👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Basketball Hype Train: Florida Man Shoots, Blocks, and Steals

CHOO CHOO! This is a new season-long fantasy basketball feature where I can just have fun and write about the players me, you, and everyone else already wants to talk about. Are you ready for a ride on the fantasy basketball hype train?

There's something about a "1/1/1" guy -- a player who can post at least 1 three, 1 steal, and 1 block per game -- that really sends hearts racing in the fantasy basketball community. Sure, it's no better than having 0/0.6/2.6 guy like Rudy Gobert. But for some reason it's much sexier. The versatility, well-rounded game, and underappreciated fantasy value from these three small numbered categories -- the only positive categories where getting to 1 per game means you're really good -- gives these 1/1/1 guys a special place in the fantasy pantheon.

Today we're going to look at a few potential 1/1/1 guys, but with the restriction that we're not leaving the state of Florida. The hype train has pulled into station, and we're somewhere deep in Florida. If hype was a swamp, we'd be in the Everglades. Watch out for snakes.

Featured Promo: New Novig users get a $25 purchase match (50% discount up to $25) on your first Novig deposit, and 6 free months of RotoBaller's "Big-4" Premium Pass (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) which includes exclusive tools for Betting, Props, DFS and more! CLAIM IT NOW

 

Is Josh Richardson the Best Wing in Miami or Stuck in a Crowd?

Josh Richardson was extremely impressive during the stretch run last year while both Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow were injured for the Heat, and he was just as awesome in Saturday's preseason game against the Magic in a similar situation where he could get a lot of usage and playing time, as the defacto starting point guard with Goran Dragic and Tyler Johnson sitting out. He was a dynamic source of defensive stats as always with 4 steals and a block. Meanwhile his shot was falling to the tune of 7/13 shooting including 3/4 for downtown, leading to 19 points in 29 minutes.

If JRich gets playing time, he's as much of a nightly 1/1/1 threat as anyone outside of elite stat-stuffing superstars like Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins. How much fantasy value he can actualize out of that threat depends on two things.

First, how much playing time will he get with logjam at the wing in Miami? Waiters, Winslow, versatile veteran James Johnson, sharpshooter Wayne Ellington, and (I'm not sure why) Rodney McGruder will be given opportunities throughout the year to contribute. Can Richardson stay ahead of the pack and consistently retain a good number of minutes per game in the wing rotation without an injury? The good news there is that he does seem too talented to keep on the bench if healthy. Plus, his role as third string point guard combined with Johnson's dual role as a PF means that any injury on the Heat 1 through 4 would realign the rotation in such a way that it would lead to more minutes for JRich. Someone's bound to get hurt. The only bad news on that front is that Richardson himself doesn't have a squeaky clean injury history, with injuries reducing his effectiveness for much of the first half of last season, so there's some chance the guy that gets hurt is Richardson himself.

The second factor may be even more important, since it will not only determine a big chunk of his fantasy value in its own right, but it will also affect how much time he spends on the floor. So he can get a steal, a block, and a three... what else will he do? He's never been a big time rebounder. Even playing the starting "point guard," he only managed 4 assists. He's shot about 41% for his career, because most of his shots come from three, and he's not been particularly effective as an interior scorer in the chances he does get. He's only shot 44.5% from 2 in his career. Meanwhile, he's only gotten to the line 1.9 times per 36 minutes, where he's shot .729. Even in this preseason outing where he was hot, he still only went a mediocre 4 of 9 from 2 while only taking 2 foul shots when given an opportunity to stretch out his game and attack more. If he doesn't contribute much in AST, REB, FG%, or FT%, his 1/1/1 ability will be nice, but still leave him as a relatively limited fantasy player who's better off as a fit on punt teams than as a true fantasy breakout option.

Still, he's got some ball handle and he's improving his game on offense. He doesn't need to turn into Giannis Antetokounmpo with the rest of his stats. Just a bit of Khris Middleton would do.

Hype Diagnosis: Take a look at my fantasy portfolio and call me JRichie Rich.

 

Can a Rookie Cast Some 1/1/1 Magic?

Meanwhile, let's take a begrudging look over to the less fortunate half of Florida basketball. The Magic are sure to have some lowlights this year, and aren't exactly full of guys I'm excited to have on my fantasy team, outside of Aaron Gordon (who has the look of a potential fantasy superstar, and remains a steal in fantasy drafts) and Elfrid Payton (who is must-own if you are punting FT% and/or 3PM). So let's look past the rest of their boring, low-upside roster and get hyped about a more long-term 1/1/1 threat in rookie Jonathan Isaac.

Isaac, who Magic coach Frank Vogel has already called NBA-ready on defense at the tender age of 20, has been a force in stocks thus far in the preseason, recording at 1 steal and 1 block in every game, with a couple of 2 block efforts thrown in. Where he's extremely raw is on offense, where he needs to refine his skillset and adjust to the NBA game. He's not much of a passer (he has 1 assist in 3 preseason games) and his shot, while projectable, will need to improve -- he's 2 of 8 from three and 6 of 11 from the free throw line. Finally, he may still be too slight at this point to really attack the boards as much as a guy of his height and length should be able to -- he only has 3.7 rebounds per game in the preseason.

All that aside, the stocks are there, he's taking three point shots, and he should be able to keep up a respectable FG% even if his long range shot isn't falling, by using his size and athleticism to generate efficient shots on the interior, like transition dunks. He's been a dominant 10 of 15 from 2 in the preseason to date. If he's on the floor, he should be a fantasy-friendly contributor in a lot of categories.

There's the rub, though -- is he going to get on the floor? He'll have his ups and downs as a rookie, but he's versatile enough that he'll find ways to generate playing time. He was initially expected to begin as a backup SF able to play at the 3 alongside guys like Evan Fournier, Terrence Ross, and Jonathon Simmons. However, a promising development out of the Magic-Heat preseason game was that coach Vogel used Isaac primarily as a 4 behind starter Aaron Gordon in trying out some more defensively minded lineups (he didn't bother playing Marreese Speights at all in the game). If Isaac can become the primary backup at both forward spots -- a role I believe he will solidify as the year goes on -- he can get enough minutes to make a fantasy impact even if he doesn't win one of the staring spots.

Hype Diagnosis: An incredible dynasty prospect who could turn into a 1/1/1 threat as soon as the second half of this season. He could become a hype train regular.

 

Bonus: A Requiem for Super Mario

Meanwhile, I'll add one note about a guy who was super hyped a couple years ago. Mario Hezonja finished with a very different sort of 1/1/1 in the Magic-Heat preseason game -- 1 point, 1 assist, and 1 rebound, on 0/4 shooting in 12 minutes where he was essentially non-existent on both sides of the ball. He somehow had a plus/minus of -14 in a game the Magic won by 3. RIP, Super Mario's fantasy hype. It was nice hyping you up while it lasted.

 

More Fantasy Basketball Draft Sleepers




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

OG Anunoby

Tagged as Probable for Monday
Onyeka Okongwu

Might Miss Game 2 Against Knicks
Immanuel Quickley

Questionable for Game 2
Jordan Goodwin

Ruled Out for Rest of Game 1
Jonathan Isaac

Ruled Out for Sunday
Desmond Bane

Available for Game 1
Artem Zub

Uncertain for Game 2
Karel Vejmelka

Makes Playoff Debut Sunday
Carter Hart

in Vegas Crease for Playoff Opener
Jeremy Swayman

Begins Fifth Postseason Campaign
Alex Lyon

Available for Game 1
Dominic James

Activated From Injured Reserve
NFL

Zachariah Branch Arrested for Misdemeanor Obstruction
New York Giants

Sonny Styles One of the Top Targets for Giants at No. 5 in NFL Draft
Renardo Green

49ers Looking to Trade Renardo Green?
Keenan Allen

Chargers Not Closing the Door on a Reunion With Keenan Allen
Grayson Allen

is Available for Game 1 on Sunday
A.J. Brown

Eagles Preparing for A.J. Brown's Departure?
Peter Skoronski

Titans to Pick Up Peter Skoronski's Fifth-Year Option
Breece Hall

Dynasty Upside Remains Limited by Offensive Environment in New York
Cincinnati Bengals

Dexter Lawrence Signing One-Year Extension With Bengals
Kristaps Porzingis

Unsure About Returning to Golden State
Drake London

Dynasty Upside Remains Limited by Quarterback Questions in Atlanta
Mark Williams

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Sunday
Chris Olave

Dynasty Value Rising After Resurgent 2025 Season
Coby White

Hornets Want to Bring Back Coby White
Bucky Irving

Can Bucky Irving Bounce Back After Injury-Marred 2025?
Kenneth Walker III

a Major Dynasty Riser After Offseason Move to Kansas City
Desmond Bane

Considered Probable for Game 1
Bo Nix

Dynasty Value in Question Coming Off Injury?
Tarik Skubal

Fans 10 in Win Over Red Sox on Saturday
Raisel Iglesias

Dealing With Shoulder Issue
Davante Adams

Glaring Opportunity to Sell High on Davante Adams?
Jordan Addison

Can Jordan Addison Overcome Ugly Quarterback Situation?
Emeka Egbuka

a Trade Target in Some Dynasty Leagues
Alec Pierce

Stock Rising Following Payday
Michael Pittman Jr.

Gets a Fresh Start in Pittsburgh
Rhamondre Stevenson

an Affordable Target in Dynasty Leagues
Kyle Larson

Should not be Underestimated for the Win at Kansas
Cooper Kupp

Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Cooper Kupp has Become a Fantasy Afterthought
Jaylen Warren

A New Running Mate is Business as Usual for Jaylen Warren
Denny Hamlin

Can Denny Hamlin Dominate at Kansas Again?
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Should Contend for First Win at Kansas
Joel Eriksson Ek

Powers Minnesota Past Dallas in Opening Game
Tyler Reddick

Fastest in Practice and Qualifying for Kansas Race
Ryan Blaney

Could Score another Top-10 Finish at Kansas
Ty Gibbs

Poised to Continue Hot Streak at Kansas
Logan Stankoven

Makes Big Impact in Carolina's Game 1 Victory
Chris Buescher

Always Consistent, Has Speed Heading Into Kansas
William Byron

is A Solid DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Carson Hocevar

Poised for Career-Best Run at Kansas
Porter Martone

Nets Game-Winning Goal to Defeat Pittsburgh
Frederik Andersen

Shuts Out Ottawa in Game 1
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Kansas?
Chase Elliott

Is A Favorable DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Matt Boldy

Delivers Huge Game 1 Performance in Win
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano be Considered Playable In DFS This Week at Kansas?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Favorable Driver to Consider for Kansas Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Worthy DFS Option for Kansas?
Brad Keselowski

Could Brad Keselowski be A Sneaky DFS Option for Kansas?
Daniel Suarez

Should DFS Managers Roster Daniel Suarez at Kansas?
Dylan Harper

is Ready for Sunday's Game
Grayson Allen

is Questionable for Sunday's Game
Mark Williams

is Questionable for Game 1 on Sunday
Reed Sheppard

Moves into Starting Five on Saturday
Kevin Durant

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Saturday
Stuart Skinner

Starting Game 1 Against Flyers
Alexandre Carrier

Back at Practice
Jared McCann

Undergoes Lower-Body Procedure
Andrei Kuzmenko

Activated From Injured Reserve
Victor Hedman

Out for Game 1 on Sunday
William Karlsson

Unavailable for Start of First-Round Series
Quinn Hughes

Available Saturday
Miro Heiskanen

Cleared for Game 1
Jhoan Duran

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Kyle Stowers

Will be Activated on Sunday
Jesper Wallstedt

to Start in Goal for Minnesota on Saturday
LaMelo Ball

Scores 23 Points in Season-Ending Loss
Jordan Goodwin

Fills Stat Sheet in Play-In Win
Paolo Banchero

Powers Magic Into Playoffs
Jalen Green

Drops 36 Points to Clinch Playoff Spot
Amen Thompson

Off Injury Report for Playoff Opener
Logan Stankoven

Presumed Ready for Game 1
Max Muncy

has Another Multi-Homer Game at Coors Field
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Expected to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Austin Riley

Hits Two Home Runs in Shutout Win Over Phillies
Daulton Varsho

Removed Early on Friday With Knee Discomfort
Edwin Uceta

Having More Shoulder Issues, "Shut Down for a Few Days"
Josh Hader

Moved to 60-Day Injured List
Willson Contreras

Returns to Red Sox Lineup on Friday
Daniel Palencia

Goes on 15-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Juan Soto

Still on Track to Return Next Week
Los Angeles Angels

Garret Anderson Dies at 53 Years Old
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
Parker Messick

Flirts With No-Hitter in Latest Gem Against Orioles
Mike Trout

Hits Five Homers in Series Versus Yankees
Spencer Arrighetti

Fans 10 in Season Debut, to Remain a Focal Point in Rotation?
Nick Pivetta

Dealing With Flexor Strain, Could Miss Months
Nico Hoerner

Homers, Drive in Five in Win Over Phillies
Shota Imanaga

Strikes Out 11 in First Win of the Season
Sal Stewart

Continues to Hit, Goes Deep Twice on Wednesday
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF