Get ready for your fantasy basketball drafts with Dan Titus’ division previews for the 2024-2025 NBA season. On today’s list: the northwest.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder’s big three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams will be gone from most fantasy basketball drafts after the fourth round.
I’ve outlined why Hartenstein is one of my breakout centers, but in summary his skill set fills a necessary void as a rebounder, extra rim protector, and short role playmaker. Unfortunately, he will miss 5-6 weeks due to a broken hand, so fantasy managers will have to wait for his impact. Treat him like Kristaps Porziņģis in terms of draft-and-stash near the ninth or tenth round.
Conversely, Caruso is an elite 3-and-D stock specialist who makes defenses pay as a catch-and-shoot threat on the perimeter. Caruso and Holmgren both get a bump in my final ranks after Hartenstein’s absence. Luguentz Dort is also likely to see an increase within minutes.
Denver Nuggets
Instead of talking about Nikola Jokić being one of the best fantasy assets in the game, let’s talk about Jamal Murray. The market doesn’t seem concerned about Murray’s health or lackluster performance in the 2024 playoffs and the Paris Olympics. I wish I shared their optimism, but I’m fading Murray’s ADP in the fifth round.
Aaron Gordon is a player I target in the points leagues. He has thrived in the Dunker spot for Denver, and it has unlocked his ability to rack up several fantasy stats through scoring, rebounding, and generating assists.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Are we ready for Anthony Edwards’ real breakout season? I’ve belatedly ranked him first in category competitions as this is the year he makes another leap in scoring, improved efficiency and inventory building. For all the disrespect Rudy Gobert gets, he is a double-double machine who should take a few shots per game. Gobert’s mid-fourth-round ADP is decent, but I’d prefer to have him near the end of the fourth round.
Coach Chris Finch confirmed that Julius Randle will start at PF, so expect Naz Reid to remain in a similar role to last season. Reid is coming off a career year where he took home Sixth Man of the Year honors and his ADP is underrated by 100. Conley is another player whose ADP is low. At 36, he’s still an effective passer who can help fantasy managers on steals and 3s after the 10th round.
[Fantasy Hoops Draft Kit: One-stop shop for rankings, strategy and more]
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is one of the least intriguing teams in fantasy basketball. I voluntarily drafted Anfernee Simons because his ADP is affordable in the seventh round, even though you might be able to take him in the eighth. When it comes to drafting Deandre Ayton, I’d rather wait a few rounds before taking a big man that doesn’t cost a fifth round pick.
Jerami Grant will likely find his way to another team at some point, but until then he’s only useful for points and 3s – an easy fade even at his ADP.
Deni Avdija is a player I expect to outperform his ADP. He’s a sleeper entering the 11th round with a versatile fantasy skillset. Scoot Henderson is better for points leagues, but if you can stomach his inefficiency and turnovers, he could provide a decent source of points and assist on the backend of drafts.
Utah Jazz
Walker Kessler is one of the best values on the fantasy draft board. Whether he’s exposed for a trade or not, Kessler tends to be a low-end double-double threat who will be among the league leaders in blocks per game.
I like Collin Sexton as an early ninth-rounder. When he joined the starting unit last year, Sexton provided value in the seventh round. All signs point to him reprising that role, so fantasy managers are getting him at a nice discount.
Keyonte George avoided a serious knee injury and looks like he will be ready for the season. George is a solid option for points competitions and could outperform his ADP in category formats if he can improve his efficiency and reduce his turnover.
Taylor Hendricks is a late-round flier who offers some defensive upside and 3s, but volume is a question mark until the vets are traded.
