TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Xavier Edwards

Due for Another Big Season on the Basepaths?
Andy Pages

Still an Everyday Contributor Despite Dodgers' Big Signing
Noelvi Marte

Projected for Larger Role in 2026
Addison Barger

Coming Off a Busy Season in the Majors
Isaac Paredes

Trade Talks for Isaac Paredes Reportedly Intensifying
Christian Braun

is Upgraded to Available
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic is Ready to Play on Saturday
Cameron Johnson

is Available to Play on Saturday
Buddy Hield

to Make Team Debut on Saturday
Keyonte George

is Cleared to Play on Saturday
Onyeka Okongwu

is Available to Play on Saturday
Malik Monk

Won't Suit up on Saturday
Jalen Smith

is Ruled Out for Saturday's Game
Quinn Hughes

Enters Olympics in Red-Hot Form
NHL

Juho Lammikko Returns to Switzerland
Pavel Zacha

Misses Olympics
Domantas Sabonis

Out Again on Saturday Night
Zach LaVine

Won't Play on Saturday
De'Andre Hunter

Sidelined on Saturday
Amen Thompson

Available Versus OKC, Will Come Off the Bench
Jakob Poeltl

Questionable for Sunday Afternoon
Drew Rasmussen

: High-Upside Starting Pitcher Option with Health Concerns
Gavin Williams

Looking to Build on 2025 Emergence in 2026
Jo Adell

Can Jo Adell Repeat 2025 Power Breakout?
Brandon Woodruff

Looking to Put Injury Woes Behind Him in 2026
Lawrence Butler

Can Lawrence Butler Bounce Back from Underwhelming 2025 Campaign?
Yasiel Puig

Found Guilty of Obstruction of Justice, Lying to Officials
Travis Kelce

Undecided on Playing Future, Leaning Towards Returning in 2026?
Kristaps Porzingis

Ruled Out Saturday Against Lakers
Pelle Larsson

Exits Loss Early with Elbow Injury
Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Leaves Friday's Game with Illness
Josh Hart

Leaves Friday's Blowout with Ankle Concern
De'Andre Hunter

Sidelined Midgame by Eye Injury
Shaedon Sharpe

Exits Friday with Calf Injury
Anthony Davis

Expected to Miss Remainder of Season
Brandon Nimmo

Carries High-Floor Profile into 2026
Trevor Story

Can Trevor Story Remain a Consistent Fantasy Option?
Spencer Strider

Carries High Risk Entering 2026
Drake Baldwin

Poised for More Productive Year 2?
Ben Rice

Could See More Time as Catcher Following Free-Agent Addition
Clarke Schmidt

Still Targeting Second-Half Return
Anthony Volpe

Unlikely to Return Until May?
Brett Wisely

Designated for Assignment by Rays
Mike Vasil

to Compete for Starting Rotation Spot
San Diego Padres

Padres Seeking Another Hitter, Starting Pitcher
OG Anunoby

Won't Play on Friday
CFB

Rutgers Hiring South Dakota Head Coach Travis Johansen as Defensive Coordinator
Vinicius Oliveira

Looks For His Seventh Consecutive Win
Mario Bautista

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 113
Kyoji Horiguchi

Set For UFC Vegas 113 Co-Main Event
Amir Albazi

Looks To Bounce Back
Rizvan Kuniev

Looks For His First UFC Win
Jailton Almeida

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Marc-Andre Barriault

In Dire Need Of Victory
Michal Oleksiejczuk

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Michael Penix Jr.

Says he's Ahead of Schedule After Knee Surgery
Cleveland Browns

Jim Schwartz Resigns as Browns Defensive Coordinator
Malik Nabers

Says his Rehab has Been "Phenomenal"
CFB

Oklahoma Hiring Former NFL Defensive Lineman DeShawn Williams to Analyst Role
CFB

Jahmal Edrine Charged with Sexual Assault, No Longer Enrolled at Virginia
Jakob Chychrun

Makes Big Impact in Thursday's Win
Brandon Bussi

Shuts Out Rangers With 16 Saves
Anze Kopitar

Reaches 1,300 Career Points
Mark Stone

Becomes First Vegas Player With 100 Multi-Point Games
Daniil Tarasov

Injured in Battle of Florida
Andrei Kuzmenko

Hurt Versus Vegas
John Carlson

Suffers Lower-Body Injury
Matthew Stafford

Named 2025 NFL MVP, Will Return in 2026
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Takes Home Offensive Player of the Year Honors
Christian McCaffrey

Named Comeback Player of the Year
Tetairoa McMillan

Named Offensive Rookie of the Year
Myles Garrett

Unanimously Wins Defensive Player of the Year Award
Brad Marchand

Evan Rodrigues Among Panthers Absentees Thursday
Calum Ritchie

Rejoins Islanders Lineup as Second-Line Center
Zach Benson

Sits Out Second Straight Game
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Available Against Predators
Rickard Rakell

Out Thursday
Brayden Point

Won't Play in Olympics
Jonathan Huberdeau

to Have Season-Ending Hip Surgery
CFB

Houston, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Land Top-Three QBs in 2026 Class
Joe Mixon

Committed to Playing in 2026
CFB

Michigan Signs Top-15 Recruiting Class Despite Coaching Change
CFB

USC Finishes with No. 1 Signing Class in 2026
Valeri Nichushkin

Sets Up Three Goals Wednesday
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss Denied Medical Redshirt Waiver By NCAA
Ryan O'Reilly

Delivers Three Assists in Overtime Loss
Matt Boldy

Records Historically Fast Hat Trick Wednesday
Jet Greaves

Gives Blue Jackets Second Straight Shutout
CFB

Sam Leavitt to be Limited In Spring Practice
Jordan Love

Avoids Offseason Surgery
Matt Fitzpatrick

Back in Action at WM Phoenix Open
Sahith Theegala

Riding Hot Start Into WM Phoenix Open
J.J. Spaun

Looks to Regain Form at WM Phoenix Open
Viktor Hovland

a Volatile Option at WM Phoenix Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

Aims to Build on Solid Start to 2026
Brian Harman

Looks to Find Form at WM Phoenix Open
Daniel Berger

Has the Tools to Go One Step Higher at Scottsdale
Max Greyserman

Searching for Consistency at WM Phoenix Open
Jake Knapp

Wants Revenge at WM Phoenix Open
CFB

Joey Aguilar Granted Temporary Restraining Order Against NCAA
Joel Dahmen

Carrying Momentum Into WM Phoenix Open
Corey Conners

Unlikely to Contend at Scottsdale
Sepp Straka

Seeks a Rebound After The American Express
Jordan Spieth

Healthy Heading to WM Phoenix Open
Keith Mitchell

Building Momentum for Event in Scottsdale
Tom Hoge

The Tom Hoge Roller Coaster Heads to Scottsdale for WM Phoenix Open
Rickie Fowler

Worth a Look at WM Phoenix Open
Xander Schauffele

Making Second Appearance at Phoenix Open
Collin Morikawa

Needs a Bounce-Back at Waste Management Phoenix Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Has a Shot to Challenge at the Waste Management Phoenix Open
Max Homa

Playing Well Heading to Waste Management Phoenix Open
Ben Griffin

Will Need to Find Approach Game to Compete in Phoenix
Michael Penix Jr.

Matt Ryan Not Committing to Michael Penix Jr. as the Starting QB
NASCAR

Billy Horschel Unlikely to Right the Ship in Phoenix
Matthew Stafford

Doesn't Need Offseason Back Surgery
CFB

Joey Aguilar Files New Lawsuit Against NCAA Seeking Sixth Year of Eligibility
Davante Adams

Expected to Return to Rams in 2026
Los Angeles Rams

Rams Sign Sean McVay, Les Snead to Contract Extensions
Diego Lopes

Outclassed At UFC 325
Alexander Volkanovski

Dominates Diego Lopes
Dan Hooker

Stopped In The Second Round
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Extends His Win Streak
Rafael Fiziev

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Maurício Ruffy Gets Back In The Win Column
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF