👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Basketball Rankings Analysis: Overvalued NBA Players

Last week I took a look at some players who might be undervalued according to their pre-draft Yahoo! rankings. This week I flip the switch and discuss a handful of players who are a bit overvalued for my taste!

So when everyone else is sipping the wrong flavor of Kool-Aid on these guys, just let them pass and be content knowing that you've made the wise decision. Note: All default ranks and position eligibility based on Yahoo! leagues as of Sunday 10/2/2016.

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!

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

 

Over-Valued Fantasy Basketball Players for Yahoo! Drafters

Draymond Green, SF/PF Golden State, (current Yahoo! Rank: 19)

Draymond Green was a stalwart in 2015-16 and he emerged as one of the games top all-around talents. Green averaged a shocking 14 PPG, 7.4 APG, 9.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG and 1.4 BPG. The assists were double his career-high of 3.7 set the year before.

While Green will still be a focal point of the Golden State offense, the addition of Kevin Durant is going to impact a bit of everyone’s game. The consensus seems to be that Klay Thompson could be hurt the most by the signing of Durant, but it could actually be Green. The Warriors ran a lot of offensive sets through their versatile power forward, and as a result his game went to the next level. Durant brings last season’s ninth-highest usage rate to Oakland, and the Warriors didn’t bring him over to become a spectator. While Durant will have to adjust his game to make his time in Golden State work, don’t expect him to take too much of a backseat. Green is already an unselfish player, and he could be just fine running around causing havoc on defense and deferring to his more talented teammates.

Expect Green to put up numbers closer to his 2014-15 totals, when he averaged 11.7 PPG, 3.7 APG, 8.2 RPG, 1.6 SPG and 1.3 BPG. Those numbers still make him a guy you need to own, but you’d be wise to not reach for him as his statistical impact could take a bit of a hit.

 

Jonas Valanciunas, C, Toronto, (36)

Let me just start by saying that I love me some Jonas Valanciunas. JV is one of my favorite players in all of basketball, and I truly believe he doesn’t get enough credit for how scary good he actually is.

Despite what I think of him as a player, the Raptors just don’t seem too interested in getting the big man involved enough on the offensive end. The 2015-16 playoffs were a coming out part of sorts for the Lithuanian, as his monster nights made him known to the national audience like never before. The 24-year-old is entering his fifth season in the league, and I don’t expect him to improve much numbers-wise. I think he’s good enough that a team can run an offense through him, but the guard-centric Raptors seem content on running almost all of their plays through DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.

JV averaged 12.8 PPG, 0.7 APG, 9.1 RPG, 0.4 SPG and 1.3 BPG. With all those numbers came a very efficient .565 FG and just 1.4 TO, making him a very good player to own. Based on the fact that he still likely won’t become a more important part of the Toronto offense, and the fact that the Raptors seem more interested in his defensive development rather than him as an offensive force; it could mean that he continues to produce as is. While those would be good numbers, they wouldn’t justify a third-round pick.

 

Jae Crowder, SF/PF, Boston (50)

Jae Crowder has seen his career hit a new level since being acquired by the Boston Celtics. Crowder was an afterthought in Dallas, but when he made the shift to Bean Town, he became a key rotation player for Brad Stevens and the Celtics.

Crowder averaged 14.2 PPG, 1.8 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG and 1.7 3PM on .443 FG in 2015-16. Now, Crowder is a fine player but the Celtics’ team-sharing offense (for everyone other than Isaiah Thomas) and the addition of Al Horford really limits his value as a fantasy player. In real life, Crowder will still be counted on to provide defense, grit, hustle and some knock-down shooting; but on his best night he’s the fourth option on the team and he’s undeserving of a fourth- to fifth-round draft pick. Look elsewhere at that time in the draft, because Crowder isn’t the type of player you want with one of your top picks.

 

Danny Green, SG/SF, San Antonio (78)

Danny Green had a really big 2014-15 campaign, in which he averaged career-highs in points (11.7), assists (2.0), rebounds (4.2), steals (1.2), blocks (1.1) and three-pointers made (2.4). Green took a huge step back in 2015-16, shooting just .376 from the field, and seeing a decrease in all of his counting stats. Green’s current 78th ranking by Yahoo! is one of the more confusing rankings they have. While he could contribute in threes and help with steals and blocks, he provides almost no value everywhere else.

Green is an afterthought in the San Antonio offense and rightfully so. He’s a streaky shooter whose offensive game and upside are extremely limited. While his defense will always make sure he gets consistent minutes, the benefits he provides won’t ever amount to a top 7-8 pick on your team. Stay away on draft night, and let someone else take him.

 

Catch you again next week and all season long.

 


By popular demand, RotoBaller has aggregated all of our fantasy basketball NBA waiver wire pickups into a running list of NBA waiver options, so bookmark the page and check back often for updates.

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jonathan Taylor

Still Headlines Colts Backfield
Troy Terry

Wins it for Anahiem
Tyler Reddick

Overcomes Adversity for Fourth Victory of the Season At Darlington
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Darlington Victory Despite Domination
Ryan Blaney

Recovers From Pit-Road Struggles to Score Career-Best Darlington Finish
Carson Hocevar

Rallies to Finish Fourth at Darlington
Kyle Larson

Decent Performance Ends with Technical Issues At Darlington
Ilya Sorokin

Earns Shutout Over Columbus
Jalen Coker

Clock Ticking on Jalen Coker's Buy-Low Window?
DJ Moore

an Appealing Dynasty Target After Trade to Bills?
Keon Coleman

Falling Out of Favor Despite Head-Coaching Change?
George Pickens

Is George Pickens' Rumored Holdout a Concern for Dynasty Managers?
Derrick Henry

Continues to Face Minimal Competition
Bobby Portis

is Cleared for Monday's Game
Jarquez Hunter

Not Close to Having Fantasy Relevance?
Kawhi Leonard

Holds Questionable Tag for Monday
Danny Wolf

Suffers Ankle Injury on Sunday
Killian Hayes

Exits in First Half
Nique Clifford

Exits Early on Sunday
Royce O'Neale

is Ruled Out on Sunday
Kevin Porter Jr.

to Miss Third Straight Game
Collin Murray-Boyles

Remains Out Sunday
Jalen Johnson

Could Miss Second Straight Game
Joel Embiid

Remains Sidelined Monday
Grayson Allen

to Miss Fourth Straight Game
Naz Reid

Back in Action Sunday
Josh Hart

Good to Go Sunday
Jaylen Brown

Available Sunday Against Timberwolves
Ethen Frank

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Sunday
Grayson Rodriguez

to Open Season on Injured List
Jalen Williams

Cleared for Monday Return
Brett Pesce

Questionable to Return This Season
Stefan Noesen

Done for the Season
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Set to Play Monday Against Pistons
Yan Kuznetsov

Misses Fourth Consecutive Game Sunday
Connor Zary

Out Sunday
Mike Trout

Returns on Sunday
Anthony Duclair

Misses Sunday's Game
Ryan Pulock

Unavailable Sunday
Nick Lodolo

Exits Early With a Blister
Dontayvion Wicks

Still Buried in Crowded Receiver Room?
Feleipe Franks

Panthers Signing Feleipe Franks
Cameron Jordan

Linked to the Chiefs
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

No Clear Frontrunner Between Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten?
Green Bay Packers

Packers Expected to Draft a Running Back?
Tyrod Taylor

Cooper Rush, Tyrod Taylor Could be Options for Jets
Jimmy Garoppolo

Rams Interested in Bringing Back Jimmy Garoppolo
Los Angeles Rams

Rams to Target a Receiver in the First Round?
Terrance Ferguson

Should See "Significant Uptick" in Snap Share
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

the Early Leader to be No. 1 Back in Jacksonville?
Ladd McConkey

Could Bounce Back in Mike McDaniel's Offense
Kenny McIntosh

Could Kenny McIntosh Lead the Seahawks' Backfield?
Washington Commanders

Jeremiyah Love an Option for the Commanders at No. 7 Overall?
Ryan Flournoy

Projected as Cowboys' No. 3 Wide Receiver in 2026
Jeremy Peña

Astros Not Ruling Out Jeremy Pena for Opening Day
Cristopher Sánchez

Phillies Sign Cristopher Sanchez to a Six-Year Extension
Tyler Reddick

the Clear Favorite at Darlington
Kyle Stowers

Placed on Injured List with Hamstring Strain
Kyle Larson

a High-Risk, High-Reward Driver at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

Is Getting Better at Darlington
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not Slowing Down at Darlington
Chris Buescher

Should be a Top-10 Contender at Darlington
Austin Cindric

a Sleeper at Darlington
Erik Jones

Quickest in Practice at Darlington
Morgan Geekie

Records Three Assists Against Red Wings
Peyton Watson

Could Return Against Trail Blazers
Steven Stamkos

Notches Three Points in Win Over Golden Knights
Stephen Curry

to Miss Next Two Games
Cole Caufield

Records Career-High Five Points in Saturday's Win
Denny Hamlin

Qualifies Ninth for this Week's Cup Race at Darlington
Noah Clowney

to Miss Second Straight Game
Chase Briscoe

Is One of the Top DFS Options of the Week for Darlington
Nikita Kucherov

Takes Over Scoring Lead With Four-Point Effort
Nicolas Claxton

Won't Play Sunday
Tyler Tucker

Out Week-to-Week
Russell Westbrook

Out Against Brooklyn
Juuse Saros

to Remain Out Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Darlington Lineups?
Anthony Stolarz

Released From Hospital
Christopher Bell

Could Christopher Bell be Considered A Decent DFS Option for Darlington?
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott Worth Rostering At Darlington This Week For DFS?
Joey Logano

May Not Have the Speed to Warrant A Darlington DFS Lineup Spot
Ross Chastain

Should DFS Players Trust Ross Chastain at Darlington?
Kyle Busch

Could Kyle Busch Be A Worthy DFS Option for Darlington?
Brad Keselowski

May be A Contriarian DFS Tournament Option At Darlington
Seiya Suzuki

Won't be Ready for Opening Day
Dylan Larkin

Remains Out Saturday
Jake Sanderson

Could Return in 7-10 Days
Morgan Rielly

Unavailable Saturday
Urho Vaakanainen

Considered Week-to-Week
Noah Laba

Out Week-to-Week
Gleyber Torres

Clear to Return on Monday
Konnor Griffin

Assigned to Minor-League Camp
Gleyber Torres

Scratched From Lineup on Saturday With Lower-Back Tightness
Tanner Bibee

to Take the Ball on Opening Day
Logan Webb

to Start on Opening Day for Giants
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez to Start on Opening Day for Phillies
Chris Sale

Braves Name Chris Sale as Their Opening Day Starter
Kyle Stowers

Leaves Friday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
Jasson Domínguez

Jasson Dominguez Optioned to Triple-A
Jacob Misiorowski

Named Opening Day Starter
Mike Trout

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Mike Trout's Hand
Dylan Crews

Optioned to Triple-A Rochester
Lerone Murphy

Set For UFC London Main Event
Movsar Evloev

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Michael Aswell

Jr. An Underdog At UFC London
Luke Riley

Set For UFC London Co-Main Event
Joe Ryan

Named Opening Day Starter for Twins
Sam Patterson

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Michael Page

Set For Welterweight Bout
Austen Lane

In Dire Need Of Victory
Iwo Baraniewski

A Favorite At UFC London
Francisco Alvarez

Pulled Early Thursday With Back Tightness
Akshay Bhatia

Withdraws From Valspar Championship
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Drawing Positive Reviews at Georgia Tech
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Impressing in Nebraska's Spring Practices
J.J. Spaun

Offers Upside Despite Poor Course History at Innisbrook
Aaron Rai

Looks to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Johnny Keefer

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Valspar Championship
Billy Horschel

a Volatile Play at Valspar Championship
Ben Griffin

Looks to Rebound at the Valspar Championship
Corey Conners

Brings Elite Ball-Striking to Valspar Championship
Xander Schauffele

Trending In The Right Direction For Valspar Championship
Sahith Theegala

Has Shot to Challenge at Valspar Championship
Mackenzie Hughes

Looking to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Finding Rhythm For Valspar Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Continues Hot Start to 2026 Heading to Valspar Championship
Pierceson Coody

Heads to Valspar Championship Following Two Missed Cuts
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Momentum at Valspar Championship
Justin Thomas

Is Justin Thomas Back Ahead of This Week's Valspar Championship?
Jordan Spieth

to Bounce Back at Favored Valspar Championship?
Brooks Koepka

is Starting to Find His Groove Again Ahead of Valspar Championship
Viktor Hovland

is One of The Best DFS Plays at Innesbrook
Rasmus Hojgaard

to Get Back on Track at Valspar Championship
Tony Finau

is Again a Scary Option at Valspar Championship
Blades Brown

Continues PGA Tour Run at Valspar Championship
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF