Tier 7
Keyonte George (PG)
Good: PTS, AST, 3PM, FT% | Bad: FG%, REB, STL, BLK, TO
The Jazz traded Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson over the offseason, leaving one of their starting spots to Keyonte George. As a sophomore, he showed signs of becoming more impactful as a scorer and facilitator, but his defence and horrid field goal percentage limited his fantasy value. While the 21-year-old’s inconsistency is dreadful, he’s in a position to bump up his output.
Brandin Podziemski (PG)
Good: TO | Average: PTS, REB, AST, STL, 3PM, FT% | Bad: FG%, BLK
Managers were hoping for Brandin Podziemski to break out last season following Klay Thompson‘s exit. While he didn’t turn any heads, he made some minor increases in a few areas, namely points, threes, steals and free throw percentage. While the 22-year-old should remain a starter and offers a little bit of everything, his inconsistency is frustrating.
Stephon Castle (PG)
Good: AST | Average: PTS, STL | Bad: FT%, REB, BLK, 3PM, FG%, TO
2024-25 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle was mostly more impactful in real life than in fantasy. However, Castle was a must-roster guy when De’Aaron Fox was shut down in the final stretch of the season. In that position, the 20-year-old posted excellent numbers, and he flashed upside as a scorer and playmaker. The addition of Dylan Harper does pose a threat to Castle’s starting gig.
Tier 8
Klay Thompson (SF)
Good: 3PM, FT%, TO | Average: PTS, BLK | Bad: FG%, REB, AST, STL
Klay Thompson’s first season with the Mavericks was a disappointing one. His production sharply declined as he recorded his worst fantasy rankings in years. The 35-year-old provides little value outside of points, threes and free-throw percentage. Still, he could have better value with Kyrie Irving out.
Donte DiVincenzo (PG)
Good: 3PM, STL | Average: PTS, AST, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, BLK, FG%
After a breakout year with the Knicks, Donte DiVincenzo’s minutes, production, and fantasy value declined with the Timberwolves. He mostly came off the bench, but he is good for points, threes and steals with increased playing time.
Collin Sexton (PG)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST | Average: 3PM, FG% | Bad: REB, STL, BLK, TO
The Jazz traded Sexton to the Hornets, where he’s expected to move to a bench role. He’ll likely still get chances to start, given the team’s injury history. The 26-year-old is a solid source of offensive numbers, but provides little on the other end.
VJ Edgecombe
Rookie
Baylor product and third overall pick VJ Edgecombe is a defensive ace with a good three-point shot. He’ll have elevated value while Jared McCain is sidelined and is likely to start, but it’s unclear how the lineup will shape up once the sophomore is healthy.
Jared McCain (PG)
Good: FT% | Average: PTS, 3PM, FG%, TO | Bad: REB, BLK, AST, STL
A UCL tear in his thumb will prevent McCain from making his season debut until early November. He also missed most of 2024-25 with an injury. For a short stretch, the 21-year-old showcased his polarizing scoring and three-point shooting abilities. Those are McCain’s biggest strengths, and he lacks outside of those areas.
Ty Jerome (PG)
Good: FG%, FT% | Average: PTS, AST, STL, 3PM, TO | Bad: REB, BLK
Following a breakout stint as the Cavaliers’ sixth man, Ty Jerome took his talents to the Grizzlies. He’ll have a similar role there, providing a bit of everything except for rebounds and blocks.
Kon Knueppel (SF)
Rookie
The Hornets selected Kon Knueppel with the fourth pick in the 2025 draft. He expects to slot in with the first unit. The 20-year-old is a three-point specialist, but has also been known to contribute some rebounds and assists.
Dylan Harper (PG)
Rookie
2025 second overall pick Dylan Harper likely won’t immediately start due to the Spurs’ crowded backcourt. Still, he should get the opportunities throughout the season. The former Rutgers guard is a good scorer, playmaker and defender, although he struggles with inconsistent shooting.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SF)
Good: TO | Average: AST, BLK, 3PM, FT% | Bad: PTS, REB, STL, FG%
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is joining the Hawks for 2025-26 following a sign-and-trade from the Timberwolves. The guard/forward is yet to crack the top 200 in category formats, but could potentially take on a heavier workload. The 27-year-old has some two-way abilities.
