With the All-Star break, and over half of the NBA season behind us, it is time to re-evaluate the 2013-14 NBA rookie class, and their potential fantasy value moving forward. Rookies oftentimes become much more fantasy relevant after the all-star break. Now is the time for you to get a step ahead of your fantasy league with the knowledge of which rookies to keep an eye on as we enter the final stretch of the 2013-14 fantasy basketball season.
Midseason Fantasy Basketball Report: Top 5 Rookies to Watch
While there are several factors that go into determining a rookie’s potential late-season fantasy value, the most notable of these is the prospective playing time that he will receive. This, almost always, is directly tied into the teams win-loss record. A team with a legitimate shot of making the playoffs is far less likely to give substantial playing time to a rookie than a team with little to no chance of qualifying for the postseason.
Here are the top five NBA rookies to keep an eye on throughout the remainder of the fantasy basketball season:
1. Michael Carter-Williams (PG), Philadelphia 76ers (17.1 PPG. 5.4 RPG, 6.4 APG).
An obvious selection at to make this list at No. 1, Williams, from a fantasy perspective, has been hands down the best rookie in this draft class. He has consistently put up good numbers across the board, and will continue to do so as the focal point of this 76er’s offense.
2. Victor Oladipo (SG), Orlando Magic (13.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.0 APG).
Another obvious choice, Victor Oladipo has put up very respectable numbers, especially considering that he has been playing behind Arron Afflalo on the depth chart. The good news is, however, that the Orlando Magic currently own the NBA’s third-worst record, which should definetely lead to an increase in playing time for Oladipo moving forward.
3. Trey Burke (PG), Utah Jazz (12.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.5 APG).
As the starting point guard for arguably the NBA’s worst offense, Burke’s play has been frustrating at time. He is, however, a rookie starting point guard and therefore holds tremendous potential fantasy value. Expect his play to improve mightily throughout the second half of the NBA season.
4. Tim Hardaway, Jr (SG), New York Knicks (9.2 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.9 APG).
Although his playing time has been severely limited thus far, he is a prime candidate to see his minutes increase with the poor play of Iman Shumpart and J.R. Smith.
5. Anthony Bennett (PF), Cleveland Cavaliers (3.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.3 APG).
Yes, the former No. 1 draft pick is still alive, and, believe it or not, he is playing the best basketball of his young NBA career. Granted, that is not saying much, but he is a prospect with tremendous upside, and time will tell if that translates to fantasy relevant on-court production this year or not.
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