With the start of the 2024-2025 NBA also comes the start of the fantasy basketball season. Although fantasy basketball does not have the popularity of fantasy football, there is still a large fanbase for it as it’s the second most popular fantasy game.
The draft is the most important part of a fantasy season. Although many people focus on who they will draft with their top picks, who you get in the later rounds can make or break your season.
Fantasy basketball steal one- Jalen Suggs- SG- Orlando Magic
Jalen Suggs established himself as one of the most dominant defensive guards in the league last season. He made all defensive second team and finished tenth in defensive player of the year voting. However, the Magic are still waiting for an offensive jump. With Suggs hitting free agency after this season, it seems like the perfect time to take that offensive jump. In the last few games of 2024 he looked to take the first steps in this direction, averaging 14 points per game in the final eight games.
Fantasy basketball steal two- Jonathan Kuminga- SF- Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga already ended up being a steal last season. He averaged six more points per game in 2023-2024 compared to 2022-2023. This should be the first season where Kuminga isn’t fighting for playing time. He is just 22 years old. It’s not unreasonable to guess that he can take another offensive leap. With Klay Thompson leaving in free agency, Kuminga improving his shooting could do miracles for the Warriors.
Photo via NBA
Fantasy basketball steal three- Josh Giddey- SG- Chicago Bulls
Josh Giddey was drafted with the 6th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. In 2023 he showed legitimate potential by averaging 16 points per game. 2024 meanwhile was a step in the wrong direction by averaging just 12. Giddey was a part of the offseason trade that sent Alex Caruso to the Thunder. These new surroundings could give Giddey new life. The Bulls have low expectations and may be willing to try new things like giving Giddey the ball more.
Fantasy basketball steal four- Immanuel Quickly- PG- Toronto Raptors
When he was on the Knicks, Immanuel Quickly was one of the best sixth men in the league. After being traded to the Raptors for O.G Anunoby, Quickly got a chance to start. In his 38 games with the Raptors he averaged 18.6 points per game. Now that he’s going to have a full training camp with his new team, it could fully unleash him. He could end up becoming a player who averaged 20 points per game with eight assists.
Fantasy basketball steal five- Deni Avdija- SF- Portland TrailBlazers
Deni Avdija has shown some signs of being a solid player in his young career. Last season with the Washington Wizards he got his points per game up to 14.7 points per game and improved his three point percentage to 37 percent. On draft night he was traded to the TrailBlazers for two first round picks and veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon. The TrailBlazers clearly believe he is their answer at the forward spot. If he keeps improving his shooting the guards on the team will get him some good looks.
Photo via NBA
Fantasy basketball steal six- Dereck Lively II-C-Dallas Mavericks
Dereck Lively II was universally recognized as one of the biggest steals of the 2023 draft. His athletic ability in the paint gave the Mavericks guards a fail safe option if the play broke down. I believe year two will be even better for him. With the Mavericks signing Klay Thompson, the Mavericks court is more spaced than ever. This could give Lively a chance to get more points and assists.
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