NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
NBA Fantasy Rookies Who Could Surprise in Year 1
The 2024 draft class has been widely criticized, but it will impact the fantasy landscape.
The worst rookie class of the last 20 years, 2013-14, produced three players who finished with a theoretically roster-worthy fantasy rank (there are 156 players rostered in a standard league, so players who ranked at or above 156th). That was the infamous Anthony Bennett draft. Yet, for all its faults, that class still had large fantasy impacts in the short- (Michael Carter-Williams), medium- (CJ McCollum), and long-term (Giannis Antetokounmpo and Rudy Gobert).
Most years, rookies make an even larger impact. Roughly three rookies per season finish with a top-100 rank on average — a rank equivalent to a regular fantasy starter. In some recent seasons, we’ve seen double-digit rookies rank above 156th.
This rookie class likely will be worse than several recent draft classes, but the first-year players will still impact the upcoming fantasy season. With the expectations so low, the rookies who do succeed could provide additional value.
Let’s look at some rookies who could surprise:
Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are in an interesting spot. They have a deep roster, plenty of talent and a potential superstar, yet they are widely projected as a middle-of-the-pack team in the Western Conference. Part of their problem is their mismatched roster. On offense, their six best players all play either point guard or small forward. On defense, those same six include two lock-down wing defenders, one player who defends guards, and three players you hope to hide on the opposing team’s aging power forward. Notably missing: anyone who plays center.
Enter Missi, a 20-year-old out of Baylor selected with the 21st pick in last June’s draft. While pro comps for draft prospects are often problematic, one name is unavoidable for Missi: Clint Capela. If Missi hits as a pro, then his skill set will likely be similar to Capela’s game. Strong defensive fundamentals, high athleticism, weak shooting, good rebounding and around-the-rim finishing. In the seasons when Capela averaged between 23 and…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-fantasy-rookies-could-surprise-090200774.html
Author : RotoWire.com
Publish date : 2024-09-20 09:02:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
