Elsewhere on this site, veteran NBA experts are breaking down the real-life winners (and losers) of last night’s NBA draft. Here in the fantasy corner, it’s never too early to plan for next season.
All rookies have a learning curve. Some need extra time — third-year players can be undervalued in Roto and Head-to-Head drafts. From our perspective, opportunity matters most. Minutes, touches, fit with the system and depth of the organization are all factors.
While there won’t be any Daily Fantasy Sports action on pro hoops until late October, we’ve been turning a steady profit in baseball DFS at DraftKings. Check out my MLB picks for tonight and win up to $10,000 cash in the $115K Moonshot — if you’re making your first deposit, that contest is free to enter.
Target
D’Angelo Russell (#2, Lakers) ticks all the boxes. He’ll get playing time immediately and should be chosen early in traditional leagues, especially keeper formats. We might witness a passing of the torch from Kobe Bryant to the rookie. In DFS, Russell will have more big nights, earlier in the season, than anyone else from this talented class.
Jahlil Okafor (#3, 76ers) is an ideal partner for Nerlens Noel. This was supposed to be the year for Joel Embiid, who is hurt again. Instead, there’s nobody in Okafor’s way. A double-double guy who blocks shots, he’s better in DFS than in leagues that count FT%.
Karl-Anthony Towns (#1, Timberwolves) also lands in a great spot, with Kevin Garnett as a mentor and practice opponent. KAT might not have the same Day One impact as Russell while both Nikola Pekovic and Gorgui Dieng are around. Towns will eventually post some gaudy DFS numbers and is a great plug-and-play when Pek inevitably gets hurt. Grab him in keeper leagues and enjoy.
I’m no scout, but Justise Winslow (#10, Heat) sure looks NBA-ready and Miami is going to need his versatility.
A full season of pro experience in China makes Emmanuel Mudiay (#7, Nuggets) a better DFS risk than most one-and-done college guards. He’ll be given the reins immediately if Ty Lawson is traded as expected.
Frank Kaminsky (#9, Hornets) might be better in fantasy than in the NBA. The Tank will help in multiple categories if they can live with his D for starter’s minutes.
With a good preseason, Stanley Johnson (#8, Pistons) can start at SF. He rebounds, can hit the three and does not have as much name recognition as others. A sleeper in traditional leagues; here’s hoping he’s underpriced in DFS.
Jerian Grant (#19, Hawks — traded to Knicks) solves one of many problems for New York. The senior from Notre Dame can take over from oft-injured Jose Calderon and the other inadequate PG seen last year at Madison Square.
Not Yet
Everything I know about Kristaps Porzingis (#4, Knicks) comes from YouTube and online articles. A skinny teenager who might keep improving, he’s off my daily radar and someone else will overdraft him this season. Same with Mario Hezonja (#5, Magic) — young, full of potential, unlikely to contribute much right away.
Willie Cauley-Stein (#6, Kings) could be buried behind DeMarcus Cousins unless they can play together. All that changes if Cousins is traded. WCS would then then vault up everyone’s draft list and could be an early DFS bargain.
Myles Turner (#11, Pacers) is also blocked unless Roy Hibbert is moved. You never know with rookie bigs in terms of ability to adjust to the speed of the NBA while avoiding foul trouble.
Devin Booker (#13, Suns) could be an important rotation piece if he shoots the lights out, but he’s only 18 years old and may not be rushed. Kentucky teammate Trey Lyles (#12, Jazz) will see limited floor time as a rookie.
Another youngster with athleticism and a high ceiling, Kelly Oubre (#15, Wizards) is not far from fantasy relevance if Paul Pierce moves on. For now, I’m not expecting an immediate impact.
Being the backup to Russell Westbrook won’t provide Cameron Payne (#14, Thunder) with enough minutes to matter in DFS or traditional formats.
Bobby Portis (#22, Bulls) was a very good pick in reality; it may take a while before he gets meaningful run in the Chicago frontcourt. A Taj Gibson trade would boost his value.
Similarly, Delon Wright (#20, Raptors) fills a glaring need — defending the pick-and-roll — but his minutes will be limited behind workhorse Kyle Lowry.