Since this will be the last article for this season, this will be a different Buy/Sell as I know most fantasy leagues have already finished so I thought we can take a look at some very early Buy/Sell discussions for next year. That is some players that are looking ready to take the next step and some that are looking like they will have a major drop off in value. Of course trades, free agency and even the upcoming draft can change all of this but what is the essence of fantasy basketball if to mindlessly talk and theorize about it without having all the info available to you?
But in keeping up with traditions and regarding last week’s suggestions, Daniss Jenkins has been a real difference maker in fantasy playoffs so I hope you were quick enough to enjoy his fantasy postseason production, while Kennedy Chandler got all the minutes he could handle, with mediocre results. His first day expired but he can sign one even today so if you have him on your roster be sure to check his availability. Finally, Dylan Harper did not really impress with the added opportunity, although San Antonio tends to blow out opponents recently.
Buy Early
Matas Buzelis: His second year leap has been impressive both in terms of playing time and in terms of fantasy value. Averaging just below 30 minutes he is ranked 74th in per game value and there is no reason why he can not further improve on this next season.
VJ Edgecombe: Despite starting the season undrafted in many leagues, the no3 pick of last year’s draft impressed in his first season in the association and is currently ranked 65th in per game value, despite shooting only 43.6% from the field. If he can improve this percentage, and rookie guards usually do in their sophomore year, the sky is the limit for him.
Sell Early
DeMar DeRozan: I firmly believe this will be his last season as a legitimate top100 fantasy player, as evidenced by his last 3 months this season. His lack of triples, reduced athleticism due to age and lack of defensive stats are not going to magically improve next season and I can see a world where he does not even start, so I would avoid him in all drafts next season.
Jalen Green: The scenery change from Houston to Phoenix did not seem to improve Jalen Green’s fantasy fortunes and it seems that he has not earned the trust of the coaching staff to log consistent minutes. Unless a coaching change occurs in the Suns, I am staying far away from Jalen for next year. I am not even sure at this point if the aforementioned coaching change would be enough…
Nikola Vucevic: We have to wait and see where he ends up in the offseason, but his move to Boston and his subsequent demotion to a reserve role has been devastating for his fantasy value. He finally gets his wish to play meaningful postseason minutes, when he returns from his injury, but I see no way he maintains his streak as a top 50 fantasy commodity.
This wraps up another season for me in Razzball. I hope I kept you good company and helped you even a tiny bit in this fantasy season. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my rumblings and engage in the comments (JC aka Freddie is my deserved GOAT) and see you early next season with the review of last year’s projections and next year’s projections.
Great stuff all year sir!
Enjoyed the ride. In my “friends league” which I would sever a digit to win, I finished second after finishing the regular season in first. as I shared with you on seemingly a daily basis, my team was so weak down the stretch that I had to completely switch strategies. It almost worked losing only 5-4 after trailing 7-2 until the final day.
It was fun to have your insights and help. In my other league, which I don’t care much about, I actually won it today having a blazing last few days. Ironically, I scooped up PG 13 and Siakam a few weeks back and they were incredible. I just could not hold them in my friends league. Too easy to get bounced early. So a minor award but have to do better next year and return the Chip to its rightful home. Best to you and hope to be reading you next year.
First and second place is a really good return for a season, well done sir. Winning the friends league is always the priority, we have to maintain bragging rights, those are the little things that make life enjoyable.
PG had an awesome return to action and the Pacers apparently chose a random week to unleash Siakam. They might or might not have him in their fantasy teams but dont quote me on that.
You will certainly read from me again next season so looking forward to discussing the team you will draft and guide!
Coll…hope you held on and captured your home town Chip
Indeed I did, despite missing games from Jalen Johnson and Trey Murphy I had Jokic and an unsung hero in Daniss Jenkins. Porzingis remembering that he is a basketball player at just the right time also helped.