Tier 7
Malik Monk (SG, SF)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST, STL, 3PM | Average: REB, BLK, FG% | Bad: TO
For most of the first half of 2024-25, Malik Monk didn’t get much attention. It wasn’t until January that his production skyrocketed and became more consistent. The Fox trade further boosted his value, and the 27-year-old recorded a career season. He’s expected to continue starting for the Kings, which bodes well for his offensive production.
D’Angelo Russell (SG)
Good: AST, FT% | Average: PTS, STL, BLK, 3PM, TO | Bad: FG%, REB
Until Kyrie Irving is back, D’Angelo Russell will fill in at the one. He’s coming off one of his lowest seasons as his efficiency plummeted, but he has a chance to turn things around for a while. The 29-year-old can score and dish out assists while providing some defensive numbers.
Reed Sheppard (SG)
Good: TO | Average: FT% | Bad: PTS, REB, FG%, AST, STL, BLK, 3PM
The Rockets’ depth left Reed Sheppard buried in the rotation in his rookie year. However, VanVleet’s injury leaves a gaping hole in the backcourt. It’s unclear if the 21-year-old will start or come off the bench, but either way, he’s poised to see a lot more action. In Summer League, the sophomore showcased his three-level scoring, playmaking and defensive production.
Isaiah Collier (SG)
Good: AST | Average: STL | Bad: 3PM, TO, PTS, REB, BLK, FG%, FT%
The Jazz traded two guards in the summer, providing Isaiah Collier with a starting job. He received plenty of action in that role during his rookie season, and he had promising numbers in points, assists, rebounds and steals across 46 starts. The USC product will be responsible for commanding the offence and facilitating. His three-point shooting, turnovers and inefficiency need improvement.
Kevin Porter Jr. (SG)
Average: AST, STL, FT%, TO | Bad: 3PM, PTS, REB, BLK, FG%
The aftermath of the Bucks’ shocking decision to waive Damian Lillard leaves Kevin Porter Jr. as the projected starting point guard. He was previously a full-time member of the first unit for the Rockets, where he posted good numbers in points, rebounds, assists, steals and threes. The 25-year-old could return similar value in 2025-26.
Bub Carrington (SG)
Good: AST | Average: 3PM, FT%, TO | Bad: FG%, PTS, REB, STL, BLK
Bub Carrington strung together a solid rookie campaign. His workload is expected to increase as the Wizards continue to develop him. The 20-year-old should start at the one spot, and he’ll have CJ McCollum mentoring him in the backcourt. Carrington has great potential, but he does need to work on his conversion rate and defence.
Jrue Holiday (SG)
Good: FT%, TO | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM | Bad: PTS, REB, FG%
The Celtics traded Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers following a disappointing season. He’ll begin 2025-26 as the team’s starting point guard while Scoot Henderson is sidelined with an injury. It’s likely that the 35-year-old will eventually revert to the bench, given that his production has significantly dropped off since leaving the Bucks and Portland is leaning into their youth movement.
Tier 8
Kyrie Irving (SG)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST, STL, 3PM | Average: REB, BLK, FG% | Bad: TO
The Mavericks are without Irving until January 2026 as he rehabs from a torn ACL. However, the team will be cautious with his return, so managers must consider whether it’s worth drafting the nine-time All-Star for only a few months’ worth of production. Irving is extremely versatile and can be a top-15 fantasy player. Additionally, his only weakness is turnovers, which he has reduced.
Chris Paul
Good: AST, STL, FT% | Average: 3PM, TO | Bad: PTS, REB, BLK, FG%
As he nears the end of his career, Chris Paul’s main fantasy asset is his playmaking, with some steals and threes. The 40-year-old signed with the Clippers this offseason and will serve as a backup to Harden. Also, don’t be fooled by his 82-game season last year, durability is a big concern.
Scoot Henderson
Good: AST | Average: PTS, STL, 3PM, FT% | Bad: FG%, REB, BLK, TO
Henderson has yet to live up to the expectations of being a top-three pick. Between a bench role, inconsistency, poor efficiency and high turnovers, his value has been limited. Still, the 21-year-old enters this season with a chance to prove himself. The Trail Blazers made some changes that give the young guard a chance to step up. Henderson could be a starter at some point, but he’ll miss the beginning of the season after suffering a hamstring tear.
Davion Mitchell
Good: AST | Average: STL, FG%, TO | Bad: REB, PTS, BLK, 3PM, FT%
Davion Mitchell received plenty of playing time when he was traded to the Heat in February and provided decent points, assists, steals and threes. While the addition of Norman Powell hurts him, the 27-year-old will have increased value at the beginning of the season while Herro is sidelined and whenever else he misses time.
T.J. McConnell
Good: AST, FG% | Average: STL, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, 3PM, PTS, BLK
With Haliburton being sidelined, T.J. McConnell figures to remain on the bench as he backs up Nembhard instead. He should still see more action, and he offers good points, assists, steals and shooting splits when asked to shoulder a heavier workload.
Lonzo Ball (SG)
Good: STL, TO | Average: AST, BLK, 3PM, FT% | Bad: FG%, PTS, REB
Lonzo Ball made his long-awaited return to the court after making his last appearance in 2021-22. While injuries were still a factor, limiting him to 35 matches, he showed his defensive prowess and glimpses of his two-way abilities. The former second-overall pick now finds himself on the Cavaliers. He’ll play a backup guard role but will likely start while Garland is out.
