We’re edging closer to the kickoff of the 2023-24 NBA season, set for October 24th. As the date approaches, avid fantasy basketball fans have roughly a month left to polish their game plans for the impending drafts.
In the world of fantasy basketball, the excitement has been building, thanks to the buzz surrounding Victor Wembanyama, the promising rookie for the San Antonio Spurs.
His rise to the coveted No. 1 overall pick in June was no surprise, and now, basketball fans worldwide are eager to see if he lives up to the expectations.
Standing tall at 7-foot-3, Wembanyama boasts a unique combination of skills, featuring exceptional length, shot-blocking ability, impressive ball-handling, and a sharp shooting touch. Fantasy team managers are closely monitoring his progress, with early drafts consistently placing him as a second-round pick.
As we focus on Wembanyama, let’s not overlook the 2023 rookie class.
Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson, selected second and third overall, are poised for significant roles with the Hornets and Trail Blazers.
Meanwhile, the Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar, have landed in Houston and Detroit, hinting at exciting potential.
Chet Holmgren, the 2022 second-overall pick, is set to reemerge following his injury recovery.
These rookies bring a wave of excitement, and in this piece, we’ll delve into their potential impact on the 2023-24 fantasy basketball season.
We’ll also highlight some lesser-known names to consider for deeper leagues.
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs:
Wembanyama’s NBA debut on October 25th against the Dallas Mavericks is a highly anticipated event. This young phenom, handpicked as the top draft choice, boasts a knack for swatting shots and a diverse skill set that transcends the confines of the paint.
He’s a tantalizing prospect, promising rebounds, points, and even some unexpected playmaking skills. There’s a minor catch – the Spurs intend to handle his rookie season workload with care.
Chet Holmgren, Thunder:
Chet Holmgren, now with the Thunder, is one to watch. He was the second overall pick in 2022 but missed his entire rookie season due to injury.
Holmgren brings shot-blocking skills and a versatile game to the table, which can be assets for fantasy basketball. With his ability to grab rebounds and make three-pointers, he could be a valuable addition to your fantasy team, often selected in the fourth round of drafts.
Scoot Henderson, Trail Blazers:
Considering the possible exit of Damian Lillard, Henderson might find himself in a position with the team.
Serving as the primary ball-handler, he may not lead in scoring but brings the potential for well-rounded statistics. It’s important to note that he could face some struggles, particularly in terms of turnovers and shooting efficiency, especially in leagues that prioritize points.
Brandon Miller, Hornets:
Miller, the standout from Alabama, brings scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess to the Hornets.
While fitting into a crowded roster might pose questions about his immediate role, his defensive skills are promising. Points, rebounds, and threes could be his forte.
Amen Thompson, Rockets:
The Rockets’ roster is packed with young talent, and Thompson, despite his potential, might begin the season on the bench. If he secures playing time, he could provide well-rounded stats, although his three-point and free-throw shooting remain uncertain.
Ausar Thompson, Pistons:
In Detroit, Ausar Thompson has a golden chance to make his mark, potentially cementing himself as the starting small forward. Look for him to chip in with points, rebounds, and defensive numbers, though he could use some work on his shooting.
For those exploring later-round options, players like Taylor Hendricks, Cam Whitmore, Gradey Dick, Jarace Walker, Anthony Black, Cason Wallace, Jett Howard, Keyonte George, Vasilije Micic, and Sasha Vezenkov offer varying degrees of potential and value in deeper leagues. Visit the official site of NBA, www.nba.com.
