Tier 3
Amen Thompson (SG, SF, PF)
Good: BLK, FG%, REB, STL | Average: PTS, AST | Bad: 3PM, FT%
Following the news of Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL, Amen Thompson is presented with a huge opportunity. He’s expected to shift to point guard and hold more of the playmaking role. His already elite defensive production, combined with increased scoring and assists, are all signs that point toward a big incoming season. The third-year guard/forward has thrived when given an increased workload. Just be ready for a poor free-throw percentage and few threes.
Jalen Brunson (PG)
Good: PTS, AST, 3PM, FG%, FT% | Average: STL | Bad: REB, BLK, TO
As expected with a stacked starting lineup and two big acquisitions, Jalen Brunson’s ranking took a minor hit last season. His scoring and threes slightly dipped with more offensive help, but that also led to higher assists. Regardless, Brunson is still the commander of the Knicks. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if he played a few less minutes, given Tom Thibodeau’s firing and more backcourt depth. The guard’s shortcomings mainly lie on the defensive end, and he’s also prone to turnovers.
De’Aaron Fox (SG)
Good: PTS, AST, STL, FT% | Average: REB, BLK, 3PM, FG% | Bad: TO
De’Aaron Fox played through a finger injury on his shooting hand last season, but he underwent surgery to repair it. However, he won’t be ready for October, as he’s still recovering from a hamstring issue. He’s entering his first full year with a Spurs team that has a generational talent and plenty of young players sharing the backcourt with him. While that may slightly impact his numbers, he made significant strides in one of his biggest weaknesses by converting over 80% of his free throws for the first time.
LaMelo Ball (SG)
Good: PTS, AST, 3PM, FT% | Average: REB, STL | Bad: FG%, TO, BLK
Drafting LaMelo Ball is a very high-risk, high-reward scenario. On the one hand, you get an excellent scorer, three-point shooter and playmaker who is so dominant offensively. On the other hand, there’s a good chance he’ll spend more of the season on the sidelines than on the court, and he’ll tank your field goal percentage and turnovers. The 24-year-old has only played 55+ games once in his five-year career due to ankle and wrist issues, but Ball’s star talent is enticing.
Tier 4
Josh Giddey (SG, SF)
Good: AST, REB, STL | Average: PTS, BLK, FG%, FT% | Bad: TO, 3PM
After a disappointing year with the Thunder, Josh Giddey looked rejuvenated with the Bulls. He earned his best fantasy ranking yet and set new career highs in multiple categories. Now that he’s signed a hefty contract to return to Chicago, and with the team moving Zach LaVine at last year’s trade deadline, Giddey can have a huge season. The guard/forward is a jack of all trades, although he’s never been much of a three-point shooter. Also, his turnovers increased with the ball in his hands more.
Derrick White (SG)
Good: 3PM, AST, BLK, FT% | Average: PTS, REB, STL, TO | Bad: FG%
The Celtics are likely to be without superstar Jayson Tatum for the entire season, so they’ll rely more on guys like Derrick White. The 31-year-old has been a reliable source of production even when the team is at full strength, so he’s in for a big year. Expect the guard’s minutes and offensive stats to increase as he shoulders a heavier workload. While his numbers don’t jump off the page (except in threes, as he ranked in the top 10 in the league), White is very versatile.
Jamal Murray (SG)
Good: AST, FT%, PTS, STL, 3PM | Average: BLK, FG% | Bad: REB, TO
Jamal Murray’s production over the past few seasons has been relatively similar. He’s solidified himself as a consistent source of offensive numbers and steals, and his typical shortcomings are rebounds and turnovers. Murray also has a lengthy injury history, and he hasn’t played more than 70 games since the 2018-19 season. The Canadian’s role hasn’t changed much during most of his time with the Nuggets, and he has served as an excellent supporting star to Nikola Jokic.
