Fantasy Basketball: Surprises and Disappointments One Month Into the NBA Season
We’re officially one month into the NBA season, and by now, we’ve got a solid sample size to evaluate how players are performing across the league. Whether you’re a fantasy basketball fanatic or just a casual fan, it’s always fascinating to see who’s exceeding expectations and who’s falling short.
So, who’s been the biggest surprise in fantasy basketball so far? And who’s left managers shaking their heads in disappointment? Let’s dive into the insights from fantasy experts Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick, and Steve Alexander.
Surprises
LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball has been nothing short of sensational. Coming into the season, many believed he had top-10 fantasy potential if he could stay healthy. But what’s been shocking is his scoring explosion. Ball has pushed his scoring average over 30 PPG, a leap no one saw coming. Known for his all-around game, including double-digit assist potential and strong rebounding, Ball has added a new dimension to his arsenal with improved shooting range, consistency, and volume. Could he challenge for the scoring crown this season? It’s looking like a real possibility. — Snellings
Jared McCain, SG, Philadelphia 76ers: Talk about a meteoric rise! Jared McCain has gone from being a rookie drafted outside the lottery to the clear Rookie of the Year frontrunner. His Summer League struggles—where he shot just 28% from the field and 3-point line—are now a distant memory. McCain has been a revelation for the 76ers and fantasy managers alike. — Snellings
Jakob Poeltl, C, Toronto Raptors: Jakob Poeltl has been a fantasy goldmine this season. Averaging 40 ESPN fantasy points per game, he’s not only leading his team but also ranking among the top-10 centers in the league. That’s a significant jump from his 32 fantasy points per game last season. The Raptors, dealing with a retooled and shorthanded roster, have leaned heavily on Poeltl, and he’s delivered in a big way. His improved steals and free throw shooting give him the edge over breakout Clippers center Ivica Zubac. — Karabell
Jalen Williams, SF/PF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Williams is proving to be a star in the making. Already top 10 on the Player Rater, Williams has been a two-way force for the Thunder. His steal rate is second only to Dyson Daniels, and his offensive game has expanded in every way imaginable. The Thunder might have more first-round fantasy talents than we initially thought. — McCormick
Buddy Hield, SG/SF, Golden State Warriors: Buddy Hield has been a spark plug for the Warriors, thriving as the first man off the bench. Only Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins have more fantasy points on the team. Hield’s consistent scoring and 3-point production have made him a must-have for fantasy managers. — Moody
Dyson Daniels, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks: Daniels has been a revelation, returning third-round fantasy value. Known for his defensive prowess, he’s averaging 3.2 steals per game, but his contributions don’t stop there. With averages of 14.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 1.3 triples per game, Daniels has been a fantasy star. Even with the potential return of Bogdan Bogdanovic, Daniels shows no signs of slowing down. — Alexander
Disappointments
Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers: Haliburton’s struggles have been one of the biggest letdowns this season. After looking like the next great guard last year, his numbers have taken a nosedive. Shooting just 37.9% from the field and posting his lowest assist totals since joining the Pacers, Haliburton’s slump is becoming a season-long concern. — Snellings
Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers: Embiid has been a fantasy disaster. Appearing in only four of the team’s 16 games, he’s averaging just 31 ESPN fantasy points—half of what he averaged last season. Load management and injuries have derailed his season, leaving fantasy managers frustrated. — Karabell
Desmond Bane, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies: Bane’s regression has been puzzling. After showing so much promise, his scoring and efficiency have taken a hit. While there’s hope he can bounce back, his early-season struggles have been a major disappointment. — McCormick
Jamal Murray, PG, Denver Nuggets: Murray hasn’t lived up to expectations, averaging just 17.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. The Nuggets need more from him, but so far, he hasn’t delivered. — Moody
Klay Thompson, SG/SF, Dallas Mavericks: Thompson’s fresh start in Dallas hasn’t gone as planned. Shooting just 38% from the field, he’s been a shadow of his former self. Fantasy managers who took a chance on him are likely regretting it. — Alexander
Originally Written by: Andre Snellings
