👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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


Seeing The Future: A Look At This Year's NBA Rookie Class, Part 3

We've already spent posts looking at intriguing rookies, and yet we've still got plenty of great first players to examine, all of whom have high-level fantasy upside in the future.

For our previous lists, check out Part 1 and Part 2.

This week we dive even deeper into this year's rookies, and examine their production this season and also their future prospects. We're taking a look at the lottery specials - guys who were stuck on lottery teams causing them to stray outside the national radar. Let's begin with one of the few intriguing players on one of the most dumpster fire teams of the season.

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

 

Seeing The Future: A Look At This Year's NBA Rookie Class, Part 3

Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic

Isaac has had an injury plagued rookie season but he's flashed a very fantasy friendly skill-set in the time he has been on the court. Even with under 20 minutes a game this year, he has been very close to a triple one guy, averaging 1.2 steals, 1.1 blocks and 0.6 threes in 19.9 mpg. The minutes obviously will not stay that low if he manages to stay on the court next season, and that kind of production in the money stats is something legitimately worth salivating over.

Player Comparison: Nerlens Noel

It's easy to forget that Noel has a couple of top-50 seasons under his belt despite the disaster that has been the last 2 years of his young career. Isaac's fantasy game doesn't fit Noel's perfectly, but the one important thing that is a match is the insane per 36 defensive numbers that both guys bring. In those top-50 seasons, Noel average over 1.5 in both steals and blocks, and Isaac in 30 minutes looks to easily hit those kind of marks if he were to ramp up to 30 minutes per game.

The advantage that Isaac has over Noel is that he also can average 1+ 3 per game in those minutes, which makes his ceiling even higher since Noel is a literal zero in that category. Isaac also trades off Noel's decent FG% on low volume for a less damaging FT%, while having a horrendous FG% himself, albeit also on low volume.

Ceiling: Top 20 upside long term, top-70 short term

A lot of people will see this as aggressive, but if Isaac can play 30 minutes a game and improve his shooting to something like 42% (which would bump his PPG to double digits as well), he can absolutely be a top-20 guy with his fantasy profile, maybe even better. His offensive game clearly has holes, and how good he becomes in fantasy will largely depend on how good of a real life player he becomes and how many minutes he can earn but there is no doubt that this kind of kit is something special and he is someone to watch going forward.

 

Josh Jackson, Phoenix Suns

Josh Jackson has already hit his stride as a bonafide fantasy asset, posting top-70 type stats in punt FT% builds over the last 2 months. Unfortunately, with the high amount of free throw volume he gets, Jackson looks like his value will be limited to punt FT% teams, while being over-drafted by teams not punting that category. Jackson is already getting minutes in the mid-30s, and as his career progresses, there's no reason for that to change going forward.

Player Comparison: Philly-era Andre Iguodala

The physical comparison that's been made since he was drafted is a young Andre Iguodala. It's easy to forget the Philly version of Iggy back in 2006-2010 averaging nearly 20 points a game with a large amount of steals and some 3s, blocks, assists and rebounds. Jackson stuffs the stat sheet in a similar way, but the difference right now is Jackson's FT% is enough lower than Iggy's was at the time to force him into being a punt guy.

Ceiling: Top 30 punt FT%, top 50 standard if he can improve his FT a bit

Jackson will already be a top-50 guy in punt FT% next season and can move up to a top-30 guy once the Suns give him more playmaking responsibility. If Jackson is able to improve his FT% over the years to 72+, that's when he can become a top 50 guy in standard builds as well.

 

John Collins, Atlanta Hawks

Despite not falling into consistent minutes on a putrid Atlanta Hawks team until quite recently, the Baptist has still had a very successful rookie season for fantasy purposes. He was already a top-100 guy on the season even with the sporadic minutes, and given a larger role and a 30 min average, he can be a fairly strong contributor right away next year.

Player Comparison: Al Horford with less assists and more rebounds

Collins fits into the special category of bigs that don't hurt your FT% as badly as the position usually does, and he will fit teams in a way similar to Al Horford does. Collins isn't nearly as good of a passer as big Al, but he is also not nearly as bad of a rebounder, and while that does make his overall kit a bit less valuable, the rest of the game projects to develop into something similar to Horford and it isn't the worst thing to be compared to a slightly worse version of a perennial top-30 guy.

Ceiling: Top-40 short to long term

The Baptist will be a glue guy for teams in the future similar to what Horford is today. He won't be a sexy high upside pick, but he possesses the type of skill-set that will return consistent value for where you draft him and plug in certain holes on your team no matter what your build is. As his role increases, Collins' 3-pointers should increase along with his points as the usage ramps up and the defensive stats should increase a bit given more minutes.

 

Jarrett Allen, Brooklyn Nets

Jarrett Allen has tailed off following a very productive mid-season stretch that made him one of the hottest pickups in the game. Despite this, he's still been hovering around the top-100 mark over the last 2 months, combining solid percentages with excellent block and rebound rates. Allen is the rare player who gives you stereotypical big man stats without hurting your FT%, making him very easy to slot into any number of builds.

Player Comparison: Myles Turner without the 3s

The one thing missing from Allen's game is a healthy dose of 3-pointers. While he does attempt shots from downtown, he's by no means a perimeter threat yet and while the rest of the game can look very similar to Myles Turner's fantasy profile in a couple years, he will need to take a significant step up in the 3s department to match the Pacers big man there. While not shooting many 3s caps his ceiling a bit, Allen's skillset can still render him an extremely effective fantasy player.

Ceiling: Top-50 short to mid term

Myles Turner was projected in the top-20 to 30 this season, and while he didn't live up to those expectations, it's easy to see his projected skillset being valued in that range. Cut down Turner's projected 3s to 0.5, a reasonable projection for Allen in the short term, and you end up with a top-50 type guy who will slot very easily into many builds. Players like Allen gain a lot of value in their versatility, and become solid, underappreciated fantasy assets for years.

 

Check back next week for another back of rookies as we move on with our analysis -- this class is so deep, we've still got plenty to cover!

 

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis

that



REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Christian McCaffrey

Should Dynasty Managers Be Looking to Sell High on Christian McCaffrey?
Braelon Allen

Does Braelon Allen Still Carry Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal Following Jets' Offseason Moves?
Kyler Murray

Offers Clear Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal After Offseason Change of Scenery
Rachaad White

: Prime Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Ahead of Possible Bounce-Back Campaign
Jake Tonges

Is Jake Tonges Currently Undervalued in Dynasty Formats?
Chig Okonkwo

Can Chig Okonkwo Become a TE1 in Dynasty Leagues?
Aaron Jones Sr.

Trending Down in Dynasty Leagues
Romeo Doubs

Offers Dynasty Upside Even as the No. 2 Receiver
Pat Bryant

Dynasty Managers Have to be Patient with Pat Bryant
Isiah Pacheco

Will a Change of Scenery Re-Ignite Isiah Pacheco's Dynasty Value?
Rashid Shaheed

an Underpriced Dynasty Buy Heading into First Full Season with Seattle
Najee Harris

Is Najee Harris the Top Free Agent Back Left on the Market?
Jimmy Horn Jr.

A Dynasty Non-Factor After Quiet Rookie Season
Nick Chubb

Former Pro Bowler Nick Chubb No Longer a Player Worth Holding in Dynasty Leagues
Greg Dulcich

Is Greg Dulcich the No. 1 Target in Miami?
Jalen Williams

Limited in Game 6 Return
Jared McCain

Provides Bench Spark in Game 6 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Posts Lowest-Scoring Night of His MVP Season
De'Aaron Fox

Struggles From the Field Thursday
Stephon Castle

Controls the Spurs Offense in Game 6 Win
Dylan Harper

Finds His Rhythm Thursday
Victor Wembanyama

Drops 28 to Force a Winner-Take-All Game 7
Jalen Williams

is Active for Game 6
Thomas Sorber

is Optimistic About Playing in Summer League
NBA

Terry Rozier Gets Hit with New Charges
NBA

NBA Approves New Anti-Tanking Rules
Mitchell Robinson

Suffers Broken Pinky, Remains Without a Timetable
Isaac Guerendo

Suffers Torn Pec, Could be Ready by End of Training Camp
Noah Fant

Profiles as a Dynasty Drop Candidate Entering 2026
Rashee Rice

Andy Reid Expects Rashee Rice to be Ready for Training Camp
Jordyn Tyson

Remains Limited in OTAs on Thursday
Tank Dell

Not Participating in Texans OTAs
Jacoby Brissett

Mike LaFleur Not Concerned by Jacoby Brissett's Absence From OTAs
MLB

MLB Proposes Hard Salary Cap as Part of Next CBA
Kenley Jansen

Tigers Place Kenley Jansen on Injured List With Pelvic Inflammation
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Cedric Coward

Aims to Improve Ball-Handling Ability
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Attracting Interest From Europe
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Celtics Reportedly Not Interested in Giannis Antetokounmpo
LeBron James

Reportedly Waiting for Lakers Approach
MON

Lane Hutson Struggles in Game 4 Loss
CAR

Logan Stankoven Nets Eighth Postseason Goal
CAR

Sebastian Aho Pots Game-Winner on Power Play
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Tallies Two Helpers in Impressive Road Win
CAR

Shayne Gostisbehere Records Two Assists in Game 4 Win
CAR

Frederik Andersen Establishes Hurricanes New Postseason Shutout Record
Yordan Alvarez

Continues Homer Barrage With Two More Long Balls on Wednesday
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Makes History With Seven More Shutout Innings Against Padres
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Lifted From Wednesday's Game Early With Hamstring Strain
Kenley Jansen

Exits Relief Appearance on Wednesday With Groin Injury
Mason Plumlee

NBA Upgrades Mason Plumlee's Foul to a Flagrant 1
Victor Wembanyama

Receives Warning From NBA
Atlanta Hawks

Hawks Promote Onsi Saleh to President of Basketball Operations
Jalen Williams

Listed as Questionable for Game 6
Ajay Mitchell

Ruled Out for Game 6
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez Pulled Early on Wednesday With Hamstring Issue
CFB

Drew Mestemaker a Top Big 12 Quarterback Right Away?
PGA

Sungjae Im Remains Boom-or-Bust at Colonial
PGA

Michael Thorbjornsen Trending in Wrong Direction Entering Colonial
Russell Henley

a Top Option at Colonial
Harry Hall

Hoping Putter Carries Him at Colonial
Rickie Fowler

Looks to Regain Momentum at Colonial
Pierceson Coody

Looking to Stay Hot at Colonial
Martin Necas

Collects an Assist in Game 4 Loss to Golden Knights
Gabriel Landeskog

Scores Only Avalanche Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Carter Hart

Finishes Series-Clincher With 20 Saves
Dylan Coghlan

Continues Unlikely Success Story
Cole Smith

Scores Series-Clincher Tuesday Night
Mark Stone

Nets Another Goal as Golden Knights Finish Off Avalanche
Ludvig Aberg

Looking to Exchange Momentum for a Victory in Fort Worth
Stephan Jaeger

Trending Upward as PGA Heads to Fort Worth
Max Homa

Comes Off Awful Putting Performance at PGA Championship
Tony Finau

Faces Different Test at the Colonial
Robert MacIntyre

Seeks Better Beginning in Fort Worth
Tom Hoge

Ups and Downs Could Continue at Colonial
Brian Harman

Not Having the Best Golf Season in 2026
Austin Eckroat

Struggling Too Often Heading to Charles Schwab Challenge
Zach Bauchou

Tries to Keep Momentum Rolling at Colonial
Keegan Bradley

Looking to Rebound at Colonial
Claude Giroux

Planning to Return for 20th NHL Campaign
Carter Hart

Aiming for Sixth Consecutive Win Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin

Inks New One-Year Deal With Penguins
Mackenzie Blackwood

in Net for Game 4 Against Golden Knights
Valeri Nichushkin

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Nathan MacKinnon

Will Suit Up Tuesday
Ben Griffin

Looking to Repeat This Week at Colonial
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Player to Avoid at Charles Schwab Challenge
Hideki Matsuyama

Needs Solid Driving Week at Charles Schwab Challenge
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of Charles Schwab Challenge
Akshay Bhatia

Lacking Driving Prowess Needed at Colonial Country Club
CFB

DJ Lagway Looking to Rebound at Baylor
CFB

Josh Hoover Tasked With Leading Indiana Back to the Playoffs
CFB

Braylon Staley the Next 1,000-Yard Tennessee Receiver?
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Return Timeline Remains Unclear
Ivan Demidov

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Lane Hutson

Records Power-Play Goal in Game 3 Loss
Frederik Andersen

Enjoys Another Easy Night at the Office in Game 3
Gage Jump

Athletics to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Gage Jump to Major Leagues
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF