X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

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

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

Five Bounce-Back NBA Players For 2023 Fantasy Basketball

Mikal Bridges - NBA DFS Lineup Picks, Daiy Fantasy Basketball

Narratives dominate the mainstream NBA media, particularly when discussing the league MVP. However, regarding who wins the Most Improved Player award, typically, it simply boils down to increased numbers, precisely points per game.

At RotoBaller, we have pinpointed five players to whom we expect bounce-back campaigns in the 2023-2024 season.

Unfortunately, injuries occur frequently in the world of professional sports. That said, players returning from injury didn't qualify for this exercise. Nonetheless, with a healthy mix of player roles listed, each listed player has a legitimate chance at making a difference on your fantasy team.

Featured Promo: Get any full-season NBA Premium Pass for 50% off. Win big with our exclusive DFS lineup tools, matchup rating projections, powerful Research Station, Lineup Optimizer, daily DFS lineup picks/cheat sheets and more! Go Premium, Win More!

 

Mikal Bridges, SG/SF - Brooklyn Nets

Steve Carell's role in The Office was outstanding. Many people think of The Office as the best sitcom of all time. However, Carell had more depth than many expected from a comedic actor who played a fictional paper company's zany middle manager. Nominated for an Oscar in 2015, Carell more than proved his range. Mikal Bridges has the same opportunity with the Brooklyn Nets.

After 365 games as a key role player on the Phoenix Suns, Bridges seized an opportunity by his inclusion into the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade. Wasting no time, Bridges scored 45 points three games into his Brooklyn tenure. Although Bridges didn't have a down 2022-2023 campaign by any means, the Villanova alum is likely for an All-Star bid in 2024.

Usage has much to do with Bridges' case for a bounce-back qualification. In the 27 regular season games for Brooklyn, Bridges posted a career-high 30.3 usage percentage, averaging 26 points on .607 true shooting.

No one on Brooklyn's roster will post such efficient numbers. Ben Simmons isn't reliable, despite the multiple shirtless workout videos surfacing on X (formerly known as Twitter). Spencer Dinwiddie is a decent second option but is likely best as the third on a team seeking a playoff berth. The rest of Brooklyn's roster consists of veteran role players and unproven prospects. Unless Sean Marks tries his chances with a third disgruntled star, Bridges, undoubtedly, is the guy moving forward in Brooklyn.

 

Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C - Minnesota Timberwolves

International basketball is filled with joy and passion by the athlete and the fan. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves production created a specific negative emotion for Minnesota's 2022-2023 season. Yes, the feeling had a dose of passion, but disappointment played a significant role in Minnesota's eight-seed finish so much that punches were thrown courtside between Minnesota teammates.

Fast-forward to the present time, and Towns' emotions are healthy following the shocking 3-0 start from the Dominican Republic National FIBA team. Towns explained why Nestor Garcia (Che), the head coach of the Dominican Republic National team, plays a huge factor in the team's success:

"I think Che is one of the best coaches in the world. You know, I am around a lot of amazing coaches in the NBA -- some of the winningest coaches in the world, some of the best coaches ever. A great coach is a coach who gets the most out of his players and makes those players every day come to work, come to practice, and come to the game with a smile on their faces. Che always finds a way to do that."

Towns is happy again. Playing for his National team seems to have melted any negative energy surrounding Towns. Aside from happiness, drive, and determination exudes from Towns when speaking of his prideful participation with the Dominican Republic National team.

After missing 53 games due to a strained calf (Grade Three strain), the self-proclaimed "best shooting big in NBA history" made such a claim laughable. This was due to his 25 percent shooting from deep and 75 percent from the charity stripe during the opening round of the postseason.

Now, with the pride of leading a humble team to glowing heights, Towns has the aura of someone who wants to win regardless of the cost. Minnesota has a young leader in Anthony Edwards, but Towns needs to buy in and consistently produce without hurting the team. In fairness to Towns', if his approach to the FIBA tournament carries over, the Dominican Republic star will turn a new leaf in Minnesota. Missing the All-Star game this season seems out of the question for the rejuvenated Towns.

 

Tobias Harris, SF/PF - Philadelphia 76ers

When one conjures thoughts of an NBA journeyman, $248.5 million career earning doesn't come to mind. However, Tobias Harris stands as the exception. Before you exit the article, consider the logic. The Philadelphia 76ers, with James Harden on the cusp of playing for China of his own accord, have problems. Joel Embiid desperately needs help, and Harris has a history of borderline-carrying playoff teams.

Despite averaging his lowest scoring mark since the 2015-2016 season, Harris has a shot at one lost long-term contract. Historically, the contract year provides intangible powers to players seeking another parking lot of cash. As Harden's future with the Sixers is as done as a well-done steak, 14 points per contest from Harris will bury the Sixers' position as an Eastern Conference contender.

Without the signature Darryl Morey move left to improve the team, Harris represents Philadelphia's chances of staying afloat in a fleeting title contention window. Don't let Harris' underperforming narrative completely take the wheel, though. The 12-year, elite journeyman produced an efficient shooting campaign.

Posting a career-high .602 true shooting percentage last season, Harris showcased more with less, indicative of the 11.4 field goals attempted per contest. While the lucrative journeyman won't make the 2024 All-Star game, expect an uptick in scoring. Ultimately, Harris must use the powers of the contract year to keep "The Process" from crumbling.

 

Fred VanVleet, PG - Houston Rockets

Fred VanVleet is a leader. On the court and off the court, the 2019 NBA champion carries himself as such. Unfortunately, VanVleet's intangible qualities didn't amount to much last season. In a contract year for a team in which he spent seven seasons, the Wichita State alum played below-average basketball.

Despite VanVleet's All-Star achievement the previous season, the Toronto Raptors again couldn't get over the hump. They seemingly slipped into a rebuild after missing the playoffs in 2023. Starting over with VanVleet as a constant professional appeared the move for the Raptors moving forward. However, Masai Ujiri felt otherwise, allowing VanVleet to earn a three-year, $130-million deal with the tired-of-tanking Houston Rockets.

VanVleet is a professional and self-aware player. He knows last season didn't go well. Similar to Toronto, the Rockets have a green roster. But unlike Toronto, Houston's playoff drought expands to three consecutive seasons.

Despite signing to a terrible team, VanVleet has a few things working in his corner. As Ime Udoko sets to coach the young roster, the former Boston Celtics head coach has a history of getting the best out of his young players. VanVleet won't need to stomach the entire leadership burden as he did in Toronto.

Jalen Green will benefit from VanVleet's presence and vice versa. Green hasn't had a teammate like VanVleet. Green's inefficient start to his professional career led to another down year in Houston. Desperately needing a veteran point guard, Green has a chance at playing a more naturally flowing game with a point guard inclined to involve his teammates.

Likewise, VanVleet knows his job in Houston. Lead the team but also help grow the younger prospects. While Van Vleet's points per game number won't see a dramatic ascension, the shooting metrics will rise.

 

Jordan Poole, PG/SG - Washington Wizards

No one else in the league has a higher potential for a bounce-back campaign than Jordan Poole. What happened to him this past summer personified sports: Being right in a dispute doesn't mean much if you are the lesser player.

Without rehashing the all-too-well-documented practice footage, Poole's behavior among the Golden State Warriors dynasty nucleus ultimately led to his exile to the Washington Wizards. Sent to the opposite side of the country, playing for a team with as much pressure as a popped volleyball, Poole's redemption story has major legs.

Admittedly, Steve Kerr allowed Poole room for some heat-check moments. This included his Game 1 performance vs. the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2023 postseason. However, without the pressure of the highly esteemed veterans, Poole can unleash his adventurous offense. In no way did the Warriors hinder Poole's game, evident in his 20-point average for last season, but the Michigan alum has more to offer regarding fantasy play.

Although the Wizards won't finish the 2023-2024 campaign as a playoff contender or even a pretender, Poole will provide a much-needed surge to their offense. Put it on the books: Poole won't pull any punches with his offensive repertoire, leading to higher counting stats.



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

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Francisco Alvarez22 mins ago

Dealing With Finger Contusion
Ketel Marte34 mins ago

Absent From Lineup On Monday
Mike Trout39 mins ago

Season Is Over
Patrick Mahomes1 hour ago

"All Good" After Injury Scare
William Byron1 hour ago

Earns Sixth Win Of Season At Texas
Denny Hamlin2 hours ago

Secures Third Straight Top-Five Finish At Texas
Michael Pittman Jr.2 hours ago

Reels In Nine Catches In Week 3 Win
Tyler Reddick2 hours ago

Late Wreck Ruins Tyler Reddick's Race At Texas
Kyle Busch2 hours ago

Championship Hopes Take Big Hit After Texas Wreck
NASCAR2 hours ago

Bubba Wallace "Gave it Away" At Texas, Finishes Third
Chris Buescher2 hours ago

Has Another Strong Points Day At Texas
Kyle Larson2 hours ago

On Playoff Hot Seat After Wrecking At Texas
Joe Burrow3 hours ago

Status Still A Question Mark
Jimmy Garoppolo3 hours ago

Being Evaluated For A Concussion
Adam Fantilli3 hours ago

Registers Two Assists In Preseason Debut
Mike Williams4 hours ago

Feared To Have Serious Knee Injury
Trevor Van Riemsdyk4 hours ago

Trevor van Riemsdyk Sustains Apparent Hand Injury
Travis Konecny4 hours ago

"Banged Up"
Andrei Vasilevskiy4 hours ago

Battling Minor Injuries
Mika Zibanejad4 hours ago

Suffers An Upper-Body Injury
Kyle Palmieri4 hours ago

Set For Re-Evaluation This Week
Kenneth Walker III9 hours ago

Scores Twice In Week 3 Victory
Geno Smith9 hours ago

Finds Success Again In Week 3
Travis Kelce11 hours ago

Caps Off Blowout With Touchdown Catch
Patrick Mahomes11 hours ago

Earns First Three-Score Effort In Short Day
Rondale Moore12 hours ago

Logs 45-Yard Rushing Touchdown In Week 3 Win
James Conner12 hours ago

Rumbles Into The End-zone In Week 3 Win
Josh Downs12 hours ago

Leads Colts With 12 Targets In OT Win Over Ravens
Travis Etienne Jr.12 hours ago

With 138 Total Yards In Loss Vs. Texans
Zack Moss12 hours ago

Rushes For 122 Yards, Finds The End Zone In Week 3
Stefon Diggs12 hours ago

Tags Commanders For 111 Yards In Rout
Davante Adams13 hours ago

Shines For Two Touchdowns
Josh Allen13 hours ago

Manages Game In Easy Week 3 Win
Jimmy Garoppolo13 hours ago

Fills Stat Sheet Against Steelers
Tank Dell13 hours ago

Shows Out Again In Week 3
Lamar Jackson13 hours ago

Puts Up 300 Total Yards
C.J. Stroud14 hours ago

Picks Up First NFL Win In Week 3
Deandre Ayton14 hours ago

To Portland A Possibility?
Damian Lillard14 hours ago

Bulls, Raptors Expressing Interest In Damian Lillard
Tim Hardaway15 hours ago

Pacers Reportedly Not Interested In Tim Hardaway Jr.
Buddy Hield15 hours ago

To Dallas?
Francisco Alvarez15 hours ago

Removed Early On Sunday
Luis Robert Jr.20 hours ago

Replaced During Sunday's Game
Yandy Díaz20 hours ago

Yandy Diaz Leaves Early Sunday
Ricardo Ramos1 day ago

Submitted Early At UFC Vegas 79
Charles Jourdain1 day ago

Extends Win Streak To Two
Marina Rodriguez1 day ago

Scores One-Sided TKO Win At UFC Vegas 79
Dan Ige1 day ago

Falls Short Against Another Top-10 Opponent
Bryce Mitchell1 day ago

Returns To Win Column At UFC Vegas 79
Brad Keselowski1 day ago

Feels Good About His Car at Texas
Tyler Reddick1 day ago

a Very Strong Option at Texas
Denny Hamlin1 day ago

Pegged as Favorite to Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar2 days ago

Looks Impressive Again at Texas
Zane Smith2 days ago

Slow In Practice and Qualifying at Texas
Todd Gilliland2 days ago

in Downgraded Equipment for Texas
Luis Arraez2 days ago

Suffers Injury On Saturday
Ryan Preece2 days ago

Will Start 25th At Texas
Chase Briscoe2 days ago

The Top Value Play On Sunday At Texas
Ricky Stenhouse Jr2 days ago

.'s Struggles At Texas To Continue This Weekend
Joey Logano2 days ago

Makes For A Nice Bounce Back Play At Texas
NASCAR2 days ago

Bubba Wallace Wins Pole At Texas Motor Speedway
Ryan Blaney2 days ago

A Core Play At Texas
Harrison Burton2 days ago

Still On Wood Brothers Hot Seat
Austin Cindric2 days ago

Keeps On Struggling In Qualifying
Kenley Jansen2 days ago

Returns From COVID List
Mike Trout2 days ago

Hits Off Tee
Yordan Alvarez2 days ago

Doubles In A Run, Managing Elbow Issue
MLB2 days ago

Diamondbacks-Yankees Postponed Saturday Due To Rain
MLB2 days ago

Braves-Nationals Postponed On Saturday
Nolan Arenado2 days ago

Cardinals Place Nolan Arenado On Injured List
Sandy Alcantara2 days ago

Suffers Setback After Rehab Start
Clayton Keller2 days ago

Ready To Become 100-Point Player
Nicklas Backstrom2 days ago

Feeling At 100 Percent
Oliver Ekman-Larsson2 days ago

Set To Get Look On Top Power-Play Unit
Carter Verhaeghe2 days ago

Battling Muscle Tightness
Nikolaj Ehlers2 days ago

Struggling With Neck Spasms
Logan Cooley2 days ago

Scores Wonder Goal In Preseason Opener
2 days ago

Chauncey Billups Backs Scoot Henderson To Become A "Star"
Josh Green2 days ago

Aims To Become A Bigger Defensive Presence
Josh Hart2 days ago

Set To See Minutes As Power Forward
Cade Cunningham2 days ago

Jaden Ivey Believes Cade Cunningham Will "Shock" People
DeMar DeRozan2 days ago

Ready To Shoot More Threes
Marcus Morris2 days ago

Sr. Set To Remain A Starter In New Season
Brandon Lowe2 days ago

Finished For 2023 With Knee Fracture
Salvador Perez2 days ago

On Track For Return On Sunday
Triston McKenzie3 days ago

Set To Return For Sunday's Start
Jaden McDaniels3 days ago

Timberwolves Desire To Extend Jaden McDaniels
Boston Celtics3 days ago

Celtics Signing Lamar Stevens As Bench Piece
Frank Ntilikina3 days ago

Could Be Limited At Training Camp
Jayson Tatum3 days ago

To Play More Point Guard In 2023-24?
Randy Arozarena3 days ago

Leaves With Right Quad Tightness
Ha-Seong Kim3 days ago

Returns To The Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.3 days ago

Rejoins The Lineup On Friday
Luis Arraez3 days ago

Back In The Lineup On Friday
Rasmus Dahlin3 days ago

Sabres Aiming To Lock Up Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power Long-Term
Connor Hellebuyck3 days ago

Focused On The Jets In 2023-24
Trevor Zegras3 days ago

Jamie Drysdale Absent On First Day Of Camp
Andrew Cogliano3 days ago

Hoping To Be Cleared For Season Opener
Alexander Barabanov3 days ago

Prefers To Remain In San Jose
Mattias Ekholm3 days ago

Roughly A Week Away From Skating
Damian Lillard3 days ago

Suns Considered Dark Horse To Facilitate Damian Lillard Deal
Donovan Mitchell3 days ago

Not Expected To Sign An Extension Next Summer
3 days ago

Amen Thompson Is Ready To Go For Training Camp
Buddy Hield3 days ago

Mavericks, 76ers, Bucks Have Shown Interest In Buddy Hield
Kelly Oubre3 days ago

Jr. Expected To Sign With 76ers
Mateusz Gamrot3 days ago

Seeking Victory In Seventh UFC Appearance
Rafael Fiziev3 days ago

Looks To Get Back In Win Column
Michelle Waterson-Gomez3 days ago

In Dire Need Of Victory
AJ Fletcher3 days ago

Set To Showcase On Main Card
Bryan Battle3 days ago

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 79
Evgeny Kuznetsov3 days ago

Sees New Head Coach As "Perfect Match"
Mark Scheifele3 days ago

Open To Staying With Jets
BUF3 days ago

Buffalo Sabres Reportedly Eyeing Patrick Kane
Jusuf Nurkic4 days ago

Heading To Phoenix?
Damian Lillard4 days ago

Could Be Moved Before Training Camp
Ricardo Ramos4 days ago

Set For First Fight In Over A Year
Charles Jourdain4 days ago

Hoping To Bring UFC Record Above .500
Marina Rodriguez4 days ago

Gets A Rematch At UFC Vegas 79
Dan Ige4 days ago

Enters UFC Vegas 79 On Two-Fight Win Streak
Bryce Mitchell4 days ago

Looking To Bounce Back After First Career Loss

RANKINGS

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