Angle Fantasy Basketball

As your fantasy draft approaches, I have identified five 9-category targets to consider at their average draft position (ADP). I believe these five players have the potential to outrank their ADP and provide you a great return on investment by the time the season comes to an end.

Harden: ADP 17.4

It’s no secret that James Harden is the system. With a current ADP of 17.4, I am comfortable with a James Harden selection if I am in the backend of the first round over the likes of Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant at the 10-12 range. It would be even better if you could grab Harden at his current ADP of 17.4. Recent reports suggest that Kawhi Leonard may not be ready for the season opener as he has still not practiced with the Clippers in training camp and pre-season, suggesting Kawhi’s availability throughout the season is murky. The departure of heavy usage players like Paul George and Russell Westbrook gives Harden a larger workload to self-create and facilitate for others on the offensive end. Harden isn’t the burstiest anymore, as he was in his Houston days. Still, there is a reasonable suspicion that he can recreate his Philadephia numbers where he averaged 21.0ppg, 2.8 3/g, 6.1rpg, 10.7apg, 1.2 spg, and 0.5 bpg on 44/38/86 shooting splits. I love Harden at this ADP because of the categorical scarcity of assists and the opportunity for an increased scoring load. 

OG Anunoby: ADP 87.3

OG Anunoby might be a boring selection at the mid-point in the draft, but don’t let boring turn you away from considering OG Anunoby in your draft. OG is a steady supplier of steals and 3s that doesn’t hurt your efficiency categories. Yes, injuries are always a concern with OG. Over the last four seasons, OG only registered over 50 games played once. However, on a per-game basis, OG is a top 40-60 staple who has only been outside the top 60 once over the last four years. I wouldn’t blame you if you feel risky and want to gamble on OG because the potential return on investment is excellent. Hopefully, he’s healthy at the right time in playoffs to beat his ADP of 87.3. 

Daniel Gafford: ADP 106.7

Starting or coming off the bench, Gafford is still a top 50-60 9-category player this year and will smash his ADP of 106.7. Gafford doesn’t need 30 minutes a night to be an impactful fantasy contributor. Look for him to anchor your FG% and blocks while providing respectable rebounds as your 2nd or 3rd center. Daniel Gafford has been incredibly durable over the last 3 seasons, playing no less than 72 games the previous three seasons. We can’t predict health, but the injury history is promising. After posting top 40 numbers at 24 mpg last year, I expect a slight regression in his production. However, past pick 100, there is much value to gain with Daniel Gafford as a cheap center option late in your draft.

Brandin Podziemski: ADP 117.6

Podziemski is a late-round sleeper who has a break-out appeal. The departure of Klay Thompson and Chris Paul opens the door to more ball-handling opportunities and a spot in the starting line-up. As one of the best rebounding guards in the league, look for increased usage and 3-point volume as Kerr has encouraged Podziemski to shoot as many 3s a game. Podziemski offers a diverse stat set, averaging 9.2 ppg, 5.8rpg, and 3.7apg with 0.8spg as a rookie in just over 26 minutes per game. Increased production is expected as he will look to play over 30 minutes per game in his sophomore campaign. Brandin is someone all Warrior fans are excited about as he becomes a pillar for the Warriors in the post-Stephen Curry era. Look for a top-100 sophomore campaign ahead. 

Alex Sarr: ADP 136.7

Alex Sarr is one of the few rookies in the 2024 draft that is guaranteed to start and possesses a unique stat set worth grabbing at the tail end of your draft. Sarr is quietly turning heads with his current pre-season play. Playing with actual NBA talent has already elevated his game compared to the Summer League. Sarr’s theoretical ability to stretch the four as a PF/C, dish out of-position assists, and be a healthy source of blocks are exactly what you want in a last-round flier. Sarr is almost a lock to play 30 minutes a night, as the Wizards are keen on his development. His efficiency won’t be great as a rookie, as he typically settles for jumpers, but the blocks, opportunity, and upside alone are worth the gamble compared to others in his draft range.