Get ready for your fantasy basketball drafts with Dan Titus’ split previews for the 2024-25 NBA season. On today’s agenda: the South-West.
Dallas Mavericks
Beyond Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, Derek 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 shot blocking, Daniel Gafford is worth drafting, even if he spends fewer minutes splitting time 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 potential revival with Dallas. Thompson is coming off his worst fantasy performance since his rookie season, but the soon-to-be 35-year-old seems motivated and excited for what lies ahead. With so much gravitas toward Luka and Kyrie, Klay will have plenty of opportunities to be the 3-point fantasy basketball specialist that managers need late in the draft.
Houston Rockets
Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet are Houston’s best options, so expect them to be out of the picture early in the 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 his own at age 38, but that seems low, considering he’s finished in the top 20 for four straight seasons.
Two of my biggest questions concern Jalen Green and Amen Thompson. Green is a safe pick for points leagues because if he gets off to a cold start, as he has in the past, his ineffectiveness won’t hurt you. However, I’m not convinced that the post-All-Star version of Green last season will be consistent enough for bracket formats with Şengün healthy.
Regarding Thompson, when will he be in the starting lineup? Amen’s versatility on both ends is far more impactful than Brooks’. Make sure to prioritize Thompson in the 10th round.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are loaded with fantastic talent, starting with Jaren Jackson Jr. JJJ is one of the most reliable defensive assets available, and his scoring and 3 contributions make him a high-level third-round pick.
Desmond Bane ranks higher than Ja Morant in my class rankings, but Morant’s ADP is about six spots better than Bane’s. Bane has the advantage for me in category leagues because he is more efficient and turns the ball over less. Morant is better suited to points leagues, like Paolo Banchero.
I drafted Zach Edey more aggressively as a late round pick. Edey has the tools to be a good Fantasy player – his blocks, rebounds, and shooting efficiency can help Fantasy managers immediately. Even if he plays 20 to 25 minutes per evening, his profile is that of a player who will have an 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 arrival of Dejounte Murray spoils the use of dominant players like Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Speaking of Ingram, an extension is unlikely, and it will be difficult for the Pelicans to trade BI’s expiring $36 million contract. Ingram going in the sixth round of the draft is a decent value to start the season since Murphy is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.
One of the more underrated selections near the 100 pick is stock specialist Herb Jones, who also made strides improving his efficiency across the board last year, shooting 50 percent from the field, 42 % on 3 and 87% on the line. It’s a value choice. My sleeping centerKarlo 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. Don’t forget his name, even if it’s not worth writing about at the moment.
San Antonio Spurs
If you are lucky enough to get the first pick in your fantasy drafts, Wemby draft.
The Spurs bringing in future Hall of Famer Chris Paul raises the floor for all Spurs players. If you’re looking for assists and steals in the later rounds, CP3 is an underrated option in the ninth round. Unfortunately, Devin Vassell is on the shelf due to a foot injury and will not be re-evaluated until November 1st. He’s a risky seventh-round pick, but if he falls beyond that, he could be a great temporary draft pick and a great stash.
There is a late storyline with Jeremy Sochan. Some may remember that Coach Pop experimented with him at point guard last year, and while it didn’t work, it was a learning moment that allowed him to run the offense. This is important for fantasy because I can see a little bit of Aaron Gordon in him. He’ll be a good rebounder and facilitator from the dunking spot, and I’m confident he’ll surpass his 12th-round ADP playing 30 minutes a night.
