As we approach the 2024-2025 fantasy basketball season, identifying players who will outperform their average draft position (ADP) can give you a strategic advantage. This article will highlight one player in each round that I rate higher relative to where he goes in the draft. Let’s get into it!
Round 1: Anthony Davis – PF/C, Los Angeles Lakers
ADP 7.6
Since the Lakers are looking for a center, that means Davis will get more time at PF, which is something he’s wanted for a while. He is a top-five player in any format when he is on the floor and one of the few players capable of averaging at least 20 points and 10 boards with a steal and two blocks per game.
Round 2: James Harden – PG/SG, Los Angeles Clippers
YahooADP 17.5
Harden’s value has increased due to the departure of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard’s gradual revival early in the season. Leonard admitted he will be under heavy management, which puts more pressure on Harden as a scorer and facilitator this season. He has 20 and 10 potential and could be a first-round value by the end of the season.
Round 3: Karl-Anthony Towns – PF/C, New York Knicks
Yahoo ADP 26.0
The Knicks’ new center is on the drawing board and he could make it to the mid-second position early in the season. It’s justified, as Towns will live in the paint much more in New York than in Minnesota, which will lead to more rebounds and blocks. We’ve gotten glimpses of center KAT under Thibs in the past, and Towns averaged 23.0 points, 12.3 boards, 3.0 assists and 2.2 steals over those three seasons.
Round 4: Evan Mobley – PF/C, Cleveland Cavaliers
YahooADP 39.5
Mobley, one of my fourth-year breakouts, is poised for his best statistical season. He’ll have the ball in his hands more often, and with more usage and an increase in assists and scoring, I expect a top-35 finish.
Round 5: Immanuel Quickley – PG/SG, Toronto Raptors
YahooADP 54.6
Quickley transitioned seamlessly into Toronto’s system, averaging 19 points, five rebounds and seven assists in 38 games for the Raptors last season. He has a positive impact in at least five categories and will average at least 30 fantasy points per game in point formats.
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Round 6: Cam Thomas – PG/SG, Brooklyn Nets
YahooADP 71.8
You get a player dropping 25 per game with a 30% usage rate in the sixth round. He showed he can facilitate in the final two months of last season, so a jump in assists only increases his value.
Round 7: Isaiah Hartenstein – C, Oklahoma City Thunder
YahooADP: 76.4
After a career year in New York, Hartenstein got the nod and joined the Thunder. His rebounding, rim protection and passing will be a major upgrade for OKC and fantasy basketball managers. If you’re looking to stock up on guards and forwards in the earlier rounds, Hartenstein is one of the better bigs available in this range.
Round 8: OG Anunoby – SF/PF, New York Knicks
YahooADP: 87.3
Anunoby is one of the best defenders in the league. Joining the Knicks was great for his fantasy stock as he plays 35 minutes a night and is a threat in Thibs’ defense. He’s averaging over a steal and a block per game with New York and is an ideal 3&D wing with respectable shooting approaching the late rounds. However, all those minutes could catch up with him as he has played more than 65 games over the past four seasons.
Round 9: Collin Sexton – PG/SG, Utah Jazz
ADP: 102.9
Back to the guards: Sexton provided value in the seventh round last year as the starting two guard. His defense is good, but he is efficient and can score 20 points with five assists in almost 30 minutes. Results are not yet known, but Keyonte George left Thursday’s game with a knee injury, so there could be more point guard work on Sexton.
Round 10: Amen Thompson – SG/SF, Houston Rockets
ADP: 119.7
Thompson’s shown game-changing ability in the preseason, and it will be difficult to keep him off the floor once the season starts. He started both preseason games, but at different positions: SF for Dillon Brooks and then Fred VanVleet at PG. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his playmaking skills, rebounding and infectious defense will earn him minutes in the rotation. Entering his second season, Thompson is a positive pick who could be much more valuable than his ADP suggests.
