Rookie check-in — who’s making the biggest impact at the halfway point?
Yahoo Sports Special
Many NBA teams are now at the halfway point of their season after a week and a quarter. However, the majority of rookies in the 2022 draft are still not considered must-starts in weekly fantasy leagues. No. No. Paolo Banchero The top fantasy option in the rookie class is still him; however, while he has been a consistent scorer, his rebounds and assists as well as efficiency can change from game to game.
As of Jan. 12, Banchero, no rookie is among the top 130 in per-game nine-cat value. Some rookies include Walker KesslerAlthough they are efficient on the court, they require more volume to make an impact in fantasy.
Although it is encouraging that the majority of rookies have been healthy, it was disappointing for fantasy players in 2022. It wouldn’t surprise to see rookies become more productive as they gain more professional experience.
We are now at the halfway point of the season. Let’s take a look at the top names in the class, and highlight some rookies that we can monitor in deeper leagues or dynasty formats.
TOP CONTRIBUTORS
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Since late November Banchero has been healthy and the No. The No. 1 overall pick has been the most productive rookie class player. Although the 20-year old is still the favorite to win Rookie-of-the-Year (-1000 on BetMGM), he still ranks No. 134 in the nine-cat, per game fantasy rankings. Banchero recorded his seventh doubled-double of the season Tuesday. In seven previous appearances, he has scored at minimum 15 points. In that time, Banchero has averaged 21.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, along with 3.6 assists. He also recorded 1.4 steals during 34.7 minutes of play.
But, his fantasy production has shown some weaknesses. His biggest problem has been with ball control. He’s averaging 2.9 turnovers per game — tied for 20th among all players appearing in at least 30 games. His free-throw efficiency (75.7 percent) is also a problem.
Banchero was out for seven games in November with an ankle injury. However, he hasn’t missed a game since his return to the court and has been a steady force in scoring and rebounding. The rest of the Magic are also healthier and Banchero has now surpassed five assists in only one of his last 10 games.
It’s not surprising to see the No. It’s not surprising to see the No. 1 pick have the greatest upside of all rookies in his class. However, his issues with turnovers and free throw efficiency make him more attractive in points formats. Banchero has shown enough production this season that dynasty mangers can be hopeful. He’s also a key player in redraft leagues, where he’s a must-roster. He has some limitations that limit his potential. Banchero will face competition for the top 2022 draft player once again. Chet Holmgren The next year will be a healthy one.
Keegan Murray, Kings
Murray is among the most inept rookies in the 2022 class despite showing promise during the Summer League, and early in regular season. Murray is just behind Banchero at No. 135 in nine cat, per-game values, but he has had more volatile performances. Part of his fantasy success is due to his exceptional ball control. He averages just 1.0 turns per game this season.
Over the last two weeks, the inconsistency of the 22-year-old has been evident. In four of his 10 games since Dec. 23, Murray has been held to single-digit scoring totals and has only four times collected at least five rebounds. Murray averaged just 0.2% turnovers per contest during that stretch. He shot 45.3% from the floor and 48.1% from beyond the arc. But he averaged just 10.7 and 3.7 points in 28.1 minutes each game.
Murray has seen his fair share playing time for Kings, and there’s no reason to believe that will stop. Murray is not a must-start in most redraft leagues, but his fantasy potential could be greatly enhanced if he can become more efficient game-by-game.
Jalen DurenPistons
Duren was one of the worst players in the 2022 draft, but he assumed a starting role in December and has been more productive ever since. He had a double-double on the bench against Pelicans Dec. 7, and has started all 15 games since. In his 16 last games, he averaged 9.6 points per game and 11.3 rebounds.
Recent results make him one of top rookie rebounders at 19 years old. He has risen to No. He was ranked 178 in the per-game nine-cat rankings as of Jan. 12. However, his single-digit scoring totals have been very limited in eight of his 15 appearances after he claimed a place in the starting line-up. Duren has recorded at least eight rebounds in each of his 16 last appearances which makes up for his inconsistency in the scoreboard.
Duren, so long as he is still in the starting lineup has proven to be a strong fantasy choice after a slow start for the 2022-23 campaign. Marvin Bagley Also, he had hand surgery in January. He is likely to miss six weeks. The rookie should still have a chance to play a significant role in Detroit’s frontcourt when he returns.
Walker Kessler, Jazz
Kessler was efficient on the court during the first half of this season, but the presence Kelly Olynyk His playing time has been limited. Olynyk has recently suffered an ankle injury. He is likely to miss at most one week. This should give fantasy managers a glimpse of Kessler’s potential with a full-time workload.
Kessler has been particularly productive in his seven starts this year. He’s averaged 8.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game and 1.7 block per game. And he’s shooting 70.3% from behind the free-throw line. The Jazz are slightly ahead of expectations this season, and were 21-23 at Jan. 12, ninth in Western Conference. Olynyk, a player who could be traded to another team, is one of the players that the team may still consider moving.
Kessler ranks among the top rookies in defensive play. His outlook would improve if Olynyk didn’t have to compete for playing time during the second half. Utah’s decision at the trade deadline will determine the value of the 22nd overall pick. Although Kessler is an inconsistent scorer, he has shown success with rebounds and blocks as well as efficiency from the floor.
Fantasy managers who purchase Kessler to fill in Olynyk’s absence might want to keep him, in case Olynyk is traded before the deadline.
Jabari Smith, Rockets
Smith has shown signs of upside in 2022-23 campaign. He is currently tied with Banchero, with seven double-doubles. Smith is 147th among nine-cat, per game rankings, as of January 12. Smith has been inconsistent in his play over the past few matches. He posted a 14pt and 13-rebound doubles-double in Rockets’ loss to Pelicans Jan. 4. However, he has only averaged 6.7 points per game and 6.7 rebounds over his three appearances.
As of January 12, the Rockets had the worst record in the league at 10-30. Smith could see his role increasing slightly if they trade some players before the deadline. The 19-year old is already playing 29.8 minutes per night, which is a major problem. He has a surprisingly low average of 1.4 turnovers per games, which is one of his most desirable fantasy marks. But, he also shoots just 38.3 percentage from the floor this season. This ranks him sixth in the league for forwards who have played at minimum 30 games. Other than averaging 11.7 points per game and 7.1 rebounds, he isn’t producing much.
The No. While the No. While fantasy managers have been encouraged by the ample playing time, the occasional double-double and low turnovers have not allowed him to take the next step in a fantasy perspective. His inefficiency and poor output in categories other that points and rebounds has prevented him from reaching the next level.
Jalen WilliamsThunder
Williams was split between the bench and the starter lineup earlier in the regular-season, but he’s remained consistent in the starting lineup for 15 consecutive games. He has been productive in that stretch, scoring 13.1 points, 4.4 rebound, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 combined blocks/steals in just 30.9 minutes per match. He has been particularly productive on the defensive side, with an average of 2.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per match.
Williams will need to divide more duties at once Aleksej Pokusevski And Jeremiah Robinson-Earl Both are expected to be back from their injuries soon, although it’s unclear when. It’s possible that Williams will remain in the Thunder’s prominent role after he is back to full health due to his impressive production.
Despite the fact that the rookie is unlikely to have long-term value, the 21 year-old has shown to be a solid fantasy choice in recent weeks.
Bennedict Mathurin, Pacers
Mathurin has been on the bench in every appearance, except two. He’s also been a good scorer. Mathurin, 20 years old, has scored at least 15 point in eight of his nine last appearances. He has averaged 17.1 and 3.3 rebounds per game over that period.
He is not yet in the top 200 for nine-cat fantasy value per-game despite his scoring prowess. This may be partly due to the 1.8 turnovers per week he has been averaging this season. Mathurin isn’t able to offer fantasy value beyond his scoring which makes his turnovers even more detrimental.
The Pacers’ 20-year old is a solid player in real life and it would not be surprising for his role to grow after the season. Tyrese Haliburton He was left on crutches Wednesday after sustaining a knee injury. Mathurin may have a greater role, but he is still limited in fantasy production and consistent scoring. Redraft league fantasy managers should roster Mathurin to see his future role. But Mathurin’s limited versatility is limiting his fantasy appeal.
Jaden IveyPistons
Ivey has been a more well-rounded contributor than Mathurin in most areas, as he’s had success in the scoring column — albeit with less consistency — and has also been more productive on the boards and as a passer, averaging 4.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game this season. Ivey is having trouble keeping possession of the ball, with 2.8 turnovers per contest to begin the 2022/23 season. In his 41 first NBA games, he’s shot 72.3 percent from charity.
Ivey is one of the top passing options in the rookie class. However, he is more valuable in eight-category leagues than he is in the rookie class due to his turnover concerns. He has only posted three double-doubles in this year’s rookie class and has not achieved the feat since Nov. 9. His relatively high production in scoring, assists, and rebounds can be beneficial to fantasy managers who are able and willing to work with him.
QUICK HITTERS
Tari Eason Rockets: Eason, who has seen some production this season in scoring and rebounding, has played a lot of time on the bench. This season, Eason averaged 1.6 steals/blocks per match. Eason could see his role in the Rockets’ future increase if they trade other players.
Jeremy Sochan, Spurs: After returning from a five game absence, Sochan was on the bench for three of his four appearances. However, he has reclaimed his starting position over his 12 previous outings. The 19-year-old Sochan has been a fairly well-rounded player during this time. He averaged 11.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in his last five games, as well as 3.1 assists, and 1.6 combined steals/blocks over 28.6 minutes.
Andrew Nembhard, Pacers: Nembhard has kept his starting position for the Pacers, and has shown glimpses to be productive, particularly on the scoreboard. In his 16 last appearances, Nembhard has averaged 8.3 points and 3.3 assists in 31.0 minutes. However, he needs to be more consistent in order to be viable fantasy options outside of the deeper leagues.
AJ Griffin, Hawks: Griffin has seen some success in the starting lineup during the first half of this season but he’s been on the bench in 10 out of his 12 last appearances. Although he has seen some good games, Griffin is a poor fantasy option. He averaged 8.8 points and 2.3 rebound in 20.3 minutes each game.
Malaki Branham, Spurs: Branham has scored in double figures three times in his last four appearances but has struggled to produce in other areas, with an average of just 1.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per match. The 19-year old should not be in fantasy managers’ sights unless they are in the most deep leagues.
Shaedon Sharpe, Trail Blazers: Sharpe is still getting a fair amount of playing time from the bench, but he has been averaging just 7.2 points in the paint and 2.4 rebounds per game for the past 14 matchups. That makes him a very unattractive fantasy option.
Mark Williams, Hornets Williams has been with the parent team for nine matchups. He’s averaged 6.9 rebounds and 7.0 points per game in 16.7 mins. Although his performance on the boards has been encouraging he is a risk and should be considered by fantasy managers.
Christian Braun, Nuggets: Braun joined Michael Malone’s rotation in December over stretches, but the 21 year-old has played double-digit time in only two of his seven previous appearances.
Rockets, TyTy Washington Washington was with the Rockets in December and January, but was then sent to the G League last Wednesday. He is unlikely to see any playing time with the Rockets, but if they make some moves prior to the trade deadline, it’s possible.
Johnny Davis, Wizards: Davis was injured in his hip while he was playing in the G League. He isn’t yet able to make a full recovery, but it’s likely that he will not have the fantasy impact he had as a rookie.
Dyson Daniels, Pelicans Daniels has been a consistent contributor to the Pelicans’ bench, scoring 2.8 points per game and 3.1 rebounds over his 15 previous games. Daniels is not worth much in redraft leagues as long as the Pelicans are healthy.
MarJon Beauchamp, Bucks: Khris Middleton Beauchamp has been back in the Bucks’ lineup after he sustained a knee injury in December. He’s been in double-digit minutes in 13 out of 14 games but doesn’t have fantasy appeal. In that time, he averaged 7.9 points and 2.2-2 rebounds per game.