With the All-Star break done, fantasy basketball values have not seen much movement for re-draft leagues. This week we check in on some buy-low candidates for 9-cat dynasty leagues. Onyeka Okongwu, Jabari Smith Jr., Tyrese Maxey, and Dyson Daniels are players that could see major fantasy basketball returns in the upcoming years.
Dynasty Fantasy Basketball Buy Low
Onyeka Okongwu
Onyeka Okongwu‘s fantasy basketball value this season is capped mainly due to Clint Capela. Both have been quality centers and for that reason, they have cannibalized each other’s playing time. Capela is under contract for two more seasons, but we would expect Okongwu to take the lion’s share of minutes prior to that. Okongwu has been the 85th-ranked player this season playing under 24 minutes per game. He’s a strong contributor in rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage. What would you give to acquire him in a fantasy basketball dynasty league? Assuming your hopes of winning this season are dwindling I’d offer an older player that is producing roughly a round better this season. The other team gets to improve their odds this season and you improve your future outlook for seasons to come. When Onyeka Okongwu gets 30+ minutes a night he has the upside to produce in that 25-50 range for fantasy basketball.
Jabari Smith Jr.
It’s not always easy to acquire rookies in dynasty basketball. However, sometimes they don’t live up to the hype right away. Jabari Smith been painful to roster this season. His ADP was in the top 100 heading into the season and that was in re-draft leagues. In dynasty leagues, he would have been a lot more sought after. This season Jabari is producing just outside the top 150 in fantasy basketball. He’s been a negative in points, assists, steals, and field goal percentage. If the Rockets find a legitimate point guard and good coach things could rapidly turn around for Jabari. He’s already a plus in rebounds and blocks. Assuming he’s not a bust in the NBA, points, and threes should become positives in the future. In dynasty, I’d shoot an offer of a fringe top 100 player to try to steal Jabari Smith.
Tyrese Maxey
The NBA as a whole doesn’t know how to value Tyrese Maxey. Some executives don’t believe he’ll ever be an All-Star whereas others believe he could be an All-Star as soon as next season. Maxey has definitely underperformed in fantasy basketball this season. This could be a ripe buying opportunity. On a per-game basis, Maxey has been the 112th player this season. Currently, he’s really only a plus in points and threes. On top of that, field percentage is now negative for him (positive last season). Free throw percentage was also a much stronger category for Maxey last season as he shot 86.6%. The 76ers added Melton this season and Maxey had an injury. However, things may be starting to point in the right direction for Maxey as he was looking better heading into the all-star break. James Harden will be hitting free agency and isn’t getting any younger. It’s time to buy Tyrese Maxey stock in keeper leagues if you can obtain his services without giving up a top 75 player.
Dyson Daniels
Dyson Daniels will not provide much for your fantasy basketball team anytime soon. However, if you have all the patience in the world he’s a great player to stash. Dyson is a 6’7″ point guard that in theory will be able to provide assists and defensive stats. The Pelicans don’t really have another true point guard on the roster. CJ McCollum is an aging combo guard. Jose Alvarado is a great story and a fun little gimmick. All roads lead back to Dyson with a chance to be the future point guard of this team assuming he pans out. He definitely needs to be a better shooter to gain more trust from Willie Green and the coaching staff. Dyson Daniels currently has the injury tag meaning you can throw him in an IR slot. Maybe you’ll have to wait two years for him to be fantasy basketball relevant, but if the cost is one of the worst players on your roster it could be an optimal time to buy.
Do you approach trades differently in dynasty than redraft for fantasy basketball? Share your thoughts in the comments below.