2014-15 Fantasy Basketball Sleepers: NBA Sophomore Breakouts

October 25, 2014

RotoBaller Brad Leibfried highlights some second-year NBA players that could be serious impact sleepers in your fantasy basketball league during the 2014-15 season.

If you're looking for a sleeper who might build off a strong rookie campaign, or a second year breakout player flying under the radar, one thing is almost assured, the following NBA sophomores will makes some noise in your fantasy basketball league this season.

Potential Second-Year NBA Breakouts

Victor Oladipo (ORL, PG/SG)  -  Likely Out Until At Least Mid-November With Facial Fracture

Despite fighting injuries throughout the 2013-14 season, Oladipo put together a fantastic rookie campaign in Orlando that saw him average 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. A 1.28 assist-to-turnover ratio while shooting a lowly 41.9 percent from the field leaves much to be desired, but those numbers could certainly improve in his second venture through the league.

With rookie Elfrid Payton expected to run the point for the Magic, Oladipo's overall value could be hurt a bit. However, the former Indiana Hoosier has the kind of all-around game that fantasy owners covet. Expect him to be selected in the third or fourth round of most drafts.

Nerlens Noel (PHI, PF/C)

It is likely that many have forgotten about Noel, who qualifies as a rookie but is entering his second year in the NBA. The former University of Kentucky big man has been spectacular this preseason, posting a few double-doubles along with a ton of steals and blocks. He is very unpolished on the offensive end, so expect a field-goal percentage somewhere in the mid-40s range. Noel will also struggle from the free-throw line, but when you look at players like Dwight Howard and Andre Drummond, it is easy to see how you can overlook that.

Noel has the chance to be a fantasy force in the mold of a Tyson Chandler. A season of 13.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals is not out of the question. He has his faults, but the ability to dominate a few categories makes Noel a viable mid-round pick.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL, SG/SF)

Antetokounmpo has fantasy owners drooling, as the young NBA sophomore, currently more than a month shy of his 20th birthday, has already flashed moments of brilliance in the league. Last season, in just 24 minutes per game, the "Greek Freak" put up 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 blocks and 0.8 steals. His prospects for 2014-15 have only improved this preseason, as new coach Jason Kidd has started him at point guard despite mixed results.

Antetokounmpo's playing time is expected to increase this year, which should result in a nice statistical boost. There will certainly be off nights, but he has the talent to become an eventual first-round fantasy pick. As one of the few players in the league capable of contributing in every single category, look for Antetokounmpo to put up around 10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.

Andre Roberson (OKC, SF/PF)

With Kevin Durant (foot) out until possibly January, most people expect Jeremy Lamb or Reggie Jackson to pick up the slack in Oklahoma City. However, Roberson has the chance to be the biggest beneficiary in terms of playing time and production.

Last year saw a bit of a lost season for Roberson, as he played in just 40 games at an average clip of just 10 minutes per contest. This preseason, however, he has been afforded much more of an opportunity to showcase his skills. In the two games in which he has been given over 30 minutes, the 26th pick of the 2013 Draft has accounted for a combined total of 25 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steals. While he is obviously not Durant, Roberson has shown the aptitude to fill the void, as opposed to Lamb who has never really taken off in his time with the Thunder.

The departure of defensive ace Thabo Sefolosha, who is now in Atlanta, provides another opening for Roberson to receive increased time on the court and only enhances his draft stock. Even still, there is a strong chance that he will be available in the last few rounds of your draft.