Tier 3
Jaylen Brown (SG)
Good: PTS, AST, STL | Average: REB 3PM, FG% | Bad: BLK, FT%, TO
The Celtics are expected to be without Jayson Tatum for almost all of the season, leaving Jaylen Brown as the next man up. He’s coming off a disappointing year, but he’ll have an excellent opportunity to redeem himself. The 28-year-old’s scoring, three-point shooting and assists should increase. He’s also an active rebounder and can grab steals. Brown’s primary shortcomings are his inefficiency at the free-throw line, blocks and turnovers. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if he puts together a career-best campaign.
Franz Wagner (PF)
Good: PTS, FT%, AST, STL | Average: REB, BLK, 3PM | Bad: FG%, TO
Franz Wagner is coming off a breakout year. He was forced to step up while Paolo Banchero was sidelined with a torn oblique, an injury that Wagner would later suffer. Still, he managed to post career highs in multiple categories and took a significant leap in his scoring. While the addition of Desmond Bane could impact some of his offensive numbers, he doesn’t pose as a notable threat to the German’s fantasy stock.
Jimmy Butler (SG, PF)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST, STL, FG% | Average: REB, TO | Bad: 3PM, BLK
Now that Jimmy Butler is on the Warriors and happy, managers shouldn’t be concerned about any suspensions or sit-outs. Injuries can still impact his availability, though, as the last time he suited up for more than 70 games was in 2016-17. The 36-year-old played well alongside Stephen Curry and could improve his production after having an offseason to adjust to the team. Butler is stellar offensively, except he’s never been much of a three-point shooter. Defensively, he can also grab some boards and steals.
Tier 4
Brandon Miller (SG, PF)
Good: 3PM, PTS, FT% | Average: REB, AST, STL, BLK | Bad: FG%, TO
Managers only got to see Brandon Miller for 27 matches after he suffered a wrist injury that required surgery. Still, that small sample was very promising, as his three-pointers surged and he made minor improvements across the board. However, having the ball in his hands led to a poor field goal percentage and a high turnover rate. The 22-year-old has excellent two-way upside and will have a significant workload as LaMelo Ball’s supporting star.
Cooper Flagg (PF)
Rookie
2025 first-overall pick Cooper Flagg is a highly anticipated generational prospect. The former Duke product is extremely versatile and will immediately be thrust into a big role for the short-handed Mavericks. The 18-year-old is already a very polished player with no major red flags to his game, except for turnovers. Flagg’s calling card is his defence, and his ceiling is incredibly high. There’s no doubt that managers will reach for him in drafts.
