In preparation for the 2016-17 Fantasy Basketball season, it's time to get to know some of the new guys in the player pool.  The 2015 draft brought in a massive influx of fantasy relevant NBA talent, from a burgeoning super-star at the top of the draft (Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns) to a hidden jewel in the middle of the 2nd round (Miami's Josh Richardson).  While this draft doesn't have as much guaranteed talent in the lottery, it does feature its own star at the top and a depth of intriguing players who could make an impact from out of the 2nd round.

The Thunder made one of the biggest deals on draft day, as they traded Serge Ibaka for Victor Oladipo. In that deal, they also received the 11th overall pick, which was used on Domantas Sabonis, who could take some of the minutes that became available with Ibaka leaving town.

NBA Rookie Fantasy Profile: Domantas Sabonis

Position: PF/C

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Draft Spot: 1.11

Analysis: Sabonis was drafted by the Magic, but his rights were immediately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal focused around Victor Oladipo and Serge Ibaka. It was a blockbuster of a trade, but Sabonis wasn’t the major part of this deal, which means he isn’t guaranteed playing time early in his career, even if he is one of the most NBA ready prospects in the draft.

Sabonis is a 6-10, 240 lbs big man who has the skillset to contribute for the Thunder immediately. However, he isn’t guaranteed minutes with Steven Adams, Enes Kanter, Ersan Ilyasova, and even Mitch McGary all likely ahead of him on the front court depth chart. He’s an extremely polished big man, but he may lack the athleticism to become an elite force in the NBA. He averaged 22.0 points, 14.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks per 40 minutes his sophomore campaign at Gonzaga.

Sabonis is one of the safer options in this draft. He’s a high-energy player, which is a trait that isn’t taught. Once he gets minutes, he will produce points, rebounds, and blocks, with good percentages. It isn’t out of the question that he wins the starting power forward job for the Thunder within the next couple of years, which will help his fantasy upside. He’s more of a low risk, low upside player in dynasty leagues, and sometimes that’s a great type of player to select, especially if he begins to fall in drafts.

Bottom Line: If given playing time, he could immediately produce some points, rebounds, FG%, and blocks. He should also post an above average FT% for a young big, buoying his fantasy value. Could struggle with minutes, though. Could be drafted as a late round flier because he is such an NBA ready prospect.