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
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Peripheral Monsters: Stat Stuffers to Target for 2024-25 Fantasy Basketball

Scottie Barnes - Fantasy Basketball Rankings, NBA Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Thunder Dan Palyo examines which players to take in each stage of your draft that can help you win multiple categories in your 2024-25 fantasy basketball leagues.

The 2024-25 NBA season is rapidly approaching and chances are you've already done some drafts and may still have a few more to do before the regular season officially tips off next week!

If you're playing in a categories league (H2H or Roto), you're going to want to draft as many players as you can who can contribute in multiple categories. What you want to avoid is too many "hollow" players who are only going to contribute in categories where stats are plentiful (points, threes, rebounds).

Players who can contribute at an average or above-average rate in four or even five categories are what we are looking for in drafts. Here are some of my favorite targets for this season, sorted by how early/late you should be targeting them in your drafts.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Peripheral Monsters: Early Round Targets in Fantasy Basketball

Scottie Barnes - SG/SF, Toronto Raptors

Yahoo ADP = 19

Do you know how many players were able to give their managers the league average or better in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks last season? Just three players accomplished that feat and Scottie Barnes was one of them (Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic were the others!).

Scottie's three-ball is the only thing holding him back from a complete 9-cat skill set, but the 23-year-old is primed for another huge year as the main guy on a rebuilding Toronto team. He posted 20 points per game to go along with six boards and eight assists last year, while also chipping in 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks.

Those numbers are impressive and we could see his scoring increase again this year as he continues to evolve his offensive game.

Jalen Johnson - PF, Atlanta Hawks

Yahoo ADP = 41

I was all over Johnson as a third-year breakout last season and he smashed his ADP as he managed to work his way into the starting lineup within the first few weeks of the season. He then posted some excellent stats until getting hurt and missing a month right in the middle of the season.

Johnson's athleticism at the power forward spot created mismatches often and his ability to handle the ball and run the floor made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He finished the season with averages of 16.0 points, 8.7 boards, 3.6 assists, 1.3 threes, and 2.0 "stocks."

With Dejounte Murray out of town, look for Johnson to take on a bigger role in this offense, both as a scorer and a facilitator. His game is so smooth and his shot is still a work in progress, but improving.

I'm drafting him this season every chance I get as I think the Hawks are going to be a fun offense that might surprise some people out of the gates as they have a relatively young, exciting core of talented players. Johnson brings a high floor and ceiling with his fantasy skill set.

Derrick White - PG/SG, Boston Celtics

Yahoo ADP = 49

I'll probably end up with White on at least half my teams this season as I am officially addicted to the incredibly balanced and diverse production that he's produced since joining the Boston Celtics. He's not the steal that he was the last two seasons, but he is still very worthy of a pick in the fourth or fifth round of drafts this season based on his role and production with Boston.

He finished 27th last year in per-game production in 9-cat leagues. You simply don't find shooting guards who can block 1.2 shots per game while also contributing 2.7 threes on 46% shooting from the field. And did I mention he hit 90% from the free-throw stripe, too? All while keeping his turnovers down to just 1.5 per game.

White does everything well and scored over 15 points per game for the first time since his 2020 season in San Antonio. He played a career-high 32.6 minutes per game and should continue to be leaned on as Boston's glue guy.

Also consider: Fred VanVleet (PG - HOU), Jaylen Brown (SG/SF - BOS)

 

Peripheral Monsters: Middle-Round Targets for Fantasy Basketball

Miles Bridges - SF/PF, Charlotte Hornets

Yahoo ADP = 58

Bridges finished last season at No. 57 on the player rater in 9-cat per game value. Now, you could argue that the absence of LaMelo Ball helped aid in that solid finish, but other than a few extra assists, Bridges didn't do anything that we hadn't seen him do before.

A lot of the hype around the Hornets is surrounding the emergence of Brandon Miller in his sophomore season, but I'd much rather have Bridges, as he's better in FG% and is a much better rebounder (7.3 boards per game last season).

Tobias Harris - SF/PF, Detroit Pistons

Yahoo ADP = 66

Tobias Harris has to be in this type of article every year with the way his game is perfectly tailored for 9-cat leagues. However, this season, he has an opportunity to be even more valuable as he should take on a bigger role with a young Detroit team than he did in Philadelphia the last few seasons.

Even as the third or even fourth option in Philly last year, Harris finished 48th in per-game value with a 17-6-3 line, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.3 threes, and just 1.3 turnovers per game. He shot 49% from the floor and 88% from the free-throw line, too.

He gave you median production in seven categories with assists and threes being just slightly under the league average. He fits any kind of build and continues to be an underrated fantasy asset.

Jrue Holiday - PG/SG, Boston Celtics

Yahoo ADP = 74

Another Celtics guard? Yes, I mean, there's a reason they won the championship last season. And while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown get the headlines, it's the duo of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White that set this Boston team apart from their peers.

Holiday, even at 34 years old, could be a star on other teams but is perfectly content to take a backseat to the younger Boston stars when it comes to scoring. He averaged just 12.5 points per game last season, which was a full seven-point-per-game drop from the 19 points per contest that he averaged in Milwaukee in 2022-23.

However, Holiday came up big in the right moments, especially in the playoffs as his defense, playmaking, and shot-making spurred this team to a title. If you toss out points, Holiday gives you median production or better in every other category other than rebounds and steals, where he's just barely below average.

He's a guy who will make your team better and more well-rounded; don't be someone who is fooled by his scoring average.

Also consider: Zion Williamson (PF - NOP), Brandon Ingram (SG/SF/PF - NOP)

 

Peripheral Monsters: Late-Round Targets for Fantasy Basketball

Draymond Green - PF/C, Golden State Warriors

Yahoo ADP = 102

Who needs points this late in the draft? Draymond Green averaged less than 10 points per game last year for the sixth straight season but still offered his usual seven boards, six assists, one steal, and one block. He also shot more threes last year and hit nearly one per game (0.9) with some decent shooting percentages (49% from the floor, 73% from the line).

Deni Avdija - SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers

Yahoo ADP = 126

I've written about Deni Avdija a few times already this preseason, but he should get mentioned here again as his game is quite fantasy-friendly. With Shaedon Sharpe out to start the season, Avdija should move into the starting lineup at small forward for Portland.

Avdija posted some of the best numbers of his career down the stretch last season for a tanking Wizards team, and while he won't be asked to do as much in Portland, he's still a solid fantasy asset with his ability to rebound, shoot the long ball, and be an above-average passer.

He's already drawn some strong praise from his new coach and Portland actively sought him out in a trade this offseason, so I think it is committed to getting him solid minutes this season.

P.J. Washington - PF, Dallas Mavericks

Yahoo ADP = 135

P.J. Washington is one of my favorite late-round targets. After struggling to find minutes and a solid role on a bad Charlotte team to start his career, Washington was dealt to the Mavericks midseason and flourished playing at power forward alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

He's much better suited for power forward and since Dallas has the duo of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II to split the center minutes, Washington isn't asked to play out of position.

In 29 games for the Mavs last year, Washington averaged 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.8 threes per game. He will be an incredible value this season based on his ADP if he comes anywhere close to hitting those numbers again this year in Dallas.

Also consider: Al Horford (PF/C - BOS), Vince Williams Jr. (PG/SG/SF - MEM)



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kyle Finnegan

Dealing With Groin Issue
Shohei Ohtani

Will Pitch "Sometime This Weekend"
Jackson Chourio

Absent on Wednesday With Hamstring Cramp
Roman Anthony

Officially Goes on Injured List
Jauan Jennings

Limited on Wednesday, Expected to Play in Week 1
Malik Nabers

Not on Initial Injury Report
Roman Anthony

"High Probability" Roman Anthony Lands on Injured List
Justin Thomas

Making Fourth Ryder Cup Team Appearance at Bethpage
Ben Griffin

Making First Career Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Bryson DeChambeau

Set to be Part of Team USA at Bethpage
Jason Adam

to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
Roman Anthony

Will Undergo MRI on Wednesday
Santi Aldama

Bags Double-Double in Losing Effort
Guerschon Yabusele

Erupts for 36 Points Against Poland
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Leads Slovenia Into Next Round at EuroBasket
San Antonio Spurs

Stanley Umude Signs Training Camp Deal With Spurs
Reece Beekman

Joins Magic for Training Camp
Justin Minaya

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Magic
Travis Hunter

Jaguars List Travis Hunter as Starting Wide Receiver, Backup Cornerback
Kyle Tucker

Leaves With Calf Tightness on Tuesday
Alexandre Sarr

to Miss Rest of EuroBasket
Max Scherzer

Blue Jays Confident Max Scherzer Will Make Saturday Start Despite Back Tightness
Roman Anthony

Leaves Early With Back Injury
Jared McCain

"On Pace" for Training Camp
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Done for the Year With Torn ACL
Luke Hughes

Devils Optimistic About Signing Luke Hughes
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Dylan Holloway

Good to Go for Start of Season
Nick Kurtz

Back in Action on Tuesday
Josh Morrissey

Fully Healthy for Start of Season
Dennis Hildeby

Signs Three-Year Extension With Maple Leafs
Nick Lodolo

Scratched With Illness
Dalton Kincaid

Role Not Expected to Grow?
Quinshon Judkins

Zero Chance Quinshon Judkins Plays Against Bengals?
Najee Harris

Says He's Expecting to Play Against Chiefs
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Departs Monday with Quad Injury
Franz Wagner

Collects Double-Double in Blowout Win
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Achieves Rare Numbers at EuroBasket
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Dominates Against Sweden
Stefon Diggs

Expected to Suit Up in Week 1
Kristaps Porzingis

Finding Form at EuroBasket
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Suffers Minor Injury at EuroBasket
DJ Moore

Bears Experimenting with DJ Moore in Backfield
Rome Odunze

Could Move All Around the Offense
Carolina Panthers

Dave Canales Comfortable With Panthers' Young Receivers
Quinshon Judkins

Not Considering NCAA Return
Dallas Goedert

Healthy for Week 1
Marvin Mims Jr.

Returns to Practice Monday
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Carted Off Monday With Knee Injury
Jason Adam

Diagnosed With Ruptured Left Quadriceps Tendon
Victor Wembanyama

Looking "Quite Stellar"
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Scratched on Monday
Matthew Stafford

Expected to Start in Week 1
Edward Cabrera

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Sprain
Najee Harris

Cleared for Contact, Could Play in Week 1
Denny Hamlin

Ends Eventful Day at Darlington in Seventh Place
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Almost Earns a Top-Five Finish at Darlington
John Hunter Nemechek

has His Best 2025 Performance at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

Has An Underwhelming Performance At Darlington
Josh Berry

Crashes Early and Suffers A Playoff Setback at Darlington
Harry Ford

Called Up for Major-League Debut
Victor Scott II

Activated From Injured List
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Dealing With Hamstring Tightness, Expects to Play Monday
Giannis Antetokounmpo

"Staying in Milwaukee"
Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Agrees to a One-Year Contract with Milwaukee
Kyrie Irving

"Healing Up Great"
Dante Exum

Mavs Agree on a One-Year Deal
Jaylen Warren

Agrees to Two-Year Extension With Steelers
De'Von Achane

Practicing Monday, on Track to Play in Week 1
Quinshon Judkins

Could Report to Browns This Week
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs, Trent McDuffie Not Expected to Finalize Extension
Chase Elliott

Under Playoff Pressure After 17th-Place Darlington Finish
Kyle Larson

Despite Hendrick Mediocrity, Kyle Larson Remains Pretty Safe in Playoffs
Alex Bowman

Opening-Lap Crash and Botched Pit Stop May Have Sunk Alex Bowman's Playoff Hopes
Erik Jones

Darlington Master Erik Jones Comes Up Short but Still Finishes Third
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Impresses at Southern 500
Dameon Pierce

Ahead of Schedule, Ready for Season
Jordan Love

May Wear Thumb Brace During Season
Daniel Suarez

is A DFS Risk for Darlington Lineups?
Noah Gragson

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Noah Gragson for Darlington?
Ty Dillon

is an Excellent Punt Option for Darlington DFS Lineups
Bogdan Bogdanović

Bogdan Bogdanovic to Miss the Rest of EuroBasket
Denny Hamlin

Picking Up Where He Left Off At Darlington
Kyle Larson

The Sky Is The Limit for Kyle Larson at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

a Strong DFS Play at Darlington This Weekend
Tyler Reddick

Shouldn't Be Overlooked at Darlington This Weekend
Alex Bowman

An Easy Place-Differential Play in DFS This Weekend
Ty Gibbs

Could Be Strong at Darlington This Weekend
Erik Jones

Has Best Darlington Qualifying Effort Since Last Win
Zane Smith

Hopeful For Another Solid Run At Darlington
Dallas Mavericks

Olivier-Maxence Prosper Waived by the Mavs
Lauri Markkanen

Dominant in Win Over Great Britain

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP