Fantasy Basketball Risers
The NBA season is nearing its halfway point and many rumors are stirring around the league. Whether it be trade talks, about the legitimacy of a team’s record, or if a player has taken a step forward or back.
The league has faced challenges having to postpone games and sit out players from games because of COVID-19 protocols. Either way, the season looks to be on its way to being completed.
Let’s talk about some of the biggest NBA surprises from a fantasy perspective.
Chris Boucher, F, Raptors
Boucher has been one the biggest surprises through this NBA season so far.
He has recently been mentioned in consideration for Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player awards. His stats reflect that improvement too.
His point total has nearly doubled from 6.6 to 13 per game, but Boucher contributes in all areas, also increasing his assists, rebounds, blocks and steals per game. He was just a role player last year with no fantasy relevance, so continuing to get over 20 minutes a game this season could mean Boucher ends the season as a top 100 fantasy basketball player.
Jaylen Brown, G, Celtics
Brown was always a promising player for the Celtics, but this year he has raised his game to elite levels becoming a true co-star with Jayson Tatum.
He has been trusted to take more shots than previous years and he has rewarded coach Brad Stevens for that decision by scoring a career high 26.4 points per game and on his best efficiency at 51.8 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from three.
Brown is currently rewarding fantasy owners who drafted him by performing as a top five fantasy player at his positions. No signs point to Brown slowing down.
Christian Wood, F, Rockets
Wood was an undrafted free agent in 2015, making a name for himself in the G-league and over the years has developed into a starting caliber player. This year on a new team and in a new role as the premier big man on the Rockets, Wood has taken his play to new heights.
Wood has increased his scoring from 13.1 to 22 points per game and for the first time is shooting nearly five 3-pointers a night making them at 42 percent. Wood is also the team’s main rebounder with him getting 10.2 boards a night.
Injuries have been an issue for the forward but when he is on the court his great play has helped his team and fantasy owners alike.
Matt Noah is a sophomore majoring in journalism. To contact him, email matthewnoah29@gmail.com.
