NBA's Top 10 Hidden Gems ๐
Hello Prospectors!
The 2023 NBA season is about to begin, and we are here to help you prepare for the upcoming fantasy season ๐
Fantasy basketball is a game of skill, luck, and strategy. You need to draft the best players, manage your roster, and make smart moves throughout the season. But sometimes, you also need to find some hidden gems who can give you an edge over your opponents. These are players who are not on most peopleโs radar, but have the talent, opportunity, and upside to become fantasy stars ๐
Here are the top 10 potential hidden gem players for the 2023-24 season:
Jalen Johnson (PF - ATL)
The rookie out of Duke was one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2023 draft class, but he fell to the 20th pick due to some concerns about his character and commitment. However, he landed in a great situation with the Hawks, who have a young and talented core that can help him develop his game. Johnson is a versatile forward who can play both the three and the four positions. He has a rare combination of size, athleticism, and skill that allows him to score, rebound, pass, and defend at a high level. He showed flashes of his potential in the summer league, where he averaged 19 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He could see an expanded role this season if John Collins gets traded or injured.
Austin Reaves (PG/SG - LAL)
Reaves was a pleasant surprise for the Lakers last season, as he earned a spot in the rotation and even started 22 games. He was a 12th-round producer in 9-cat leagues last season, despite playing only 18 minutes per game. He averaged 8.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 triples per game, while shooting 46.7% from the field, 40.7% from three, and 83.3% from the line. He also had some clutch moments in the playoffs, where he averaged 11 points and 4 assists per game. Reaves is a sharpshooting guard who can also handle the ball and create for others. He has solidified his spot in the starting lineup with his playoff performance, and he could benefit from playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Zach Collins (C - SAS)
The former lottery pick has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, as he missed most of the last two seasons due to shoulder and ankle problems. However, he finally got a chance to start at center for the Spurs after being traded from the Blazers in the offseason. Collins is a skilled big man who can stretch the floor and protect the rim. He averaged 12.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.3 triples in 28.7 minutes per game after the All-Star break last season. He also shot 49% from the field, 37% from three, and 76% from the line. Collins has a lot of upside as the Spursโ main big man, especially with Dejounte Murray and Derrick White as his backcourt partners.
Cam Reddish (SF - NYK)
The former top 10 pick has had an inconsistent and injury-riddled start to his NBA career with the Hawks. He averaged only 10 points per game on 38% shooting in his first two seasons. However, he showed some signs of improvement in his third season before being traded to the Knicks at the deadline. He averaged 13 points per game on 43% shooting in his last nine games with the Hawks, and he had a breakout performance in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Bucks, where he scored 21 points on seven threes. Reddish is a talented wing who can score in bunches and play solid defense when healthy and motivated. He could thrive under Tom Thibodeauโs coaching and system with the Knicks.
Isaiah Jackson (PF/C - IND)
Jackson is a raw but athletic big man who can run the floor, finish above the rim, and block shots. He averaged 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game in his lone season with the Wildcats. He also impressed in the summer league, where he averaged 11.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game. Jackson could have a significant role with the Pacers this season, as they are thin at the frontcourt with Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis being injury-prone and trade candidates. Jackson has a lot of potential as a fantasy contributor in rebounds and blocks.
Josh Giddey (PG - OKC)
Giddey is a 6โ8" point guard who can handle the ball, pass, rebound, and score. He averaged 10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in the NBL last season, becoming the youngest player ever to record a triple-double in the league. He also had a promising debut in the summer league, where he had 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and four steals before suffering an ankle injury. Giddey could be a fantasy stud as the Thunderโs primary playmaker and facilitator, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as his backcourt partner.
Jordan Poole (PG/SG - GSW)
The third-year guard had a breakout season with the Warriors last year, as he emerged as a reliable scorer and playmaker off the bench. He averaged 12 points per game on 43% shooting in his sophomore season, and he improved his numbers to 17.8 points per game on 46% shooting after the All-Star break. He also had some clutch performances in the play-in tournament, where he averaged 15 points per game on 50% shooting. Poole is a confident and explosive guard who can score from all levels and create for others. He could have an increased role with the Warriors this season, as Klay Thompson is still recovering from his injuries and James Wiseman is out indefinitely.
Jaden Springer (PG/SG - PHI)
Springer is a combo guard who can score, defend, and play with poise. He averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in his lone season with the Volunteers. He also shot 46% from the field, 43% from three, and 81% from the line. Springer could have a significant role with the Sixers this season, as Ben Simmons is likely to be traded or hold out and Tyrese Maxey is still unproven as a starter. Springer has a lot of upside as a fantasy contributor in points, threes, steals, and percentages.
Precious Achiuwa (PF/C - TOR)
The second-year big man was traded from the Heat to the Raptors in the Kyle Lowry sign-and-trade deal. He is an athletic and energetic big man who can rebound, defend, and finish around the rim. He averaged 5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in his rookie season with the Heat, but he showed some flashes of his potential when he got more minutes. He had four double-doubles last season, including a career-high 23 points and 10 rebounds against the Warriors. Achiuwa could have a bigger role with the Raptors this season, as they lack depth and size at the frontcourt. He could form a dynamic duo with Pascal Siakam or be his primary backup.
Desmond Bane (SG/SF - MEM)
Bane had a solid rookie season with the Grizzlies, as he proved to be one of the best shooters in his class. He averaged 9.2 points per game on 46% shooting last season, and he led all rookies in three-point percentage (43%) and made threes (126). He also played well in the playoffs, where he averaged 11 points per game on 48% shooting. Bane is a sharpshooter who can space the floor and knock down shots from anywhere on the court. He could have an increased role with the Grizzlies this season, as they traded away Grayson Allen to the Bucks and Dillon Brooks is recovering from a hand surgery.
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