Tier 3
Jalen Johnson (SF)
Good: REB, STL, PTS, AST, BLK, FG% | Bad: TO, 3PM, FT%
Since breaking out in 2023-24, Jalen Johnson has emerged as a fantasy goldmine. However, he’s only suited up for 92 games over the past two seasons due to injuries. The addition of Kristaps Porzingis also doesn’t help. Staying healthy for the majority of the season would give managers tremendous value. The 2021 draft pick is a defensive ace who can score and rebound and has developed some playmaking chops. He’s never been a good shooter from the free-throw line or from range.
Pascal Siakam (SF, C)
Good: PTS, REB, FG% | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, TO | Bad: FT%
With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the year, Pascal Siakam moves up to become the offensive leader. He typically hovers around 20 PPG, which he can easily increase. The absence of Myles Turner also gives the former Raptor more opportunities to bump up his rebounds and defensive production. While his fantasy ranking has dropped since joining the Pacers, Siakiam is set up for a career season. He has a very well-balanced skill set, and mainly just struggles with his free-throw percentage.
Bam Adebayo (C)
Good: REB, PTS, AST, STL | Average: BLK, FG% | Bad: 3PM, FT%, TO
Some of Bam Adebayo’s numbers took a small hit last year as his category ranking was one of his lowest. His points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage were the most notable drops. The emergence of Kel’el Ware is likely a reason for that, and he could also force Adebayo to spend more time at the four. Still, he’ll be relied on more offensively with Jimmy Butler gone and Tyler Herro injured. The 28-year-old is a double-double threat with great durability.
Paolo Banchero (SF, C)
Good: PTS, REB, AST | Average: STL, BLK, 3PM | Bad: FT%, TO, FG%
Managers didn’t get to see much of Paolo Banchero in 2024-25 as a torn oblique limited him to a career-low 46 contests. Although, availability hasn’t really been a concern for him in the past. Instead, poor shooting splits and high turnovers are his downfall. That makes the former first-overall pick more valuable in points formats, as he’s a solid contributor everywhere else. Desmond Bane‘s arrival won’t dethrone Banchero as the team’s lead offensive option, but it could slightly cut into some of his numbers.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (C)
Good: BLK, PTS, STL, FG% | Average: REB, 3PM, FT% | Bad: AST, TO
The Grizzlies may have Jaren Jackson Jr. available for the start of the season as he quickly recovered from a toe injury. Still, health issues have been a common problem throughout his seven-year career. That hurts his draft stock slightly. Jackson Jr. is a great source of steals and blocks, even though his numbers in the latter aren’t what they once were. He can also score and hit some threes, but he’s not much of a rebounder. With Bane gone, the power forward/center will need to carry a heavier workload offensively.
Tier 4
Zion Williamson (SF)
Good: FG%, PTS, REB, AST, STL, BLK | Bad: 3PM, FT%, TO
Injuries have been the biggest roadblock for Zion Williamson. The 25-year-old has played 214 of a possible 492 games across his career, even missing one season entirely. The forward is a risky pick for his durability issues, but he’s an excellent producer on both ends of the floor when healthy. Also, his transformation over the summer is giving managers some hope. The Pelicans traded away two stars over the offseason, leaving Williamson with a heavier workload. His worst categories are always threes, free-throw percentage and turnovers.
Deni Avdija (SF)
Good: PTS, REB | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, FG%, FT% | Bad: TO
The Wizards traded Deni Avdija to the Trail Blazers last offseason, leading to his best campaign yet. Despite not even starting every game, he increased his output in the scoring categories while maintaining his numbers on the other end. Anfernee Simons’ absence only leaves Avdija more room to grow offensively. The 24-year-old fits well into Portland’s rebuild and will be one of their scoring pillars. He is a versatile producer with his worst stat being turnovers.
