Fantasy Basketball Risers
As the NBA season progresses, players continue to impress fans and make the jump to elevate their play. All-Star voting is underway and while mostly familiar names are in the lead, some new players are in consideration.
Let’s discuss the biggest NBA surprises from a fantasy perspective in the 2020-2021 season.
Malcolm Brogdon, G, Pacers
The former 2017 Rookie of the Year has proven to be one of the best point guards in the league.
Now in his second season with the Indiana Pacers after leaving the Milwaukee Bucks, the team who drafted him, Brogdon has found his footing. It reflects in his scoring that is up from 16.5 to 21.3 points per game. His efficiency has also increased, especially 3-point shooting which has gone from 33 percent to 39 percent.
Brogdon is a playmaker for his team too, averaging 6.5 assists and four rebounds per game. For someone initially ranked outside of the top-15 guards, he is proving the rankings wrong with his stellar performance.
Nikola Vucevic, C, Magic
Vucevic has been the lone bright spot on a disappointing Magic team ravaged by injuries.
Despite already being an All-Star, Vucevic continues to elevate his game. His biggest improvement is his 3-point shooting, this season attempting 6.2 a game and hitting them at 42 percent, both career highs. This puts Vucevic in the conversation for the best center in the league along with the likes of Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic.
Averaging 23.3 points per game and nearly 12 rebounds a game with his efficient shooting has been more than any fantasy owner could have expected from Vucevic. He has been impressive and is the main option on this Magic team.
Collin Sexton, G, Cavaliers
The third year player has taken control of this year’s Cavs team and proven he is their guy.
Sexton is a streaky player but hit a high point helping his team to beat the Brooklyn Nets in double overtime scoring 42 points in that game. He has dealt with some lingering injuries but when Sexton plays, he is electric.
He is a playmaking guard who is averaging 22.7 points and 4.3 assists per game, shooting 50.3 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from beyond the arc. All four of those listed stats are career highs for Sexton and his improvements have impressed NBA fans all over.
Originally a middle to late round pick in fantasy drafts, Sexton has far exceeded expectations.
Matt Noah is a sophomore majoring in journalism. To contact him, email matthewnoah29@gmail.com.
