The NBA Season is near as we are days away from the action. Injured or “resting” star players plagued the NBA season and your fantasy team in recent years. For the 2023-2024 season, the NBA went to great lengths to ensure players participate in as many games as possible. While it’s too early to tell the impact of the NBA’s new rules, the uncertainty and heartburn from previous years have created an early “buy-low” opportunity for a few of the NBA’s most talented players.
Below is a list of players to target either via draft or trade at the beginning of the year, with the idea they will significantly outperform their ADP and perceived value. Let’s check out the list.
5 Buy-Low Players for 2023-24 Fantasy Basketball
The Clippers
Kawhi Leonard (SF/PF – LAC): Fantasy managers understand the risks associated with Leonard despite his first-round statistical production. The missed games, specifically towards the end of the season during fantasy playoffs, are a GM’s assured demise. However, the Clippers have pressed Leonard to be on the floor this year and have (again) lofty expectations. Don’t use your top picks to build around Leonard, but be bold and roll the dice at the right time.
- ADP: 37
- Target: fourth round
Paul George (SG/SF – LAC): Paul George’s ADP suggests discounted value despite massive fantasy potential. However, his injury history is genuine. Like Leonard, wait for him in the fourth round for peace of mind and immediate return on investment.
- ADP: 36
- Target: fourth round
Aging Superstars
Lebron James (SF/PF – LAL): A whisper is in the air discussing LeBron James slowing down, his statistical line creeping down, and missed games piling up. There might be truth to this, but LeBron looks as motivated as ever. He is likely your third selection in drafts, but if you can get him in the fourth, you will have immediate capital to use early in the season if desired.
- ADP: 30
- Target: fourth round
James Harden (PG/SG – PHI): The James Harden situation has quickly deteriorated, and it’s unclear if Harden will play for the 76ers again. Usually, managers select Harden in the second round, but his value has dropped to the third and even fourth rounds. If you still need to draft, this is an immediate value-add. If you have already drafted, find a manager that wants to avoid the headache. There is a risk of having Harden on your team, but his skill set and ability to rack up assists make it worth the gamble.
- ADP: 20
- Target: fourth round
Young Talent
Zion Williamson (PF – NOP): Zion is no longer a top-round option, with an ADP of It’s now or never for Zion to establish himself as an NBA superstar. He looks healthy, has played in the preseason, and is poised to demonstrate he should be the center of the NBA’s attention.
- ADP: 51
- Target: fifth round
Got a few buy-lows of your own? Let us hear about it in the comments below! In the meantime check out all the great analysis in our 2023 Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit!