Obviously there's no such thing as a sleeper anymore as everyone is all too familiar with the NBA player pool. But some know it deeper than others and know the best places to find potential fantasy value where many fail to look. Here are 10 players who should come at a bargain price but have the potential to return early-round value.
TOP 10 SLEEPERS: (Not in any particular order of Priority)
1. Al Jefferson-F/C-Indiana Pacers: My first instinct was to put Big Al in the “somebody else’s problem” category, but with all of the work the Pacers have done in the off-season, it puts Jefferson in a way less risky situation. The Pacers have a ton of depth, but their big men lack a smooth post-game on offense that Big Al can bring. There will be games in which Jefferson will play 20 minutes, but as the season progresses, he will be needed in situations in which the offense will have to come in the paint. With this Pacers team, Jefferson will be able to preserve his health and can still average double-digits in points and six plus rebounds per game. A lot of people are turned off by Jefferson rightfully so because of health issues. He does not need to be “The Guy” anymore and this team is built in his favor. If he continues to fall in your draft, take a shot. They are called sleepers for a reason.
2. D’Angelo Russell-G-Los Angeles Lakers: First off, Byron Scott is an idiot and kept Russell on the bench for a good portion of the season because he is an overrated coach and was too focused on the Kobe Bryant retirement parade. Secondly, Russell had a lot of growing up to do after causing issues in the locker room and being isolated by his teammates. He is still a Laker though which indicates that the team has moved past the beef. Russell was highly coveted coming out of college and with Luke Walton at the help and Kobe gone, he will flourish into a premier guard in the league from a scoring and assist standpoint.
3. Ersan Ilyasova-F-Oklahoma City Thunder: While the new look Thunder look to find their identity beyond Russell Westbrook, the veterans on this team will be heavily relied on to steer the ship early. Ilyasova has proven that he can do a little bit of everything including long range shooting and rebounder. He is a very disciplined defender and can play both forward positions very effectively. Westbrook and Victor Oladipo like to attack the basket and when they draw the double, Ilyasova will be wide open every time. Ilyasova is a great balance player and his defense will keep him on the court more.
4. Joe Johnson-G/F-Utah Jazz: When injuries occur, opportunity appears and Joe Johnson will be heavily relied on early to score with Gordon Hayward (finger) on the shelf for the first month of the season. Johnson can hit the knockdown three-ball and can hit shots from the high post. With shoot-first Trey Burke off the team, it makes Johnson as a fantasy utility/bench option attractive. If he shoots well with Hayward out, he could secure 20-25 minutes a game, as the Jazz backcourt depth has not been able to stay healthy.
5. David Lee-F/C-San Antonio Spurs: If you think because Tim Duncan is retired the Spurs will stop resting their players, you are mistaken. When the Spurs make a signing, they plan on utilizing that player in some way and David Lee is a good high-energy guy off the bench who accumulates points and rebounds very quickly. Lee is a DFS player’s dream for a punt play, but I think the Spurs will utilize Lee a bit more. Change of pace players serve as difference makers in reality and on a team like the Spurs, Lee could very well be an eight point and eight rebound machine. The fact that he doesn’t need a ton of minutes to produce makes him very intriguing.
6. Tim Frazier-PG-New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans continue to be plagued with injuries and unfortunate personal circumstances and Tim Frazier will get first crack at handling point guard duties for the Pelicans. Frazier is quick and excellent on transition. He does not make too many risky passes and will be playing a ton of minutes and can very well average seven to eight assists a game. Frazier will get a lot of easy layups as well and could score in double figures on average. When a mid draft point guard run occurs, watch for Frazier and grab him if the pool starts thinning out.
7. Buddy Hield-SG-New Orleans Pelicans: There is maturity in Hield’s game that I do not see as much from rookies. Hield can play big and will attack the basket often and he is on the perfect team to hone his craft. Hield may start the season coming off the bench, but I expect his offensive game to help him standout and grab more minutes. Hield. With Ben Simmons hurt and other incoming rookies in time share positions, Hield could be a Rookie of The Year contender and am expecting him to average double digit points and to help from a minor standpoint in rebounds and assists.
8. JaMychal Green-PF-Memphis Grizzlies: When I saw the news at first that Green would be starting over veteran rebounding monster Zach Randolph, my jaw dropped. On paper it looks awful, but from a rotation standpoint it is smart. We saw flashes of talent from Green as the Grizzlies kept losing players to injury last season. Green is quick and agile for a big man and can attack the rim while Marc Gasol plays slow-ball from the elbow. I am expecting Green to set a lot of top of the key screens and then cut inside for the give and go and draw fouls. Green was aggressive on the boards last season as well and is patient in the post when he needs to be. Passes will be crisp with Mike Conley back in the lineup.
9. Dion Waiters-G/F-Miami Heat: The Heat are for the most part starting from scratch and with Josh Richardson (MCL) hurt, Waiters will get a ton of opportunity early. He has the exact same opp. As Joe Johnson has in Utah. Waiters has been one of the most inconsistent players over the last few seasons, but has proven that he can be a difference maker in games and if he can shoot 43-45 percent from the floor, he will get more playing time. Waiters also attacks the basket and can play the high post. Goran Dragic will be shooting less and Tyler Johnson will draw a ton of double-teams early. Waiters has every opportunity to be a meaningful offensive weapon and will help in rebounding as well. When Waiters goes into reckless abandon chucking mode, you will want to body slam him through a table. Again, this is a list of sleepers.
10. Alex Len-F/C-Phoenix Suns: As Tyson Chandler continues to age, this is the season we see a big step of improvement from Len. Len has toughened up inside and as long as he can stay healthy. I am feeling a double-double season from him. Len’s timing on defense has improved as well and will block shots this season. Len played a hair under 24 minutes per game last season and I am expecting that to increase to 30 minutes per game (possibly more). Len has a low block inside game with a quick turnaround move that he continues to improve. Expect growth.