Fantasy NBA: 5 Potential Draft Bargains

Early round picks have all the excitement, but nailing picks in the later rounds can be just as important to winning your fantasy league:

Dewayne Dedmon, C, Atlanta Hawks
Any one who has done a fantasy draft this year knows that rebounds and blocks are difficult to come by, and centers really dry up quickly. Enter Dewayne Dedmon, who has two things going for him: first, he is one of two true centers on the Atlanta Hawks roster and second, he isn't Miles Plumlee. Dedmon seems like a good candidate to soak up a lot of minutes, where the hope is he can give you rebounds and blocks. Dedmon's per 36 minute stats are excellent 10.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, so the hope is that if he gets starters minutes in Atlanta, he will produce around that level. This is not a sexy pick, and Dedmon doesn't have much upside to speak of but he's a step above the rebound/block specialist that really just helps you in one area.

Skal Labissiere, PF/C Sacramento Kings
This one you might require some patience, or maybe if the league is shallow enough you just book mark him in your waiver-wire, but by seasons end there is a good chance that Skal Labissiere will be producing big time for your team. Skal is the most talented big man on the Kings roster, and though it might take some time, he should be playing starters minutes at one of the big man spots for the Kings. The reason he might not get the minutes load he should is that Kings head coach Dave Joerger has been reunited with Zach Randolph and, like any head coach, he wants to win games, which means he will likely lean on his vets more than a rebuilding team probably should (for the same reason, De'Aaron Fox isn't a higher pick) but once it is clear that the Kings are going to lose no matter how they play (and that Randolph should be a starter at this point) Skal will be the one to benefit. Look for him to produce points, rebounds, good percentages, and some blocks as well.

Jeremy Lin, PG/SG Brooklyn Nets
Lin always seems to be pushed out of real life basketball teams for one reason or another, which leads him to be undervalued in fantasy as well. The Nets acquired D'Angelo Russell in the offseason, intending to build around him, which immediately led to a perceived downgrade in Lin's value. Not so fast my friend! True, Lin as lead perimeter dog is a thing of the past, but the Nets play at an absurd pace, tops in the NBA last season, which means plenty of opportunities for both Lin and Russell, not to mention the fact that Brook Lopez and his 29.2% usage rate are now gone or the fact that those two are the only proven guards on the roster, or the fact that Russell is the better shooter, which means it will make more sense for Lin to have the ball more often. Per 36 last season, Lin averaged 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.7 steals. If Lin proves he is healthy and can handle a 30 minute load, you could get a starting point guard (minus threes, but seriously everyone shoots 3s now) for a backup price.

Eric Gordon, SG Houston Rockets
Gordon was a top 10 shooting guard option last year, finishing fourth in the NBA with 246 three pointers (the three players ahead of him are all first three round picks), and yet ESPN has him ranked as their 20th overall shooting guard, behind an injured Zach LaVine among others (this does include players that also play other positions, but still). Gordon's injury history certainly plays a part in that but now that he is away from the New Orleans Saints Pelicans questionable training staff, that isn't as big of a concern. It is also easy to see how Gordon could be better this year than last: it's his second year in the system, Lou Williams isn't around to steal second unit shots any more and, he'll pretty much always be sharing the floor with either James Harden or Chris Paul, two of the best passer in the league who will also draw a ton of attention. Gordon is the Rockets third best player and will be on the floor in crunch time as well. If you find yourself low on threes, don't be afraid to pull the trigger on this gunner.

 Kent Bazemore, SG/SF Atlanta Hawks
After receiving a big contract, Kent Bazemore Bazed-Less and was considered a disappointment, though it was really only his field goal percentage (.409%) that let fantasy teams down in the aggregate; anyone expecting super-star production was going to be let down no matte what Bazemore did. Just as the real life Bazemore is a glue guy, that is his role for your team, giving you a little bit of everything: least season he averaged 11 points, 1.3 threes, 3.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists 1.2 steals, 0.7 blocks. Nothing that stands out, but nothing that hurt you either while the 0.7 blocks is great from a shooting guard. Now take into account that Bazemore did that in just 26.9 minutes a game. That Hawks teams was a playoff team with multiple offensive weapons. Now, Bazemore might be the best player on the whole team! Expect his minutes to go up and his all around production to be close to his per 36 numbers. Tyler Johnson all falls into the catagory, a guard that provides you with rebounds and blocks at a higher number than you'd expect without killing you in other areas. Every little bit counts.

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Atlanta Hawks Draft Review

Current Roster
PG: Dennis Schroder/Malcolm Delaney
SG: Kent Bazemore/Marco Belinelli/Tyler Dorsey
SF: Taurean Prince/DeAndre Bembry/Mike Dunleavy
PF: John Collins/Ryan Kelly
C: Miles Plumlee/Alpha Kaba

2017 Free Agents
Unrestricted
G Jose Calderon
F Paul Millsap (player option)
F Kris Humphries
F Ersan Ilyasova
C Mike Muscala
G Thabo Sefolosha

Restricted
G Tim Hardaway Jr.

Who They Drafted
1-19 John Collins, PF/C Wake Forest
2-41 Tyler Dorsey, SG Oregon
2-60 Alpha Kaba, C Mega Bemax

Collins is an extremely active big man with tremendous quickness and bounce, attributes he used to his advantage when it came to rebounding the ball and scoring around the basket. Collins has shown more range to his game at times, but it would be unfair to expect much floor spacing from him starting out. For Atlanta, which bases a lot of its offense on spacing the floor, this is an interesting fit and you might seem him playing more like a center on offense, setting screen and hanging out around the dunker spot, while Mike Muscala (if he resigns) will plays as the four, spacing the floor, while guarding the other teams center. Defensively, Collins needs a lot of work but the Hawks should be encouraged by the fact that it isn't a matter of effort, Collins has always played hard, he just needs to learn how to play defense. Even with a sorter wingspan and not really knowing what they heck he was doing defensively, Collins still managed to block 2.4 shots per 40 minutes. Whether or not Collins can become more of a energy backup big (think Kenneth Faried) will depend a lot on how his defense and shooting progress. Still, getting a Kenneth Faried level of player with the 19th pick isn't too shabby.
Dorsey is similar to Hawks restricted free agent in that he loves to get up shots and can heat up quickly. The Hawks may see Dorsey as a Hardaway insurance policy, at least giving them another shooter that can fill in spot minutes and space the floor when need be. Unlike Hardaway, however, Dorsey doesn't have much in the way of size or athletic ability and isn't dynamic off the dribble, meaning he is limited likely to guarding point guards, but without the ability to play that position on offense. The Hawks make use of a lot of ball movement in their offense, but not so much that they can really play without a point guard, nor do they have non-point guard primary creator that could allow Dorsey on the floor. Again, he can really shoot it and is worth the chance the Hawks took on him (though there were players drafted after him that I think were better) but it will take improvement in other areas for that shooting to make its way onto the floor.
Kaba was a hot prospect a couple years ago, when teams were desperately searching for the "next Giannis." None of that really materialized, though Kaba is freakishly long (7-5+ wingspan) and was productive in the Adriatic league at just 20 years old, averaging 17.7 points and 12.2 rebounds per 40 minutes. He is fairly mobile but not a vertically explosive athlete, giving him more potential as ground-bound, smooth moving defender than a dominating rim protector, despite his length. Offensively, he doesn't have a standout skill, he finds space in the pick-and-roll well but isn't a great finisher and doesn't have consistent range offensively. This is an obvious draft-and-stash situation for the Hawks and with the final pick in the draft, it is hard to ask for more than a young, long, productive big man as a potential lottery ticket.

What They Need Going Forward
If Paul Millsap moves on, as the signs seem to be pointing, the Hawks should prioritize bringing back Mike Muscala and Tim Hardaway Jr. on reasonable deals. Aside from those two, it is hard to see the case for the Hawks bringing back any of their other free agents if they are intent on rebuilding. Even if they resign Muscala, the Hawks will need big man depth. The Hawks have a lot of young wings, but could look to sign a cheap veteran as a mentor, but should avoid overspending at any position. Are they content with Malcolm Delaney? If not a veteran point guard could be brought in. The Hawks are in an interesting position, if they truly are rebuilding that it shouldn't be hard to bottom out, but are they willing to stomach that in a fickle market? Time will tell.

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2015 Draft Preview: Atlanta Hawks

2015-16 Depth Chart

PG: Jeff Teague/Dennis Schroder/Shelvin Mack

SG: Kyle Korver/Kent Bazemore/John Jenkins

SF: Thabo Sefolosha/Austin Daye

PF: Mike Scott

C: Al Horford/Mike Muscala

2015 Free Agents

C Pero Antic (RFA)

PF Elton Brand

SF DeMarre Carroll

SG John Jenkins

PF Paul Millsap

2015 Draft Picks

1-15 via Brooklyn

2-20(50) via Toronto

2-29(59)

Team Needs
The biggest areas of need will be created if either Paul Millsap or DeMarre Carroll leave in free agency. I would say the former is very unlikely, with the latter fairly likely. Under that assumption, Atlanta will be looking for a wing to take Carroll's role as defensive stopper/cutter/shooter. Even if Millsap returns, Atlanta is still thin in the frontcourt and could look in that direction if one of the better big men fell into their laps. Another issue for Atlanta is that when Kyle Korver was off the court or in a slump, their offense suffered. That is not to say that they could find a shooter like him, as historic great, but some approximation of a superior outside threat would be a serious boon to Atlanta's offense.

Potential Fits
I think if Devin Booker of Kentucky or Arkansas' Bobby Portis falls to them, they would be all over it. Booker for his shooting and Portis for his diverse skills for a big man. If they are off the board, Atlanta could look at UCLA forward Kevon Looney, who has tremendous length and a developing jumpshot, but is also a bit of a project. R.J. Hunter of Georgia State is an excellent shooter with the vision and passing to fit in Atlanta's ball-movement system, but would be more of a Korver backup than a Carroll replacement. The best replacement the Hawks are going to find to replace his defense and cutting ability is Arizona's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. He is probably a better defender than Carroll and excels making smart cuts to the basket. The shooting is another matter, but Atlanta seems to have been able to get the most out their shooters and have other options that can make Hollis-Jefferson work. Wisconsin's Sam Dekker is another interesting option because he could theoretically fill two roles, and Carroll's replacement and Millsap insurance... if his jumpshot comes along and he can defend either wings and bigs, if not both.

Mock Draft

15. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona

50. Josh Richardson, SG, Tennessee

59. Alan Williams, C, UC-Santa Barbara

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Atlanta Hawks Draft Review

15. Adreian Payne, PF Michigan Sr. (6-10, 239)

The Hawks love shooters and they got the most unique one in the draft with the 6-10, super and athletic Payne, who will step in as a suped up version of Mike Scott. Payne is already 23, which explains why he was available at 15, if he was even 20 we're talking a top 10 pick because his combination or shooting, size, and athleticism doesn't come around very often. There are some minor concerns besides age, like his inconsistency as a rebounder and history of under-achieving, but Payne should be able to contribute above-average play from day one and help anchor a bench unit that just lost Lou Williams.

43. Walter Tavares, C Cape Verde (7-3, 260)

Sandwiched between two high floor college seniors was perhaps the upside pick of the draft in the raw, massive Walter Tavares. Tavares is a good athlete for his size and has a huge 7-6 wingspan and really big hands. However, he has only been playing basketball for a couple years and is a ways away from being ready for the NBA. Odds are he is never heard from again, but there is a chance he turns into something, in which case Atlanta would have a game changer. The Hawks recently traded Lucas Nogueria, so Tavares will take his place as the lottery ticket center playing in Spain, though Tavares is further away.

48. Lamar Patterson, SG Pittsburgh Sr. (6-5, 226)

Patterson is similar to Payne in that he does two things well, shoot and defend, and due to his age, probably doesn't have upside beyond that. Patterson is ready to play right away and will likely slot into the Hawks bench and a 3-and-D wing in place of the recently traded Lou Williams. Between (nearly) sure contributors in Payne and Patterson, and a high upside, swing-for-the-fences, the Hawks has a well balanced draft.

Projected Lineup

PG: Jeff Teague/Dennis Schroeder

SG: Kyle Korver/Lamar Patterson

SF: DeMarre Carroll/Cartier Martin

PF: Paul Millsap/Adeian Payne

C: Al Horford/Pero Antic

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NBA Draft: 5 Perfect Fits in the First Round

A big part of the success factor in the NBA draft is find the correct fit for both team and player, whether it be filling a need, utilizing a skillset, or putting the player in a position to maximize strengths and limit weaknesses. While there may be no "perfect" fits, there are several throughout the first round that would really benefit both player and team.

1. Aaron Gordon and the Sacramento Kings

Since drafting DeMarcus Cousins, the Kings have tried Jason Thompson, Thomas Robinson, and Patrick Patterson at the power forward position and never really found the right fit. While his offense still has a ways to go, Aaron Gordon of Arizona has a knack for doing everything else on the court. He is an excellent defender who can guard both forward positions, blocks shots, and create turnovers. While playing next to Cousins doesn't require a top rebounder, Gordon is also very good on the glass. Offensively, Gordon needs to develop his jumper to space the floor, but his ability to handle the ball, pass, and play unselfishly well help to mitigate that. And Cousins can handle more of the inside scoring load anyway, taking pressure off Gordon early in his career. Also, he is very good running the floor which fits nicely alongside Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Williams, and Ben McLemore. Gordon plays very hard on both ends and is willing to do the dirty work to help his team win. I honestly think he would help any team that drafts him, but the Kings are an especially nice fit.

2. Elfrid Payton and the Chicago Bulls

While most point to the Bulls lack of shooting as their biggest issue (it definitely is one), their main issue on offense is the lack of a shot-creator when Derrick Rose is unavailable. They simply lack players who can take the ball and create a shot for themselves or teammates. Louisiana-Lafayette's Elfrid Payton probably won't help the Bulls lack of shooting much, but his ability to penetrate, score, and pass are exactly what Chicago needs behind Rose, and even alongside him. Payton is also excellent at drawing fouls, (another area the Bulls are lacking in) he shot 293 free throws last season, 8.6 per game. Added to all that, Payton is one of the best perimeter defenders in the draft and averaged 2.3 steals a game. Whether Rose is healthy or not, the Bulls need playmakers and Payton is one of the best in the draft.

3. T.J. Warren and the Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks offense is built around bigs Al Horford and Paul Millsap and small guards Jeff Teague or Lou Williams, and shooters. However, they don't have any big wings who are really a threat to score on their own. North Carolina State's T.J. Warren is an unusual player, but an effective scorer. He doesn't shoot from deep very well instead he scores in transition, with floaters and flips around the basket, and by getting to the free throw line. This scoring ability at 6-8, 220 would give the Hawks a different diamension off the bench and provide a scoring punch when the 3s aren't falling, Warren may struggle defensively, which would limit him to a bench role, where he wouldn't have to guard the top opposing forwards.

4. Cleanthony Early and the Utah Jazz
With the number 5 overall pick, the Jazz will have a terrific opportunity to add to their already considerable young talent base. With that pick, they should take the best player available and not worry about needs. However, they also pick at again at 23, and depending on what they do at 5, they should target a wing player who can shoot for a couple of reasons: first of all, they were not good shooting from 3 last season, hitting on only .344% of their three pointers, good for 25th in the league. Secondly, the status of Gordon Heyward is up in the air and they don't have anyone to replace him or back him up. Also with a big man heavy offense (Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, Julius Randle? Noah Vonleh?), and the more shooting they have to space the floor, the better. Wichita State's Cleanthony Early not only fits that need (.375% from 3 last season, great looking stroke) but he is very athletic (40' vertical) and at 6-8, has great size for a wing. As a 23 year-old college Senior, he should be able to contribute right away, albeit with limited upside. He also fits the Jazz' MO of taking proven college performers. 

5. Shabazz Napier and the Los Angeles Clippers

Darren Collison bounced back after some poor seasons and was great as a backup point guard for the Clippers, posting a 16.21 PER. However, he opted out of the last year of his deal and will almost certainly be signed out of the Clippers price range as a starter. If that is the case, the Clippers will be left with no other points on the roster next season. While they may look for a veteran backup, the cheaper option would be to draft one with their late first round pick and use that money to add quality depth to the font court. One of the reasons Collison was so effective is his uptempo style contrasted with Chris Paul's more deliberate pace and Collison could help carry the Clippers bench offense with his scoring and playmaking ability. Of the options available with the 28th pick, Shabazz Napier of Connecticut best fits the Collison role because he can push the tempo, and score in the halfcourt. With a ton of experience playing in at a high level in college, Napier should be more ready to contribute than the average late-first round point guard.

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Draft Review: Atlanta Hawks

First Round

Lucas Nogueria, C Brazil (16)

The Hawks are expecting to be big spenders this summer, so they took two first round prospects that are not only talented and but also provide financial flexibility. Nogueria is a project and might not come to the NBA this season, but he has big-time potential, especially as a defensive player. He needs to get stronger and work on his offensive game, but as far as physical tools and demeanor, the sky is the limit, but it will take time.

Dennis Schroeder, PG Germany (17)

Like Nogueria, Dennis Schroeder has high upside, but he is a little farther along and if he wants to, could come over and play in the NBA next season. Schroeder gets compared to Rajon Rondo due to his size, length, and playing style, however Rondo is longer and more explosive athletically. Schroeder on the other hand is a better shooter. Regardless, he will be a nice fit as a backup guard with some big time upside down the line.

Second Round

Mike Muscala, C Bucknell (44)

Tough he is not a great athlete, Mike Muscala is a knockdown shooter and has the size and length to play the center position in the NBA. Atlanta's role players in the frontcourt have been more of strong, tough, brute types, so Muscala's skill level will be a nice compliment to them, as well as giving the Hawks some much need floor spacing. Muscala is far from a star, but he will be a valuable role player as long as his defense doesn't hurt teams to much.

Raul Neto, PG Brazil (47)

GM Danny Ferry comes from San Antonio so it's no surprise to see him targeting players from overseas and trying to find value there. Raul Neto is a quick, smart point guard who know how to run a team. He needs to work on his defense and shooting, but Neto could be a solid backup in a couple years.

Projected Rotation

PG: Jeff Teague (RFA)/Dennis Schroeder

SG: John Jenkins/Lou Williams

SF: Kyle Korver (UFA)/???

PF: Al Horford/Mike Scott

C: Zaza Pachulia/Mike Muscala