Get ready for your fantasy basketball drafts with Dan Titus’ divisional previews for the 2024-25 NBA season. On today’s slate: the Southwest.
Dallas Mavericks
Looking past Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II is Dallas’ best fantasy option. A lively open practice field as the starting center, and being Luka’s primary edge rusher and lob threat has its advantages. More minutes should equate to more fantasy production with rebounds and blocked shots.
Speaking of blocking shots, Daniel Gafford is worth drafting, even if he sees fewer minutes in the time split with Lively. Gafford has shown he can be a viable fantasy asset in 20 minutes a night.
Finally, let’s talk about the potential revival of Klay Thompson with Dallas. Thompson is coming off his worst fantasy performance since his rookie season, but the soon-to-be 35-year-old looks motivated and excited for what lies ahead. With so much gravitation towards Luka and Kyrie, Klay will have plenty of opportunities to be the 3-point specialist fantasy basketball managers need in the back end of drafts.
Houston Rockets
Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet are Houston’s top picks, so expect them to be off the board before the early 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 held steady at 38, but it feels low, considering he’s finished inside the top 20 in four straight seasons.
Two of my biggest questions are about Jalen Green and Amen Thompson. Green is a safe pick for point ties because if he starts off cold, 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 category formats with Şengün healthy.
As for Thompson – when will he crack the starting lineup? Amen’s versatility on both ends is far more effective than Brooks’. Definitely prioritize Thompson in the 10th round.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are loaded with fantasy talent, starting with Jaren Jackson Jr. JJJ is one of the more reliable defensive assets available, and his contributions to scoring and 3s make him a high-floor pick in the third round.
Desmond Bane ranks higher than Ja Morant in my category rankings, yet Morant’s ADP is about six spots better than Bane’s. Bane gets the edge for me in category leagues because he is more efficient and turns the ball over less. Morant is better suited for point connections, like Paolo Banchero.
I drafted Zach Edey more aggressively as a late pick. Edey has the tools to be a good fantasy player – his blocks, rebounding and shooting efficiency can help fantasy managers immediately. Even if he plays 20-25 minutes a night, his profile tracks as a player who will be effective in limited playing time. Edey goes in the ninth round, but I’d 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 clogs up the usage of ball-dominant players like Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Speaking of Ingram, an extension is not likely, and it will be challenging for the Pelicans to trade BI’s expiring $36 million contract. Ingram going in the sixth round of drafts is a decent value to start the season as Murphy is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.
One of the most underrated options near pick 100 is stock specialist Herb Jones, who also made strides in improving his efficiency across the board last year, shooting 50% from the field, 42% from 3 and 87% from the line. He is a valuable pick. My sleeper center, Karlo 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. Just remember the name even if he is not worth editing now.
San Antonio Spurs
If you’re lucky enough to get the first overall pick in your fantasy drafts, draft Wemby.
The Spurs bringing in future Hall of Famer Chris Paul raises the floor for all Spurs players. If you hunt assists and steals in the later rounds, CP3 is an underrated option in the ninth round. Unfortunately, Devin Vassell is on the shelf with a foot injury and won’t be reevaluated until November 1. He’s a risky pick in the seventh round, but if he falls past that, he could be a great interim draft and stash.
There is some late-round intrigue with Jeremy Sochan. Some may recall that Coach Pop experimented with him at point guard last year, and while that didn’t work, it was a learning moment that allowed him to start the offense. That’s 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 dunker spot, and I’m sure he’ll exceed his 12th-round ADP playing 30 minutes a night.
