After engorging yourself on the Top 10 and Top 25, I know you’ve been writhing in anticipation for the Top 50. Before you start getting blisters on your butt, I am here to appease the pain, the anguish, and suffering. That ain’t you? You here to make fun of and throw internet tomatoes at my head? That’s cool, but if you come for the king, you best not miss. For those that get the reference, salud.
As always, keep in mind that these rankings are based on overall value from my projections. They should be utilized in the context of your roster construction, ADP, and personal preference.
26) Deandre Ayton (C – Phoenix Suns)
The Top 25 ended with a Suns player and the Top 50 begins with a Suns player. Both were written by the son of a Son. The Universe is awesome. Anyways, stack the Suns? Naw, stacking isn’t really great for basketball. For football and baseball? Sure. With that said, the Suns play at a decent offensive pace and their defense was/is/should be atrocious. Ayton is second-fiddle to Devin Booker, but he still gets his. He was 12th in dub-dubs last season with 39 and will contribute close to 1 steal and 1 block per game. The dimes will be light and there won’t be many tres, but the percentages from both the field and charity stripe are good. Ayton finished as the 33rd player in 9-cat last season.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 18.18 | 10.97 | 1.92 | .96 | .96 | 2.08 | 0 | 54% | 75% | 72 |
27) Ben Simmons (PG – Philadelphia 76ers)
It’s tough to draft a player who’s not elite in any category, yet hinders you in three of them (free throw percentage, tres, and turnovers). It’s also tough NOT to draft a player who can trip-dub on any given night and provides stocks. Hence, the conundrum that is Ben Simmons. I rarely find myself drafting him, but he’s deadly in the right build.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 16.8 | 9.01 | 7.99 | 1.49 | .88 | 3.5 | 0 | 51% | 65% | 78 |
28) Kyle Lowry (PG – Toronto Raptors)
Last season in 2,049 minutes, Lowry scored 0.91 fantasy points per minute with Kawhi Leonard on the court. When Kawhi was not playing, Lowry skyrocketed to 1.19 fpm. Well, we don’t have to worry about Kawhi this year, so I bumped up Lowry across the board. Just three years ago, Lowry was chucking up over 15 shots per game. Last year, that number cratered to 11.4. Yes, Lowry is older now (32 years old), and Pascal Siakam will soak up more usage, but there really is no one else to fill the Kawhi-sized chasm.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 18.02 | 4.69 | 7.99 | 1.29 | .3 | 2.78 | 2.58 | 43% | 80% | 67 |
29) Jayson Tatum (SF/PF – Boston Celtics)
Remember when there was a segment of the population that wouldn’t trade Tatum for Anthony Davis? Those were good times. Anyways, that was not to disparage Tatum. He’s only 20 years old and is one of the best players in the NBA. It’s just that Davis is arguably THE best player in the Association. When Kyrie and Horford left Boston, that left a usage and shot attempt void. The acquisition of Kemba fills some of it, but Tatum will likely take care of the rest. He will grab some boards and provide some stocks, but the dimes are light. Low turnover rate, though.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 19.2 | 6.2 | 2.17 | 1.12 | .73 | 1.53 | 1.54 | 46% | 80% | 78 |
30) Buddy Hield (SG – Sacramento Kings)
You need shooting? Then Buddy will be….well, your buddy. 42% from downtown on 7.9 attempts last season is muy caliente. He also boards well for a guard. You’re just not getting many dimes or stocks, but the points and shot attempts will rain down from the heavens like manna when the Israelites were crossing the Sinai.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 19.87 | 4.96 | 2.49 | .67 | .41 | 1.79 | 3.39 | 45% | 80% | 78 |
31) Donovan Mitchell (PG/SG – Utah Jazz)
I fell in love with Mitchell back in the 2017 Summer League. I know, I know. It’s Summer League, but he was so impressive. He displayed an all-around defensive game, but it was the tenacity and defense that really got my juices flowing. Granted, this is coming from a guy who’s favorite Showtime Laker was Michael Cooper and represented the knee-high socks proudly. Anyways, Mitchell has ended the past two years as the 54th and 56th overall player in per game value according to Basketball Monster. He provides tres, boards, dimes, steals, and plenty of points. The blocks and field goal percentage are low, though. He’s still only 22 years old, but what really has me optimistic is the potential for this Jazz offense. Conley will lead the offense and should get Mitchell some good looks. In addition, the floor will be well-spaced with shooters, which should give Mitchell more room to operate.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 23.66 | 3.97 | 3.97 | 1.49 | .37 | 2.68 | 2.45 | 44% | 78% | 78 |
32) Chris Paul (PG – Oklahoma City Thunder)
As I’m writing this, Paul is still on the Thunder and not injured. As long as he’s playing and not selling insurance, he’s going to have value.
Nasty pic.twitter.com/SR8dyN1Zw5
— HoopMixOnly (@HoopMixOnly) July 26, 2019
He can still do that and dish out dimes with the best of them. The concern is actually being on the court, as he’s played 58, 58, and 61 games the past three seasons. Plus, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems to be the future in OKC, so how will the team handle that dynamic? I assume Shai plays plenty of shooting guard, but it’s just speculation on my part. I brought Paul’s minutes down to 28, but he will still be a good source of tres, points, dimes, and steals. He even boards well for a guard and the turnovers are low.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 18.7 | 4.2 | 7.86 | 1.65 | .16 | 2.18 | 1.62 | 44% | 82% | 59 |
33) LaMarcus Aldridge (PF/C – San Antonio Spurs)
I used to do a whole lot of LMAO when writing about LMA. He’s just so meh with his mid-range jumpers and often puts up the opposite of bootylicious games. Butt, butt, butt…..he ended as the 25th overall player in 9-cat leagues last season. In fact, over the prior eight seasons, he finished as the number 18, 53, 26, 14, 13, 12, 9, and 12 player, with the first three listed in San Antonio. Not so butt after all. He won’t provide tres or get his 211 on, which is honorable and makes him an upstanding citizen in society, but not so good for fantasy. Outside of that, LMA provides 20+ points, around 8-9 boards, will dish out a handful of dimes, gets his Mutombo on, and provides excellent percentages. Who’s laughing now?
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 20.82 | 8.51 | 1.98 | .49 | 1.18 | 1.58 | .13 | 49% | 80% | 76 |
34) John Collins (PF/C – Atlanta Hawks)
John has work to do in order to overthrow Phil on the Collins pantheon, but the career trajectory indicates it could happen sooner rather than later. Grey was alerted by the Razzbots that I was typing about Phil Collins and he messaged me, “You best not be disparaging my beloved Phil Collins.” A lot of work indeed. Anyways, Collins is an athletic freak who will posterize more than a few souls this season, but he also has a nice shot which allows him abuse the lumberfooted bigs. The bugaboos for Collins are that he falls short in the steals and blocks. If he can improve upon those numbers, then Collins will be a bonafide fantasy superstar. Until then, he languishes here while Phil sits on the Collins pantheon for…..
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 20.67 | 10.24 | 2.24 | .48 | .8 | 1.92 | .96 | 52% | 74% | 72 |
35) Eric Bledsoe (PG – Milwaukee Bucks)
On the third day, Eric rose and Bledsoe we fantasy nerds could have top 50 production, which is what he’s provided the past five seasons. The only category he’s lacking in is blocks. The across-the-board production is lovely, but what concerns me is the situation. For starters, the Bucks may be too good for fantasy purposes. In a supremely top-heavy Eastern Conference, they will likely blow out most of the teams by halftime. In addition, Budenholzer utilized the entire roster last season and pared down the minutes for the studs. Bledsoe averaged 29 mpg, the first time under 30 minutes since 2012.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 15.42 | 4.35 | 5.4 | 1.62 | .51 | 2.1 | 1.65 | 46% | 75% | 74 |
36) Tobias Harris (SF – Philadelphia 76ers)
Five years and $180 million! Always bet on yourself, unless you’re Nerlens Noel. Tobias is a very good offensive player, as he can score efficiently in a variety of ways, has downtown range, will grab boards, and even dish out some dimes. The contributions in defensive stats are lacking, though. Keep that in mind when constructing your squad. It will be an interesting season in Philly, as Jimmy Butler is gone but Al Horford is in. Will that give more opportunites for Tobias?
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 18.09 | 7.65 | 2.78 | .47 | .47 | 1.53 | 1.77 | 46% | 80% | 78 |
37) Khris Middleton (SG/SF – Milwaukee Bucks)
Those who draft Middleton may want to click the loop/repeat button on this song beause the upside is probably limited. Re-read the Giannis and Bledsoe to blurbs to understand why. Two seasons ago, Middleton averaged 36 minutes per game. Last season? 31. Outside of the complete lack of blocks, Middleton does provide across-the-board production. In head-to-head leagues, people often shoot for upside, so I get passing over Middleton. Remember, the rankings are primarily based on overall value. Roster construction is a puzzle, so identify your strengths/weaknesses and make sure Middleton fits your needs.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 18.72 | 5.7 | 4.18 | 1.08 | .18 | 2.29 | 2.39 | 45% | 81% | 72 |
38) Pascal Siakam (PF – Toronto Raptors)
Siakam’s season last year took me back to Menace II Society when Caine was staring up to the heavens, reflecting while in Stacy’s arms after being gunned down: Damn. I never thought he’d come back like this, blasting. For the first two years of his career, Siakam could barely get onto the court, as he averaged 15 and 20 minutes per game respectively. Then, in year three, he exploded and came out guns a blazin’, finishing as the 41st overall player. The minutes increase was huge, no doubt, from 20.7 to 31.8 mpg, but he was a terror in transition, developed a three-point shot, and could take defenders off the dribble. Now, there are some concerns. The defensive stats weren’t great, especially for someone with his athleticism (0.9 blocks and 0.7 steals). In addition, how will he function without Kawhi on the court? With that said, he’s still only 24 years old and the sky is the limit.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 19.01 | 7.34 | 3.19 | .95 | .85 | 2.14 | .99 | 49% | 73% | 78 |
39) Brook Lopez (C – Milwaukee Bucks)
For the first six years of his career, Lopez was the traditional big man: post up, grab boards, and block shots. In 2016, he developed a three-point shot. Any wonder why he attended Stanford? He ain’t no dummy. The tres and blocks are great, as he will provide a handful of each. Unfortunately, the boards are light for a big man and he doesn’t contribute much in anything else, but those blocks are valuable.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 12.1 | 4.7 | 1.14 | .56 | 2.1 | .95 | 2.16 | 45% | 77% | 76 |
40) De’Aaron Fox (PG – Sacramento Kings)
The Kings were tied for third in offensive pace last season, and Fox was the engine that made it go with his roadrunner jets. Meep meep. He made huge strides from his rookie to sophomore year. The shot attempts spiked from 11.6 to 17.3, the dimes increased from 4.4 to 7.3, the tres went from .6 to 1.1, the blocks doubled to .6, and the steals surged to 1.6 from 1. He’s only 21 years old and we just talked about the huge breakout from Siakam in his third year. Really, the only concern is the free throw shooting, which I have projected for 72% on 5.28 attempts.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 17.41 | 4 | 7.52 | 1.66 | .51 | 2.68 | 1.06 | 45% | 72% | 77 |
41) Otto Porter Jr. (SF – Chicago Bulls)
Otto gets the roto guys to mental masturbate, while making the H2H crowd bleat meeeeeeeeeeeeeeh. That’s because he is a master of none, but contributes in all. In addition, he gets a boost with the low turnover rate. With that said, he’s finished as the number 39, 20, 22, and 59 player in 9-cat leagues over the past four seasons.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 16.45 | 5.34 | 2.56 | 1.15 | .57 | 1.6 | 2.27 | 47% | 78% | 71 |
42) Jamal Murray (PG – Denver Nuggets)
Murray is only 21 years old and has been in the League for three years. In each season, the minutes played, points scored, boards grabbed, and dimes dished have all increased. Take a deep breath. Hold it. Now blow it into the balloon, as there is more room to expand. Now, the free throw shooting is excellent, but the efficiency from the field isn’t great. The contributions in steals or blocks aren’t voluminous either. Remember, it’s all about fitting the right pieces into the puzzle.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 18.27 | 4.16 | 4.8 | .96 | .38 | 2.08 | 2.02 | 44% | 81% | 75 |
43) Mike Conley (PG -Utah Jazz)
After injury derailed his 2017 campaign, Conley bounced back last year and put up a career-high in points per game and came close in tres, boards, and dimes. He’s been one of the more consistent, yet undervalued fantasy assets, as he’s finished as the number, 59, 21, 26, 34, 52, 56, 23, 128, and 27 player. All of that while playing Grit and Grind basketball, one of the slowest paced offenses in the NBA. Now he’s in Utah. The pace will be significantly faster, Snyder is an excellent offensive coach, and the roster is one that can pace-and-space with the best of them. The only bugaboos are health and lack of blocks.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 18.37 | 2.81 | 5.69 | 1.4 | .25 | 1.88 | 2.24 | 45% | 79% | 65 |
44) Clint Capela (C – Houston Rockets)
The C & C Music Factory did a lot to make investors wanna dance last season, as he averaged 16.6 points, 12.6 boards, 0.7 steals, 1.5 blocks, and shot 63% from the field. Unfortunately, the free throw shooting is bad, he doesn’t contribute tres, and Russell Westbrook is in town, which means a decrease in boards.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 15.98 | 11.22 | 1.36 | .68 | 1.49 | 1.53 | 0 | 56% | 65% | 69 |
45) Thomas Bryant (C – Washington Wizards)
I’ve been a fan of Bryant since his Lakers days. He’s big (6′ 11″), has a 7′ 6″ wingspan, agile, runs the floor, has range from downtown, and plays with tremendous heart and desire at both ends of the court. Now going into his third year, Bryant is the starter and should receive the bulk of the minutes at center, with only Ian Mahinmi behind him on the depth chart. The Wizards love him, as they re-signed him to a three-year/$25 million contract, and Bradley Beal has developed a good connection with him. From a fantasy perspective, the percentages are good and he will deliver the big man stats you’re looking for. Don’t expect many dimes or steals, but you’ll get tres and there is upside in the steals department.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 13.44 | 8.4 | 1.7 | .39 | 1.17 | 1.06 | .59 | 53% | 75% | 72 |
46) C. J. McCollum (SG – Portland Trail Blazers)
Highlights from Urkel….I mean McCollum’s season last year:
C. J. isn’t exciting for fantasy because he doesn’t contribute much in the defensive categories. What he will provide are primarily points and tres, while chipping in some boards and dimes. The turnover rate is super low as well. He’s a stable fantasy asset who will once in a while drop a 50-burger and go:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 20.67 | 3.87 | 3.09 | .81 | .3 | 1.66 | 2.35 | 46% | 79% | 77 |
47) Kevin Love (PF – Cleveland Cavaliers)
Love is 30 years old. Over the past four seasons, he’s played 77, 60, 59, and 22 games. In investing circles, it is often said that the trend is your friend. Well, that depends on the perspective. If you’re a Larry Nance Jr. investor, then it is. For those speculating on Love, it’s troubling. With that said, when he’s on the court, the fantasy points are in the air for Love. He shoots well from the line, contributes a little under three tres per game, close to 20 points, and double-digit boards. Just don’t expect the D. Ladies! No need to leave.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 19.86 | 11.4 | 3 | .39 | .3 | 2.1 | 2.76 | 45% | 84% | 57 |
48) Bam Adebayo (C – Miami Heat)
The Munchkins of Adebayo are rejoicing in the streets of Miami, as the wicked Hassan of the Whiteside has finally been shipped out of town. Ding-Dong! The Hassan is Gone! When I saw Bam in Summer League a few years ago, Euro-stepping defenders in the open court, my eyes turned into red hearts. This will be his third year in the league, and I’m excited to see what he can do. Bam will provide points, boards, steals, and blocks. He will even chip in a few dimes and shoot well from the field. The free throw shooting isn’t great at 72%, but it’s not a killer. The only thing he doesn’t contribute is tres.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 14.48 | 8.96 | 2.43 | 1.12 | 1.03 | 1.82 | .02 | 51% | 72% | 76 |
49) Draymond Green (PF – Golden State Warriors)
Dray got piggidy-paid this offseason, as he and the Warriors agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension. Good for him, as he’s deserved of all that and some. As many have alluded to on Twitter, Dray shoots as if he’s wearing a backpack, and he only averaged 7.4 points per game last season, but his IQ and awareness are off-the-charts, especially on the defensive end. From a fantasy perspective, you’re getting around 7 boards, 7 dimes, and over 1 steal and block each. The percentages aren’t great, but the across-the-board contributions fit almost any build.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 9.57 | 7.52 | 7.23 | 1.44 | 1.24 | 2.68 | .86 | 45% | 71% | 70 |
50) Terry Rozier (PG – Charlotte Hornets)
Rozier is now THE man in Charlotte, replacing Kemba Walker, who went to Boston, which is where Rozier is coming from. Did they high-five as they passed each other in the hallway? Rozier has some ego issues, which resulted in him being unable to come off the bench. When looking at his career numbers, the numbers are stark. FG%: 40% vs 37%. 3P%: 39% vs 34%. TS%: 52% vs 48%. Well, we don’t have to worry about that now, as he is the unquestioned starter. He’s going to jack up a ton of shots, which is…..scary. For the FG% conscious, be wary of Scary Terry, as he’s going to put you in a deep hole due to the massive volume. There is some hope that the efficiency improves. Yeah, who am I kidding? The tres, steals, and boards are nice from the guard position, but the dimes are lacking, which sucks from a point guard. Also, no blocks. At least the turnovers are low. There’s upside here, as Rozier is uber-athletic and he’s in a situation where the club has faith in him and he’s the unquestioned guy. Personally, I’d be wary and would only think about him in specific builds, but he will provide numbers. Remember, get the pieces that fit your specific puzzle.
Projection:
| PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | 3PT | FG | FT | GP |
| 17.15 | 5.76 | 3.68 | 1.12 | .32 | 1.28 | 2.88 | 41% | 75% | 77 |
