Duke is one of the best college basketball programs in the country. I know that’s not exactly breaking news. From our perspective, though, we only care about what happens next.
On a consistent basis, we see Duke push multiple players into the first round of the NBA draft. When it comes to fantasy basketball, though, some years are better than others. We can’t blindly go based on pedigree. This season tells a different story.
Let’s stop and, with our NBA rookie report, take a look at how things are going so far this season.
Fantasy Basketball Rookie Report
Cooper Flagg, F, Dallas Mavericks
Despite the fact that he’s currently nursing an ankle injury, Cooper Flagg is still one of the healthier members of the Dallas Mavericks. Even if it’s by default, that’s certainly one way for the Mavericks to build around Flagg.
While things have been bumpy at times, especially early in the season, Flagg has handled things well, and the best is clearly still to come. From a fantasy perspective, there’s plenty of volume to be found. The good news is the rookie is proving to be fully capable of taking advantage of it. What’s even better is the fact that Flagg should only continue to improve over the remainder of the season.
As far as rookies go, Dallas isn’t taking it easy on Flagg as he’s playing 34 minutes a game. In that time, he’s averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. That’s also coming with 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, while he’s shooting 47.3% from the field and 79.5% from the free throw line.
While there have been rough games here and there, Flagg has lived up to his preseason expectations.
Kon Knueppel, F, Charlotte Hornets
For all the talk about Flagg, Kon Knueppel deserves to be right there with him. In fact, after playing second fiddle to Flagg in college, they should be treated as equals so far in the NBA. To take things a step further, you could argue that Knueppel is actually the more valuable player and fantasy asset.
The main stats are similar: 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, but Knueppel takes things to the next level. With 3.3 three-pointers, the forward is a legitimate fantasy asset. His 89.5% free throw percentage isn’t too bad either, as he’s surpassed most expectations while being a real difference maker.
Khaman Maluach, C, Phoenix Suns
Unfortunately, we can’t work in absolutes. Not every rookie is an instant success, or a success at all. That applies regardless of their draft status or where they went to college.
Khaman Maluach is the perfect case study for this. In fact, it speaks to the difficulties in drafting players out of college and expecting them to be standout NBA performers. Their success and progression don’t happen in a straight line, and sometimes, it doesn’t happen at all.
In the case of Maluach, it’s too soon to speak on where his story ends. The potential is clearly there, and it was on display last season. You can’t teach size or athleticism, but there’s still a lot within his game that needs to develop.
If he does figure it out, there’s real fantasy value to be found. But don’t force it.
Fantrax is one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites in the fantasy sports industry, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. We are the most customizable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich platform in the industry, offering the greatest fantasy experience for your dynasty, keeper, redraft, and best ball leagues. Fantasy sports doesn’t sleep, and neither does Fantrax, with seasons running 365 days a year. Take your fantasy leagues to the next level now at Fantrax.com!
