Tier 7
Donovan Clingan
Good: BLK, REB, FG%, TO | Bad: PTS, AST, 3PM, FT%, STL
The Trail Blazers still have a three-headed monster at center, but Donovan Clingan is at the top of the pecking order. While the 21-year-old had opportunities to start in his rookie season and didn’t always impress, having a consistent role with the first unit offers more promise. The UConn product is an excellent shot-blocker and rebounder, and he’s developing his scoring. While Clingan’s free-throw percentage is horrid, he’s got tremendous upside.
Naz Reid (PF)
Good: BLK | Average: PTS, REB, 3PM, FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: AST, STL
Naz Reid is coming off a career season. However, his upside is capped as long as he’s in a bench role. The 26-year-old was a 6MOTY candidate for his all-around contributions and only lacked in assists and steals. Reid’s value skyrockets when Gobert or Julius Randle miss time.
Onyeka Okongwu
Good: REB, FG%, BLK, TO | Average: PTS, STL | Bad: 3PM, AST, FT%
Managers got excited after Clint Capela was traded because that meant it was finally Onyeka Okongwu’s time to shine. However, that was short-lived as the Hawks quickly acquired Porzingis. The vet is expected to start most games at center, but it’s also likely the two will share the frontcourt at the same time. Regardless, that puts a damper on Okongwu’s upside. He showed tremendous potential in points, rebounds and blocks.
Zach Edey
Good: BLK, REB, FG% | Average: TO | Bad: AST, 3PM, PTS, STL, FT%
The Grizzlies are without Zach Edey for the first few weeks of the season as he finishes rehabbing from ankle surgery. The 23-year-old finished as the highest-ranked rookie in category formats, thanks to his near double-double average, strong blocks, and high field goal percentage. The Canadian can build off that with a more consistent role.
Dereck Lively II
Good: BLK, FG%, REB, TO | Bad: 3PM, FT%, PTS, AST, STL
Injuries and depth have significantly limited Dereck Lively II across his two years in the league. He’s only appeared in 91 of 164 career games and has had a minutes split with Daniel Gafford. The addition of Anthony Davis also doesn’t help. Still, the Mavericks should prioritize the 21-year-old as the starting center. His best categories are blocks, field goal percentage and rebounds.
Nic Claxton
Good: BLK, REB, FG%, TO | Average: STL | Bad: 3PM, FT%, PTS, AST
Nic Claxton was one of the biggest disappointments of 2024-25. The drops in rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage were enough to knock his ranking to almost 150. His abysmal free-throw percentage also didn’t help. Claxton has a very limited offensive game, but if he can get his numbers on the other end back up, that’ll raise his value.
Tier 8
Neemias Queta (PF)
Good: TO, FG% | Average: BLK, FT% | Bad: PTS, AST, STL, 3PM, REB
The loss of Al Horford leaves a gaping hole at center that Neemias Queta is expected to fill. He’s only started a handful of games throughout his four-year career. He’s got some potential in points, rebounds, stocks and field goal percentage.
Isaiah Jackson (PF)
Good: BLK, FG%, TO | Average: REB | Bad: AST, 3PM, FT%, PTS, STL
Isaiah Jackson is still working his way back from his Achilles injury. Once the 23-year-old is fully healthy, he could challenge for the starting spot from Jay Huff. He’s a great per-minute producer in blocks and rebounds and has a lot of upside.
Kel’el Ware (PF)
Good: REB, BLK, FG%, TO | Bad: AST, 3PM, PTS, STL, FT%
In January, Kel’el Ware emerged onto the fantasy scene. The 21-year-old can score, rebound, block shots, and contribute a bit elsewhere. He’s a fascinating player who, given the minutes, can be very impactful in fantasy. The final spot with the first unit will be a battle between Ware and Nikola Jovic.
Daniel Gafford
Good: BLK, FG%, REB, TO | Average: PTS | Bad: STL, 3PM, FT%, AST
Since being traded to Dallas in 2023-24, Daniel Gafford’s ranking has regressed. His ceiling is capped while serving as the second-string center behind Lively. Still, he’s been able to provide good big man stats. The 27-year-old should see minutes in the low 20s.
Bobby Portis (PF)
Good: REB, TO | Average: PTS, BLK, FG%, FT% | Bad: AST, STL, 3PM
Not much will change for Bobby Portis this season. He still figures to be the Bucks’ sixth man following the replacement of Brook Lopez with Turner. The 30-year-old has repeatedly proven to be impactful when put into the starting lineup. He’s good for points, rebounds and some blocks on decent splits.
