Fantasy Basketball Managers, Take a Breath
Fantasy basketball managers, take a moment to exhale. All-Star Weekend has arrived, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the standout players who have lit up the first half of the season. From breakout stars to early-round sensations and late-round gems, there are plenty of achievements to celebrate. Let’s toast to the players who have been the backbone, or perhaps the driving force, of your fantasy teams!
Early-Round All-Stars: The MVP Contenders
Guard: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has been nothing short of a revelation this season. Ranking second in 9-cat and fifth in points leagues, SGA is leading the NBA in scoring with an impressive 32.6 points per game. His efficiency is unmatched, and he stands as one of the only two guards averaging over 1 steal and 1 block per game. SGA’s exceptional performance has thrust him into the MVP conversation both in the real NBA and in fantasy leagues. Even with his high ADP (Average Draft Position), he has more than justified his selection.
Reserve: Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard continues to be a reliable fantasy option, albeit with a slight change in his team affiliation. Despite the trade, Lillard’s scoring prowess and overall impact remain unshaken, making him a valuable early-round pick.
Guard: Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers may be a source of disappointment for many, but Tyrese Maxey is shining bright. Despite an early-season slump, Maxey’s performance over the past two months has elevated him to first-round value in 9-cat and points leagues. Drafted in the third round, Maxey’s improved shooting and increased role have made him a cornerstone of many fantasy rosters.
Reserve: Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving, now with the Dallas Mavericks, brings his offensive flair to a new team. His ability to score and distribute the ball remains a significant asset, ensuring he’s a consistent contributor in fantasy.
Forward: Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
The reunion of Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT) with Tom Thibodeau has been a boon for fantasy managers. KAT is one of the most impactful big men this season, ranking in the top five in 9-cat and top seven in points leagues. His 64% true-shooting percentage is a career best, and he’s tied for second in double-doubles. His efficiency and production make him a must-have in any fantasy lineup.
Reserve: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum, despite occasional struggles, remains a top fantasy option. His ability to score, rebound, and contribute across categories makes him a valuable early-round pick.
Forward: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama (Wemby) is living up to the hype in his sophomore season. He’s currently in the top three in points and 9-cat leagues, leading the league with 4.9 stocks per game. Wembanyama is one of six players averaging at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. His all-around game has solidified his status as a fantasy beast.
Reserve: Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
Anthony Davis, now with the Dallas Mavericks, is an explosive force. His rebounding and scoring have been crucial, making him a top-tier late-round option.
Center: Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokić, affectionately known as the Joker, continues to deliver exceptional value. He’s the only player in the league averaging a triple-double and is shooting a career-best 45% from beyond the arc. Jokić’s consistency and reliability have earned him the title of the most rostered player on Yahoo’s top 500 public teams. Just another day of Jokić doing what he does best.
Reserve: Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Domantas Sabonis has been a steady presence, offering consistent production and efficiency. His ADP may have been high, but his performance has made him a reliable early-round pick.
Mid-Round Value Crushers: Stepping Up
Guard: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Darius Garland has bounced back from last year’s injury-plagued season in impressive fashion. He’s outperforming his ADP by three rounds in 9-cat leagues and is one of the few players flirting with the 50/40/90 shooting percentages. The Cavaliers’ rise to a fantasy goldmine is partly due to Garland’s stellar play.
Reserve: Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Jamal Murray has returned to form, providing a significant boost to fantasy managers. His scoring, assists, and overall efficiency have made him a valuable mid-round pick.
Guard: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham is proving why he was the No. 1 overall pick a few years ago. Under the guidance of Kenny Atkinson, Cunningham has transformed the Pistons into a playoff contender, currently sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. His improvements across points, assists, rebounds, shooting, 3s made, and blocks have made him an emerging star in both real and fantasy basketball. His turnover issue aside, Cade’s growth is undeniable.
Reserve: Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Tyler Herro remains a dependable mid-round option, offering consistent scoring and other contributions. His ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable fantasy asset.
Forward: Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley’s development has been a joy to watch. The hiring of Kenny Atkinson has unlocked Mobley’s full potential, increasing his usage and 3-point shooting. His rebounding and defensive numbers were already strong, but his increased offensive aggression has propelled him into second-round territory. Fantasy managers are reaping the benefits of his all-around game.
Reserve: Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Jalen Johnson’s versatility makes him a rare find in fantasy. His ability to play multiple positions (PG/SG/SF/PF) and his career-best production of 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, combined with his league-leading steals, make him a valuable mid-round pick.
Forward: Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Williams, affectionately known as J-Dub, has been a revelation. His positional flexibility (PG/SG/SF/PF) and second-option role on a strong team have resulted in career-highs of 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Williams is also among the league leaders in steals, making him a second-round value in 9-cat leagues and a fantasy MVP candidate.
Reserve: Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Franz Wagner’s consistent play and ability to contribute in various categories have made him a solid mid-round pick. His scoring, rebounding, and assists make him a reliable addition to any fantasy roster.
Center: Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls
Nikola Vučević, the reliable big man from the Chicago Bulls, has been a steady producer. Ranked 16th in 9-cat leagues heading into the All-Star break, Vooch’s efficiency and consistency are highly appreciated. The Bulls’ willingness to play the middle of the pack in the playoff hunt reduces the risk of Vučević’s minutes being cut, making him a safe and valuable mid-round selection.
Reserve: Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a consistent threat, offering a balanced stat line. His shooting, rebounding, and defensive contributions make him a reliable mid-round pick.
Late-Round and Waiver-Wire Heroes: Hidden Gems
Guard: Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks
Dyson Daniels, a hidden gem, has become one of the top perimeter defenders in the league. Leading the league in steals and deflections, Daniels is also making substantial contributions in other areas. Despite going undrafted in 65% of leagues, he’s averaging career-highs of 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 47% from the field. His value relative to ADP makes him a leading candidate for the league’s best late-round pick.
Reserve: Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics
Payton Pritchard, a reliable backup, has stepped up when called upon. His consistent play and ability to contribute across multiple categories make him a valuable late-round addition.
Guard: Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers
Norman Powell’s transition from a reserve role to a starter has been a game-changer. Drafted in the 11th round, Powell has provided fourth-round value, posting career-highs in points, 3s made, rebounds, and true-shooting percentage. His increased minutes and touches have translated into significant fantasy points.
Reserve: Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Austin Reaves, another late-round gem, has been a bright spot for the Lakers. His scoring, assists, and defensive contributions have made him a valuable pick, consistently outperforming his ADP.
Forward: Josh Hart, New York Knicks
Josh Hart’s do-it-all game has been a perfect fit for the Knicks and fantasy managers. Drafted in the 11th round, Hart has significantly outperformed his ADP, delivering second-round value in 9-cat leagues. His career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals have made him a fantasy MVP candidate.
Reserve: Christian Braun, Denver Nuggets
Christian Braun’s balanced contributions have made him a reliable late-round pick. His ability to score, rebound, and play solid defense ensures he provides consistent value.
Forward: Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Amen Thompson has seized the opportunity presented by Jabari Smith’s hand injury. Since Smith’s injury, Thompson has averaged 17.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 53% from the field. Drafted in the 11th round, Thompson has been a tremendous late-round find, ranking 13th in 9-cat leagues.
Reserve: Cam Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
Cam Johnson, despite his late-round ADP, has been a steady contributor for the Nets. His scoring, rebounding, and 3-point shooting make him a valuable late-round addition.
Center: Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers
Ivica Zubac’s best season yet has been a boon for fantasy managers. Drafted in the eighth round, Zubac has averaged 15 points and 13 rebounds per game, performing within the top 50 in both points and 9-cat leagues. His consistent production and rebounding prowess make him a standout late-round pick.
Reserve: Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors
Jakob Poeltl has been a reliable center for the Raptors, offering consistent rebounding and shot-blocking. His late-round ADP makes him a valuable asset for any fantasy team.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Stars
All-Star Weekend is more than just a break from the grind; it’s a time to celebrate the players who have shined on your fantasy teams. From the early-round stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Karl-Anthony Towns to the mid-round value crushers like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, and the late-round heroes like Dyson Daniels and Amen Thompson, each pick has played a crucial role in your success. Take a moment to appreciate their contributions and gear up for the second half of the season. Here’s to hoping your rosters continue to be stocked with these incredible talents!
