The first month of the NBA season is in the books, and as always, the fantasy basketball landscape is full of surprises and disappointments. From unexpected breakout performances to frustrating slumps, our panel of fantasy experts is here to break down the biggest shockers so far.
The Good: Fantasy Studs Exceeding Expectations
LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball has taken his game to new heights this season, emerging as a bona fide superstar. The 2024 All-Star is filling up the stat sheet, averaging a whopping 30.2 points per game to go along with 7.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists. Ball’s scoring prowess has been the biggest surprise, as he’s showcasing an improved jumper and relentless attacking mindset.
“I expected him to be an all-around contributor, but I didn’t see this scoring outburst coming. He looks like he could legitimately challenge for the scoring title this season, which is wild.”
– Andre Snellings, ESPN Fantasy Basketball Analyst
Jalen Williams, SF/PF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Rookie sensation Jalen Williams has been the steal of fantasy drafts, exploding onto the scene for the Thunder. The hyper-versatile forward is stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis, ranking in the top 10 on the Player Rater. Williams’ defensive prowess has been particularly eye-popping – his 2.3 steals per game trail only teammate Dyson Daniels among all players.
“We are past the small sample size warning label and getting into the slow realization that this guy is already an All-Star caliber player. I was convinced the Thunder had two first-round fantasy talents in SGA and Chet. That number might have been conservative.”
– Jim McCormick, ESPN Fantasy Basketball Analyst
Other Early Season Risers
- Jakob Poeltl, C, Toronto Raptors: Leading all centers in fantasy points per game
- Buddy Hield, SG/SF, Golden State Warriors: Thriving as instant-offense sixth man
- Dyson Daniels, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks: Rookie leading the NBA in steals
The Bad: Early Season Fantasy Busts
Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers
After a sizzling finish to last season, Tyrese Haliburton has come crashing back to earth in 2024-25. The Pacers’ floor general is struggling mightily with his efficiency, shooting a paltry 37.9% from the field. Haliburton’s scoring and assisting are also down across the board as he’s failed to recapture last year’s magic thus far.
“The shooting efficiency is the biggest worry because the slump is extending beyond ‘slow start’ territory and is verging on becoming a season-long trend.”
– Andre Snellings, ESPN Fantasy Basketball Analyst
Klay Thompson, SG/SF, Dallas Mavericks
Managers who drafted Klay Thompson hoping for a fresh start in Dallas alongside Luka Doncic have been sorely disappointed. The Splash Brother is shooting a career-low 38% from the field while chipping in just 13.2 points per game. Thompson looks like a shell of his former self, struggling to create offense and make an impact.
“If his shots ever start falling, there’s still hope he can turn it around, but he’s been bad enough that he’s probably floating around on waiver wires. The poor shooting is the main reason why.”
– Steve Alexander, ESPN Fantasy Basketball Analyst
Other Notable Early Underperformers
- Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers: Playing sparingly and struggling when on the court
- Desmond Bane, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies: Efficiency and volume down across the board
- Jamal Murray, PG, Denver Nuggets: Failing to be the standout second option behind Jokic
As the NBA season rolls on, expect more twists and turns impacting the fantasy landscape. Will the surprises keep surging? Can the early disappointments turn things around? Stay tuned as our team of analysts keeps you updated all season long with the latest news and advice.
