Unlocking the Fantasy Potential: NBA Players to Watch in 2024-25
As the NBA offseason winds down, the focus shifts to the upcoming season and the potential fantasy impact of player movements and roster changes. With the summer league and Paris Olympics now behind us, it's time to explore the players whose fantasy values could see a significant boost in the 2024-25 campaign. From rising stars to veteran playmakers, these athletes are poised to make a lasting impression on fantasy basketball managers.
Elevating Your Fantasy Roster: The NBA's Hidden Gems
Josh Giddey: A Change of Scenery, a Change of Fortunes
After a promising sophomore season, Josh Giddey found himself in a crowded Oklahoma City Thunder roster, leading to a dip in his fantasy production. However, the young point guard's fortunes have taken a turn with his recent trade to the Chicago Bulls. This change of scenery could be the catalyst for a resurgence in Giddey's fantasy value.The Bulls, in need of a rebuild and improved playmaking, have acquired Giddey in a surprising offseason move. This presents an opportunity for the Australian prodigy to take on a larger role and showcase his versatile skill set. Giddey's impressive performance in the Paris Olympics, where he averaged 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.3 3-pointers, has only added to the excitement surrounding his potential.While the sustainability of his perimeter shooting accuracy remains a question mark, the move to Chicago should result in Giddey assuming a more prominent role than he would have had in Oklahoma City. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Giddey's development, as his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories could make him a valuable asset in the upcoming season.
Chris Paul: Rejuvenation in San Antonio
The veteran point guard, Chris Paul, experienced a dip in production during his lone season with the Golden State Warriors, primarily due to injuries and a reduced role. However, his move to the San Antonio Spurs presents an opportunity for a resurgence in his fantasy value.With the Spurs in need of a veteran presence to guide their young talent, particularly the highly anticipated Victor Wembanyama, Paul's experience and playmaking skills could be a perfect fit. While it may be unrealistic to expect Paul to easily crack the top 50 in fantasy value, the move to San Antonio and the chance to share the court with Wembanyama should benefit both the player and the fantasy managers who select him in drafts.Paul's ability to orchestrate an offense and create opportunities for his teammates could be a valuable asset for the Spurs as they look to accelerate their rebuilding process. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Paul's performance and health, as his potential to bounce back from a down year could make him a savvy late-round pick.
Mitchell Robinson's fantasy value has long been tied to his ability to stay healthy, and the 2023-24 season was no exception. The Knicks center's campaign was marred by an ankle injury that limited him to just 31 games. However, with the expectation that he'll be ready to go when the new season begins, fantasy managers should be excited about the potential for a bounce-back year.When healthy, Robinson is one of the most dominant rim protectors and offensive rebounders in the NBA. His field goal percentage is consistently high, as the majority of his shots come from within the restricted area. The concern, however, remains his free-throw shooting, which has been a weakness throughout his career.If Robinson can manage to stay relatively healthy, the positives he brings to the table, such as his elite shot-blocking and rebounding, could outweigh the negatives. Fantasy managers willing to punt the free-throw category may find Robinson to be a valuable asset, especially if he can avoid the injury issues that have plagued him in the past.
Terance Mann: Stepping Up in the Clippers' Rotation
Terance Mann's fantasy value was limited last season, as he found himself occupying a space between the Clippers' star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. However, with George's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, and the ongoing health concerns surrounding Leonard, Mann's fantasy prospects have become more intriguing.Mann's ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories, including points, rebounds, assists, and steals, makes him a potential late-round gem for fantasy managers. While he didn't crack the top 200 in 9-cat formats last season, the changes to the Clippers' roster could open the door for Mann to exceed those expectations in the upcoming campaign.With Leonard's health remaining a question mark, and the Clippers in need of reliable production from their supporting cast, Mann's opportunity to shine has increased. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his preseason performance and early-season usage, as a strong start could propel him to become a valuable fantasy asset.
Christian Braun: Filling the Void in Denver
Similar to Terance Mann, Christian Braun finds himself in a position to potentially increase his fantasy value due to roster changes within his team. The departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from the Denver Nuggets has created an opening in the starting lineup, and Braun is poised to be the frontrunner to fill that void.Braun's defensive prowess and ability to contribute in various statistical categories could make him an intriguing late-round pick for fantasy managers. While his rookie season didn't result in top-300 value in 9-cat formats, the opportunity to play alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray as a starter could provide Braun with the necessary platform to showcase his skills.The key for Braun will be his 3-point shooting, as he'll need to replicate the production and efficiency that Caldwell-Pope provided from beyond the arc. If Braun can establish himself as a reliable perimeter threat, he could become a valuable fantasy asset, especially in deeper leagues or as a late-round flier.As the NBA offseason winds down and the 2024-25 season approaches, these players represent the potential hidden gems that could elevate your fantasy basketball roster. From rising stars to veteran playmakers, each of these athletes offers unique opportunities for fantasy managers to gain a competitive edge. Keep a close eye on their preseason and early-season performances, as their fantasy values could see a significant boost in the coming campaign.
