A brand new NBA season is upon us, which suggests it’s time for one more version of my final fantasy basketball tiers. These tiers are designed to assist in giving you a correct vantage level and understanding of the fantasy hoops panorama.
To do that, I’ve damaged down my present Prime 100 general fantasy gamers into 5 tiers and 28 sub-groups. The sub-groups often include gamers on the identical positions or with related strengths, so that you’ll need to do some apples-to-apples comparisons that will help you hone in in your favourite gamers inside every grouping.
To construct a robust fantasy workforce it’s good to have a rock stable basis first, so I recommend analyzing these Prime 100 gamers as a lot as potential, and we’ll get to the late-round sleepers and high worth picks afterward.
Tier 1A gamers: No. 1 – No. 14
The last word constructing blocks
We’ll kick off this yr’s final tiers with the final word constructing blocks. For these fortunate sufficient to land Wembanyama, you’re principally getting prime Hakeem Olajuwon stats, with 80% free throw capturing and a few 3-pointers per recreation sprinkled in. For these fortunate sufficient to land Jokic, you’re getting a participant on the top of his profession (he’s received three of the previous 4 MVP trophies), who could also be enjoying with much more of an edge this season after failing to succeed in final yr’s Western Convention finals.
Your subsequent greatest bets for MVP
SGA and Luka completed second and third, respectively, in final season’s MVP voting, and barring accidents, they’ll proceed to be legit MVP candidates for the following half dozen years or extra. I think about SGA to be the superior roto participant as a consequence of his wonderful capturing percentages, whereas Doncic is a strolling triple-double, making him the superior participant in points-based leagues.
Locking in your massive man stats
Davis is coming off his healthiest and most efficient season with the Lakers, and LeBron James had no points with capturing somewhat bit much less and helping Davis somewhat bit extra final yr. Anticipate that pattern to proceed in 2024-25.
It’s simple to neglect simply how dominant Embiid was as a result of he solely performed half the season, however do not forget that on the time of his harm, a excessive proportion of Embiid’s fantasy managers had been profitable their leagues.
Giannis has virtually develop into the forgotten celebrity, regardless of ending within the high 4 in MVP voting in every of the previous six seasons. I suppose consistency is boring? In the meantime, all that Sabonis did was develop into the primary participant since Wilt Chamberlain in 1967-68 to common 13+ rebounds and eight+ assists per recreation in the identical season, and he didn’t miss a single recreation.
The elite fantasy wings
I had Tatum, Edwards and Durant listed as tier 1A gamers a yr in the past, nevertheless it’s a well-earned promotion for Barnes. His stat line final season was paying homage to prime Scottie Pippen numbers: 19.9 factors, 8.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.5 blocks and 1.7 threes per recreation.
I’m nonetheless ready for Tatum and Edwards to develop into extra environment friendly scorers. That would be the best path for them to enhance their general fantasy values. A rise in utilization price ought to be coming for each gamers, since Kristaps Porzingis is a protected guess to overlook round 40 video games for the Celtics and Karl-Anthony Cities is not round in Minnesota. As for Durant, he simply turned 36 years outdated, however he solely missed seven video games final yr, and he’s exhibiting no indicators of slowing down.
Getting a head begin in assists
Final season, Haliburton led the league in assists with 10.9 dimes per recreation, whereas Younger was proper behind at 10.8 apg. Nobody else averaged double-digits in assists, and Luka and Jokic had been the one different gamers to common even 9+ apg. For 2024-25, there’s a great likelihood that each gamers will surpass the 11 help per recreation mark, because the Pacers will proceed to play at a breakneck tempo, and Dejounte Murray is not on the Hawks to vulture some assists away from Younger.
Tier 1B gamers: No. 15 – No. 28
New York’s new 1-2 punch
It’s been a very long time for the reason that Knicks had a dynamic duo nearly as good as Brunson and Cities, particularly from a fantasy perspective. Cities ought to transfer up the rankings on account of this commerce, with the Tom Thibodeau all-you-can-eat minutes bump being a giant purpose why. New York undoubtedly gave up some depth on this commerce, which suggests Brunson and Cities are fairly protected bets to play 36 minutes per recreation, or nearer to 40 minutes per recreation if/when accidents strike. If I had been a Knicks fan, I might be crossing my fingers in hopes of touchdown this dynamic duo in my fantasy draft(s).
Decide your poison: Mitchell or Booker?
Born simply 53 days other than one another, each chosen thirteenth general in back-to-back drafts, and each with profession averages between 24-25 factors, 4-5 rebounds and 4-5 assists per recreation, it’s unimaginable to not hyperlink these two gamers to one another. They typically get chosen back-to-back in drafts, and I’m always altering my thoughts about which participant I favor.
Future Corridor of Famers working the present
These elite guards are all of their mid-30’s, and there’s plenty of stress for them to carry out as much as their skills this season for his or her groups to have success. I’ve listed Harden first as a result of he has the best fantasy ceiling as a consequence of Paul George bolting for Philadelphia and Kawhi Leonard nonetheless recovering from offseason knee surgical procedure. His utilization price can be sky-high this season.
Lillard can be trying to have a redemption season after final yr’s disappointment, whereas Curry can’t be joyful about his workforce lacking out on final yr’s playoffs. I think about Curry to be essentially the most reliable of this group, however he additionally may need the bottom fantasy ceiling as a result of Warriors enhancing their general depth.
Potential superstars, with apparent flaws
Listed here are 4 up-and-coming level guards with the power to outperform a number of of the guards listed above, however they haven’t proven as a lot consistency, and so they include barely extra baggage. For Ja, he’s had quite a lot of bother staying on the court docket in latest seasons, and he’s a really poor outdoors shooter — 30% 3P over his previous two years. Fox improved his 3-point capturing by fairly a bit final season, however his free throw capturing nosedived to lower than 74% FT.
Resulting from his questionable shot choice, LaMelo has been a really inefficient scorer within the league, with an efficient FG% underneath 52% in all 4 of his NBA seasons (final yr, the league common was 54.7%). The identical could be stated for Cunningham, as his efficient FG% was simply 50% final season. Each Ball and Cunningham have additionally had plenty of bother staying wholesome early of their careers.
Worthy No. 1 fantasy facilities
In case you missed out on the tier 1A facilities, simply seize one in all these rock stable facilities as an alternative. Holmgren shined in his first NBA season, and even when his rebounds don’t enhance by a lot as a result of Isaiah Hartenstein addition, his 29.4 minutes and 16.5 factors per recreation are positive to enhance. I’ve given up hope on Bam ever turning into an important shot-blocker, however his stats are fairly reliable in any other case. And Sengun’s free throw capturing hovering across the 70% mark is the one factor holding him again from turning into a Prime 20 fantasy participant.
Tier 2 gamers: No. 29 – No. 50
In points-based leagues, they’re tier 1B
Banchero, James and Williamson had been three of solely 4 gamers final season (Giannis was the opposite) who averaged 22+ factors, 5+ rebounds and 5+ assists per recreation, whereas sadly capturing 75% or much less from the charity stripe. Banchero doubled down on his poor free throw capturing by additionally capturing under 46% from the sector, nevertheless it’s essential to do not forget that he was solely 21 years outdated final season. In roto leagues, this represents a slight problem if you happen to plan on drafting one in all these guys, however in points-based leagues, they’re high tier stat stuffers.
Younger gamers on the rise
At 22 years younger for Johnson, and 23 years younger for Maxey, J-Dub and Mobley, this group represents the long run. Maxey was an All-Star for the primary time final season, and it wouldn’t be stunning to see Williams and/or Mobley be a part of him this yr (sorry Johnson, however I don’t foresee the Hawks profitable sufficient video games). At 25 years outdated, Quickley is the “outdated man” on this group, however he’s nonetheless studying on the job when you think about that he solely has 65 profession begins underneath his belt.
How will Ja’s return have an effect on them?
Bane and JJJ had been pressured to hold the Grizzlies final season as a consequence of Morant enjoying in simply 9 video games, and it resulted in each gamers averaging profession highs in scoring and assists. However Jackson’s capturing accuracy fell off the map, and his blocks per recreation had been almost reduce in half. Will each gamers return to being environment friendly scorers now that Ja is again, and can JJJ return to being probably the most feared rim protectors within the league?
A change of surroundings, however they’re nonetheless elite gamers
It’s honest to say that George and Murray had been tier 1B gamers final season. I’ve moved them all the way down to tier 2 for the season forward, however they need to nonetheless haven’t any drawback posting Prime 50 numbers. George will get extra large open 3-point seems to be than ever earlier than due to Embiid drawing a number of defenders, and he’ll nonetheless get an opportunity to go off at any time when Embiid sits.
Murray will welcome having the ball in his fingers a bit extra in New Orleans, that means he’s primed for an help increase. And the ultra-durable DeRozan ought to thrive as an off-ball cutter for dimes from Sabonis.
Firmly of their primes
The entire gamers on this group are between 26 and 30 years outdated, that means they’re presently within the candy spot of their careers. Whereas they’re gifted athletically, they’re additionally very cerebral gamers, and so they received’t be making psychological errors fairly often. Whereas others are swinging for the fences on potential breakout gamers, don’t neglect concerning the guys on this group.
What number of video games are they going to overlook?
On a per recreation foundation, Irving and Leonard had been Prime 15 fantasy gamers final season, whereas Murray was within the Prime 35. However this trio hasn’t given us a lot hope by way of their sturdiness. Over the previous 5 NBA seasons, they’ve missed a median of 33.8 video games (Irving), 32.2 video games (Leonard), and 32.0 video games (Murray), respectively. I don’t blame you if you wish to drop them all the way down to tier 3.
GO DEEPER
2024 NBA workforce place rankings: Projecting all 30 groups’ depth charts
Tier 3 gamers: No. 51 – No. 74
Guards with tier 2 potential
One of many gamers who was on this grouping final yr was Jalen Williams, and he’s undoubtedly earned his promotion to tier 2. For Garland, he can’t play any worse than he did final season, as not having the ability to eat stable meals for over a month as a consequence of his fractured jaw sounded completely brutal.
Giddey lands on this group for the second yr in a row, however one ought to like his probabilities of succeeding somewhat bit extra now that he’s on a brand new workforce, with extra freedom to run the present. And Thomas goes to have the inexperienced gentle to do no matter he needs on offense for Brooklyn. The Nets merely don’t have many different choices to attain and create.
Dependable mid-round facilities
Right here we’ve got a moderately massive group of dependable facilities to think about drafting within the center rounds. Gobert in all probability has the best upside now that Cities is out of city. Turner was a tier 2, and even tier 1B, participant in nine-category leagues, however his blocks have declined for 4 straight seasons.
In case you like double-double machines, look no additional than Ayton, Vucevic and Duren. All three are stable free throw shooters as effectively, which makes up for his or her lack of shot-blocking. Claxton is the alternative, in that he’ll offer you sturdy blocks and has led the league in FG% earlier than, however his foul capturing is atrocious. And Hartenstein is the shiny new massive man for the Thunder, whose versatile abilities ought to match proper in.
Wings and forwards galore
In tier 3, you have got fewer level guards and extra wings and forwards. The Magic are hoping that Wagner can rediscover his lacking 3-point shot (he was a dreadful 28% 3P final yr), whereas Mikal Bridges is a stable guess to get his effectivity again up thanks to higher teammates.
In Charlotte, Miller and Miles Bridges type a enjoyable 1-2 punch to run the ground with LaMelo, however it is going to be fascinating to see how their pictures are divided up. The Nuggets would love for MPJ to take his recreation to a different stage this season, however he’ll have to increase his recreation past scoring. And the latest Knicks commerce ought to transfer Anunoby into this tier, as he’ll doubtless play an even bigger position now that they’ve misplaced some depth.
Polarizing gamers, half 1
Butler hasn’t performed 65+ video games in a season since 2018-19, and even the legendary Pat Riley has gotten annoyed with him. Poole was ice chilly earlier than the All-Star break, however he completed the season trying extra like his outdated self, making him powerful to evaluate for the season forward. And each Russell and White had been wonderful final yr, however the majority of fantasy managers nonetheless don’t appear to belief them.
Extra facilities to your consideration
I think about these three giants to be a notch under the earlier group of facilities, however they’ve some intrigue. Zubac ought to be in line for extra shot makes an attempt than ever earlier than, due to George’s departure and Leonard’s harm points. Nurkic quietly had a rock stable season for Phoenix final yr, and Edey seems poised to play main minutes straight away for Memphis
GO DEEPER
Fantasy basketball 2024-25 draft cheat sheet: Prime 150 gamers for roto, head-to-head and factors leagues
Tier 4 gamers: No. 75 – No. 100
Gamers with tier 3 potential
When Herro is wholesome and on a scorching streak, he’s simply a tier 3 participant, however he by no means stays wholesome, and his lack of ability to generate shares (steals/blocks) is sort of comical.
Reaves can sneak into tier 3 by merely hoisting up a pair extra pictures per recreation, however he’s an unselfish participant by nature. I used to be planning for Beal to be a tier 3 participant for the upcoming season, however Phoenix’s signing of Tyus Jones undercut Beal’s fantasy worth barely.
Kuminga took a pleasant step ahead final season, however his 1.2 shares per recreation mark was disappointing given his bodily instruments. Murray was poised to have a breakout marketing campaign in 2024-25 earlier than Sacramento added DeRozan in free company. And I’d be extra enthused by a Smith Jr. breakout if Tari Eason and Cam Whitmore weren’t lurking within the shadows. Man, the Rockets are deep!
Polarizing gamers, half 2
Some respectable fantasy managers who I do know have been going after Harris fairly aggressively in roto drafts, even concentrating on him contained in the Prime 60. I don’t think about Harris to be a tier 3 participant, however maybe he’ll show me incorrect. My preliminary response to Randle touchdown in Minnesota just isn’t a optimistic one for his fantasy worth. His utilization price will doubtless shrink, and Gobert will definitely restrict his rebounding potential.
As for Inexperienced and Barrett, they each closed out final season with a bang, however they did most of their injury with high-usage teammates — Sengun and Barnes, respectively — out of the lineup. In addition they don’t have well-rounded fantasy video games, which tends to rub some fantasy managers the incorrect means. Talking of rubbing individuals the incorrect means, LaVine’s picture has actually taken a success lately, and his 2024-25 season might go in a mess of the way.
Will somebody please commerce for Brandon Ingram?
Realistically, with Zion and Murray already stuffing the stat sheet for New Orleans, there might not be sufficient pictures, rebounds and assists to go round for Ingram, Murphy and McCollum to all submit Prime 100 numbers this season. However I’m banking on Ingram to be moved earlier than the NBA’s February commerce deadline, and you ought to be hoping for that too if you happen to plan on drafting one in all them.
Will somebody please commerce for Jerami Grant ?
One other workforce that would actually use a commerce to clear up their roster is the Blazers, with Grant being their high commerce candidate. The Lakers have lengthy been rumored to have curiosity in Grant, and I believe there’s a great likelihood that he will get traded this yr. As soon as that occurs, not solely will Simons and Henderson profit, however Deni Avjia and Shaedon Sharpe as effectively.
Boring vets who can nonetheless get the job completed
In three seasons with the Pelicans, Valanciunas averaged 14.6 factors and 10.1 boards per recreation, with capturing clips of 55% FG and 81% FT, whereas lacking simply 11 whole video games. He’ll have loads of rebound possibilities on the Wizards too, as rookie Alex Sarr isn’t fairly prepared for critical physicality. In case you occur to be punting FT%, Poeltl is a superb backup middle to focus on within the later rounds.
The 34-year-old Vacation is the right instance of a participant who received’t damage you in any specific class, however his upside can also be fairly restricted since he’ll be pacing himself for one more prolonged postseason run. And Rozier’s play declined after becoming a member of Miami in the course of season, however I count on him to be extra environment friendly now that he’s totally acclimated to his new workforce.
Jazz gamers not named Markkanen
We all know that Markkanen is a superb participant, however the Jazz struggled to provide a lot fantasy worth from the remainder of their workforce final season. Kessler didn’t construct on his promising rookie season, and now his title is consistently in commerce rumors. Sexton had a wonderful second half to his season, however his defensive numbers are very poor, and he’s nonetheless a bit onerous to belief.
Collins additionally had average fantasy worth, however he hasn’t proven a lot progress lately. And George doubtless has the best ceiling out of this group, however he’ll have to shoot a complete lot higher than 39% from the sector, whereas making an attempt to not replicate Sexton’s anemic defensive stats.
Middle battles in Dallas and Atlanta
The Mavericks and Hawks have maybe essentially the most intriguing middle place battles. In Dallas, I’m giving the sting to Energetic over Daniel Gafford as a result of monumental influence that Energetic made throughout Dallas’ prolonged postseason run. And I initially gave Onyeka Okongwu the sting over Capela, however phrase out of Atlanta is that Okongwu’s toe harm from final season nonetheless isn’t totally healed. Consequently, Capela sneaks into my Prime 100 rankings, however do not forget that his horrible free throw capturing makes him much less priceless in roto leagues.
To see which gamers simply missed out on my Prime 100 tiers, head over to my fantasy basketball 2024-25 rankings cheat sheet.
(Prime photograph of Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY)
