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There aren't many things fantasy managers can agree on entering each NBA season. However, it feels like the #1 overall pick debate has stopped for the foreseeable future; Victor Wembanyama is here to stay. Right behind him at the top of drafts are a couple of non-Americans, highlighted by Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic.
Other players are looking to climb the rankings ladder after last season, with Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trae Young, and Tyrese Haliburton, to name a few, looking to finish the season in the MVP conversation.
The key to building a title-winning fantasy basketball team is finding value at all points in the draft. All of the smallest edges pile up throughout a season, and that ultimately comes down to winning some hardware (and/or some cash) or not. This article highlights players capable of smashing their preseason ADP value in category formats.
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Anthony Edwards - SG/SF, MIN
One of the biggest moves of the NBA summer saw the Timberwolves trade Karl-Anthony Towns to New York for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Coming off an Olympic run where he proclaimed himself the "number one option" while surrounded by all-time greats, Edwards is prime to explode this year. With Towns gone, and Randle not nearly as proficient a shooter as Towns is, I expect Edwards to get closer to attempting around 8 threes per game, instead of the 6.5 he averaged last year. Edwards finished T-13 in scoring per game last season, but this year I think he has a legit chance at making it to the top 5-7.
Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards on how he fits in with USA Basketball Olympic team: “I’m still the number one option. Y’all might look at it differently. … They’ve got to fit in around me. That’s how I feel.” pic.twitter.com/Cga5kTiR2J
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 7, 2024
Jaylen Brown - SG/SF, BOS
Sometimes it's simple - this guy is the reigning Finals MVP, plays on what should be considered the best team in the NBA, and gets a ton of minutes & volume. I'm a bit surprised by the discrepancy between his ADP and his teammate; Derrick White's. White is a great player in his own right, but unless your league has a premium on 3s, I'd lean towards Brown being a better pick in the 5th than White in the 3rd.
Jaylen Brown was SENSATIONAL on both ends in the 2024 Playoffs en route to his first championship! 🏆
☘️ 23.9 PPG
☘️ 5.9 RPG
☘️ 3.3 APG
☘️ 1.2 SPG
☘️ 56.9 eFG%
☘️ ECF MVP
☘️ Finals MVP pic.twitter.com/erz4UPOyG6— NBA (@NBA) June 21, 2024
Taylor Hendricks - PF, UTA
Hendricks had a solid rookie campaign where he averaged 7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and shot 38% from 3. He's become a popular breakout candidate as a strong preseason has him currently listed as the Jazz's starting PF. The Jazz are not going to be a contending team this year, so you'd expect a lot of the focus will be around giving opportunities to young guys like Hendricks so they can develop.
Taylor Hendricks had a nice game vs the Rockets
Hit some shots, was in the right place on offense, and made some good passes
Definitely want to see T be more impactful on defense and on the boards pic.twitter.com/PJD2fV7hSQ
— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) October 8, 2024
Brandin Podziemski - SG, GSW
With Klay Thompson now a Maverick, 'Podz' is primed to be Steph Curry's newest Splash Sibling. His numbers last year were solid for his role on the team, but one thing that stood out to me is that he averaged 6.2 rebounds per game in that semi-limited role. For an ADP of 136, the ceiling outcomes for Podziemski are legitimately league-winning.
"Golden State likes to talk about making 0.5 second decisions...that's Podziemski."
These two possessions are good indicators why many are so high on Brandin Podziemski. Look at how comfortable he is running the p&r and taking what the defense gives him.pic.twitter.com/yqwUdNVrIi
— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) October 10, 2024
Chris Paul - PG, SA
Remember when we all agreed Victor Wembanyama was the consensus #1 overall pick? I think it's worth a late-round pick to take a shot at the guy who will be running with him in pick-and-rolls, and is one of the best passers in NBA history.
Gregg Popovich is still as sharp as coaches come, and he and Paul, who is often lauded for his basketball IQ, feel like a great pairing. CP3 is coming off the worst season of his career, but I think being back in the starting lineup and being the one to control the offense will do wonders for his fantasy outlook.
CHRIS PAUL LOB TO WEMBY
GET USED TO THIS pic.twitter.com/QCMKCKhTh2
— Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) October 10, 2024
Five More Players to Consider a Round Sooner Than ADP
Paolo Banchero, Kyle Kuzma, Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle, Ivica Zubac
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