Fantasy Basketball 2015-16: Top NBA Player Rankings and Underrated Sleepers
The 2015-16 NBA season is set to begin, but it's not too late to put together your fantasy basketball team. Whether you are still drafting or trying to make last-minute adjustments, it is important to get the right pieces on your squad.
Obviously, the first few rounds of the draft are the keys to your season, as the top stars in the league are likely going to be the same throughout the year. There might be disappointments and injuries, but it is unlikely someone will come from out of nowhere and become an elite option like Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman did in the NFL.
On the other hand, there are late sleepers who can help you out as the year progresses. These men are worth a look with the final few spots on your roster.
Meyers Leonard, C, Portland Trail Blazers
Talent and opportunity are what you need to become a star in the NBA, and Meyers Leonard finally has both.
The former lottery pick has played sparingly over the past three years while waiting behind LaMarcus Aldridge and Robin Lopez. With the two veterans out of town, Leonard has a chance to show what he can do.
At 7'1" with the ability to shoot from three-point range, Leonard is an ideal offensive mismatch who could put up big numbers in a starting role.
"I think more and more now you'll get to see the development they've made," Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts said about Leonard and guard C.J. McCollum, per Mike Richman of the Oregonian. "Everybody got a little taste of what those guys can do in the playoffs last year."
Leonard averaged 7.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in five playoff games last season, including a 13-point, 13-rebound effort in the team's only win against the Memphis Grizzlies. Considering he averaged 13.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per 36 minutes last year, per Basketball-Reference.com, he has the potential to put up big numbers.
The Trail Blazers will rotate Mason Plumlee, Noah Vonleh and Ed Davis in the frontcourt this year, but Leonard should see at least 30 minutes per game and has plenty of upside going forward.
Marcus Smart, PG, Boston Celtics
His numbers as a rookie weren't impressive (7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists per game), but Marcus Smart has loads of upside as a true point guard.
The second-year player is explosive with the ball and can use his athleticism to create open looks for himself and others. He isn't a great shooter but is improving and can learn how to put up numbers without a reliable jump shot, as many other top players at the position have done.
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated liked what he saw in the preseason:
While the Boston Celtics have young talent, there aren't many players on the roster who will take looks away from Smart. The guard will have the ball in his hands often and should be able to fill up the stat sheet every night.
Smart might be a few years away from reaching his potential, but he can produce good enough numbers this season to help your fantasy team.
Mario Hezonja, SF, Orlando Magic
Although he isn't a starter, he might force his way onto the court before long. The Croatian rookie will come in with plenty of confidence and has the tools to make an impact quickly in the NBA.
John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com noted what Hezonja brings to the court:
Hoop Vines shared a replay of a preseason bounce pass to Aaron Gordon that showed the type of plays Hezonja can make:
"Nice bounce to Aaron Gordon https://t.co/qWiNeWPhgn
— Hoop Vines (@HoopVines) October 23, 2015"
Hezonja is a ready-made three-point threat who can immediately help your team in that area and eventually rack up points, rebounds and assists when he starts getting more playing time. He averaged 11.2 points in 24.6 minutes per game during the preseason and is only getting started.
Even with Tobias Harris and Victor Oladipo blocking his path to a starting job for now, Hezonja could see 20 to 25 minutes per game out of the gate and put up solid numbers in the early going.
Louis Williams, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
The reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year had the best year of his career last season for the Toronto Raptors, averaging 15.5 points per game exclusively off the bench. This year, Lou Williams will be with the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that badly needs scoring.
While the backcourt might be crowded, with shooters such as Kobe Bryant and Nick Young as well as Jordan Clarkson and first-round pick D'Angelo Russell, Williams will have no problem creating for himself and finding enough looks to remain satisfied.
He might not always be an efficient scorer but neither will his backcourt teammates on what could be an interesting team to watch.
Williams will be a cheap source of points for your fantasy team and a consistent producer throughout the season no matter what happens around him.
| 1 | Stephen Curry | James Harden | Kevin Durant | Anthony Davis | DeMarcus Cousins |
| 2 | Russell Westbrook | Jimmy Butler | LeBron James | Blake Griffin | Marc Gasol |
| 3 | Damian Lillard | Klay Thompson | Paul George | Pau Gasol | Nikola Vucevic |
| 4 | Chris Paul | Gordon Hayward | Kawhi Leonard | Paul Millsap | Rudy Gobert |
| 5 | John Wall | Victor Oladipo | Carmelo Anthony | Serge Ibaka | Nerlens Noel |
| 6 | Kyle Lowry | Bradley Beal | Rudy Gay | Hassan Whiteside | Andre Drummond |
| 7 | Eric Bledsoe | Andrew Wiggins | Draymond Green | LaMarcus Aldridge | Chris Bosh |
| 8 | Jeff Teague | Monta Ellis | Chandler Parsons | Greg Monroe | DeAndre Jordan |
| 9 | Goran Dragic | Danny Green | Trevor Ariza | Kevin Love | Al Horford |
| 10 | Kyrie Irving | Kobe Bryant | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Derrick Favors | Dwight Howard |
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