Alex Burns's 2024-2025 Fantasy Basketball Rankings (Points)

Players on the Rise

The following players see their value increase in points leagues.

Ja Morant, G - Memphis Grizzlies
Alex's Category Rank - 37, Points Rank - 12

Morant sees one of the biggest jumps depending on the format, moving from a 4th-5th round pick to a 1st-round selection in my latest rankings. While his average free throw percentage, lackluster three-point shooting, and modest defensive stats lower his value in category leagues, his ability to consistently deliver 25 points, eight assists, and six rebounds per game propels him to the top in points leagues.

Despite playing only nine games last season due to various issues, Morant still managed to average the 14th most fantasy points during his time on the court. Now fully healthy, with an opportunity to move past off-the-court distractions, I fully expect him to pick up right where he left off.

Zion Williamson, F/C - New Orleans Pelicans
Alex's Category Rank - 50, Points Rank - 24

Much like Ja Morant, Zion Williamson is one of the league's most talented players, combining size and athleticism at an elite level. While he has some limitations in category leagues, his overall production last season earned him a third-round finish (32nd overall) in points leagues.

With Jonas Valančiūnas now in Washington and no clear center option—depending on how you feel about journeyman Daniel Theis and rookie Yves Missi—I could see Zion logging more minutes as a small-ball center this season. Those extra minutes at center could lead to a scoring boost through increased efficiency and a couple more rebounds per game. Zion remains a solid third-round pick in points formats, but he's an ideal choice at the 2/3 turn.

Paolo Banchero, F - Orlando Magic
Alex's Category Rank - 39, Points Rank - 29

Banchero’s efficiency struggles and high turnovers for a power forward have been the main factors limiting his fantasy value. However, in points leagues, his 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and nearly 30% usage rate last season worked to his advantage. Like Zion Williamson, he finished with a third-round value (31st overall) in fantasy points per game. Any improvement in his efficiency would propel him even higher in both formats.

Cam Thomas, G - Brookyln Nets
Alex's Category Rank - 71, Points Ranking - 54

In category leagues, Thomas is often seen as an inefficient, one-dimensional volume shooter, but in points leagues, he rises to just outside the top 50. Last season in Brooklyn, he had a career year, averaging 22.6 points per game with a team-leading 30.4% usage rate. This season, with the "tanking for Cooper Flagg" Nets now missing their second-highest usage player, Mikal Bridges, Thomas is poised to take on an even bigger offensive load.

While Dennis Schroder and Cam Johnson are back, all signs point to Thomas getting as many shots as he wants—and that’s exactly what we love in points leagues.

RJ Barrett, G/F - Toronto Raptors
Alex's Category Rank - 121, Points Ranking - 69

Of everyone on this list, Barrett might see the biggest value boost in points leagues. While he's been a slightly above-average scorer with poor efficiency for most of his career, Barrett has never cracked the top 100 in category formats. In points leagues, however, it's a different story—he finished 100th and 75th in fantasy points per game over the past two seasons. This upward trend should continue in Toronto, where he led the new-look team in scoring after his trade-deadline arrival last season (21.8 PPG).

Although Barrett is currently nursing a shoulder injury from a preseason game, his status is worth monitoring. Regardless, he’s a strong middle-round pick in points league drafts.

Players on the Decline

The Following players see their value decline in points leagues.

Derrick White, G - Boston Celtics
Alex's Category Rank - 41, Points Rank - 67

White is a fantasy stud in category leagues, thanks to his sharp three-point shooting, solid free-throw efficiency, and above-average steals and blocks. But here’s the kicker—he was 4th on his team in usage rate last season.

While his peripheral stats are strong, White loses some appeal in points formats, primarily because he’s the third offensive option at best on his team. And that’s without factoring in Kristaps Porzingis, who will miss the start of the season. White will have his breakout games where he seems unstoppable (probably against my Heat), but be cautious not to overvalue his production when drafting in a points league.

Chet Holmgren, F/C - Oklahoma City Thunder
Alex's Category Rank - 25, Points Ranking - 47

The "Holmgren Hype" has gotten a bit out of hand as the season approaches. In category leagues, I get the appeal—blocks and threes are a rare combination for a center. However, in points leagues, his value drops significantly, as he's clearly the third offensive option behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

With the addition of Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet might see fewer minutes at center, which could slightly impact his rebounding. Considering he finished 54th in fantasy points per game last season, I don’t think it's unreasonable to be cautious in points leagues.

Mikal Bridges, G/F - New York Knicks
Alex's Category Rank - 58, Points Rank - 82

Bridges' fantasy trajectory is fascinating when you break it down. With the Suns, he was the third or fourth option on any given night behind Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton. With less offensive responsibility, his efficiency soared, making him a better player for category leagues. In Brooklyn, that dynamic flipped—he became the de facto number one option, carrying much more offensive weight. As a result, he became less valuable in category formats but a stronger asset in points leagues.

Now with the Knicks, he seems poised to return to a role similar to his time in Phoenix. He’ll be behind Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns in the usage hierarchy, but under Tom Thibodeau, he should still log significant minutes. This trend suggests that Bridges will revert to being a less valuable points league player with reduced usage.

While he should still remain a top 100 player due to heavy minutes, fantasy managers should take his changing role into account when assessing his value for the upcoming season.

Trey Murphy III, F - New Orleans Pelicans
Alex's Category Rank - 78, Points Rank - 121

I love Trey Murphy, you love Trey Murphy—we all love Trey Murphy! His ranking in both formats takes into account the hamstring strain he suffered in the preseason, so he would undoubtedly rank higher if not for that setback. That said, Murphy has never fully been allowed to "break out" with all the high-usage players in New Orleans. You've got Brandon Ingram (for now), C.J. McCollum, Zion Williamson, and now Dejounte Murray, all set to lead this team offensively. With so many mouths to feed, it limits Murphy's chances to take on a larger role.

Murphy has the talent to be a top-50 fantasy player in all formats, but he'll start the season injured and will have to make do with the limited usage left behind by the four key players mentioned earlier. While his skill set can compensate for the lack of usage to some extent in category leagues, his upside in points leagues will likely depend on an injury to someone ahead of him in the pecking order.

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis