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Last year was the year of the rookies. We saw Ja Morant perform highlight reel dunks en route to the Rookie of the Year. We saw Zion Williamson bounce back from knee issues to post a 13-game streak of at least 20 points. We saw Kendrick Nunn and Tyler Herro become valuable assets for Miami and made a Finals run in the bubble. Not to mention the other solid contributors in their first year, including Brandon Clarke, De'Andre Hunter, RJ Barrett and Eric Paschall.
This year’s draft looks like a complete 180 compared to 2019 as it is considered one of the weakest draft classes in recent history. These players are undoubtedly talented, but it will take a little more research and patience to see which ones emerge as valuable contributors in fantasy.
Today, we will look at five rookies who we believe landed in the best spot for now and the future of their NBA careers.
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James Wiseman - C, Golden State Warriors
I am still in shock how the Warriors went from the back-to-back NBA champions to having a lottery pick in a matter of one season. That being said, this bodes very well for Wiseman’s fantasy value for years to come.
Head coach Steve Kerr has noted he will likely bring Wiseman along slowly, but we have seen the low peaks of Kevon Looney and Marquese Chriss throughout their careers. With Klay Thompson (Achilles) out for the year, Golden State will likely have to put their deadly small-ball lineups to bed and this could be the perfect opportunity for Wiseman to crack the rotation.
It is very possible Wiseman is only used off the bench as Kerr has hinted, but this type of talent is someone you can bet on. Wiseman has the highest upside in this year’s draft and has a clear path to fantasy relevance.
Cole Anthony - G, Orlando Magic
Anthony has already drawn high praise from head coach Steve Clifford and looks poised to gain immediate minutes. Per Josh Robbins, Clifford has already stated he foresees Anthony “in the playing group right away” and loves his competitiveness.
Last year, Clifford had no problem giving D.J. Augustin heavy minutes off the bench and even alongside Markelle Fultz at times. Augustin left in free agency, leaving 24.9 minutes and a usage rate of 19.1 on the table.
Despite being the leading scorer for UNC, Anthony struggled on the offensive end with shooting splits of 38.0 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from three. Anthony also committed an average of 3.5 turnovers per game.
The Magic are already inclined to play their star rookie, but Anthony will need to tighten up his game to have long term fantasy value in Orlando.
Killian Hayes - G, Detroit Pistons
As the seventh overall selection in this year’s draft. Hayes has a chance to make an immediate impact in Detroit’s rotation.
Detroit spent their offseason securing bigs by signing forward Jerami Grant and center Mason Plumlee then shipped away guard Luke Kennard as well. Hayes has little competition for minutes in the form of an aging Derrick Rose and newly acquired Delon Wright.
Although it is just preseason, Hayes was actually the starting point guard ahead of Rose in both of Detroit’s preseason games so far. Hayes will struggle in the beginning as he adjusts to the NBA level, especially his shooting and turnovers. However, he should produce numbers based on his playmaking ability, length on the defensive end and sheer volume of opportunity.
Aleksej Pokusevski - F, Oklahoma City Thunder
Is Pokusevski this year’s unicorn of the draft? The Serbian seven-footer was originally speculated to stay in Europe another year, but has arrived and is slated to play for the rebuilding Thunder.
Pokusevski is one of the most unique players in this draft as he can play on the perimeter and showcases excellent passing and basketball IQ for his size. The mystery surrounding Pokusevski is due to injury concerns, lack of strength in his seven-foot frame and the level of competition he is used to.
Regardless, Pokusevski finds himself on a young, rebuilding team in Oklahoma City and could end up having huge upside in the future. Pokusevski is worth a look in dynasty leagues.
Devin Vassell - G, San Antonio Spurs
Based on his track record, landing on a team coached by Gregg Poppovich is usually a great thing for your development and Vassell fits the type of player Poppovich loves on his team.
Vassell emerged as a terrific defender and playmaker for a Florida State squad who earned their first ACC championship in program history. Vassell has a solid wingspan for a wing and finished in the 81st percentile in isolation defense.
Vassell will likely remain on the bench for most of his rookie season as Poppovich typically does not play rookies. However, starter DeMar DeRozan is nearing the tail end of his tenure with the Spurs and overall career. Vassell could carve out a long-term role as a 3-and-D player for the Spurs, depending on how his rookie campaign goes.
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