Fantasy Basketball: 2024-25 Pacific Division Workforce Previews

By Noah Rubin

The 2024-25 NBA season is slightly over one month away, making this prime time for fantasy managers to arrange for his or her drafts. Rotoworld may have articles dropping all through this time, starting with fantasy-related ideas on each staff. Subsequent up in our division-by-division previews is the Pacific Division.

Whereas the Lakers couldn’t make any important strikes, that was not true for the Clippers, Kings, and Warriors. Paul George and Klay Thompson have been notable departures, whereas Sacramento acquired DeMar DeRozan by way of sign-and-trade. Final however not least, Phoenix addressed its pricey level guard deficiency by including Tyus Jones and Monte Morris in free company.

Golden State Warriors

2023-24 Document: 46-36

Tempo: 99.91 (eleventh)

Offensive Ranking: 116.9 (ninth)

Defensive Ranking: 114.5 (fifteenth)

One Potential Sleeper: De’Anthony Melton

With Klay Thompson and Chris Paul gone, loads of minutes will probably be on the perimeter. Brandin Podziemski ought to get the primary crack on the beginning job, however Melton can considerably impression fantasy basketball in restricted minutes. If Melton and Buddy Hield are the backups within the backcourt, they need to be capable of make a huge impact in fantasy in restricted minutes. Melton has been a top-100 participant in 9-cat leagues the previous two seasons in round 27 minutes per recreation. His 3-pointers and steals will probably be worthwhile.

One Potential Bust: Trayce Jackson-Davis

Whereas he ought to be their major middle possibility, that doesn’t lock him in as a starter. Steve Kerr hasn’t been shy prior to now about altering his beginning unit, and whereas he could use TJD as a starter at occasions, there’s nonetheless an opportunity that he begins Draymond Inexperienced and Jonathan Kuminga at energy ahead and middle as a rule. Jackson-Davis can nonetheless have an effect in restricted minutes, however he doesn’t have the upside that the majority beginning facilities throughout the league have.

Notable Quantity: 1,924

Since getting into the league in 2016-17, that’s what number of 3-pointers Hield has hit, which is second to Stephen Curry throughout that stretch. Hield has performed extra video games than Klay throughout that stretch, so this isn’t saying that he’s higher by any means. Nevertheless, Hield is likely one of the finest shooters within the league and will assist compensate for shedding one of many biggest Warriors ever. Plus, Hield has performed a minimum of 80 video games in all however two seasons, which have been shortened on account of COVID-19. Hield’s availability will probably be welcomed on an growing older Warriors squad.

Los Angeles Clippers

2023-24 Document: 51-31

Tempo: 97.93 (twentieth)

Offensive Ranking: 117.9 (4th)

Defensive Ranking: 114.6 (sixteenth)

One Potential Sleeper: Kris Dunn. With Russell Westbrook gone, loads of level guard minutes will probably be up for grabs. Kevin Porter Jr. and Bones Hyland are additionally candidates to fill a few of these, however Dunn is one of the best defender and playmaker amongst these three. That ought to assist him get the primary crack on the backup level guard spot, and he doesn’t want a lot time to return away with loads of dimes and steals. James Harden’s backup will probably be a state of affairs value watching throughout coaching camp.

One Potential Bust: Derrick Jones Jr.

After a superb season with the Mavs, Jones Jr. earned a payday with the Clippers, and he ought to slot in as Paul George’s substitute. Whereas he will probably be a superb perimeter defender for them, managers shouldn’t count on any uptick in offensive manufacturing. The minutes will probably be there, and he’ll assist make up for George’s exit. Nevertheless, DJJ isn’t a participant to contemplate drafting in most codecs.

Notable Quantity: 26.5

That’s what number of photographs PG and Russ shot per recreation final season. PG and Russ have been first and third in utilization among the many gamers who have been massive components of their rotation. Kawhi Leonard and Harden would be the major offense choices, however they gained’t see an additional 13 photographs in each recreation. Norman Powell will see a few of these, however guys like Bones Hyland and Kevin Porter Jr. will seemingly get extra alternatives to make up for among the offensive losses.

Los Angeles Lakers

2023-24 Document: 47-35

Tempo: 101.38 (4th)

Offensive Ranking: 115.4 (fifteenth)

Defensive Ranking: 114.8 (seventeenth)

One Potential Sleeper: Max Christie

He solely performed a restricted position off the bench in yr two, however Christie was capable of show some flashes of brilliance. The Lakers didn’t make any roster adjustments this offseason, and Christie could possibly carve out a task below new head coach JJ Redick. When he noticed constant minutes final season, Christie was capable of present well-rounded manufacturing. He isn’t a participant to draft in standard-sized leagues, however he’s value keeping track of, particularly if Redick makes use of him greater than Darvin Ham did.

One Potential Bust: Jarred Vanderbilt

In yr two with the Lakers, Vando solely performed 29 video games on account of harm and wasn’t efficient in restricted minutes. He’s an elite defender who has offered strong rebound and steal numbers. Whereas he may have a task with the staff, he could also be restricted by his deficiencies on the offensive finish. Even when they will masks his limitations on offense to make the most of his protection, managers shouldn’t count on him to offer a lot fantasy worth this season.

Notable Quantity: 35.3

That’s what number of minutes LeBron James performed per recreation final season. Certain, he’s superhuman. Nevertheless, it’s troublesome to think about Redick utilizing LeBron as a lot as Darvin Ham did throughout the common season. That ought to open up alternatives for different guys to see extra minutes and shot makes an attempt, leading to extra fantasy choices in commonplace leagues. LeBron ought to nonetheless be actually good in fantasy however count on his minutes, utilization, and video games performed to be managed to protect him for the postseason.

Phoenix Suns

2023-24 Document: 49-33

Tempo: 99.0 (fifteenth)

Offensive Ranking: 116.8 (tenth)

Defensive Ranking: 113.7 (thirteenth)

One Potential Sleeper: Ryan Dunn

As among the best defenders within the draft, Dunn can match proper in on a contending staff that lacks depth. He boasted an elite block and steal fee in school and will be capable of have a big impression in restricted minutes. Dunn’s offense is regarding, but when he can keep away from being a legal responsibility on that finish, his protection ought to get him on the ground and permit him to rack up the shares.

One Potential Bust: Grayson Allen

Coming off one of the best season of his profession, the expectations could also be that Allen is a protected fantasy possibility this yr. Nevertheless, they signed Tyus Jones with the intent to start out him. That pushes Allen to a reserve position after he logged 33.5 minutes per recreation, which is able to undoubtedly lower. On prime of that, Allen shot 49.9% from the ground and 46.1% on 3-pointers, which have been one of the best marks of his profession by a big margin. A drop in taking pictures effectivity ought to be anticipated, and a lower in alternative creates a recipe for catastrophe.

Notable Quantity: 14.9

That’s what number of turnovers per recreation the Suns averaged final season, which was twenty fifth within the league and the worst amongst playoff groups. Enter Tyus Jones, who signed with Phoenix desiring to be their new start line guard. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal are all efficient with the ball of their fingers, however having a facilitator could make life simpler for the elite scorers. Jones was a top-75 participant in 9-cat leagues final season, and he ought to be an environment friendly playmaker for his new squad this season, which is able to bode properly for the staff as an entire.

Sacramento Kings

2023-24 Document: 46-36

Tempo: 99.47 (14th)

Offensive Ranking: 116.2 (thirteenth)

Defensive Ranking: 114.4 (14th)

One Potential Sleeper: Keon Ellis

After beginning the yr as nothing greater than a depth piece within the Kings’ backcourt, Ellis carved out a task and entered the beginning unit. He was a superb fantasy possibility down the stretch, primarily on account of his defensive manufacturing. Nevertheless, he additionally had some strong performances from past the arc. Ellis may find yourself because the beginning taking pictures guard in Sacramento. In that state of affairs, he may have a ton of success in class leagues, although he ought to nonetheless play a big position off the bench if he results in that position.

One Potential Bust: Kevin Huerter

His second season in Sacramento wasn’t as profitable as his first. Huerter ranked outdoors the highest 150 in 9-cat leagues for the primary time since his rookie yr. He additionally performed the fewest minutes of his profession. He was a constant starter when wholesome, however even when he begins towards, it wouldn’t be shocking in the event that they deferred to Malik Monk and Ellis extra typically than Huerter. His spacing is useful however doesn’t assure minutes or fantasy manufacturing.

Notable Quantity: 1,039

That’s what number of extra mixed subject targets and free throws DeMar DeRozan tried final yr than Harrison Barnes. Including DeMar was a great transfer for a Kings staff making an attempt to get again to the playoffs, nevertheless it definitely impacts their offensive hierarchy. Sacramento performs a lot sooner than Chicago, however both DeRozan must sacrifice a handful of photographs per recreation, or the opposite Kings must hand over some touches to maximise DeRozan’s shot-making.