Fantasy Basketball: Ameer Tyree's Studs and Duds

By Ameer Tyree

Figuring out worth is important to fantasy basketball drafts, but it surely’s an inexact science. With that in thoughts, the Rotoworld workers has recognized a number of of its “studs” and “duds” forward of the 2024-25 season, predicting high- and low-value choices projected to go within the early, center, and late rounds of drafts. Final up is Ameer Tyree, who has no reservations concerning the fantasy worth of Charlotte’s younger level guard.

STUD: LaMelo Ball

Ball solely appeared in 22 video games final season however notched profession highs in factors (23.9) and steals (1.8) per sport. The Hornets’ do-it-all level guard additionally tallied 8.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds per contest. Whereas Ball’s turnover averages have risen since his rookie 12 months, he stays among the many greatest high-upside fantasy prospects.

Fantasy managers are certain to be skeptical about Ball. He’s performed 58 video games over the earlier two seasons due to accidents. Ball posted 25.2 factors, 8.8 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per 36 minutes throughout these campaigns whereas sinking greater than 3.0 three-pointers per outing. The Hornets lack depth however have a pair of efficient scoring wings in Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges. That duo’s offensive help will help Ball elevate his sport to a different stage. You need to look to focus on Ball if he falls out of the primary spherical of your fantasy draft, as different gamers who’ve been wholesome just lately ought to stay the precedence.

DUD: Tyrese Haliburton

Haliburton was considered one of final season’s largest surprises. The Indiana Pacers level guard thrived as a flooring common and completed because the NBA’s help chief. He racked up double-doubles with ease because of averages of 20.1 factors and 10.9 assists per sport. Haliburton didn’t flip the ball over a lot, shot effectively for a lot of the season, and contributed on the defensive finish.

Haliburton ought to stay one of many higher fantasy level guard choices in 2024-25, however his numbers dropped considerably following the acquisition of Pascal Siakam. Haliburton averaged 16.9 factors and 9.5 assists via 36 outings with Siakam within the common season. These numbers are nothing to scoff at, and Haliburton will get an opportunity to come back into his second full season with the Pacers with improved staff chemistry and well being. Fantasy managers must be cautious of constructing him their first choose off the board now that he has a official co-star.

STUD: Jalen Johnson

Johnson’s breakout season flew underneath the radar final season. The Hawks wing tallied 16.1 factors, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per sport whereas taking pictures 51.1% from the sphere in his third NBA season. He unexpectedly doubled his common enjoying time from the earlier season and logged 33.7 minutes per contest via 56 video games. The Duke product is about to take one other leap in 2024-25.

Johnson might blossom into Atlanta’s common second scoring possibility alongside Bogdan Bogdanovic now, as Dejounte Murray has left to Be part of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Hawks’ lack of dependable swingmen to carry off the bench will help Johnson end the 12 months as a top-50 fantasy participant. Don’t be stunned if he outperforms a number of gamers who usually get All-Star consideration.

DUD: Buddy Hield

Dud: Two of the NBA’s greatest three-point shooters are paring up in Golden State. Hield is about to assist fill the void left by Klay Thompson with the Warriors. No participant has made extra pictures from lengthy vary than Hield during the last 5 seasons. There’s cause to be skeptical about his match with the Dubs alongside Curry and firm.

Hield’s taking pictures percentages have been stable at his final two stops. Nonetheless, he averaged lower than 13.0 factors per sport along with his final two groups and fell utterly out of the rotation at occasions with the Philadelphia 76ers. I’m not satisfied he’ll match proper in with the motion and protection that the Warriors prioritize.

Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton will probably be vital contributors, because of their defensive versatility. I wouldn’t be stunned if Hield fell effectively wanting expectations with these two within the fold. He’s price rostering as a three-point specialist, however ready to get him just a little later than the place he’s projected to go in drafts shouldn’t damage you an excessive amount of.

STUD: Malcolm Brogdon

The 2023 Sixth Man of the Yr has a brand new staff. Brogdon averaged 15.7 factors, 5.5 assists, and three.8 rebounds per sport in 39 appearances with the Portland Path Blazers. Now he’s set to take over start line guard duties with the Washington Wizards in 2024-25. Jordan Poole wasn’t able to run an offense in his first season with Washington, however Brogdon is and may step proper in for Tyus Jones.

Brogdon has posted at the very least 15.0 factors and 5.0 assists per sport, taking pictures higher than 44% from the sphere and 38% from deep in three of his earlier 4 campaigns. He won’t put up eye-popping numbers, however he’s an environment friendly scorer and playmaker who doesn’t flip the ball over. I feel Washington will lean on his consistency as they appear to rebuild.

DUD: Scoot Henderson

Henderson did his greatest with the alternatives he was given as a rookie. He posted some stable stat strains right here and there however wasn’t safe with the ball and shot poorly from the sphere and long-range. Portland’s backcourt is fascinating, and I can’t say I’m assured in banking on Henderson as a starter or reserve level guard.

Anfernee Simons ought to stay the lead guard, and Shaedon Sharpe will give Henderson a run for his cash as a member of the beginning backcourt. Fantasy managers shouldn’t financial institution on an enormous bounce for Henderson. His streakiness and the combo guards he’ll must compete with for a dependable function appear prone to maintain him again in 12 months two.