Back in November, just as the 2018–2019 NBA season was starting, we posted a list of players worth getting for your keeper leagues. Names like DeAndre Ayton and Pascal Siakam were included, and the list proved prescient. Ayton submitted rookie-of-the-year-worthy numbers: 16.3 points per game, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, on top of nearly a steal and a block every counting. Siakam, on the other hand, emerged as a key cog for the Toronto Raptors, as he averaged 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
Now, with the playoffs in full swing, it’s time to look way ahead to the next fantasy season. Obviously, it would be great if you can nab a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo. A CBS Sports analysis pegs the Greek Freak as the favorite to become this year’s MVP, as he has been putting up huge numbers across the board (27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists). Chances are he’ll continue to post monster numbers next season, especially given how he has improved year after year.
Getting someone like LeBron James is a no-brainer, too. As a Ladbrokes article on sports’ top earners points out, LeBron is recognized by many basketball pundits as second only to Michael Jordan as the game’s greatest ever player. He has more than justified his monstrous salary; one that makes him one of basketball’s higher paid superstars. What makes LeBron so special is his ability to fill the stat sheet every single game.
But even with such players, you’ll still have to get creative just like a real-life GM if you want to win your league.
So, to help you plot out your fantasy lineup as early as now, here are some under-the-radar players who are likely to be next season’s fantasy sleepers.
Dwight Powell
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Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell has always been solid for the Mavs, and he will be vital for them again next season with DeAndre Jordan gone. Post-All-Star break, Powell was thrust into the starting lineup, and he responded by playing some of the best basketball of his career. He punctuated the season by averaging 13.2 points and 8.3 rebounds in the Mavs’ last 9 games (he averaged 10.6 points and 5.3 rebounds for the season). While Powell won’t put up huge numbers, he’ll contribute nicely to any fantasy league team.
Dion Waiters
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Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters has had a rough year as he worked his way back from left ankle surgery. He was out of the league for over 10 months and when he returned it was clear he was just a shadow of his former 2016–2017 Waiters Island self. But with Tyler Johnson and Wayne Ellington traded, and Dwyane Wade retired, the Heat’s 2-spot is Waiters’ to take next season. He ended the season on a high, averaging 17.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. That’s a small sample size, but it’s proof enough that Waiters is beginning to get back his form. With another training camp to prepare for the NBA’s grueling grind, expect a renaissance from Waiters Island.
Jahlil Okafor
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New Orleans Pelicans forward Jahlil Okafor can put up double-doubles; he only needs opportunities. And he’ll likely get more next season, especially after finishing strong this April. For the season, he put up modest numbers of 8.2 points per game and 4.7 rebounds in only 15 minutes of floor time. But given another offseason of getting in shape, Okafor might be primed for a breakout. After all, next season might be make or break for the former Sixer.
Mitchell Robinson
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New York Knicks forward Mitchell Robinson has had trouble staying on the floor because of foul trouble. But when he does, he is extremely valuable due to his shot blocking (2.4 a game!) and rebounding (6.4 per game, but on 20 minutes only). But as the season wound down, he showed that he could patrol the paint without fouling too much. An offseason of learning and training will do wonders for the über-athletic Robinson, who figures to have an expanded role next season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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The Los Angeles Clippers’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a fantastic rookie season. The reed-thin, rangy playmaker averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists for the Clippers, all while playing the 1 — traditionally the position hardest to master in today’s NBA. Gilgeous-Alexander is guided by a coach who believes in him, and that coach played the same position the young man is playing now. That means he’ll learn a lot this summer, and he’ll definitely be better next season.
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