Rebounding is a key element for any fantasy basketball team and can often be found late in drafts. It is also the only category available to players on both ends of the floor. This means there are more opportunities for those lower ranked players to provide value, no matter the court time. Below are a few rebound sleepers that could be worth a look across a range of formats.
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Fantasy Basketball Rebound Sleepers
Steven Adams – Oklahoma City Thunder
Adams is a well-established fantasy basketball asset, meaning the term ‘sleeper’ is somewhat of a stretch. That being said, the Thunder are fielding a new-look team this season. The absence of Russell Westbrook is likely to afford Adams with a clear path to rebounds. Adams is already an elite offensive rebounder, clearly demonstrating his tenacity on the glass. A lot of his time has previously been spent simply clearing space for Westbrook, allowing him to initiate the offense from the defensive end. That style of play is going change with Chris Paul at the point, meaning Adams has a realistic chance of finishing as a top-five rebounder.
Adams hauled in a career-high 9.5 rebounds per game last season and there is certainly scope for that number to hit at least 12 per game this season. To put those numbers into context, only three players averaged in excess of 13 rebounds last season. One of those was DeAndre Jordan and there is certainly a chance his numbers take a hit this season. Adams is obviously a negative when it comes to free-throw efficiency, which does hamper his overall value. However, he is an elite source of steals from the center position and could garner more open looks courtesy of Paul. Everything is pointing towards what could be his best fantasy season, making him a mid-round sleeper, especially in category leagues.
Ed Davis – Utah Jazz
Davis is a perennial candidate for this list, continuing to haul in rebounds at an elite level despite his bench role. He is likely to maintain a similar role for the Jazz, playing behind Rudy Gobert. Davis typically pulls down one rebound for every two minutes he is on the floor, meaning an 18-minute role is enough for him to put up value. He finished last season as a top-30 player in the rebounding category despite playing significantly fewer minutes than players with similar numbers.
Gobert is an elite rebounder in his own right but is unlikely to share the floor with Davis. The Jazz are going to be a force this season and there is a world in which Gobert is limited in certain games. Davis’ playing time could fluctuate from night-to-night, impacting his ability to put up consistent numbers. That being said, he is undeniably the best rebounder normally available in all formats. Managers in deeper formats would be well-advised to give him a look if you need cheap boards. Those in standard leagues may not be able to find a permanent position for Davis. However, he is frequently available on waivers and can provide short-term boosts when needed.
Enes Kanter – Boston Celtics
Unlike Davis, Kanter is going to be on a lot of radars across most fantasy formats. After a strong showing in the playoffs, Kanter moves to Boston where he will likely be the starting center. Playing time is going to be key for Kanter who much like Adams, is a well-versed offensive rebounder. In only 24 minutes per game last season, Kanter was able to haul in double-digit rebounds on a nightly basis. His role in Boston would appear likely to exceed 24 minutes resulting in an increase to his overall numbers.
Also much like Adams, there is a world in which Kanter gets to 12 rebounds per night. Robert Williams is likely to be the primary backup and does provide a much better defensive presence. However, he is also extremely raw and tends to get into frequent foul trouble. The Celtics are going to be competing for a top-four seed which should mean Kanter remains relevant. Due to his lack of defensive numbers, many managers are going to pass on Kanter. That could mean he is available around pick 100, a position he flirted with last season despite an inconsistent role. Kanter adds efficiency from both the field and the free-throw line, making him a solid selection, especially in category leagues.
Ivica Zubac – Los Angeles Clippers
Zubac is likely to hold onto the starting center spot for the Clippers, a position he carved out late last season. Montrezl Harrell is the center to target, however, Zubac could also provide value. He is unlikely to see more than about 24 minutes per night which does cap his upside. In just 17 minutes per game last season, Zubac topped out at almost seven boards each night. This is going to be his first full season with the Clippers and his size is going to be crucial to their success. Despite being option four or five on the offensive end, Zubac should maintain his starting role barring any major injuries.
Much like Kanter, Zubac also provides solid percentages across the floor, another positive attribute. Zubac is going to almost certainly be available in the final rounds of most drafts. If you miss out on an elite big-man early, Zubac could be worth a look. His ceiling is not the highest but the playing time should result in a solid enough floor. Add in the fact that he is still very young and Zubac could be a sneaky pickup in many 12-team formats.
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Who are your rebound sleepers for 2019? Here are some more fantasy basketball rankings to get you ready for opening tip-off: Head-to-Head Rankings | Points League Rankings | Roto League Rankings
Adam King joined FantraxHQ in 2018. He also currently writes for Rotowire and has previously written for Locked on Fantasy Basketball and Locked on Timberwolves. He has played sports his entire life with fantasy basketball becoming a passion over the past six years. By day, Adam is the service coordinator at the Autism Centre in Canberra, Australia. Adam was born and raised in Queanbeyan, Australia and currently resides in Bungendore, Australia with his wife and two children.
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