Introduction to the "Silly Season" in Fantasy Basketball
With the NBA play resuming, it’s the perfect time to dive into the "silly season," a period where some players emerge with surprisingly positive value, particularly in fantasy basketball. Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball writers—Nick Schlain, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson, and Zak Hanshew—have weighed in on their picks for low-rostered (below 40 percent in Yahoo leagues) players who could stand out in the remaining games. Here’s a closer look at their choices and the reasoning behind them.
Eastern Conference Picks
Caris LeVert (27 percent)
Nick Schlain’s Pick:
Caris LeVert, recently traded to the Atlanta Hawks, has shown significant promise in his first three games with the team. Averaging 15.7 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, LeVert has already demonstrated his value. Playing over 30 minutes off the bench in two of his three games, he even came close to a 20-point triple-double in his most recent outing. With the Hawks potentially focusing on development and dealing with injuries, LeVert is well-positioned to capitalize on increased playing time and provide valuable fantasy numbers.
Bub Carrington (21 percent)
Noah Rubin’s Pick:
Bub Carrington, a rookie for the Washington Wizards, has been on a roll, averaging 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, six assists, and 3.6 three-pointers in his last five games. Carrington’s efficiency is notable, with a 56.9 percent shooting rate from the field and a perfect 100 percent from the free-throw line. Given the Wizards’ bottom-tier standings, they are likely to prioritize the development of their young talents. Carrington’s recent performance suggests he will remain a crucial part of the starting lineup, making him a strong candidate for continued fantasy success.
Keon Johnson (19 percent)
Raphielle Johnson’s Pick:
Keon Johnson, a former first-round pick now with the Brooklyn Nets, has been delivering consistent value. Over the past three weeks, he has averaged 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers, despite shooting 37.4 percent from the field. Johnson’s ability to contribute across multiple categories, especially with the Nets focusing on player development, makes him a valuable asset for fantasy managers. His recent performance indicates he can maintain his production and provide reliable value in the remaining games.
Western Conference Picks
Donovan Clingan (38 percent)
Nick Schlain’s and Noah Rubin’s Pick:
Donovan Clingan, a rookie for the Portland Trail Blazers, is a standout pick due to the absence of Deandre Ayton, who is out with a calf injury until mid-March at the earliest. Clingan has already shown his potential with a 21-point, seven-rebound performance against the Nuggets and a 17-point, 20-rebound, two-assist, three-block game in his next outing. With a clear path to significant playing time, Clingan is poised to make the most of his opportunities and deliver dominant fantasy numbers, particularly in rebounds, blocks, and field-goal percentage.
Toumani Camara (35 percent)
Raphielle Johnson’s Pick:
Toumani Camara, a former second-round pick now with the Trail Blazers, has been a surprising contributor. Over the past three weeks, he has provided top-75 value in eight- and nine-cat formats, averaging 11.7 points and shooting 51 percent from the field. Camara’s defensive prowess is well-known, but his recent offensive improvements make him a versatile and valuable fantasy option. Given that he’s not at risk of a late-season shutdown, Camara is a solid pick for the "silly season."
Guerschon Yabusele (31 percent)
Zak Hanshew’s Pick:
Guerschon Yabusele, a player for the Philadelphia 76ers, has earned a starting spot and has been performing well, even when Joel Embiid is available. Yabusele has been a top-85 player over the last month and a top-60 player over the previous two weeks. His consistent production and the uncertainty surrounding Embiid’s health make Yabusele a reliable and promising pick for the "silly season." His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a valuable addition to any fantasy roster.
Conclusion
The "silly season" in fantasy basketball offers a unique opportunity for managers to capitalize on under-the-radar players. The picks from Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball writers—Caris LeVert, Bub Carrington, Keon Johnson, Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara, and Guerschon Yabusele—highlight the potential for significant value from low-rostered players. With the NBA play resuming, these players are well-positioned to make the most of their opportunities and provide surprising and valuable contributions to your fantasy teams.
