This is not meant here to be a comprehensive preview; there’s enough of those floating around to get lost in the noise. I’m hoping to do more of a news and notes weekly article for y’all. So in that spirit, here are just some guys who strike my fancy in a good or bad way. Let’s look at the Central Division first.
Chicago Bulls: I really don’t like this team for fantasy this year. Josh Giddey was the big offseason addition for this group. Josh Giddey is a non athletic point guard who can’t play defense or shoot. Does this seem like a recipe for success? I don’t see the 20-8-8 upside others are calling for here. The Bulls have a ton of guards, Giddey is the worst shooter of all of them, and I think he plays more of a secondary off the ball role than some think. He’s going too high in drafts for me.
Coby White was a breakout for two months last year, but soon after fell into his inefficient shooting/moderate passing mode. As the main focus of defenses, he will struggle to shoot 40% and the turnovers will rise. Useful player, but more of a utility guy than a valuable starter.
Cleveland Cavaliers: You know what you’re going to get here. Evan Mobley has shown some workout videos this offseason. His form on his jumper looks better. If he can unlock anything, anything, scoring wise to get above 16 PPG you have a star. This is the last season I go big on Mobley.
The rest of the team you know, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, etc. This is a good streaming team though; Mobley missed 32 games, Mitchell and Garland both played less than 60, so Craig Porter, Jr. could be a decent stash if you have the room. No real breakouts or busts here. I dub this team Team WYSIWYG.
Milwaukee Bucks: You know who fits in well with an all around generational talent and a point guard who loves to penetrate and kick? You got it, a three point specialist! The Bucks landed one this offseason and he’s one of my favorite targets. The name is Gary Trent, Jr. Unlike his large and physical father, Trent is a sniper. He averaged over 2.5 three pointers on a weird Raptors team. Imagine now, as a fourth option with no responsibilities but shoot? He could hit 4 per game if the accuracy can just for one season hit 40%. I’m all in on Trent this year as a stealth SG starting option.
Indiana Pacers: Pascal Siakam is going in the fourth round in ten team leagues according to Hashtag Basketball and that’s too low. Siakam added a three point shot and presumable in this high paced offense will continue to shoot them. I’m looking for a 23-9-4 season out of Siakam with a steal and a block. Follow the money: Siakam got PAID this offseason and will be relied on as the primary scoring option. Yes, I said it. I think he’s their leading scorer. He’s finally settled into his stable situation and I see big things coming for Siakam. I’d take him over multiple guys in the second round and comfortably slot him in my personal top 20. No, I haven’t published that anywhere. We have a Jay for that. He’s one of my flag planting guys for this season though. Siakam, not Jay. He’s just a nice guy who writes here.
Detroit Pistons: I doubt I roster any Piston this year. Take Jalen Duren for example. He’s a low end scorer who does help a lot in rebounds. But broski needs to get some more blocks. Not even one per game? Let’s go Duren. Prove me wrong. Super fun player but I think he’s overrated in fantasy.
The Pistons don’t have an identity. They are filled with young interesting pieces that are trying to make a name for themselves. Cade Cunningham is interesting, sure. Anyone would like a possible 25 point 10 assist season. But I don’t trust them.
Hope this is at least mildly helpful. Anyone agree or disagree?
Have some news coming in this space too, I am supposed to be lined up in an industry league soon and a couple more mock drafts.
Please, by the way, sign up for RazzJam if you haven’t already. It’s a verifiable funhouse of fantasy hoops goodness!
