New King DeMar DeRozan among NBA free agency’s fantasy basketball winners

Free agency has shaken up the NBA and, with it, the fantasy basketball landscape. Some players are heading to greener pastures, while others might see their value take a hit. And let’s not forget those who benefit from teammates moving on. I won’t touch on every trade because some dominoes need to fall regarding notable players like Brandon Ingram, Zach LaVine … and whatever the Blazers plan to do with all their veterans in the thick of a rebuild.

In this two-part series, I’ll deliver a rundown of the biggest winners and losers in free agency thus far and how they could impact your draft strategy next season. First up, the risers.

Old faces, new places

DeMar DeRozan – SF/PF, Sacramento Kings

One of the most durable and most clutch players in the NBA, DeRozan’s arrival adds that extra sauce for the Kings to get back into playoff contention. Spacing might be an issue, but I’d expect the Kings to utilize his athleticism and pace up to create more opportunities on offense. There will be some sacrifice here, but a floor of 22/5/5 is nothing to sneeze at.

Draft projection: Fifth-Sixth round

Paul George – SG/SF/PF, Philadelphia 76ers

I like the landing spot, but I don’t see much change in George’s fantasy outlook as a member of the Sixers. He effectively replaces Tobias Harris, and he’ll be a far better shot creator, playmaker and defender IRL and fantasy. Playing with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid will increase his assist percentage and, if everything else holds firm, George will be a valuable asset in the early rounds.

Draft projection: Second round

Josh Giddey – PG/SG/SF, Chicago Bulls

Giddey’s stock is up after falling out of favor in Oklahoma City over the past year. His size and versatility offer a unique opportunity in Chicago alongside Coby White and Zach LaVine (for now), and Giddey should see an uptick in both minutes and production in the Windy City.

Draft projection: Seventh round

Chris Paul – PG, San Antonio Spurs

Sign me up for the CP3 & Wemby experience. I don’t care that Paul is almost over the hill — he was in the top 12 in assists and top five in assist-to-turnover ratio despite playing 26 minutes a night….

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/new-king-demar-derozan-among-nba-free-agencys-fantasy-basketball-winners-172045046.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-07-09 17:25:04

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