Fantasy Basketball: Rookie Report
As the 2020-2021 NBA season reaches the All-Star break and halfway point, NBA fans can start to evaluate how the rookie class has fared. In a draft where scouting was limited due to no March Madness and NBA combine, many teams have found diamonds in the rough.
Let’s look at the most impactful rookies thus far.
LaMelo Ball, G, Hornets
Coming into the draft, people doubted Ball’s ability because he did not play any college basketball. Instead, he elected to play overseas in Australia.
Drafted third overall by the Hornets, LaMelo Ball has not disappointed.
Since taking over the starting role, the shifty point guard has flourished. He is currently averaging 15 points, six rebounds and six assists per game, shooting 44% from the field and 35% on 3-pointers.
Ball is a media sensation and has helped an interesting Hornets team to the eighth seed in the East. He is the odds on favorite to win the Rookie of the Year and continues to shine in fantasy basketball.
Tyrese Haliburton, G, Kings
Haliburton is another player who received criticism heading into the draft for his shooting form and concerns about his role on an NBA team. This allowed Haliburton to fall to the Kings. Sacramento gladly scooped him and it has worked out.
Despite a slow start to the season, the King’s sixth man has averaged 13 points, four rebounds and five assists per game. His all around impact fills the stats sheet and racks up fantasy points. He is someone to target in the case he becomes a starter.
Haliburton has established himself as an NBA point guard on a team with another ball dominant guard in De’Aaron Fox.
Anthony Edwards, G, Timberwolves
The No. 1 overall pick from the 2020 draft, Edwards has found himself on a rather dismal team this year. The Timberwolves have been without their two best players in D’Angelo Russell and Karl- Anthony Towns.
Edwards has taken a leadership role and is now a starter on this team. The rookie is averaging 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Georgia product may not receive as much attention as LaMelo Ball, but he has proved he can be an athletic combo guard.
Edwards will contribute to both the Timberwolves and fantasy teams alike.
Matt Noah is a sophomore majoring in journalism. To contact him, email matthewnoah29@gmail.com.
