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(Athlete: Zach Edey Source: athlonsports.com Photograph by Athlon Sports , Date: October 24th, 2024)
Heading into the 2024-2025 season, fantasy managers will look to capitalize on rookie players who will be impactful on their teams. The 2023 draft class offered game-changing talent, including players like Victor Wembanyama and Dereck Lively II filling large roles. So, here are three of the most promising players to watch for in 2024.
7-foot High Potential Player Leading Young Core
(Athlete: Alex Sarr Source: kabargayo.com Photograph by karbargayo, Date: October 11th, 2024)
Although the 2024 draft class may not have been as exciting as the 2023 class, Alex Sarr, the second overall pick, looks to challenge that narrative by offering the highest ceiling out of any player. Alexandre Sarr is an international prospect who played in the New Zealand league, averaging 1.5 blocks in 15 minutes per game at 18.
Sarr’s best attribute is defense, which the Washington Wizards will need after a poor 2023 season. However, Sarr’s offensive game is subpar, shooting 28% from three in 2023. Still, he rebounded and went 7-for-13 in three preseason games.
During the preseason, Sarr has had a game with 9 rebounds, and two with at least three assists. He can do a little of everything, demonstrating his high potential to become a well-rounded star.
With the Wizards having little to play for, they should be keen on utilizing Sarr heavily and giving him ample minutes to boost his development. Although he may not have the highest field goal percentage, Sarr should offer fantasy value through his balanced play and low ADP of 139.
Best Shooter in the Draft Competing for Significant Role
(Athlete: Reed Sheppard Source: chron.com Photograph by David Becker/Associated Press, Date: July 12th, 2024)
As the third overall pick, Reed Sheppard skyrocketed on NBA draft boards after an electric freshman season at Kentucky. Sheppard was the most dominant three-point shooter in collegiate basketball, making 52% of his attempts.
His three-point specialism will give him fantasy value, especially as a late-round flier. Still, Sheppard proved his offensive game was not only limited to long-distance shots in the summer league.
He destroyed his competition, averaging 20.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks with superb efficiency. Still, the summer league does not fully feature NBA competition, so it hard to tell if Sheppard can translate his game against high-level defenders.
During the preseason, Sheppard has continued to prove why he is the best shooter in the 2024 draft, shooting over 70% from the field in his second game. He also reinforced that he can contribute in other statistics, similar to Sarr, by getting four rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Unfortunately, the Rockets are playoff contenders in 2024, and Sheppard will likely not receive a starting role for the Rockets. With stars Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green occupying the starting backcourt, Sheppard will have to make his presence known off the bench, mirroring the role he played at Kentucky.
Overall, Sheppard is someone that should not be expected to play significant minutes at the beginning of the season. However, if injuries occur or Sheppard proves his skill, he is worth a stash considering his low ADP of 169.
National Champion Impresses During Preseason
(Athlete: Stephon Castle Source: si.com Photograph by Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports, Date: July 13th, 2024)
Stephon Castle was drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He is coming off a national championships, in which he was a centerpiece of Connecticut’s lineup.
His freshman year showed a lot of promise, especially on the defensive side. Nevertheless, his shooting was subpar during his freshman season at Connecticut. However, Castle has surprised many during the preseason, averaging 11 points per game on 50% shooting efficiency and 40% accuracy from 3-point range.
If Castle continues to shoot well, his excellent defensive abilities will help him earn on a spot on the Spurs lineup. Castle also has a golden opportunity at the beginning of the 2024-2025 season because Spurs star Devin Vassell will miss at least the first week with a foot injury.
Castle will have a prominent role in the Spurs rotation and a chance to secure the role if he continues to impress coaches. Therefore, Castle is worth a pickup or late-round stash, especially considering his ADP of 174.
Most Promising Rookies Summary
With the 2024 draft in the past, it will be intriguing to see how the rookies will play in their new situations. There are many talented players who look to make a significant impact on their new teams. First, Alexandre Sarr will be a focal point of the Wizards offense and defense, which will provide him many opportunties to rack up fantasy points. Also the Wizards have a uncompetitive team this year, so Sarr should receive plentiful minutes to aid his development.
Second, Reed Sheppard looks to make an impact with his solid offensive game and top-tier three-point shooting. Although he is blocked by star veterans, Sheppard will have the chance to play a significant role off the bench and earn many points for his fantasy managers.
Finally, Stephon Castle is a promising player who helped Connecticut win its second consecutive national championship. He is a valuable player on defense who has shown tremendous improvement on offense during the preseason, and will be worth a pick-up considering he will play a large role for the Spurs at the beginning of the season.
Ultimately, rookies are a great way to find undervalued players because they have no past NBA records and their potential is unknown. Therefore, playing the best rookies can help fantasy basketball managers win their league.
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“I wasn’t that good at 19.”-Fred VanVleet on Reed Sheppard
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