Last week’s article on fantasy basketball players highlighted a wave of optimism, introducing potential breakout stars and promising players for the 2025-26 season. However, the darker side of player projections has now come to light, offering a contrasting perspective on players who may not meet expectations.
Starting with Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers, his average draft position (ADP) of 41.04 reflects a performance dip expected this season. Despite thriving with heavy minutes last year, the addition of Brook Lopez and potential small-ball alignments with John Collins may limit Zubac’s playing time significantly.
Mark Williams, the center for the Phoenix Suns, is positioned at an ADP of 48.8 but faces uncertainty due to injury history. After being deemed surplus by a desperate Lakers team, there are doubts about Williams sustaining a crucial role amid competition from backup players.
Josh Hart of the New York Knicks had impressive minutes last season, starting 77 games and averaging 37.6 minutes. Under the new coach Mike Brown, however, changes in team dynamics could reduce Hart’s playing time or even position him on the bench.
Kyle Filipowski of the Utah Jazz, with an ADP of 117.44, is dealing with injuries and a crowded frontcourt, making his path to impactful minutes unclear. As the season unfolds, Filipowski’s value might rise if he consistently plays, but the immediate future looks challenging.
LeBron James is facing significant health concerns that have lowered his ADP to around 37 after reports revealing he will be sidelined for a minimum of three weeks due to sciatica. While historically a top player, his age and increasing health issues raise concerns about his fantasy viability this season.
LaMelo Ball and Zion Williamson are also featured as risk-reward players amid their respective ADPs. Ball’s spotty health and shooting percentage have plagued his career, while Williamson’s inability to stay on the court has become a troubling pattern, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding both stars.
Tyler Herro’s recent ankle surgery adds to the list of injury-prone players. Despite his impressive stats last season, his recovery timeline presents a significant risk for fantasy managers.
In the realm of high-maintenance players, Ja Morant’s historical inability to stay healthy complicates his fantasy appeal and prompts regular monitoring. Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid are similarly notorious for injury-related absences, putting their value in jeopardy. Kristaps Porzingis also faces health concerns, despite an explosive offensive potential when on the court.
On the flip side, there are players classified as “category killers” that present unique challenges due to poor percentages. Trae Young, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and James Harden struggle with shooting efficiency, making them risky choices for traditional fantasy leagues.
This analysis indicates that while potential exists with many players, there are clear risks associated with each. Fantasy basketball requires diligent attention to player health and team dynamics, as these factors heavily influence performance. The season ahead may be full of surprises, but managers should remain vigilant in assessing player value amid these ongoing uncertainties.