UPDATE: The NBA rookie draft landscape is shifting rapidly! As fantasy basketball drafts loom, it’s crucial to identify which of the top prospects—like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper—to target immediately. With the season just around the corner, here’s a breakdown of who to draft and when.
New reports confirm that the hype surrounding Cooper Flagg, the standout forward for the Dallas Mavericks, is at an all-time high. Flagg has been heralded as a future NBA superstar, reminiscent of Victor Wembanyama from two seasons ago. His performance at the Las Vegas Summer League showcased his exceptional skill set—leading his college team, the Duke Blue Devils, in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. With Kyrie Irving sidelined due to an ACL injury, Flagg is poised to be the Mavs’ primary offensive threat right from the start.
As fantasy basketball enthusiasts prepare for drafts, Flagg is projected to be a top pick, likely to be selected within the first four rounds. His immediate impact potential makes him a must-draft player.
Mid-to-late rounds are where savvy drafters can find hidden gems. Ace Bailey of the Utah Jazz is another rookie to watch. He is expected to become the leading scorer on a rebuilding team, making him a valuable asset for fantasy teams seeking early production.
Meanwhile, Dylan Harper‘s performance at the Summer League was impressive, drawing favorable comparisons to Brandon Roy, one of the best rookie guards in recent history. However, with the San Antonio Spurs already stacked with talent, Harper’s immediate fantasy impact may be limited. Still, his upside makes him worth considering as a bench stash.
Other rookies to monitor include Egor Demin from the Brooklyn Nets, who is expected to contribute significantly once he overcomes recent injury issues. At the same time, VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers has the tools to make a splash, particularly in defensive categories.
For deeper leagues, players like Tre Johnson and Kon Knueppel are gaining attention. Johnson’s shooting ability could provide valuable points for the Washington Wizards, while Knueppel’s spot-up shooting could thrive alongside stars like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller on the Charlotte Hornets.
As fantasy basketball drafts approach, keeping a close eye on these rookies may offer a competitive edge. The stakes are high, and with the season kicking off soon, now is the time to strategize your picks.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA season unfolds! Draft wisely, and may your fantasy league be victorious this year!
