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Prepare for your fantasy basketball drafts with Dan Titus’ divisional previews for the 2024-25 NBA season. On today’s board: the southwest.
Dallas Mavericks
Beyond Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II is Dallas’ next best fantasy option. Lively opened training camp as the starting center, and being Luka’s primary rim runner and lob threat has its perks. More minutes should equal more fantasy production with rebounds and blocked shots.
Speaking of shot blocking, Daniel Gafford is worth drafting, even if he’s seeing fewer minutes in the timeshare with Lively. Gafford has shown that he can be a viable fantasy asset at 20 minutes a night.
Lastly, let’s talk about Klay Thompson’s possible resurgence with Dallas. Thompson is coming off his worst fantasy performance since his rookie season, but the soon-to-be 35-year-old seems motivated and excited for what lies ahead. With so much gravity going toward Luka and Kyrie, Klay will have plenty of opportunities to be the 3-point specialist fantasy basketball coaches need late in drafts.
Houston Rockets
Alperen Şengün and Fred VanVleet are Houston’s best options, so expect them to be off the board early in the third round. Şengün was one of five players who averaged at least 20 points, with nine rebounds and five assists last season. VanVleet’s ADP has held steady at 38, but feels low considering he has finished inside the top 20 in four consecutive seasons.
Two of my biggest questions are about Jalen Green and Amen Thompson. Green is a safe pick for points leagues because if he starts cold, as he has in the past, his inefficiency won’t hurt you. However, I’m not convinced that the post-All-Star version of Green last season is consistent enough for major formats with Şengün healthy.
As for Thompson, when will he enter the starting lineup? Amen’s versatility on both ends is much more impressive than Dillon Brooks’. Be sure to 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 most reliable defensive assets available, and his scoring and three-point shooting contributions make him a high-end third-round pick.
Desmond Bane ranks higher than Ja Morant in my category rankings, however, Morant’s ADP is about six spots better than Bane’s. Bane gives me an advantage in category leagues because he is more efficient and loses the ball less. Morant is more suited to points leagues, as is Paolo Banchero.
I’ve been drafting Zach Edey more aggressively as a late-round pick. Edey has the tools to be a good fantasy player: his blocks, rebounds, and shooting efficiency can help fantasy managers right away. Even if he plays 20-25 minutes a night, he profiles as a player who will make an impact in limited playing time. Edey will go in the ninth round, but I would skip to the eighth if you think 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 ruins the use of dominant players like Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Speaking of Ingram, an extension is not likely and it will be a challenge for the Pelicans to negotiate BI’s expiring $36 million contract. Ingram moving to the sixth round of the draft is a decent value to start the season, as Trey Murphy III will be out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.
One of the more underrated picks near the 100th pick is stock specialist Herb Jones, who also made strides in improving his efficiency across the board last season, shooting 50% from the field, 42% from the line from three and 87% from the line. It is a valuable choice. 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 it’s not worth selecting right now.
San Antonio Spurs
If you’re lucky enough to get the first overall pick in your fantasy drafts, take Wemby.
The Spurs bringing in future Hall of Famer Chris Paul elevates the playing field for all of their players. If you’re looking for 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 will not be re-evaluated until November 1st. He’s a risky pick in the seventh round, but if he falls beyond that, he could be an excellent draft pick and temporary reserve.
There is some intrigue in the latest round with Jeremy Sochan. Some might remember that Coach Pop experimented with him at point guard last season, and while that didn’t work out, it was a learning moment that allowed him to start the offense. That’s important for fantasy, as I can see a little bit of Aaron Gordon in him. He’ll be a good rebounder and facilitator from the dunk spot, and I’m sure he’ll surpass his Round 12 ADP playing 30 minutes a night.