Fantasy basketball involves participants acting as the owners and managers of imaginary pro basketball teams. Players build their teams through drafting, choosing from all available NBA players. The game awards fantasy points in weekly contests, reflecting the real-life performances of the basketball players selected.
- Advertisement -
Aside from the NBA matchups, the next exciting thing that basketball fans and bettors are looking forward to is playing fantasy basketball. If you haven’t participated in this fun activity, this is your time.
When playing fantasy basketball, it’s vital that you know which players are favorites, underdogs, and even underrated. Thus, we compiled a list of five underrated players for the 2023-24 fantasy basketball to know whether they are worth recruiting on your team.
- Advertisement -
Tyrese Haliburton
In the fast-paced world of fantasy basketball, where stars often overshadow the true architects of victory, Tyrese Haliburton quietly carves out his legacy as one of the most underrated players in 2024.
With an unassuming demeanor and a game that speaks volumes, Haliburton has consistently demonstrated his worth on the fantasy basketball front, yet he remains undervalued and overlooked by many.
- Advertisement -
Firstly, Haliburton’s ability to contribute across multiple categories is a fantasy owner’s dream. Unlike players who excel in one or two areas, Haliburton offers a well-rounded performance that can fill stat sheets with points, assists, steals, and even rebounds.
His basketball IQ is off the charts, often placing him in the right position at the right time, whether for snatching a steal or dishing out a crucial assist. This versatility makes him a pivotal player in fantasy lineups, providing stability and consistency.
He may not be among the most favored Fantasy Basketball Picks, but he surely has the potential to be a key player for your team.
Zach Collins
To mitigate the potential physical strain on their highly-touted prospect Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have strategically positioned him at the power forward spot to start the 2023-24 season. This move effectively opens the center position for Zach Collins to step into a starting role.
The San Antonio Spurs seem to be fixated on Wembanyanma too much that they overlooked another potential key player, Zach Collins.
Collins gained acclaim for his prowess in blocking shots and playing defense. His skills in rim protection and altering the shots of adversaries stand out. Able to fill the roles of both power forward and center, he adds adaptability to the team’s formation. This versatility is crucial for adjusting to various in-game dynamics.
He has demonstrated an aptitude for securing rebounds, a key factor in dominating the glass and generating additional scoring chances. Offensively, Collins can make a significant impact, scoring effectively close to the basket and occasionally hitting three-pointers.
Dereck Lively II
The next player on the list is Dereck Lively II. Since he arrived at the Mavericks, Lively has significantly bolstered the team’s inside game, making an impact defensively and offensively. His impressive reach and agility enable him to guard the rim effectively.
Offensively, his ability to capitalize on lob passes, having completed numerous lobs throughout the season, constantly threatens opponents.
The 7-foot player has averaged 9.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 assists while achieving 74.5% shooting accuracy from the field across 24 games. Among rookies this season, he ranks third in rebounds and blocks and tops the charts in field goal percentage across the league.
Scottie Barnes
Scottie Barnes possesses a remarkable versatility on the basketball court. He handles it seamlessly, whether taking charge as the point guard or making plays in transition. When the situation calls for him to step up as a center, acting like a traditional big man in the NBA, Barnes has shown he’s more than capable.
Additionally, this season has seen him expand his skill set further by honing his shooting abilities, enabling him to cover positions one through five effectively.
Barnes exhibits remarkable driving and passing abilities, adeptly managing the pick-and-roll situations when controlling the ball. This season, according to NBA Stats, his proficiency in this area has elevated him into the 71st percentile.
Furthermore, he has honed his ability to execute spot-up plays effectively. He consistently relies on his post-up strategy, which he has favored since his early days in the league. That’s why it’s not right to overlook this player on the fantasy basketball.
Chet Holmgren
In his rankings at The Ringer, Chris Ryan noted that while Victor Wembanyama is viewed as a potential future star of the league, Chet Holmgren stands out as the Rookie of the Year despite having taken a redshirt season. In these same rankings, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was placed in the 10th position.
Wembanyama was positioned at 67th, while Holmgren, undeniably the superior player at this juncture of their careers, was ranked 21 places lower.
With an impressive stat line of 17.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.3 blocks, coupled with shooting efficiencies of 55.7% from the field, 43.4% from three-point range, and 87.7% from the free-throw line, the 21-year-old has surpassed all expectations in his redshirt rookie season.
Furthermore, his contributions are far from insignificant, as he plays for a competitive team with a marked improvement in its performance with him in the lineup.
Final Words
These individuals may not always command the spotlight or the headlines, but they possess the capability to make a significant impact on your fantasy team’s performance. From seasoned veterans finding new roles to emerging young talents poised for breakout seasons, identifying these hidden gems could be the key to fantasy glory.
