RADIO
We're getting closer and closer to the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, and we're all looking at the ADPs of the biggest stars, hoping that we can land our favorite players on draft night.
But as always, some under-the-radar players can easily break out and become fantasy studs. Finding and taking a chance on these sleepers can make or break your fantasy roster. Luckily for you, I'm here to show you some of my sleeper picks for the 2024-25 season. I've already covered guards and forwards, and now it's time for centers!
Without further ado, let's look at four of my favorite sleeper centers heading into the 2024-25 fantasy basketball season.
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Ivica Zubac - Los Angeles Clippers
Ivica Zubac is about to have the best season of his career. Paul George is gone, and Kawhi Leonard is set to miss a substantial amount of time. Yes, he's technically listed as "day-to-day" and wants to play in the season opener, but we've heard this story so many times before.
Best-case scenario, he'll be back to his best near January like two seasons ago. Worst-case scenario, he'll miss the entire season. So, with Kawhi out, the Clippers need offense.
Zu says he believes the chemistry he has with James Harden will continue to grow this season pic.twitter.com/qXKzTYbUxm
— Kelli Johnson (@KelliJohnsonTV) September 30, 2024
James Harden is there, and Norman Powell and Kevin Porter Jr. will get some buckets too. But with almost no frontcourt depth, Zubac can have a career year.
In the playoffs against the Mavericks, Zubac averaged 16.2 points and 9.3 rebounds a night on 60.0% shooting. Having signed a brand-new three-year, $58.6 million extension, Zubac will likely play more minutes than ever before.
Remember, the Clippers have no incentive to lose, even without Kawhi. They don't own their draft picks until 2030 and need to have respectable records if they don't want to give away top picks to contenders like OKC.
Zubac can have a 2018-19 Clint Capela-type year, as the Swiss put up 16.6 points next to James Harden in an injured and depleted roster.
Onyeka Okongwu - Atlanta Hawks
It might be hard to believe, but Onyeka Okongwu is just 23 years old. He had the best season of his career last year, but his potential breakout season was sadly cut short due to a couple of toe injuries.
In the six games before his first injury, Okongwu shined as the starting center while Clint Capela was hurt, putting up 17.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 65.1% from the field and 46.2% from deep.
Onyeka Okongwu as a starter this season:
16.1 PTS
8.5 REB
1.6 BLK
66.3% FG
46.7% 3PTThe best Hawks lineups come when him and Jalen Johnson share the floor together
Entering year 5, is it finally time to give Big O the keys?🤔 pic.twitter.com/VzrgvcJ904
— Zach Langley (@langleyatl) May 6, 2024
Capela's contract is running down, and there are talks of the Hawks trading him. Even if that doesn't happen, one would assume the Hawks are ready to start Okongwu and prepare him for his new role before Capela departs.
Okongwu has steadily improved several areas of his game such as his three-point shooting, free-throw shooting, passing, and ability to avoid fouls. With Capela on the way out, Okongwu could have a massive season in 2024-25.
Jalen Smith - Chicago Bulls
Nikola Vucevic was brought to Chicago to help them break the glass ceiling and make a playoff push, but his Bulls tenure has been very disappointing so far. One playoff appearance in three and a half years, and diminishing stats.
Now, the former All-Star is almost 34 and sitting on a big contract. Many Bulls fans want him gone and are clamoring to see someone fresh take his place. Enter Jalen Smith. After struggling for game time in Phoenix, he was traded to Indiana and showcased his talent instantly.
Jalen Smith is a 24 year old 6’10 center and shot 43% from 3s.
Great pickup. pic.twitter.com/Rfgl8ev8p6
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) July 1, 2024
Smith averaged 11.7 points and 6.9 rebounds as a starter, and his stats get even better once you look at his minutes played. As a Pacer, Smith averaged 14.0 points, 8.6 boards, and 2.0 stocks (steals + blocks) in games with over 25 minutes played.
What about foul trouble? He never exceeded four fouls in any of these games, proving that he can handle big minutes without fouling out. The Bulls have a loaded backcourt rotation but not too much depth in the frontcourt, and that's where Smith can shine as Vucevic's replacement.
James Wiseman - Indiana Pacers
Yes, I still believe in James Wiseman. The former second-overall pick has been labeled a "bust" after 147 NBA games, but if any team can fix him and get his career back on track, it's Rick Carlisle's Indiana Pacers.
Wiseman put up some solid raw stats in his first year in the league, but had poor advanced stats and tore his meniscus. Wiseman missed the entirety of his sophomore season when the Warriors would go on to win the NBA championship.
“I feel like once he gets the opportunity that he’s been looking for, he’s going to take it and run with it…I genuinely want to see him succeed.”
Myles Turner on the addition of James Wiseman to the front court. pic.twitter.com/OmV6aI0NqC
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 1, 2024
Missing out on the title probably damaged Wiseman's mentality, and he could no longer be at his best in Golden State. He was traded to Detroit and put up solid raw stats and bad advanced stats once again before being benched in 2023-24.
Despite that, he still put up big numbers when given the chance. He averaged 13.9 points and 8.6 rebounds a night while shooting 64.8% from the floor in games with over 20 minutes last year. There is still a good player in there.
The Pacers are all about efficiency. They were second in the league in offensive rating, third in true shooting percentage, and led the league in field goal percentage. They had the second-fastest offense in the league, which could suit his athleticism.
Also, the situation isn't a "win now at all costs" type situation like in Golden State, nor a "lose now at all costs" type situation like in Detroit. It's not a toxic team. They turned Jalen Smith's career around, and Wiseman is certainly more talented than him. If he gets game time, watch out.
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