Top 25 Dynasty Basketball Rookie Rankings, #11-25
This is part two of the top 25 dynasty rookie rankings. For part one, please click here. For our complete #Dynasty200 rankings, which differ from this list, please click here.
Tier 2: “Low Floor, High Ceiling” (Continued)
- Deyonta Davis, Memphis
The physical profile stands out. Davis checks in at 6-feet-10, with 7’2” wingspan, and a solid 240 pound frame. That impressive size is combined with exceptional quickness and fluidity for a big. In terms of athleticism, the only other big men in this draft who can compare to Davis are Chriss and Bender. Davis only played 18.6 mpg in his lone season at Michigan State, so he is definitely in need of seasoning, but even if his offensive game never develops, he still has the potential to be a force defensively.
Furthermore, the fit in Memphis is a positive one as the club is one of the few in the league that operates inside-out instead of outside in. Zach Randolph is nearing his end in Memphis and JaMychal Green is merely a placeholder.
Stat to Know: 3.9 blocks per 40 minutes
Prime Statistical Projection: REB, BLK
Tier 3: “Contributors with Questionable Upside”
- Denzel Valentine, Chicago
Denzel Valentine is an enjoyable player to watch. He plays the game the “right way.” The fear is that Valentine may fall into the “jack of all trades, master of none” category. He can be a key contributor to his NBA team, but he may never be an impact player in fantasy. To really stand out in the NBA, it is necessary to have at least one elite skill or elite athleticism. To me, Valentine possesses neither, which makes him a solid, but uninspiring fantasy option.
Stat to Know: 19.2 PT, 7.5 REB, 7.8 AST in his National Player of the Year season last year
Prime Statistical Projection: AST
- Buddy Hield, New Orleans
Hield improved his game each year in college and had a terrific senior season. However, he can have trouble creating his own shot. In terms of NBA shooting guards, Hield is below average in terms of ball handling, height, and athleticism.
Stat to Know: 8-28 3PT shooting in preseason
Prime Statistical Projection: 3PT
- Henry Ellenson, Detroit
Readers may notice a trend developing here, as Ellenson is another player with solid skills, but a subpar athletic profile. Offensively, Ellenson has the ability to stretch the defense out to the three-point line, but he needs to improve his consistency. If he is able to do that, he may carve out a career similar to that of Ryan Anderson.
Stat to Know: 29% 3PT at Marquette
Prime Statistical Projection: REB
- Domantas Sabonis, Oklahoma City
Sabonis is a tough-nosed interior player with great footwork and touch inside the paint. Playing behind the young combination of Kanter and Adams, Sabonis projects to be a second unit player for a while.
Stat to Know: Shot 67% on post ups at Gonzaga
Prime Statistical Projection: REB
- Taurean Prince, Atlanta
Prince’s calling card will always be his defense. Drafted by Atlanta, he fits into the Demarre Carroll profile. Offensively, Prince will likely only provide value by way of his three-point shooting.
Stat to Know: 7.0 and 5.8 3PTA per game in his junior and senior seasons at Baylor
Prime Statistical Projection: STL
- Wade Baldwin, Memphis
Baldwin is similar to Dejounte Murray in terms of length (6’11.25” wingspan for Baldwin) at the point guard position, but their games are different. Baldwin is a much better shooter from distance than Murray, but lacks his ability to consistently get to the rim and finish in the paint.
Stat to Know: 40.6% 3PT in collegiate career
Prime Statistical Projection: AST, 3PT
- Ivica Zubac
Zubac’s size and touch around the basket provide reasons for optimism on the offensive end. However, despite his size, Zubac is merely average as a rim protector. Zubac suffered a foot injury in 2014 and those are historically a concern for big men.
Stat to Know: 7’ 1” with 265-lbs frame
Prime Statistical Projection: REB
- Jakob Poeltl
Poeltl’s game is solid all-around. He is a good scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker, but he is not elite in any area. He was demonstrably outplayed by Domantas Sabonis in their NCAA tournament matchup.
Stat to Know: 1.15 ppp (points per possession) as a sophomore at Utah
Prime Statistical Projection: REB
- Tyler Ulis, Phoenix
Ulis’ biggest limitation is his size. He compensates as best as he can with his high basketball IQ, quick hands defensively, and bulldog mentality. He was one of the better college point guards of the past decade, but it will be a challenge for his frame to hold up for an entire 82 game season and the increased physical play of the NBA.
Stat to Know: 5-foot-8 and 150 lbs
Prime Statistical Projection: AST, STL
- Brice Johnson, Los Angeles
Stat to Know: Had a 39 point 23 rebound game against FSU last year
Prime Statistical Projection: REB, BLK
- Kay Felder, Cleveland
Stat to Know: 44 inch max vertical
Prime Statistical Projection: AST, 3PT
- Cheick Diallo, New Orleans
Stat to Know: Played only 7.5 mpg at Kansas last year
Prime Statistical Projection: REB, BLK
- Thon Maker, Milwaukee
Stat to Know: 23-61 (38%) shooting in Summer League
Prime Statistical Projection: BLK
- Caris Lavert, Brooklyn
Stat to Know: Played only 19 games in his final two seasons at Michigan because of injury
Prime Statistical Projection: 3PT
Tier 4: “Stash and Forget About for a While”
These are some players to put on your watch list and consider picking them up in free agency towards the end of the year.
Skal Labissiere, Timothy Luwawa-Cabarrot, Guerschon Yabusele, Ante Zizic, Mailk Beasley
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[…] 2016-17 Fantasy Basketball Rankings: TheDynastyGuru.com completes their rankings of the top 25 rookies for dynasty/keeper leagues with #11-25. […]