Get ready for your fantasy basketball drafts with Dan Titus’ division previews for the 2024-2025 NBA season. On today’s list: the Southwest.
Dallas Mavericks
Looking beyond Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II is Dallas’ second-best fantasy option. Lively opened training camp as the starting center, and being Luka’s primary rim runner and lob threat has its advantages. More minutes should equal more fantasy production with rebounds and blocked shots.
Speaking of blocking shots, Daniel Gafford is worth drafting even if he sees fewer minutes in the timeshare with Lively. Gafford has shown he can be a viable fantasy asset in 20 minutes a night.
Finally, let’s talk about Klay Thompson’s possible revival with Dallas. Thompson is coming off his worst fantasy performance since his rookie season, but the soon-to-be 35-year-old looks motivated and hyped for what lies ahead. With so much gravity going to Luka and Kyrie, Klay will have plenty of opportunities to be the three-point specialist fantasy basketball managers need at the end of the drafts.
Houston Rockets
Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet are Houston’s top options, so expect them to be off the board in the early third round. Şengün was one of five players to average at least 20 points, with nine rebounds and five assists last season. VanVleet’s ADP has held steady at 38, but it feels low considering he has finished in the top twenty in four straight seasons.
Two of my biggest questions are about Jalen Green and Amen Thompson. Green is a safe choice for points competitions because if he starts cold, as he has in the past, his inefficiency won’t hurt you. However, I’m not convinced that last season’s post-All-Star version of Green will be consistent enough for category formats with Şengün healthy.
As for Thompson, when will he crack the starting lineup? Amen’s versatility on both ends is much more impactful than Brooks’. Be sure to prioritize Thompson in the 10th round.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are loaded with fantasy talent, starting with Jaren Jackson Jr. JJJ is one of the more reliable defensive assets available, and his contributions in scoring and 3s make him a high pick in the third round.
Desmond Bane ranks higher than Ja Morant in my category rankings, but Morant’s ADP is about six spots better than Bane’s. For me, Bane gets the edge in category competitions because he is more efficient and turns the ball over less. Morant is better suited for points competitions, like Paolo Banchero.
I drafted Zach Edey more aggressively as a late pick. Edey has the tools to be a good fantasy player; his blocking, rebounding and shooting efficiency can help fantasy managers immediately. Even if he plays 20 to 25 minutes a night, his profile shows that he is a player who will have a big impact in limited playing time. Edey goes in the ninth round, but I would spend up to the eighth if you feel he won’t be available.
[Fantasy Hoops Draft Kit: One-stop shop for rankings, strategy and more]
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are loaded with fantasy potential, but the addition of Dejounte Murray puts an end to the use of ball-dominant players like Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Speaking of Ingram, an extension isn’t likely, and it will be a challenge for the Pelicans to trade BI’s expiring $36 million contract. Ingram’s inclusion in the sixth round of the draft is a decent value to start the season considering Murphy is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.
One of the more underrated selections near pick 100 is stock specialist Herb Jones, who also made strides in improving his efficiency across the board last year, shooting 50% from the field, 42% from 3 and 87% off the line. He is a value pick. My sleep center, Karlo Matković, is behind Daniel Theis and Yves Missi on the depth chart. I think Matković provides the necessary athleticism, floor spacing and defense that New Orleans needs long-term. Just remember the name, even if it’s not worth drafting right now.
San Antonio Spurs
If you’re lucky enough to get the first overall pick in your fantasy drafts, draft Wemby.
The Spurs landing future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul raises the floor for all Spurs players. If you’re chasing assists and steals in the later rounds, CP3 is an underrated option in the ninth round. Unfortunately, Devin Vassell is on the shelf with a foot injury and won’t be re-evaluated until November 1st. He’s a risky seventh-round pick, but if he falls outside of that, he could be an excellent temporary draft pick and stock.
There is some late intrigue with Jeremy Sochan. Some may remember that Coach Pop experimented with him at point guard last year, and while it didn’t work out, it was a learning opportunity that allowed him to initiate the offense. That’s important for fantasy because I can see a little bit of Aaron Gordon in him. He will be a good rebounder and facilitator from the dunker spot, and I am confident he will outperform his 12th round ADP playing 30 minutes a night.
