NBA Play Resumes: A Fantasy Basketball Roundtable
With the NBA season resuming on Wednesday, it’s the perfect time to convene a roundtable to discuss some key questions that will shape the remainder of the season for fantasy basketball managers. Our panel, comprising Nick Schlain, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson, and Zak Hanshew, delves into the topic of overachieving players and their potential to maintain their value through the end of the season. One of the primary questions under the microscope is which of the four players—Trey Murphy, Josh Hart, Dyson Daniels, and Kristaps Porzingis—currently ranked in the top 24 of Basketball Monster’s nine-cat rankings, will finish the season with the highest value, given their Yahoo Average Draft Positions (ADPs) of 75 or higher.
Josh Hart: The Steady Performer
Nick Schlain is confident in Josh Hart’s ability to maintain his high value. "Josh Hart is straightforward for me," Schlain asserts. "I don’t see his production slipping much in the second half. Hart is in Tom Thibodeau’s circle of trust and will continue to play as many minutes as he can handle for the New York Knicks." Schlain’s reasoning is grounded in Hart’s consistent performance and the Knicks’ trust in him. While Kristaps Porzingis may get rest as the Celtics prepare for the playoffs, and Dyson Daniels, despite his potential, averages a less impressive 13/5/4 line compared to Hart’s more robust contributions, Hart’s reliability stands out. Even Trey Murphy, who is having his best NBA season, could be at risk of being shut down as the Pelicans look to secure better draft lottery odds.
Trey Murphy: The Star in a Struggling Team
Noah Rubin, however, sees Trey Murphy as the frontrunner. "Murphy is ranked 12th on Basketball Monster, higher than the other three players," Rubin notes. "He has been ranked sixth over the past two months, while Daniels, Hart, and Porzingis are ranked between 17 and 20." With key players like Dejounte Murray (Achilles) and Herb Jones (shoulder) out for the season, and Brandon Ingram now in Toronto, Murphy has become the focal point of the Pelicans’ offense. Despite the presence of CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson, Murphy has shone brightly. However, Rubin points out a potential downside: the Pelicans’ second-best lottery odds may lead to Murphy missing games down the stretch, which could disappoint fantasy managers relying on him to help secure championships.
Murphy’s Hot Streak: Can It Last?
Raphielle Johnson aligns with Rubin, favoring Murphy for this question. "Over the past month, the Pelicans wing has provided top-15 value in eight- and nine-cat formats, per Basketball Monster," Johnson explains. Murphy’s performance has been bolstered by the injuries and departures within the Pelicans’ roster, creating ample opportunities for him to shine. While Hart’s rebound and assist production are notable, and Daniels and Porzingis have their strengths, Murphy’s hot scoring run and consistent performance make him a strong candidate to maintain his high value. Johnson acknowledges that Hart could potentially outperform Murphy due to his rebound and assist contributions, but the current momentum is with Murphy.
Josh Hart: The Underappreciated Hero
Zak Hanshew, while acknowledging Murphy’s current hot streak, leans towards Josh Hart. "Murphy has a blisteringly hot hand right now, but it’s tough to imagine him posting 40 points night in and night out," Hanshew muses. He notes that Murphy’s recent success has been significantly influenced by the injuries and departures of his teammates. On the other hand, Kristaps Porzingis is a reliable top-24 player on a per-game basis, but Hanshew finds Hart to be a more exciting choice. Hart, with a usage rate of just 15.2, is a steady contributor in multiple categories, often flirting with triple-doubles. Hanshew emphasizes Hart’s ability to produce consistently while playing alongside ultra-talented teammates, making him a dependable asset for fantasy managers. Dyson Daniels, with his versatile game, is a close second to Hart, particularly due to his increased role in the Atlanta Hawks’ lineup following their recent trades and injuries.
Dyson Daniels: Emerging Star
Dyson Daniels has emerged as a significant player for the Atlanta Hawks, significantly benefiting from the team’s recent trades and injuries. "Daniels is a close runner-up to Hart," notes Hanshew. "He’s a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator specializing in steals, making him a versatile asset for fantasy managers." Despite not having the same high profile as the other players, Daniels has shown the ability to step up and fill multiple roles, particularly in a Hawks lineup that has undergone significant changes. His comprehensive skill set and increased playing time make him a valuable pick for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion: Balancing Consistency and Potential
In the end, the choice between these four overachieving players comes down to balancing their current performance with their potential to maintain their value. While Trey Murphy’s current hot streak and increased role in the Pelicans’ offense make him a strong contender, Josh Hart’s consistency and the Knicks’ trust in him provide a more reliable option. Dyson Daniels and Kristaps Porzingis each bring their unique strengths, but Hart’s balanced contributions and steady production make him the safest bet to finish the season with the highest value among this group. Fantasy managers should carefully consider these factors as they make their lineup decisions for the remainder of the season.
