other disappointing season, however the potential is actually there. The Hawks haven’t proven a willingness to commerce or bench Clint Capela, so Okongwu might find yourself caught taking part in 23 minutes per recreation as a reserve as soon as once more. OO is a enjoyable expertise that can thrive in fantasy as a starter. Nevertheless, there’s a likelihood that subsequent summer season, we’ll as soon as once more say, “That is the 12 months that Okongwu begins and breaks out.” This shouldn’t discourage managers from drafting OO, however it’s price watching.

Notable Quantity: 37.7

That’s what number of 3-pointers Atlanta shot per recreation final season, the seventh-most within the NBA. That was up from 30.5 the 12 months earlier than, which was twenty eighth within the league. Quin Snyder emphasised taking pictures 3-pointers, and the tempo they performed allowed for that. They drafted Zaccharie Risacher with the primary decide this summer season, and his finest talent is his deep-range taking pictures. After three straight seasons with a top-ten offensive ranking, the Hawks have been nearer to a mid-tier offense. That’ll enhance with Trae Younger being wholesome, so anticipate loads of 3-pointers from Trae, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Risacher, and the remainder of the group.

Charlotte Hornets

2023-24 Document: 21-61

Tempo: 97.82 (twenty second)

Offensive Ranking: 108.6 (twenty eighth)

Defensive Ranking: 119.2 (twenty ninth)

One Potential Sleeper: Josh Inexperienced

Charlotte acquired Inexperienced this summer season after he spent the primary 4 seasons of his profession with Dallas. He couldn’t develop right into a star, however he was a stable function participant for them. Now, he’ll look to convey his defensive depth and vitality to a rebuilding group, which ought to assist him get on the courtroom. He doesn’t have a fantasy-friendly recreation, however the alternative to play on a group not centered round stars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving could lead to a greater fantasy season.

One Potential Bust: Miles Bridges

After a 12 months away from the group, Bridges completed simply exterior the highest 50 final season. He performed 37.4 minutes per recreation, which can go down below new head coach Charles Lee. The group being more healthy ought to influence that as effectively, together with the additions of Inexperienced and Tidjane Salaun. Bridges ought to nonetheless be stable, however he could find yourself as a bust relative to his ADP. He ranked exterior the highest 100 over the ultimate two months of final season, although it shouldn’t be fairly that dangerous subsequent 12 months.

Notable Quantity: 106

That’s what number of video games LaMelo Ball has missed during the last two seasons. Hopefully, he’ll have a wholesome season, but it surely’s a actuality that must be acknowledged. LaMelo is likely one of the finest fantasy choices within the league when he’s on the ground, however he hasn’t been obtainable usually, other than one season the place he performed 75 video games. If LaMelo is wholesome, Charlotte ought to compete for a Play-In spot. If not, it would possible be one other disastrous season for the Hornets.

Miami Warmth

2023-24 Document: 46-36

Tempo: 96.88 (twenty ninth)

Offensive Ranking: 113.3 (twenty first)

Defensive Ranking: 111.5 (fifth)

One Potential Sleeper: Nikola Jovic

He entered the beginning unit on the finish of December and have become a everlasting starter for Miami. Nevertheless, that didn’t lead to constant minutes for him. He solely performed 22.0 minutes per recreation as a starter, although that quantity ought to go up in his third season. Assuming he stays a starter, Jovic needs to be in for a giant 12 months. Early ADP knowledge has him going undrafted, however he has the expertise (and will have the chance) to be a top-100 finisher in 9-cat leagues.

One Potential Bust: Jaime Jaquez Jr.

After a stable rookie season, the expectations for 12 months two needs to be excessive for Jaquez. Nevertheless, there are causes to not be as optimistic. He benefited from loads of accidents to the gamers forward of him, which is probably not the case this 12 months. He’s additionally a greater participant in actual life than in fantasy. Many gamers make a leap in 12 months two, however with Jaquez already 23 years previous, he could also be unable to make the identical enhancements a 19-year-old makes. Jaquez ought to nonetheless be a stable participant for Miami this season, however the fantasy manufacturing could not replicate that.

Notable Quantity: 42.3

That’s what number of rebounds Miami averaged per recreation final 12 months, which was backside 5 within the league. That may partially be attributed to their sluggish tempo of play, but it surely nonetheless is a low mark. They’ve Kel’el Ware within the draft, and he could be the backup middle for Bam Adebayo, which they’ve been trying to find. He isn’t the very best rebounder, however after rotating by backup facilities for a very long time, they hopefully have their answer. Plus, they can run lineups with Bam and Ware since they’re each dynamic athletes that may (considerably) area the ground.

Orlando Magic

2023-24 Document: 47-35

Tempo: 97.37 (twenty seventh)

Offensive Ranking: 112.9 (twenty second)

Defensive Ranking: 110.8 (third)

One Potential Sleeper: Jonathan Isaac

After barely being obtainable for a number of seasons, Isaac logged 58 video games at 15.8 minutes per recreation final 12 months. In restricted motion, he was among the finest defenders within the league and averaged 1.9 shares per recreation. He ought to thrive in class leagues if he can stand up to 20-25 minutes. He’s at all times a bit dangerous due to his harm historical past, however he is likely one of the finest defenders within the league when he’s wholesome. Although it was 5 years in the past, he does have a second-round end on his belt.

One Potential Bust: Wendell Carter Jr.

His manufacturing and alternative took successful final season, leading to WCJ ending exterior the highest 150 in 9-cat leagues. With Moritz Wagner and Goga Bitadze nonetheless round, it isn’t straightforward to think about Carter Jr. getting again as much as half-hour per recreation. He stretches the ground effectively, however he’s not an awesome rebounder or shot blocker for a giant. He’s nonetheless the very best middle choice they’ve, however that didn’t assist him succeed final season.

Notable Quantity: 62

That’s what number of playoff video games Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has performed, together with two championships. After a prolonged drought, Orlando returned to the playoffs final 12 months, however this younger, gifted, deep group will probably be round for a very long time. Including a participant like KCP to a group that consists primarily of gamers who simply obtained their first style of playoff basketball ought to assist their improvement and maturity. Don’t be shocked if the Magic have a good higher season.

Washington Wizards

2023-24 Document: 15-67

Tempo: 103.07 (1st)

Offensive Ranking: 110.2 (twenty fifth)

Defensive Ranking: 118.9 (twenty eighth)

One Potential Sleeper: Bilal Coulibaly

After a good rookie 12 months, Coulibaly ought to tackle a extra outstanding function in 12 months two. He could begin the 12 months as a reserve, however he ought to play large minutes and finally find yourself within the beginning unit. He’s solely 20 years previous and an extremely gifted defender. He’ll get to work by any offensive rising pains on a tanking group, giving him loads of time to supply defensive numbers. Any steps on offense will solely assist his worth.

One Potential Bust: Malcolm Brogdon

He’s nonetheless gifted, however Brogdon’s match with this group isn’t ideally suited. Even when he opens the 12 months as a starter, he’s a shutdown candidate, and it will be shocking if he performed 60 video games. Plus, they nonetheless have Jordan Poole and simply drafted Bub Carrington. These two will probably be prioritized over Brogdon, particularly if Washington can’t get many wins early within the season. He ought to be capable to knock down some 3-pointers and dish out assists, however this example isn’t optimum for a bounce-back season.

Notable Quantity: 18.2

That’s what number of paint touches Washington averaged per recreation final season, which was the worst mark within the league. They added Brogdon and Carrington this summer season, however that received’t repair every little thing for this offense. Nevertheless, it’s actually a step in the appropriate path. Washington will probably be dangerous once more this 12 months, however hopefully, they’ll not less than be extra enjoyable than final season. They performed on the quickest tempo within the league final season, although that didn’t assist them get into the lane as usually as different groups. We’ll see if that adjustments.