It's never too early to start thinking about next season. Rest assured, the Happy Gilmores of the Fantasy basketball realm are out there, somewhere, taking chest passes to the gut and growling that there are only five months till next year's fantasy drafts.
For the next several weeks, the focus will be squarely on the 2021 NBA Playoffs, but for those who want to get a head start, here are some players who flashed enough upside this season to boost their fantasy stock.
NO-BRAINERS
De'Aaron Fox, Kings
Fox may be coming off a breakout campaign already, but that doesn't mean he won't take another leap forward next season. After the All-Star break, Fox averaged 28.5 points (49.1% FG, 29.3% 3Pt, 77.8% FT), 6.6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.7 threes and 0.4 blocks in 36.5 minutes per game. Sacramento is starving for a playoff (or even play-in) appearance, and the only way that'll happen in the crowded and ultra-competitive Western Conference is if Fox is playing heavy minutes and contributing at a superstar level.
Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets
As sensational as Porter was this season, sporting averages of 19.0 points (54.2% FG, 44.5% 3Pt, 79.1% FT), 7.3 boards, 2.8 threes, 1.1 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.7 steals in 31.3 minutes per game, it's possible he is merely scratching the surface of his potential. Just like Fox, Porter took his game to another level following the All-Star break, posting 22.3 points (56.4% FG, 46.4% 3Pt, 80.9% FT), 7.5 rebounds, 3.1
It's never too early to start thinking about next season. Rest assured, the Happy Gilmores of the Fantasy basketball realm are out there, somewhere, taking chest passes to the gut and growling that there are only five months till next year's fantasy drafts.
For the next several weeks, the focus will be squarely on the 2021 NBA Playoffs, but for those who want to get a head start, here are some players who flashed enough upside this season to boost their fantasy stock.
NO-BRAINERS
De'Aaron Fox, Kings
Fox may be coming off a breakout campaign already, but that doesn't mean he won't take another leap forward next season. After the All-Star break, Fox averaged 28.5 points (49.1% FG, 29.3% 3Pt, 77.8% FT), 6.6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.7 threes and 0.4 blocks in 36.5 minutes per game. Sacramento is starving for a playoff (or even play-in) appearance, and the only way that'll happen in the crowded and ultra-competitive Western Conference is if Fox is playing heavy minutes and contributing at a superstar level.
Michael Porter Jr., Nuggets
As sensational as Porter was this season, sporting averages of 19.0 points (54.2% FG, 44.5% 3Pt, 79.1% FT), 7.3 boards, 2.8 threes, 1.1 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.7 steals in 31.3 minutes per game, it's possible he is merely scratching the surface of his potential. Just like Fox, Porter took his game to another level following the All-Star break, posting 22.3 points (56.4% FG, 46.4% 3Pt, 80.9% FT), 7.5 rebounds, 3.1 treys, 1.3 dimes, 0.7 blocks and 0.5 steals in 33.4 minutes across 35 appearances. With Jamal Murray (knee) likely to miss much of next season, Porter figures to be Denver's clear-cut second option behind Nikola Jokic for the foreseeable future.
Dejounte Murray, Spurs
Murray turned in career-high averages across most categories, including points (15.7 PPG), boards (7.1 RPG), dimes (5.4 APG) and minutes (31.9 MPG). Murray also cut down on his turnovers (1.7 TPG) and remained a solid source of steals (1.5 SPG) while appearing in 67 games. If DeMar DeRozan signs elsewhere this summer -- a likely outcome, at this point -- Murray's playmaking could jump up another level.
Robert Williams, Celtics
Injuries slowed Williams down the stretch, although this was his best season by far. In 23 appearances after the All-Star break, he averaged 9.4 points, 8.2 boards, 2.7 dimes, 2.1 blocks and 0.7 steals in 22.5 minutes. If Williams stays healthy next season, he's a fairly obvious breakout candidate.
Kevin Porter Jr., Rockets
Porter's breakout this season was no fluke. The guy dropped 50 points and 11 dimes in a game in which Jrue Holiday was his most frequent primary defender. Regardless of what happens with the Rockets this offseason, Porter shouldn't be slept on come draft season.
TEAMS WITH MULTIPLE BREAKOUT CANDIDATES
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Charlotte is not shy about playing small-ball, Gordon Hayward (foot) can't seem to stay healthy, and P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges are coming off terrific seasons. Both players can slot in at multiple positions and both possess versatile, two-way skillsets. Washington, in particular, is one of the best breakout candidates in the league, as far as I'm concerned.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
It's tough to predict the Fantasy forecast in Cleveland without knowing who the team selects in the 2021 NBA Draft, but the Cavaliers have three players who could be considered breakout candidates. If Evan Mobley doesn't end up in a Cavaliers uniform, Jarrett Allen could take another step forward, though he seemed to stagnate down the stretch of the season.
Darius Garland should build upon his strong sophomore season, in which he averaged 17.4 points (45.1% FG, 39.5% 3Pt, 84.8% FT), 6.1 assists, 1.9 threes and 1.2 steals in 33.1 minutes per game. And maybe, just maybe, the Kevin Love era will finally come to an end. If that's the case, don't dismiss Larry Nance Jr.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Lonzo Ball could very well re-sign with the Pelicans this summer. But if not, there are three players who could stand to benefit. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is perhaps the most obvious, having averaged 11.0 points, 3.1 boards, 2.2 dimes, 1.7 treys, 1.0 steal and 0.5 blocks in 21.9 minutes this season. Josh Hart, who won't cost as much to retain in free agency as Ball, nearly averaged a double-double (9.2 points and 8.0 boards) in only 28.7 minutes per night. And for those in deeper leagues, Naji Marshall showcased a well-rounded skill set, averaging 7.7 points, 4.6 boards and 2.8 dimes in just 21.9 minutes.
ORLANDO MAGIC
Having hit the reset button, Orlando may have more potential breakout candidates than any other team. Wendell Carter Jr. and Mo Bamba might finally make good on their potential. Cole Anthony is coming off an encouraging rookie campaign. R.J. Hampton showed some flashes. Markelle Fultz (knee) remains worth mentioning. But the player with the most upside is still Jonathan Isaac (knee). Concerning injury history and limited offensive stats notwithstanding, I'll probably be targeting him no later than the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
De'Aaron Fox isn't the only Kings player to consider. Buddy Hield is among the players most frequently mentioned in trade rumors. If a deal comes to fruition, that would almost certainly increase the fantasy stocks of Tyrese Haliburton and Delon Wright. Meanwhile, if Richaun Holmes doesn't re-sign, the oft-injured Marvin Bagley becomes intriguing as a high-risk, high-reward option.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Murray isn't the only Spur poised to break out in 2021-22, just the most obvious.
Jakob Poeltl posted career-high averages in scoring (8.6 PPG), rebounding (7.9 RPG), assists (1.9 APG), blocks (1.8 BPG), steals (0.7 SPG) and minutes (26.7 MPG). No longer competing with LaMarcus Aldridge for playing time, Poeltl turned in 10.4 points (62.0% FG, 62.3% FT), 8.5 boards, 2.1 dimes, 2.0 blocks and 0.7 steals in 29.6 minutes after the All-Star break.
Although Derrick White appeared in only half of the team's games this year, he pitched in averages of 15.4 points, 3.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 threes, 1.0 block and 0.7 steals in 29.6 minutes. Like Murray, White would figure to shoulder more responsibility offensively if DeMar DeRozan doesn't re-sign.
TORONTO RAPTORS
If Kyle Lowry doesn't re-sign this offseason, the keys to the offense will likely be handed over to Fred VanVleet. But he's definitely not the only Raptor to consider. OG Anunoby is on the rise regardless of whether Lowry stays, as is Chris Boucher. And for those in deeper leagues, Khem Birch is intriguing if he re-signs with Toronto.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Tyler Herro, Heat
After setting the bubble on fire in last year's playoffs, Herro didn't make the expected leap this season. However, improvement isn't always linear, and ultimately his regular season numbers were better this year than last. With Goran Dragic aging, Herro is a good bet to see increased usage offensively next season and beyond.
Donte DiVincenzo, Bucks
DiVincenzo was pretty inconsistent this season, but he's a unique, well-rounded player who contributes across multiple categories. Plus he's playing on a Bucks team whose three best players are all excellent passers. It might not be a huge leap, but DiVincenzo could take another step forward next season.
Jalen Brunson, Mavericks
Brunson provided excellent offensive production and efficiency for the Mavericks this season and could see his stock rise even higher in the future. For as long as Rick Carlisle has been at the helm, Dallas has had one of the best bench units in the league. Furthermore, Brunson may be featured more often in lineups with supersized point guard Luka Doncic going forward.
Isaiah Stewart, Pistons
Stewart showcased an efficient, well-rounded skillset -- especially for a rookie. While he may not overtake Mason Plumlee for the starting center role next season, the Pistons should again be a bottom-feeder, so there's a good chance Stewart's development will ultimately be prioritized. The Washington product led all rookies in steals and blocks this season.
Naz Reid, Timberwolves
Reid was a consistent contributor off the bench this season. Could he be the next Montrezl Harrell? While that may be a longshot, Reid is more versatile offensively, capable of stepping out beyond the arc on occasion.
Patrick Williams, Bulls
Williams was a steady two-way contributor for a Bulls team that doesn't have a lot going for itself along the wing. His offensive efficiency was the most pleasantly surprising aspect of his rookie campaign, and he's another player to consider in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.
Terance Mann, Clippers
Even if Kawhi Leonard is still a Clipper, as expected, Nicolas Batum and Reggie Jackson are set to hit free agency. Plus Leonard's load management will likely continue for the rest of his career. Mann made a name for himself this year and could be worth a look in the later rounds.
Nicolas Claxton, Nets
Claxton might soon be ready to beat veteran DeAndre Jordan out for the starting center gig. As such, Claxton could be worth targeting in the final rounds of fantasy drafts, assuming the Nets don't bring in a significantly better option.
Matisse Thybulle, 76ers
If Danny Green isn't re-signed this offseason, Thybulle could finally see enough minutes to warrant consideration outside of deeper leagues. His offense remains a question mark, but the defensive upside might be too tantalizing to ignore if he ends up averaging closer to 30 minutes next season.
