By Raphielle Johnson
“The very best factor about freshmen is that they change into sophomores.”
These had been the phrases of the late, nice Al McGuire. Whereas his remark pertained to school basketball, that may also be stated for the NBA. Whereas we have seen rookies enter the league and take it by storm with little to no delay, most are higher outfitted to compete (and supply fantasy worth) with a season underneath their belt. Of the gamers who entered final season with one 12 months of NBA expertise, just one, Oklahoma Metropolis’s Jalen Williams, offered top-50 per-game worth in 9-cat codecs. Some gamers might declare prime 100 standing, together with Jalen Duren (Detroit), Walker Kessler (Utah), Keegan Murray (Sacramento), and Jabari Smith Jr., whereas Orlando’s Paolo Banchero was extra beneficial in roto codecs.
With that in thoughts, we glance to the 2024-25 “sophomores,” a bunch led by Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Beneath is a team-by-team have a look at every group of second-year gamers and what fantasy managers can count on from them concerning worth.
Atlanta: Kobe Bufkin, Mouhamed Gueye, Seth Lundy
The fifteenth general decide within the 2023 draft, Bufkin solely appeared in 17 NBA video games as a rookie. In these appearances, the Hawks guard averaged 4.8 factors, 1.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.5 3-pointers in 11.5 minutes, capturing 37.0% from the sector and 50.0% from the foul line. Whereas these numbers do not soar off the web page, Bufkin’s G League manufacturing has seemingly sparked optimism in Atlanta. In 14 video games with School Park, he accounted for 23.6 factors, 5.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and a pair of.6 3-pointers, capturing 44.6% from the sector and 82.9% from the foul line. With Dejounte Murray’s exit, there are level guard minutes to fill behind Trae Younger. Can Bufkin be that man? He ought to have the chance to earn extra minutes, however Bufkin’s a greater possibility for dynasty leagues than redrafts this season.
As for Gueye and Lundy, they’re unlikely to land on the fantasy radar. The previous had a giant day in Atlanta’s regular-season finale, going for 19 factors, 9 rebounds, and three blocked pictures, however that was additionally Gueye’s most in depth NBA motion of the season. With Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu nonetheless within the fold and the Hawks including Larry Nance Jr. and Cody Zeller in the course of the offseason, there is not a lot room for Gueye to make an impression. On a two-way contract, Lundy appeared in 9 video games for the Hawks as a rookie.
Boston: Drew Peterson, Jordan Walsh
Given how skilled Boston’s roster was because the franchise’s chase for an 18th NBA title, it is unsurprising that neither Peterson nor Walsh had a lot of an impression final season. Chosen with the thirty eighth general decide, Walsh (whose draft rights had been acquired from the Kings) solely performed in 9 video games for the Celtics. He performed most of his skilled minutes within the G League, showing in 27 common season video games for Maine and averaging 14.7 factors, 7.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks, and a pair of.1 3-pointers in 29.7 minutes. Walsh has the size and athleticism wanted to be a defensive pest on the wing, however he is in a troublesome spot concerning enjoying time. Perhaps the occasional streaming alternative comes about in the course of the season, however he isn’t somebody who must be drafted in non-dynasty leagues.
Peterson, who was signed to a two-way deal after going undrafted out of USC, solely appeared in three video games for the Celtics final season. Within the G League, he started the season in Sioux Falls after being waived by Miami in mid-October, with Boston inking him to a two-way deal in mid-December. In 34 common season video games with Maine, Peterson averaged 16.1 factors, 7.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.9 blocks, and a pair of.2 3-pointers in 35.4 minutes, capturing 45.9% from the sector and 81.5% from the foul line. Peterson stays on a two-way deal for 2024-25, and his function throughout the Celtics rotation is unlikely to vary.
Brooklyn: Noah Clowney, Dariq Whitehead, Jalen Wilson
Of the three Nets sophomores, Clowney has sparked probably the most intrigue in early drafts. Brooklyn pivoted to a rebuild this offseason, and whereas the 2 didn’t play the identical place, Mikal Bridges’ exit might lead to some shifting that will get Clowney extra alternatives to point out what he can do. The primary-round select of Alabama performed in 23 video games for the Nets final season, along with his minutes rising over the ultimate month. Within the last 13 video games of the season, Clowney averaged 8.0 factors, 5.0 rebounds, 0.5 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 0.8 3-pointers in 21.8 minutes, capturing 52.7% from the sector and 62.5% from the foul line. His capacity to step away from the basket gives a counter to Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe, who do their offensive work within the paint. Even with Ben Simmons reportedly wholesome forward of coaching camp and Dorian Finney-Smith nonetheless on the roster, Clowney could also be price a late-round dart throw, particularly in deeper leagues.
Wilson performed a lot of the Nets rookies final season, showing in 43 video games (three begins). Chosen with the 51st general decide, the previous Kansas standout averaged 5.0 factors, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.6 3-pointers in 15.4 minutes, capturing 42.5% from the sector and 82.6% from the foul line. Whereas the free-throw proportion is promising regarding Wilson’s capacity to enhance as a fringe shooter, he solely averaged 1.1 makes an attempt per sport. Wilson had his moments, most notably going for 21 factors and 10 rebounds in a December 27 loss to the Bucks, however the general fantasy worth wasn’t there. Whereas the Bridges commerce may also have an effect on him, Wilson’s fantasy prospects aren’t as promising as Clowney’s.
Final however not least is Whitehead, who underwent a second foot surgical procedure final June and solely appeared in two video games for the Nets as a rookie (he performed 17 for the workforce’s G League affiliate). Whitehead underwent shin surgical procedure in late January however was in a position to take part in Summer season League motion in Las Vegas. Given Brooklyn’s shift to a rebuild, he is a younger guard whose fantasy worth might enhance after the February commerce deadline. Whitehead is not a draftable participant in non-dynasty leagues, however preserve him in your radar.
Charlotte: Brandon Miller, Nick Smith Jr.
Whereas there have been no questions on who must be the primary general decide within the 2023 NBA Draft, that was not the case for the Hornets at No. 2. Some believed Scoot Henderson must be the decide, even with LaMelo Ball on the roster. Charlotte went in a unique route, choosing Miller, and the selection paid off in 2023-24. The 6-foot-9 wing completed third in Rookie of the 12 months voting after averaging 17.3 factors, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.6 blocks, and a pair of.5 3-pointers in 32.2 minutes.
Taking pictures 44.0% from the sector and 82.7% from the foul line, Miller completed simply outdoors the highest 100 in per-game fantasy worth and simply inside that threshold in totals. With a wholesome Ball and Mark Williams within the rotation, Miller’s scoring output could lower barely this season. Nonetheless, his offensive ability set is such that there shouldn’t be a lot concern for fantasy managers.
As for Smith, he appeared in 51 video games and posted averages of 5.9 factors, 1.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 3-pointers in 14.3 minutes whereas capturing 39.1% from the sector and 86.7% from the foul line. The priority heading into 2024-25 is that Smith did not supply a lot worth after the commerce deadline, and new additions Tre Mann and Vasilije Micic additionally factored into the equation. There is not a lot motive to contemplate choosing Smith in redraft leagues.
Chicago: Julian Phillips, Adama Sanogo
A second-round select of Tennessee, Phillips performed 40 video games for the Bulls as a rookie. He did not supply a lot manufacturing, averaging 2.2 factors, 0.9 rebounds, 0.3 assists, and 0.3 3-pointers in 8.1 minutes per sport, capturing 41.6% from the sector and 68.4% from the foul line. A lingering query for Phillips is whether or not or not the Bulls will actually rebuild or try to remain afloat in hopes of incomes a Play-In event spot as in seasons previous.
If the reply is the previous, Phillips ought to see elevated alternatives. However even that is not simple, as Chicago used its lottery decide on Matas Buzelis. As for Sanogo, he stays on a two-way contract after seeing most of his enjoying time within the G League. Whereas the Bulls misplaced Andre Drummond in free company, offseason signing Jalen Smith will transfer into the backup heart function.
Cleveland: Emoni Bates, Craig Porter Jr.
Because of the Donovan Mitchell commerce, Cleveland didn’t have a first-round decide within the 2023 draft. Bates was their lone choice, and the forty ninth general decide was not able to supply a lot worth as a rookie. The 6-foot-10 small ahead appeared in 15 NBA video games, averaging 2.7 factors, 0.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.7 3-pointers in 8.9 minutes. The Cavaliers could not have boasted a formidable wing rotation, however there was sufficient expertise to maintain Bates out of the rotation. With Isaac Okoro agreeing to a brand new deal and veterans Max Strus, Caris LeVert, and Georges Niang within the fold, Bates’ place throughout the rotation is unlikely to vary.
The one Cavaliers rookie who provided worth was Porter, who stepped up when the workforce was compelled to play with out Mitchell and Darius Garland resulting from harm. Whereas he solely made six begins, Porter made 51 appearances as a rookie, accounting for five.6 factors, 2.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.4 steals in 12.7 minutes, capturing 50.9% from the sector and 73.2% from the foul line. He did not supply a lot defensive or 3-point worth, however Porter was a good deep-league streamer when requested to play prolonged minutes.
Within the 12 video games through which he performed a minimum of 20 minutes, Porter averaged 11.3 factors, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 0.6 3-pointers. There is not a motive to contemplate choosing him in drafts, as Porter’s worth will depend on the supply of Mitchell and Garland. However he ought to stay on the radar as a streamer.
Dallas: Dereck Full of life II, Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Full of life appeared like a great slot in Dallas from the second he was drafted (the Mavs acquired his draft rights from Oklahoma Metropolis), and that is how issues performed out. Making his first begin in Dallas’ second common season sport, Full of life was a fixture within the lineup because the beginning 5 till accidents led to 3 separate stints of a minimum of 4 video games on the sideline earlier than the February commerce deadline. The Mavericks acquired Daniel Gafford at that time, and he would ultimately transfer into the beginning 5, with Full of life coming off the bench.
Full of life performed 51 common season video games, averaging 8.8 factors, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 23.5 minutes, capturing 74.7% from the sector and 50.6% from the foul line. Whereas he did not crack the highest 150 in per-game worth, there was so much to love about Full of life, particularly the chemistry established with Luka Doncic. Additionally, he averaged extra minutes per sport in the course of the postseason than Gafford, and an excellent minutes cut up would make each beneficial to fantasy managers this season. Full of life is very beneficial to managers who aren’t involved about free-throw proportion.
As for Prosper, the twenty fourth general decide (by way of Sacramento) noticed restricted motion in Dallas final season. O-Max performed in 40 video games, averaging 3.0 factors, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 0.3 3-pointers in 8.4 minutes, capturing 38.5% from the sector and 68.3% from the foul line. Even with the exits of Josh Inexperienced and Derrick Jones Jr., Dallas added Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall, making it troublesome for Prosper to get the minutes wanted to realize fantasy relevance.
Denver: Jalen Pickett, Julian Strawther, Hunter Tyson
None of Denver’s three sophomores provided tangible fantasy worth final season, with Strawther seeing probably the most motion. He appeared in 50 video games, however accidents put the Nuggets wing on the shelf for a number of prolonged intervals, most notably a knee harm in early January that sidelined Strawther for a month. He completed the season with averages of 4.5 factors, 1.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.8 3-pointers in 10.9 minutes. Whereas Strawther’s manufacturing as a rookie was meager, there might be room for him to tackle an expanded function this season.
Denver misplaced Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, which is anticipated to maneuver Christian Braun into the beginning lineup. That may additionally imply a extra important workload for Strawther, who performed effectively in restricted responsibility (two video games) in Las Vegas this summer season. This will not make him a must-draft participant, however Strawther is price monitoring early within the season. As for Pickett and Tyson, they performed lower than Strawther as rookies, and offseason additions will make it troublesome for them to offer fantasy worth in 2024-25. Denver added Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric, two veterans anticipated to determine prominently within the bench rotation.
Detroit: Marcus Sasser, Ausar Thompson
The Pistons added two first-round picks to their roster final season, choosing Thompson fifth general, and Sasser’s draft rights had been acquired from Memphis. Whereas neither provided elite fantasy worth, each had their moments in a season that went south in a rush for the Pistons. Thompson began 38 of the 63 video games he appeared in earlier than a blood clot situation ended his season in early March, averaging 8.8 factors, 6.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 25.1 minutes. Whereas Ausar did shoot 48.3% from the sector, he didn’t supply a lot worth from three (18.6%) or the foul line (59.7%).
Nonetheless, the rebounds and defensive manufacturing positioned him throughout the prime 200 in per-game worth, an indication that (like twin brother Amen) he can supply stable worth with out a constant soar shot. Ausar is likely one of the gamers the Pistons hope will profit from including assistant coach Fred Vinson to the teaching workers. Vinson has been famend for his work with struggling shooters; we’ll see if Thompson and 2024 lottery decide Ron Holland II could make strides in that space.
Sasser spent most of his rookie season as a reserve, making 11 begins in 71 appearances. The previous College of Houston guard posted averages of 8.3 factors, 1.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.3 3-pointers in 19.0 minutes, capturing 42.8% from the sector and 87.9% from the foul line. Sasser’s in a tougher spot than Thompson concerning fantasy potential, as Detroit has Cade Cunningham on the level and Jaden Ivey on the two. Cunningham inked a profitable extension this summer season and is the clear cornerstone of this rebuild. If Sasser’s minutes are to extend underneath new coach JB Bickerstaff, it could seemingly come at Ivey’s expense, barring harm. Whereas Thompson must be chosen in most drafts, Sasser is merely a participant managers ought to have on their watch lists as an in-season streaming possibility.
Golden State: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Brandin Podziemski
Golden State’s second-year gamers cracked the rotation as rookies and are anticipated to determine prominently within the workforce’s plans this season. Podziemski appeared in 74 video games and changed Klay Thompson within the beginning lineup at one level, averaging 9.2 factors, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.2 3-pointers in 26.6 minutes. Taking pictures 45.4% from the sector and 63.3% from the foul line, Podziemski was a prime 150 participant in 9-cat codecs. With Thompson now in Dallas, Podziemski is anticipated to tackle a extra distinguished function, probably beginning subsequent to Stephen Curry. He may have competitors, because the Warriors signed Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton, however enjoying time shouldn’t be a problem. He might not be a top-100 fantasy decide, however Podziemski must be chosen in most drafts.
Jackson-Davis’ rise into the rotation didn’t happen as shortly, with the previous Indiana standout enjoying 20 minutes simply as soon as earlier than December 15. TJD’s enjoying time would enhance after Christmas, and he began Golden State’s last 11 common season video games. In these begins, Jackson-Davis averaged 10.5 factors, 7.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks in 25.3 minutes. That manufacturing was good for prime 40 fantasy worth in 9-cat codecs, indicating his upside. The largest concern for managers focusing on Jackson-Davis would be the variety of minutes Draymond Inexperienced performs on the 5.
In response to Cleansing the Glass, 70% of Inexperienced’s minutes had been performed on the heart place final season, a rise of 17 proportion factors from the season prior. And of the highest 10 two-man mixtures involving Inexperienced, Jackson-Davis ranked ninth per Basketball Reference (225 minutes, 43 seconds). TJD’s continued growth ought to result in these two sharing the courtroom extra typically, however that is one thing to look at in the course of the preseason. Like Podziemski, Jackson-Davis ought to come off the board simply outdoors the primary 100 picks in most drafts.
Houston: Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore
The fourth general decide within the 2023 draft, Thompson performed Houston’s first 4 video games earlier than a Grade 2 ankle sprain put him on the shelf for roughly six weeks. He would make 62 appearances (23 begins), averaging 9.5 factors, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 22.4 minutes. Thompson didn’t supply a lot worth as a 3-point shooter, and his free-throw proportion (68.4%) was low for a wing. However the rebounding, defensive stats, and discipline objective proportion made him a prime 150 participant in 9-cat codecs. Additionally encouraging for fantasy managers was Amen’s play to finish the 2023-24 season.
Beginning every of his last 17 appearances, the Rockets wing averaged 13.9 factors, 9.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 29.6 minutes, capturing 58.6% from the sector and 74.2% from the foul line. That labored out to prime 50 per-game worth in 9-cat codecs. A wholesome Rockets rotation will embrace starter Dillon Brooks and fellow reserve Tari Eason, which can mood expectations for Thompson. Nonetheless, there is definitely worth in grabbing him within the later rounds of normal league drafts.
Whitmore additionally hopes to compete for constant minutes on the wing after showing in 47 video games as a rookie. Throughout a interval from New 12 months’s Day via March 10, Whitmore averaged 13.4 factors, 4.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.8 3-pointers in 19.8 minutes, capturing 46.1% from the sector and 70.3% from the foul line. His points in fantasy this season are twofold: Cam does not supply a lot manufacturing past factors, rebounds, and 3-pointers, and the Rockets rotation might be crowded on the wings. There could also be moments in the course of the season when Whitmore is price streaming, however he is not a draftable participant in most redraft leagues.
Indiana: Ben Sheppard, Jarace Walker
The Pacers had been one of many NBA’s deepest groups final season, and that may also be the case in 2024-25. This did their rookies no favors final season, however Sheppard was in a position to carve out a task for himself after Bennedict Mathurin went down with a season-ending shoulder harm. Sheppard performed in 57 video games, averaging 4.4 factors, 1.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.9 3-pointers in 14.3 minutes. That wasn’t sufficient to be a think about fantasy leagues, and Sheppard’s minutes will seemingly lower with Mathurin again within the fold.
As for Walker, the lottery select of Houston performed in 33 video games, averaging 3.6 factors, 1.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 0.7 3-pointers in 10.3 minutes. Curiously, the Pacers performed him solely at small ahead throughout Summer season League, an indication that there will not be many minutes accessible at energy ahead. How Walker continues to regulate to that function will decide whether or not or not he gives any worth to fantasy managers in 2024-25, however like Sheppard, there is not a lot to achieve from choosing him in most drafts.
LA Clippers: Kobe Brown, Jordan Miller
Neither of the Clippers’ draft picks provided a lot worth as rookies, and that will not change in 2024-25. Miller stays on a two-way contract, and the hope is that his play in the course of the summer season opens the door for extra alternatives as soon as the season begins. Nonetheless, Paul George’s departure was countered by the signings of Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum, two veteran wings who will slide into the rotation instantly. As for Brown, he appeared in 44 video games as a rookie, averaging 2.0 factors, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 9.0 minutes. His path to constant enjoying time could also be extra simple than Miller’s however there is not a lot want to contemplate choosing Brown in redraft leagues.
LA Lakers: Colin Castleton, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis
None of those three made an impression as rookies, and that seems unlikely to vary in 2024-25. Hood-Schifino was the Lakers’ first-round decide, a befuddling transfer for a workforce in “win now” mode resulting from LeBron James and Anthony Davis being on the roster (Miami took Jaime Jaquez Jr. with the following decide). Hood-Schifino appeared in 21 video games final season, averaging 5.2 minutes regardless of offseason signing Gabe Vincent lacking a lot of the season with a knee harm. Along with a wholesome Vincent, the Lakers nonetheless have D’Angelo Russell, which means there will not be a lot room within the rotation for Hood-Schifino.
Castleton, who performed in 15 video games final season, is on a two-way contract for a second consecutive season, whereas Lewis has a typical deal and appeared in 34 video games. Neither was within the rotation in 2023-24, which appears to be the case in 2024-25. There isn’t any want to pick out any of the Lakers sophomores in redraft leagues, whereas Hood-Schifino could also be price a late-round flier in a dynasty format.
Memphis: GG Jackson
Jackson is the lone second-year participant in Memphis this season, and he will not have the ability to assist fantasy managers on opening evening. In late August, he suffered a damaged fifth metatarsal in his proper foot, with the Grizzlies asserting after surgical procedure in early September that Jackson could be re-evaluated in early December. He had some massive video games as a rookie, most notably going off for 44 factors on the ultimate day of the common season and scoring 30 or extra on three different events.
Benefitting from the Grizzlies being down a number of gamers resulting from harm, Jackson averaged 14.6 factors, 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.5 blocks, and a pair of.1 3-pointers in 25.7 minutes. Beginning 18 of the 48 video games he performed, Jackson shot 42.8% from the sector and 75.2% from the foul line. With Memphis getting its key gamers again and his foot harm, Jackson is not definitely worth the danger of drafting in most leagues. And for many who could also be attempting to find streaming worth in the course of the season, Vince Williams Jr. could show to be a greater possibility.
Miami: Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Chosen with the 18th general decide within the 2023 draft, Jaquez was a beneficial addition to the Warmth rotation. Making 75 appearances, he averaged 11.9 factors, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 3-pointers in 28.2 minutes, capturing 48.9% from the sector and 81.1% from the foul line. Ending the season ranked simply outdoors the highest 100 in per-game fantasy worth, Jaquez completed within the prime 10 in voting for Rookie and Sixth Man of the 12 months. With the Warmth dropping Caleb Martin in free company, Jaquez could tackle extra tasks in his second NBA season. Nonetheless, that does not imply fantasy managers ought to count on a top-100 season from the previous UCLA standout. Jaquez ought to as soon as once more present stable late-round worth in customary leagues.
Milwaukee: Andre Jackson Jr., Chris Livingston
With Jackson and Livingston being second-round picks, not a lot was anticipated from both final season concerning fantasy worth. And that is how issues performed out, with the previous ending outdoors the highest 350 in per-game worth and the latter outdoors the highest 400. Jackson did play in 57 video games, seeing extra motion than anticipated resulting from accidents to extra established gamers. Nonetheless, he solely averaged 10.0 minutes per sport, so this wasn’t a major enhance. With the Bucks clearly in “win now” mode, do not count on a lot to vary for Jackson or Livingston in 2024-25. There isn’t any want to contemplate choosing both in drafts.
Minnesota: Leonard Miller
A second-round decide, Miller solely appeared in 17 video games for the Timberwolves final season. Whereas the upside makes him price a glance in dynasty leagues, the identical cannot be stated for redrafts. The Timberwolves are deep on the ahead positions, and Karl-Anthony Cities being the beginning energy ahead limits the accessible minutes much more. For Miller to supply any worth, Minnesota would should be hit exhausting by accidents, and that might solely be as a streamer.
New Orleans: Jordan Hawkins
Hawkins match into the again finish of the Pelicans rotation as a rookie, transferring into the beginning lineup on 10 events when the workforce was with out Brandon Ingram or CJ McCollum. The previous UConn standout averaged 7.8 factors, 2.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.3 steals, and 1.6 3-pointers in 17.3 minutes, capturing 38.2% from the sector and 83.8% from the foul line. As one would count on, Hawkins didn’t present constant fantasy worth, and he was not often definitely worth the danger as a streamer. The addition of Dejounte Murray makes him an much more troublesome play in 2024-25, because the Pelicans didn’t lose any of their different veteran guards. Whereas price a glance in dynasty leagues, particularly if New Orleans makes a transfer in-season, Hawkins does not should be chosen in most redraft codecs.
New York: Jacob Toppin
After ending the 2023-24 season on a two-way contract, Toppin is again with the Knicks on comparable phrases for the 2024-25 marketing campaign. He appeared in 9 video games as a rookie and appears poised to spend most of his time within the G League this season. Even when the Knicks had been hit exhausting by accidents on the energy ahead place, as they had been final season, Toppin wouldn’t be worthy of a glance as a streamer.
Oklahoma Metropolis: Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace
After lacking what ought to have been his rookie season resulting from a foot harm, Holmgren made his anticipated debut final season. And any sturdiness issues went out the window, as he performed all 82 video games whereas serving to lead Oklahoma Metropolis to the highest seed within the Western Convention. Holmgren completed second in Rookie of the 12 months voting, posting averages of 16.5 factors, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 3-pointers in 29.4 minutes. The 7-foot-1 ahead/heart shot 53.0% from the sector, 37.0% from three, and 79.3% from the foul line, offering prime 20 per-game worth in 9-cat codecs and prime 10 worth in totals.
The rotation will change some, as Oklahoma Metropolis added Isaiah Hartenstein in free company, and the expectation is that he’ll begin alongside Holmgren. May this profit Holmgren within the blocks class? Throughout his lone season at Gonzaga, he averaged 3.7 blocks per sport enjoying alongside one other massive in Drew Timme. School and the NBA are two completely different offers. That stated, having the ability to play a “free security” function extra typically might make Holmgren much more beneficial to fantasy managers than he already is. He ought to come off the board within the second spherical of most drafts.
Wallace additionally performed all 82 video games final season, carving out a task for himself inside Oklahoma Metropolis’s bench unit. He did make 13 begins as a rookie, ending with averages of 6.8 factors, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 1.2 3-pointers in 20.6 minutes. Wallace accomplished the season ranked outdoors the highest 150 in 9-cat per sport worth and was simply outdoors the highest 100 in totals resulting from availability. His function could not change a lot, because the Thunder acquired Alex Caruso from the Bulls in trade for Josh Giddey. The query is whether or not or not Wallace will see extra time on the ball as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s backup. SGA averaged 34.0 minutes per sport, so there will not be many minutes accessible in that function. Nevertheless it’s a begin for a promising younger expertise in Wallace, who could have some in-season worth to managers in deeper leagues.
Orlando: Anthony Black, Jett Howard
Neither Black nor Howard impacted fantasy basketball a lot, though the previous made 33 begins as a rookie. Ending the season simply inside the highest 400 in per-game worth, Black accounted for 4.6 factors, 2.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.5 3-pointers in 16.9 minutes. And that was with Markelle Fultz lacking 39 video games resulting from harm. Orlando nonetheless has Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony and forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who even have alternatives to function major playmakers. That significantly limits Black’s fantasy potential, and there is little motive to contemplate choosing him in redraft leagues.
The identical will be stated for Howard, who was restricted to 18 NBA video games as a rookie. Whereas the potential to offer perimeter capturing is there, Orlando appeared to handle this situation by signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free company. Howard performed 3.7 minutes per sport in his 18 appearances, and there does not seem like a lot room for a major enhance in enjoying time.
Philadelphia: Ricky Council IV
Council did sufficient to earn 30 appearances for the 76ers final season, and he’ll go into coaching camp hoping to ensure his contract for the 2024-25 marketing campaign. The athletic wing accounted for five.4 factors, 1.4 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.4 3-pointers in 9.0 minutes, so there wasn’t a lot to be gained from streaming Council. Add within the modifications Philadelphia made this offseason, most notably by signing Paul George, and there might not be a lot room for the Council to point out what he can do.
Portland: Toumani Camara, Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, Rayan Rupert
Final season marked the start of a brand new period in Portland, with the Blazers choosing Henderson third general after which buying and selling Damian Lillard simply earlier than the beginning of coaching camp. Scoot started the season as a starter, however a sprained proper ankle sidelined him for 3 weeks. Chauncey Billups introduced the Rookie off the bench upon his return, with Henderson not getting one other begin till December 28. He made 32 begins, averaging 15.9 factors, 3.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.7 3-pointers in 32.3 minutes. Whereas Henderson’s averages as a starter had been higher than his numbers when introduced off the bench, he additionally averaged 4.4 turnovers in that function.
Turnovers and inefficient capturing had been his downfall in fantasy, with Scoot ending effectively outdoors the highest 300 in per-game worth. Bettering in these areas might be important, and one other query to contemplate is how a lot Henderson will share the courtroom with Anfernee Simons. Enjoying these two collectively left Portland at a drawback defensively, with the tandem being outscored by 20.4 factors per 100 possessions, in line with Basketball Reference. And a small backcourt is what Portland caught with for years when the franchise had Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. To return down that path after pulling the plug on the Lillard/McCollum tandem could be an attention-grabbing alternative.
As for Henderson’s fantasy worth, early draft outcomes present that managers count on a significantly better second season from him. And that is honest, particularly if Portland’s different established scorers can stay wholesome. Nonetheless, the chances and turnovers could relegate Scoot to late-round decide standing, particularly in class leagues.
Camara confirmed probably the most promise as a rookie of the opposite three second-year Blazers. Acquired from Phoenix as a part of the Lillard commerce, he began 49 of the 70 video games he appeared in. Camara did not crack the highest 200 in fantasy worth, averaging 7.5 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 0.8 3-pointers in 24.8 minutes. His worth in 2024-25 relies upon partially on the supply of Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe, who performed 54 and 32 video games final season. Additionally, the addition of Deni Avdija means there’s one other younger wing competing for rotation minutes.
Murray and Rupert are in the same place to Camara, with each enjoying extra minutes as soon as Portland started to close down a few of its veterans. None qualify as must-draft gamers, though there could also be a time once they’re definitely worth the streaming danger.
Sacramento: Colby Jones
Jones was the thirty fourth general decide within the 2023 draft, and he noticed his most in depth motion with the Kings’ G League affiliate in Stockton. With Sacramento, he made 30 appearances, averaging 2.1 factors, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 6.4 minutes. This wasn’t sufficient time for Jones to impression fantasy basketball, and he performed 10 minutes or extra on seven events. Sacramento could have misplaced Harrison Barnes this summer season, however that was a part of the commerce that landed the workforce DeMar DeRozan. With Keegan Murray persevering with to determine prominently within the Kings’ plans, Jones is unlikely to have the ability to supply respected fantasy worth.
San Antonio: Victor Wembanyama, Sidy Cissoko
Wembanyama arrived in San Antonio amidst a lot hype, a lot in order that some could have puzzled if he might clear the bar. The 7-foot-4 Frenchman answered the bell, placing collectively probably the greatest rookie seasons in latest NBA historical past. Wemby performed 71 video games, averaging 21.4 factors, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, 3.6 blocks, and 1.8 3-pointers in 29.7 minutes, capturing 46.5% from the sector and 79.6% from the foul line. The manufacturing was adequate for Wembanyama to win Rookie of the 12 months whereas ending second within the Defensive Participant of the 12 months voting.
Fantasy-wise, he was a top-10 participant, and final season could have represented Wemby’s flooring. And after a stellar displaying on the Paris Olympics, he seems able to take over basketball very quickly. In fantasy basketball, one of many important questions in class leagues is who must be the primary general decide: Wembanyama or Nikola Jokic? Wembanyama ought to go no decrease than two in class league drafts, whereas roto codecs can introduce a reputation like Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Both approach, managers who land Wembanyama will take a major step in direction of league glory.
Cissoko was effectively off the radar in fantasy, as he solely appeared in 12 video games and ranked effectively outdoors the highest 300 in per-game worth. There isn’t any want even to contemplate choosing him in fantasy drafts.
Toronto: Gradey Dick
Gradey performed 60 video games as a rookie, with accidents limiting him to seven video games between November 22 and January 18. The excellent news was that he solely missed yet one more sport from that time onward, averaging 11.2 factors, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.9 3-pointers in 25.9 minutes. For the season, Gradey averaged 8.5 factors, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.5 3-pointers in 21.1 minutes, proving to be primarily a factors and triples possibility in deep leagues. With Toronto including RJ Barrett by way of commerce final season and having a wholesome Scottie Barnes within the fold, it could be troublesome for the 2023 first-round decide to earn the minutes wanted to impression fantasy basketball. Bruce Brown underwent knee surgical procedure on September 20 and is unlikely to be prepared for the beginning of coaching camp, and this might liberate extra alternatives for Gradey to contribute. Nonetheless, this is not sufficient to justify his choice in most drafts.
Utah: Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh
Of Utah’s three first-round picks, George figured most prominently within the rotation final season. He began 44 of 75 appearances, averaging 13.0 factors, 2.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.5 steals, and a pair of.0 3-pointers in 27.0 minutes, capturing 39.1% from the sector and 84.8% from the foul line. George’s lack of defensive manufacturing and poor field-goal proportion restricted his worth in fantasy, with the previous Baylor guard ending the season ranked outdoors the highest 300. His play improved all through Summer season League motion, particularly regarding operating a workforce, which was a constructive growth for the Jazz. George must be Utah’s start line guard this season, with the function placing him on the radar as a late-round possibility in most leagues.
Hendricks’ defensive manufacturing makes him a greater late-round goal than Sensabaugh, who solely performed 4 video games earlier than the February commerce deadline. Hendricks completed his rookie season with averages of seven.3 factors, 4.6 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 1.3 3-pointers in 21.4 minutes. As for Sensabaugh, he accounted for 7.5 factors, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.4 steals, and 1.1 3-pointers in 18.3 minutes. Whereas Hendricks is undoubtedly price taking a late-round flier on in deep leagues, Sensabaugh is somebody most managers could be sensible to depart alone. Nonetheless, with Utah showing unlikely to contend for a postseason spot, each gamers are price submitting away for the post-deadline portion of the schedule.
Washington: Bilal Coulibaly, Tristan Vukcevic
With the Wizards buying and selling Bradley Beal final offseason, it turned clear that the 2023-24 season could be the beginning of a rebuild. Coulibaly, the seventh general decide within the 2023 draft, was one participant in line to play prolonged minutes because of the absences doubtlessly. He confirmed flashes of the potential that vaulted him into the lottery, ending with averages of 8.4 factors, 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 1.0 3-pointers in 27.2 minutes. Coulibaly’s percentages weren’t nice, however the defensive manufacturing ought to seize the eye of fantasy managers in search of out late-round worth in drafts. Washington traded Deni Avdija to Portland, which frees up much more enjoying time on the wing. Coulibaly could at the moment be a late-round possibility in drafts, however his worth might enhance because the season progresses.
Vukcevic didn’t make his NBA debut till March 23, and he reached double figures in every of his final 5 video games. Nonetheless, the Wizards signed Jonas Valanciunas in free company re-signed Marvin Bagley III and chosen Alex Sarr with the second general decide. Vukcevic may very well be in the same place to final season, having to attend till somebody is both sidelined resulting from harm or traded. There isn’t any want to contemplate choosing him in drafts.
