Preseason Takeaways for the Upcoming Season

As we near the end of another preseason schedule, we always aim to enter the season with some answers to our burning questions from the offseason. Some of those questions have been answered, others not so much while some new questions present themselves in some very unique situations. Here are a few players and storylines we’re following as we head into another full year of fantasy basketball!

1. Lineup Updates

There’s been a few updates to starting lineups for the year that definitely have us giving double takes (looking at your, Pop). Here are some of the highlights and what we think;

Spurs starting Sochan at PG: Congratulations if you spent a late round flier on Sochan, and our condolences if you took Tre Jones a few rounds earlier. While this is a bit out of left field, don’t jump to conclusions before the season even begins. Outside of the starting 5, the Spurs are a little thin and Tre Jones is really the only true PG on the roster. If things aren’t clicking early in the year, we expect Tre Jones to jump back in the starting lineup. Despite coming off the bench, Jones will still log high 25+ minutes so still worth holding onto.

THT cracks starting lineup in Utah: While not entirely official, it looks like THT has stuck to the starting lineup in Utah. After starting 5 preseason games, THT averaged 14.2 points , 4.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 three’s a game. There’s some pretty good all around numbers for a guy that’s probably on your wire. Worth keeping an eye on!

Coby White new Bulls PG: Coby White looks to carry his hot last season finish into this year, now in the starting lineup instead of a 6th man. White isn’t known to be a great facilitator, but his game is still evolving. His best game this preseason came against the Bucks, finishing with 14 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 three-pointers. If we get games like that from Coby this year, he’ll smash his ADP of *checks notes* ….yup.

Naz Reid is doing something: What would preseason be without some too-early-takes, consider this one of them. Clearly the Timberwolves are set with big men in Rudy and Town, but Naz Reid has been great this preseason averaging 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.0 three’s a game. That’s some pretty good numbers for a big man who looks to be a primary backup at the C position. For deep leagues, keep an eye on him.

2. Rookie Watch

There’s usually some hesitancy in drafting rookies given the steep adjustment curve of the NBA, but here are a list of rookies that we think are looking primed to have an impact early in their NBA careers.

Victor Wembanyama (SA): Obviously, the consensus star of the rookie class. He will have an immediate impact on the Spurs and should be looked at with top 30 value.

Ausar Thompson (DET): Ausar looks to have a great chance to start for the Pistons, as he is currently marked as the starting SG. His best game of the preseason was against the Thunder, finishing with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 2 three-pointers. More of that, please!

Scoot Henderson (POR): Obviously, post-Dame trade this becomes a little bit more clear for Scoot and the Blazers. Unlike a lot of rookies (outside of Wemby), Scoot walks into a starting role that is his to lose. Despite him having some unique experience in the G-league, he’ll still be a bag of mixed goods this year. Case in point his 41% shooting percentage and 3 turnovers per game this preseason. Still, an inconsistent Scoot is worth more than his ADP (97.3).

Bilal Coulibaly (WSH): Looking for a steals specialist in late rounds? Check out the rookie, Bilal, who has lead the preseason in steals per game with 3.3. There’s not a whole lot more to his game (8.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists) but he wouldn’t be a specialist if he didn’t do one category really well. Currently marked as the starting small forward, he could be in line for increased minutes as his role gets more solidified.

3. Other drama, er stories.

What would another NBA season be without some good ole fashion drama!

What’s going on with Harden? In what seems like the 3rd year he’s made the offseason all about him, Harden is back in the spotlight for all of the wrong reasons. Currently not reporting to 76ers practice, Harden’s situation with the team remains uncertain for the start of the season. If Harden misses time, expect Patrick Beverly and newcomer Kelly Oubre to get the majority of excess minutes. Beverly doesn’t provide much to drool over, but Oubre recently started against the Nets and finished with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Malcolm Brogdon staying? Originally seen as a short stint in Portland may turn into a longer one as it looks like Brogdon is staying to backup rookie Scoot Henderson. Unsure if this will last, we still think Brogdon gets moved eventually but this is the biggest speed bump for Sharpe who seems to be the odd man out now.

Designation status: Depending on where you are playing this year, some notable stars might be worth drafting or not depending on their injury designation status. Currently, Ja Morant (25 games) and Miles Bridges (10 games but maybe more lol) are serving suspensions. If they are marked as “Out” (O), then they should be eligible for your IR spot. However, if they are marked as “Suspended” (SSPD) then they would not be.. tough to carry around a dead roster spot until Christmas if that’s the case! These tags have been changed a few times throughout the offseason, so who knows if they will be changing again as the season approaches but something to keep in mind.