Tier 5
Kawhi Leonard (PF)
Good: STL, PTS, FG% | Average: REB, AST, BLK, 3PM, FT%, TO
It’s a very high-risk, high-reward decision to draft Kawhi Leonard. He’s proven to be able to provide top-10 value, but he’s only eclipsed 70 games twice in his 13-year career. The 34-year-old underwent a knee procedure over the offseason and is reportedly healthy. That doesn’t mean he won’t still get plenty of rest days. Overall, Leonard is a very enticing player with few holes in his game. The Clipper is a guy who can do it all, even with his numbers not being what they used to be.
DeMar DeRozan (PF)
Good: FT%, PTS, AST | Average: STL, BLK, FG%, TO | Bad: REB, 3PM
DeMar DeRozan’s first season with the Kings resulted in his lowest fantasy ranking in years. Sharing the court with two co-stars meant he had a little bit less to do. The minor dips in multiple categories were enough to boot him from the top 50 in category leagues. But that doesn’t mean the 36-year-old isn’t a valuable asset. He offers points, assists, good shooting splits and some stocks. DeRozan’s worst stat has consistently been threes, though he averaged more than one for the second time in his career.
Brandon Ingram (SG, PF)
Good: PTS, AST, 3PM, FT% | Average: REB, STL, BLK, FG% | Bad: TO
Despite being dealt to the Raptors at the trade deadline, Brandon Ingram has yet to wear his new threads due to injury. He should finally be ready to make his debut on opening night. If he can stay healthy, the 28-year-old can have a solid two-way impact. Although, his numbers could take a slight hit from playing alongside three other high-usage players. Throughout his career, Ingram has always been turnover-prone, but injuries have limited him the most. He’s only played over 60 games once in the past four seasons.
Paul George (SG, PF)
Good: STL, AST, 3PM | Average: PTS, REB, BLK, FT% | Bad: FG%, TO
Paul George looked like a shell of himself after an injury-riddled season. Knee issues have plagued him for years, and he’s still rehabbing from his surgery in July. He’s expected to be ready for the start of 2025-26, but his availability issues ring alarm bells for most managers. The 76ers will be careful with him throughout the season and rest him as needed. When the 35-year-old is 100%, he’s an offensive powerhouse who can crash the board and rack up steals.
Tier 6
Cameron Johnson (PF)
Good: FT%, PTS, 3PM | Average: AST, STL, BLK, FG%, BLK | Bad: REB
The Nuggets acquired Cameron Johnson from the Nets over the offseason. The change of scenery surrounds him with some excellent playmakers who can complement his catch-and-shoot abilities well. That bodes well for the 29-year-old, as his best assets are his scoring and three-point shooting. However, being surrounded by all this talent points to a likely reduction in his role. It’s also discouraging that he’s played 60 games or fewer in five of his six seasons.
Mikal Bridges (SG, PF)
Good: PTS, FG% | Average: AST, STL, BLK, FT%, TO | Bad: REB
For the past two years, Mikal Bridges’ ranking has fallen to hover just inside the top 100 in category leagues. That placement didn’t come as a surprise in his first season with the Knicks, given their star-studded lineup. Even then, Bridges still did a bit of everything. But he stood out the most in the tenth category: availability. He has played all 82 games five times in his seven-year career and has never appeared in fewer than 72.
Ausar Thompson (PF)
Good: STL, FG% | Average: REB, BLK, TO | Bad: 3PM, FT%, PTS, AST
This could be Ausar Thompson’s year to break out if he’s given an increased workload. He has already proven himself to be an excellent defender, and he’s worked to develop his offensive game. The 22-year-old just needs to get his free-throw percentage up and become more involved as a scorer and playmaker.
Devin Vassell (SG)
Good: STL, 3PM | Average: PTS, AST, BLK, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, FG%
After returning from his foot injury, Devin Vassell couldn’t build off his breakout in 2023-24. Instead, some of his numbers regressed. The guard/forward struggled with inconsistency, and it doesn’t help that the Spurs made more additions. While there isn’t as much need for him to score and facilitate, he still offers some points, threes and steals.
