Fantasy Basketball: Ameer Tyree’s Studs and Duds

By Ameer Tyree

Figuring out worth is crucial to fantasy basketball drafts, however it’s an inexact science. With that in thoughts, the Rotoworld employees has recognized just a few of its “studs” and “duds” forward of the 2024-25 season, predicting high- and low-value choices projected to go within the early, center, and late rounds of drafts. Final up is Ameer Tyree, who has no reservations concerning the fantasy worth of Charlotte’s younger level guard.

STUD: LaMelo Ball

Ball solely appeared in 22 video games final season however notched profession highs in factors (23.9) and steals (1.8) per sport. The Hornets’ do-it-all level guard additionally tallied 8.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds per contest. Whereas Ball’s turnover averages have risen since his rookie yr, he stays among the many finest high-upside fantasy prospects.

Fantasy managers are positive to be skeptical about Ball. He’s performed 58 video games over the earlier two seasons due to accidents. Ball posted 25.2 factors, 8.8 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per 36 minutes throughout these campaigns whereas sinking greater than 3.0 three-pointers per outing. The Hornets lack depth however have a pair of efficient scoring wings in Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges. That duo’s offensive assist will help Ball elevate his sport to a different degree. It’s best to look to focus on Ball if he falls out of the primary spherical of your fantasy draft, as different gamers who’ve been wholesome just lately ought to stay the precedence.

DUD: Tyrese Haliburton

Haliburton was considered one of final season’s largest surprises. The Indiana Pacers level guard thrived as a flooring basic and completed because the NBA’s help chief. He racked up double-doubles with ease because of averages of 20.1 factors and 10.9 assists per sport. Haliburton didn’t flip the ball over a lot, shot effectively for a lot of the season, and contributed on the defensive finish.

Haliburton ought to stay one of many higher fantasy level guard choices in 2024-25, however his numbers dropped considerably following the acquisition of Pascal Siakam. Haliburton averaged 16.9 factors and 9.5 assists via 36 outings with Siakam within the common season. These numbers are nothing to scoff at, and Haliburton will get an opportunity to come back into his second full season with the Pacers with improved crew chemistry and well being. Fantasy managers must be cautious of constructing him their first decide off the board now that he has a professional co-star.

STUD: Jalen Johnson

Johnson’s breakout season flew below the radar final season. The Hawks wing tallied 16.1 factors, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per sport whereas capturing 51.1% from the sphere in his third NBA season. He unexpectedly doubled his common taking part in time from the earlier season and logged 33.7 minutes per contest via 56 video games. The Duke product is about to take one other leap in 2024-25.

Johnson may blossom into Atlanta’s common second scoring possibility alongside Bogdan Bogdanovic now, as Dejounte Murray has left to Be part of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Hawks’ lack of dependable swingmen to deliver off the bench will help Johnson end the yr as a top-50 fantasy participant. Don’t be shocked if he outperforms a number of gamers who repeatedly get All-Star consideration.

DUD: Buddy Hield

Dud: Two of the NBA’s finest three-point shooters are paring up in Golden State. Hield is about to assist fill the void left by Klay Thompson with the Warriors. No participant has made extra photographs from lengthy vary than Hield over the past 5 seasons. There’s purpose to be skeptical about his match with the Dubs alongside Curry and firm.

Hield’s capturing percentages have been stable at his final two stops. Nonetheless, he averaged lower than 13.0 factors per sport along with his final two groups and fell fully out of the rotation at instances with the Philadelphia 76ers. I’m not satisfied he’ll match proper in with the motion and protection that the Warriors prioritize.

Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton will probably be crucial contributors, because of their defensive versatility. I wouldn’t be shocked if Hield fell properly in need of expectations with these two within the fold. He’s price rostering as a three-point specialist, however ready to get him a bit of later than the place he’s projected to go in drafts shouldn’t damage you an excessive amount of.

STUD: Malcolm Brogdon

The 2023 Sixth Man of the Yr has a brand new crew. Brogdon averaged 15.7 factors, 5.5 assists, and three.8 rebounds per sport in 39 appearances with the Portland Path Blazers. Now he’s set to take over place to begin guard duties with the Washington Wizards in 2024-25. Jordan Poole wasn’t able to run an offense in his first season with Washington, however Brogdon is and may step proper in for Tyus Jones.

Brogdon has posted at the least 15.0 factors and 5.0 assists per sport, capturing higher than 44% from the sphere and 38% from deep in three of his earlier 4 campaigns. He may not put up eye-popping numbers, however he’s an environment friendly scorer and playmaker who doesn’t flip the ball over. I believe Washington will lean on his consistency as they give the impression of being to rebuild.

DUD: Scoot Henderson

Henderson did his finest with the alternatives he was given as a rookie. He posted some stable stat traces right here and there however wasn’t safe with the ball and shot poorly from the sphere and long-range. Portland’s backcourt is fascinating, and I can’t say I’m assured in banking on Henderson as a starter or reserve level guard.

Anfernee Simons ought to stay the lead guard, and Shaedon Sharpe will give Henderson a run for his cash as a member of the beginning backcourt. Fantasy managers shouldn’t financial institution on an enormous soar for Henderson. His streakiness and the combo guards he’ll must compete with for a dependable function appear prone to maintain him again in yr two.