Tier 3
Desmond Bane (SF)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST, STL, 3PM | Average: REB, BLK, FG% | Bad: TO
Desmond Bane was shipped to the Magic over the summer, creating a new Big Three. He’ll provide some much-needed three-point shooting, but other than that, his production isn’t expected to change much. The former Grizzly is still playing alongside two co-stars and figures to be the second or third option. Bane is an excellent two-way producer, but the main concern is his injury history, having only played over 70 matches once in his five-year career.
Austin Reaves (PG, SF)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST, 3PM | Average: REB, STL | Bad: BLK, FG%, TO
The Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Doncic in February was expected to crush Austin Reaves’ value. Instead, he posted better numbers in several categories post-trade. Overall, the fifth-year guard has continuously improved each season and is coming off his highest fantasy ranking to date. The undrafted 27-year-old is still expected to play a significant role offensively. Reaves contributes to multiple areas, with his primary shortcomings being blocks and turnovers.
Dyson Daniels (PG, SF)
Good: STL, AST, FG% | Average: PTS, REB, BLK | Bad: FT%, 3PM, TO
Thanks to a trade from the Pelicans to the Hawks, Dyson Daniels is coming off a massive breakout. The defensive stud led the league in steals and showed off his developing offensive game thanks to his starting role. He also set new career highs in nearly every category and ranked inside the top 40 in category formats. However, a poor free-throw percentage and a lack of an outside shot were the biggest holes in his game. The 22-year-old Aussie could see a slight dip in stats with the team healthy and having new additions.
Trey Murphy III
Good: FT%, PTS, 3PM | Average: REB, AST, STL, BLK, TO | Bad: FG%
The Pelicans were shorthanded for most of the season due to injuries, thrusting Trey Murphy III into a leading role. As a result, the former first-round pick posted new personal bests in multiple categories. He took the most notable leap in his scoring, averaging over 20 points for the first time. Unfortunately, his own health issues limited him to 53 games. Still, Murphy III is a strong two-way player who will play a key role on the retooled roster.
Tier 4
Zach LaVine (PG, SG)
Good: PTS, 3PM, AST, FG%, FT% | Average: STL | Bad: TO, REB, BLK
After missing most of 2023-24 with a foot injury, Zach LaVine enjoyed a bounce-back season. Although he was sent to the Kings at the trade deadline, forcing him to share the court with two co-stars. As a result, he saw a slight dip in his stats across the board, and he’ll likely post similar numbers this year. That isn’t a major cause for concern, as the 30-year-old remains a reliable fantasy option for points, threes, efficient shooting, and some assists and steals.
Coby White (SG)
Good: PTS, 3PM, AST, FG%, FT% | Average: STL | Bad: TO, REB, BLK
Coby White is in an excellent position to build off his solid 2024-25 campaign as he stands to benefit from LaVine’s absence. The 25-year-old’s primary source of value lies in the offensive categories, and he’ll need to step up more as a scorer and playmaker. However, the defensive end is where he lacks. White is currently dealing with a calf strain that will limit him during preseason. The former seventh overall pick should be good to go for the regular season.
Josh Hart (SF, PF)
Good: REB, AST, STL, FG% | Average: PTS, BLK, FT% | Bad: 3PM, TO
The Knicks’ star-studded starting lineup couldn’t get in the way of Josh Hart having a career year. He improved his fantasy ranking from 2023-24 by nearly 100 spots in category formats. The Swiss Army knife can do it all on both ends of the court, and three-pointers are usually the typical weak spot in his game. Hart’s 37.6 MPG was the second-highest in the league, which is likely to decrease with Mike Brown taking over as head coach.
