Tier 5
RJ Barrett (SF, PF)
Good: PTS, REB, AST | Average: 3PM, STL, FG% | Bad: FT%, TO, BLK
While his category ranking doesn’t reflect it, RJ Barrett’s first full season with the Raptors was solid. The Canadian became more involved as a playmaker and averaged career highs in points, assists and rebounds. However, his production may take a slight hit with the addition of Brandon Ingram. Barrett is much more valuable in points formats, as his low efficiency and high turnovers cap his category impact. He especially struggled at the charity stripe, converting under 70% of his shots there for the second time.
Payton Pritchard (PG)
Good: 3PM, TO | Average: PTS, AST, STL, FG%, FT% | Bad: REB, BLK
2024-25 6MOTY winner Payton Pritchard is coming off a huge breakout. He finished just inside the top 100 in category leagues, his first time cracking the top 200. The 27-year-old was an excellent spark offensively off the bench, and he may move into the first unit thanks to his impressive play. The Celtics will rely on him more as a scorer with Jayson Tatum out. Despite only starting three games, he ranked inside the top 15 in the NBA in threes. He also offered some assists and steals on good shooting splits.
Anfernee Simons (PG)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST, 3PM | Average: STL | Bad: FG%, REB, BLK, TO
The Celtics acquired Anfernee Simons over the offseason from the Trail Blazers. It’s unclear whether he’ll start or come off the bench, but either way, he’ll see plenty of opportunities. Most of the guard’s value is tied to the offensive categories. Simons is a great source of points and threes with solid playmaking abilities, though he struggles with efficiency. While he doesn’t provide much on the other end, he could make some improvements in Boston.
Tier 6
Norman Powell (SF)
Good: PTS, 3PM, STL | Average: FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, AST, BLK
With Tyler Herro sidelined for the beginning of the season, Norman Powell is expected to get some high usage. The former Clipper is coming off a standout season in which he posted excellent numbers in points, steals and threes on solid shooting splits while the team was shorthanded. The guard/forward is not expected to post the same value given the Heat’s depth, but he remains a solid fantasy asset who can step up when called upon. However, he’s not the most versatile as he doesn’t do much else than score and grab some steals.
Bradley Beal (SF)
Good: PTS, FG% | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, FT%, TO | Bad: REB
Bradley Beal is coming off a disappointing season as most of his numbers continued to decline, especially in points. Despite that, the guard was still a solid all-around contributor. He’s now a member of the Clippers, where he’ll continue to start and be surrounded by even more talent. While that could impact his numbers, managers should worry more about his availability issues. The 32-year-old eclipsed 60 games once in the past six years.
Jaden Ivey (PG)
Good: PTS | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM | Bad: TO, REB, FG%, FT%
Jaden Ivey’s season ended prematurely in January after suffering a broken fibula. He was having a much-improved season thanks to his increased scoring and three-point output as Cade Cunningham’s right-hand man. However, poor percentages and high turnovers have limited his category league value. Still, he’s made some progress in increasing his field goal efficiency. The fourth-year guard is fully healthy for the start of 2025-26 and will look to pick up where he left off.
Bennedict Mathurin (SF)
Good: FT%| Average: PTS, REB | Bad: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, FG%
Throughout his three-year career, Bennedict Mathurin has primarily caught the attention of fantasy managers as a streamer. His inability to provide much outside of some points and rebounds has capped his value. The former sixth overall pick will have a chance to get more involved, especially offensively, with Haliburton out. Mathurin fluctuated between a bench and starting role, but should be a permanent member of the first unit for this season. Expect his field goal percentage to take a hit if his shot attempts increase.
Christian Braun (SF)
Good: FG%, FT%, TO | Average: PTS, REB, STL, BLK | Bad: AST, 3PM
After ranking outside the top 300 in his first two seasons, Christian Braun jumped inside the top 100 in his third year. The loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope over the 2024 offseason opened a starting spot for Braun, and he’ll retain that promotion. The guard/forward set new career highs in every category and is a great defender who can score with great efficiency. However, the Nuggets made a couple of changes over the offseason that could affect the 24-year-old’s impact.
Shaedon Sharpe (SF)
Good: PTS | Average: REB, AST, STL, 3PM, FT% | Bad: FG%, BLK, TO
Shaedon Sharpe has consistently improved his fantasy ranking since entering the league three years ago. He’s also emerged as a key component in Portland’s rebuild. The former seventh overall pick’s greatest asset has always been his scoring ability. He can also contribute a bit in other areas, but his numbers don’t jump off the page. Sharpe has an opportunity to take his offensive game to the next level this year. The 22-year-old was the team’s second-best scorer behind Simons in 2024-25.
Cam Thomas (PG, SF)
Good: FT%, PTS, 3PM | Average: AST | Bad: FG%, REB, STL, BLK, TO
Managers were excited for a big season from Cam Thomas following his breakout in 2024-25. However, a hamstring injury limited him to just 25 contests. In the few games he was available, the 23-year-old was on track to have a career year. Points and threes are his best assets, and his lack of stats elsewhere raises some concerns about his value in category formats. Most notably, Thomas’ outlook for 2025-26 appears bleak after he signed his qualifying offer. His role and minutes could diminish as the Nets prioritize their younger guys.
CJ McCollum (PG)
Good: PTS, AST, 3PM | Average: STL, BLK, TO | Bad: REB, FG%, FT%
The Wizards acquired CJ McCollum from the Pelicans over the offseason. His fit is a little odd given the team’s youth movement, but he’s expected to start, at least initially. At 34 years old and playing for a rebuilding team, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his stats drop. He has consistently been a good source of points, assists, and threes, but not much else outside of that. McCollum will likely either be traded or rested a lot down the stretch.
