The three-ball has become perhaps the most important part of scoring in the NBA, so we thought we’d take a few shots from downtown as well. Here, fantasy basketball analyst Dan Titus will break down three things fantasy managers need to know every week. Or he’ll break down multiple three-point advice, analysis and more – it just depends on how open he is from Deep.
Today I’m dividing nine newcomers into tiers based on their success to date and their near-term prospects.
Level 1: Top rookies
Alex Sarr – PF/C, Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr, the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is the top-ranked rookie in the 9-cat and points leagues. He was a defensive dynamo, ranking fourth in the NBA in blocks per game (2.8) and in the 97th percentile in blocks relative to his position. His shot profile is pretty ugly right now: he’s making just 36% of his shot attempts while hoisting nearly five 3s per game and hitting them at a 21% clip. But he is young and with more minutes, film and experience we will see him take better shots near the rim and in the mid-range where he is a more effective scorer.
On the plus side, he is averaging 30 fantasy points per game, his free throw shooting is looking good (79%) and he recorded his first double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds) last Saturday. Fantasy managers should hang on as he is already proving to be a valuable asset.
Carlton Carrington – PG, Washington Wizards
Yes, two wizards have been the most impressive fantasy rookies to date. Bub Carrington, a dynamic guard, is making waves with averages of 10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Bub started five of his six games and plays the most minutes per game of all rookies at 29.2. Over the last three games, his minutes increased to 34 minutes per game, resulting in better production: 12 points, six boards and seven dimes.
Like almost every off-center rookie, Carrington’s shot profile isn’t great, but he’s making 35% of his three-point attempts and that 93% free throw percentage is money. I love that it also has a low turnover rate. This kid looks like the real deal and with a 21% roster spot he should be added in many more points and 9-cat leagues.
Zach Edey – C Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies’ towering 7-foot center broke out in Monday’s win over the Nets, where he dominated, scoring 25 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in 29 minutes.
Despite starting every game this year, landing consistent minutes was the break for Edey. However, if he can stick around the 20-minute mark, he will remain worth betting on for the blocks, rebounds, and FG percentages in 9-cat leagues. Given the erratic nature of his playing time, I understand dropping him in 10-team leagues, but he figures it out and shoots even with 3 seconds.
Honorable Mention: Jaylen Wells -SF, Memphis Grizzlies
Level 2: Increasing odds
Zaccharie Risacher – SF, Atlanta Hawks
Many analysts didn’t think Risacher would contribute much this season, but with injuries piling up for the Hawks, they have no choice but to give their No. 1 pick meaningful minutes. And he delivers. Risacher put his league and fantasy managers on notice Wednesday after destroying the Knicks for 33 points (11-18 FG, 6-10 3PT), seven boards, three assists and five shares.
The 6-foot-4 forward has played at least 30 minutes in his last three games, so until De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanović and the squad are ready to return, Risacher should be selected given what we’ve seen of his 3-point ability and promising defensive traits of late. As he builds his game, he can become a crucial role player, similar to Michael Porter Jr. or Kelly Oubre, with patience and growth.
Kyshawn George – SF, Washington Wizards
I know, I know, another wizard.
Kyshawn George, a Swiss swingman from the U, is playing the second-most minutes of all rookies and is averaging more than 22 fantasy points per game – fourth-most behind Sarr, Carrington and Risacher. Given his terrible shooting, he is a preferred option for points competitions, but don’t forget that George is benefiting from Kyle Kuzma’s absence.
It won’t be worth putting away for George when he returns from his groin injury. But there’s always the possibility that Kuz is traded, which would restore George’s value.
Yves Missi – C, New Orleans Pelicans
Yves Missi made my pick-up list this week, but unfortunately it didn’t come out as intended. At least the rookie continues to beat Daniel Theis, which should bode well for his long-term vision. Missi excels at finishing plays near the rim and swatting shots. The rebounds are still mediocre, around six per game, so Missi needs to do more for fantasy managers outside the blocks. That said, the Pelicans are falling apart health-wise, so Missi could end up squeezing in more than 20 minutes per night, which translates into more production.
Honorable Mention: Donovan Clingan – C, Portland Trail Blazers
Level 3: Talented, but lacking opportunities
Reed Sheppard – SG, Houston Rockets
Sheppard is buried on the Rockets bench because their roster is too deep. Sheppard is only averaging 10 minutes per game – nowhere near fantasy relevance. Kevin O’Connor noted (and I agree) that Houston can afford to get more minutes for Sheppard to offset the demand for Fred VanVleet, who plays 36 minutes a night (top-20 in the league). relieve. Rockets HC Ime Udoka clearly cares about winning and not our fantasy desires, but with his limited experience, Sheppard has shown himself to be an efficient two-way player.
Maybe Udoka heard KOC because Sheppard played in a blowout for 20 minutes on Wednesday.
Matas Buzelis – SF/PF, Chicago Bulls
Like Sheppard, Buzelis is facing a logjam that prevents him from seeing meaningful minutes. I’m more confident he’ll be in a 20-minute-per-night role than Sheppard, given Patrick Williams’ disappointing play and the Bulls possibly selling some veterans before the deadline. Buzelis is a wait-and-see type of player, but he looked good in Wednesday night’s loss to the Mavs, scoring 13 points with nine rebounds and three stocks in 23 minutes.
Stephon Castle – PG, San Antonio Spurs
The future core of Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle is very appealing. Still, I don’t expect fantasy managers to see this group coming together for at least another year or two. Castle is behind Chris Paul and while Paul’s age and durability are certainly a question mark, he is currently healthy and appears to be doing well, leaving Castle in a backup role.
It’s encouraging that Castle plays twenty minutes a night, but the production still needs to be there. Putting up 14/30/59 shooting splits with six points, two assists, and 1.3 shares won’t be enough for points or competition in 9 categories, so fantasy managers should leave him on waivers barring an injury to CP3.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Dunn – SF, Phoenix Suns
