Picking players in fantasy basketball is similar to picking stocks: the higher the risk, the higher the reward… or the loss. The players associated with the highest risk-reward include rookies, vets coming off injury, and anyone traded during the offseason. So if you consider yourself a gambling man, or just want to add a little more excitement to your life, go ahead and draft some of these players… if you dare.
High-risk, high-reward players separated by round
2nd Round
Kevin Durant, OKC SF – Suffered broken foot during training camp, out at least six weeks, but hard to pass on the reigning MVP.
3rd Round
Kobe Bryant, LAL SG – Returning from Achilles surgery Kobe will rely on his ‘below the rim game’ in order to score buckets.
Dwayne Wade, Mia PG/SG – Highly injury prone, but no LeBron means Wade will once again be lead dog in Miami.
4th Round
Derrick Rose, Chi PG – The former MVP is returning from multiple knee surgeries and displayed the shooting prowess of Dick Chaney in Spain, making for the ultimate boom or bust player.
5th Round
Nerlens Noel, Phi PF/C – Last year’s No. 6 pick missed his entire rookie campaign due to injury, but there’s high hope for the high top in Philly.
6th Round
Jabari Parker, Mil SF/PF – The front runner for ROY, Parker has looked like a ‘mini Melo’ in his first few preseason games.
Rajon Rondo, BOS PG – Unmatched court vision, but retuning from hand surgery. Could see a boost in value if traded to a team full of shooters.
7th Round
Michael Carter-Williams, Phi PG – Recovering from shoulder surgery, MCW is a triple-double waiting to happen when healthy.
8th Round
Andrew Wiggins, Min SF – The number one pick in this year’s draft, Wiggins has a ton of hang time, upside, and improvement to show off in his rookie season.
9th Round
Danillo Gallinari, Den SF – The Italian import misses all of last year with a blown knee, a quality player when healthy.
Elfrid Payton, ORL PG – The talented rookie looks to have the starting job on lock in Orlando, drop him down a few spots if your league counts turnovers.
10th Round and later
Andrew Bogut, GSW C – You would think a man from the outback would be tougher than he is. The big Aussie will have a better year under Steve Kerr than Mark Jackson, as Jackson maybe a better fit to coach a high school team.
Kelly Olynyk, Bos C – The starting C for the C’s has a ton of potential in his sophomore campaign.
Make sure to check out all our 2014-2015 fantasy basketball tools and good luck on draft day!
