Happy All-Star Break! Moving forward, there is going to be a change in the report. Since the All-Star break has happened, only the risers of the rookie caliber are going to be featured. This will help managers make further decisions on adds and drops to help their teams with the end-of-the-year cycle. At this point, the top 5-7 rookies are on rosters. They are not as important to the weekly pickups as others. Like the stock market, if a team makes some deals other stocks will be impacted, as laid out by the post-deadline rookie report. There are some distinct winners and distinct losers that have some change in them as previously mentioned. The sample size may be small but it is worth it to daily/weekly managers.
NBA All-Star Break Edition: Fantasy Basketball Rookie Report
A few of the winners from the trade deadline were Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser. They have had good increases in fantasy productivity since the deadline. With that, there have been a few losers that may not have lost as much value as as we initially thought. Players like Scoot Henderson, Keyonte George, GG Jackson. All of them have had good numbers since the deadline. Here is the breakdown:
Post-Deadline Immediate Risers
Ausar Thompson (UTIL, Detroit Pistons, 20)
- Since 2/8: 28.5 MPG, 12.3 PPG/5.5 RPG/1.8 APG/1.8 Stocks on 51.1%/24.0%/0%.
- Short Term: He has been playing steady minutes since the deadline and looks to be in the top 6 of the rotation. I would be wary of his season-long up-and-down minutes breakdown.
- Long Term: Has value, but not sure what the Pistons are going to do to maximize it. Consider holding or possibly selling high unless a change of leadership happens.
Marcus Sasser (PG/SG, Detroit Pistons, 23)
- Since 2/8: 23.4 MPG, 7.3 PPG/2.0 RPG/6.5 APG/1.0 Stocks on 32.4%/31.3%/50%.
- Short Term: Efficiency will come, but taking over as immediate backup PG is a tough assignment as a rookie. The assist and rebounding totals are quality.
- Long Term: Still a backup point guard long term.
Keyonte George (G, Utah Jazz, 20)
- Since 2/8: 33.3 MPG, 15.5 PPG/5.5 RPG/2.3 APG/1.5 Stocks on 42.3%/40.6%/71.4%.
- Short Term: This is the most confusing up and down the whole season. How do the Jazz value George? Are you as a fantasy owner going to continue to get messed with after picking him up for an excellent week? I am not sure. That being said he’s had a good post-deadline run.
- Long Term: I just don’t understand. He plays well when he shoots well but everything else falls apart if he does not. If you can comment what I am not seeing please do.
Derrick Lively (C, Dallas Mavericks, 19)
- Since 2/8: 17.1 MPG, 8.0 PPG/5.0 RPG/1.0 APG/4.0 Stocks on 60%/100%.
- Short Term: Adding Gafford has taken away from the overall workload but he’s been in and out of injury. Still has decent production though.
- Long Term: Great long-term prospect.
Scoot Henderson (PG/SG, Portland Trailblazers, 20)
- Since 2/8: 32.5 MPG, 14.5 PPG/1.0 RPG/6.5 APG/0.5 Stocks on 42.9%/16.7%/90.9%.
- Short Term: Has been much better since the deadline, but Brogdon has not played since the 2nd. Keep that in mind.
- Long Term: If he’s available worth the pickup. Definitely getting quality development.
Amen Thompson (UTIL, Houston Rockets, 20)
- Since 2/8: 34.1 MPG, 11.8 PPG/11.3 RPG/3.5 APG/2.6 Stocks on 62.2%/0%/20%.
- Short Term: Amen is a good pickup but FVV has been hurt as well. When he comes back Amen may not be this productive but will have good minutes still.
- Long Term: Getting valuable development time without having a coach who doesn’t care about you on the worst team in the league is a much better way to develop than his brother.
Vasilije Micic (PG/SG, Charlotte Hornets, 30)
- Since 2/8: 22.5 MPG, 11.0 PPG/2.0 RPG/6.0 APG/ Stocks on 52%/42.9%/100%.
- Short Term: Micic is flourishing as the primary backup at the one in Charlotte. Given LaMelo Ball’s consistent injury issues it is a good bet in deeper leagues to have him on a roster.
- Long Term: No value here. As a 30-year-old backup point guard, there is no rhyme or reason to pick him up.
Ricky Council IV (, Philadelphia Phillies, 22)
- Since 2/8: 19.8 MPG, 11.0 PPG/5.3 RPG/0.8 APG/0.0 Stocks on 45.5%/12.5%/76.5%.
- Short Term: Having a team without their MVP is a good point for players to come in and produce by doing things like scoring and rebounding. Watch out!
- Long Term: Take some time and be patient. Not sure where he will be but need to watch out.
Gradey Dick (SG/SF, Toronto Ratpors, 20)
- Since 2/8: 21.2 MPG, 11.3 PPG/1.0 RPG/0.8 APG/0.5 Stocks on 53.3%/50%/100%.
- Short Term: Gradey Dick has showcased exactly why he was drafted as a shooting prospect. He’s already up to 35% on the season after an abysmal early start to the season.
- Long Term: Pick him up if he is a free agent! Shooters shoot and having that is valuable, especially for category leagues.