Fantasy sports researcher Dan Titus examines a group of players who improved their draft standing for the following year as the 2023-24 NBA Finals approach.
The NBA Finals idea off on Thursday, but with a couple of days in between, let's examine a few people who caught my attention in the playoffs. More than take from the team competing for the Championship, I will explore the people from the 14 clubs who've been eliminated and assess whose stock is rising or falling after this playoff run.
These are three people who have boosted their review stock ahead of the start of the time, starting with the rising stars.
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
While we were brief- changed seeing Paolo in only seven postseason games, I saw much to know he will be an earlier- to middle- third- round pick next year.
Banchero did everything for the Magic, he led them in details and touchdowns and, similar to the ordinary time, acted as their main player. He had such a high consumption rate against the Cavs, which was the third-highest percentage of any person in the postseason, given that the Magic were so reliant on him.
The increased demand even resulted in a higher turnover price, but that is nothing to worry about. In free agency, Orlando will promote hiring some guns, which will only help Paolo's possible help. And picture if his three- basketball mysteriously reappears. Even if it's not at a 40 % clip, hitting the league average of 36 % with that kind of postseason volume ( 5.7 per game attempts ) would drive his price up.
He has already won Rookie of the Year and an All-Star spot in his second NBA season. He did rank among the top 30 players in points and class leagues if his efficiency with that kind of production improves.
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
J- Dub was the person I chose to break out in the 2024 Finals. He struggled excessively in the Conference finals, shooting an unusual 42 % from the industry in that line. Even so, what he accomplished during his first playoff visit encouraged me.
In the first- circular sweep of the Pelicans, Williams showcased his two- means ability, averaging 21 points with seven boards, five assists and two stocks across four games — all better marks than his ordinary time numbers. And while the grading dipped versus the Mavericks, he carried the next- highest consumption and racked up over 12 rebounds + assists per game compared to eight in the normal period.
He's just 23 years old and just finished fourth in the Most Improved Player poll. In his end- of- season exit interview, Williams reflected on his playoff performance, noting that he tries to identify a specific area of improvement every offseason. Williams has already decided what his next year's schedule will include, though he declined to say what he'll change. I anticipate making adjustments, such as drawing more fouls and going downhill more frequently. And if he hits the glass like he did in the Playoffs, his value will rise nicely to the top 40.
Given that Williams is poised to increase his second-year numbers, I'm anticipating him to go around Banchero's same area in the third round.
Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers
The Gonzaga alum completes the postseason's trio of promising freshmen. Yes, Tyrese Haliburton's numbers dramatically increased. However, Nembhard was consistent throughout each round, facilitating the offense, locking in defensively and scoring efficiently.
What we witnessed in the Eastern Conference Finals, however, was different. It was akin to Jalen Brunson's coming- out party against the Jazz in 2022. When Luka Dončić went down, Brunson showed the world much of what we see today.
I'm not saying that's Nembhard's trajectory, but he was beyond impressive taking over for an injured Haliburton.
Despite Indy getting swept in the Eastern Conference Finals, Nembhard finished as the Pacers second- leading scorer ( 21.0 per game ) and top assist man ( 7.8 per game ) in that series, falling a couple of percentage points shy of shooting 50/40/90 against the top- seeded Boston Celtics.
He consistently used his right pass and quick midrange moves to finish the rim. Whether Haliburton's injury paved the way for more opportunity, Nembhard did n't shy away from the moment, even though he was a second- year player with no previous playoff experience. This playoff run demonstrated his ability to play solid fantasy football when given the chance, and the talent is there.
Nembhard was a waiver guy at various points throughout the season and did not play in the majority of leagues. However, that's all changed after a deep, successful postseason run. The pendulum has swung from being a fringe waiver asset to a late- round draft pick next year.
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