ESPN's fantasy basketball experts were asked to identify a player they feel differently about this season, along with a bold prediction explaining why. Their picks range from players they are eager to draft to those they are ready to avoid.
Fred Van Vleet is a steal at his current draft spot, according to Michael F. Florio. Van Vleet is back as the starting point guard for a talented Rockets team after missing last season, and he averaged over 17 fantasy points per game in five of his last six seasons. Florio suggests taking him after picks 50 rather than Desmond Bane, for similar production.
André Snellings is higher than most on La Melo Ball. Ball moves to the Timberwolves, a team that has desperately needed a playmaker, and will play alongside Anthony Edwards. If Ball stays healthy, Snellings believes he could return to his preseason top-10 form and have the best season of his career.
Eric Karabell, meanwhile, is out on Jaren Jackson Jr. He notes that Jackson's rebounding and passing have never been strong, and his role may shrink further as Utah's young players develop, possibly pushing him out of the top 100 fantasy options. Steve Alexander, by contrast, is willing to take Kyrie Irving in the fourth or fifth round, arguing that his handle and offensive skill make him one of the best point guard values in the draft if he stays healthy.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing