During the NBA playoffs, there is a lot of talent, intensity, and pressure to come through. The opportunity for players to rise up and show what they can do when it matters most is tremendous.
The players who have emerged during the NBA playoffs and improved their fantasy outlook heading into next season are discussed in this section.
The Memphis Grizzlies have a man named Desmond Bane.
During the regular season, he doubled his production from his first season to his second, up to 18.2 PPG with 3.0 3PG. Through the first four games of the first round, he averaged 28.0 points per game and 5.8 points per game, but a back injury slowed him down, and he averaged 18.6 points per game and 3.6 points per game in the second round.
In the last two games against the Warriors, he was able to get back to 23.0 PPG and 4.0 3PG. In his third season, Bane could score in the mid-20s per game and be among the league leaders in 3-pointers. He ended the regular season ranked in the 50s in my fantasy rankings, but if he is who he showed himself to be in the playoffs, he could knock on top 25 value for next season's drafts.
The Golden State Warriors have Jordan Poole.
Through the second round of the playoffs, he has averaged 18.6 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.4 points per game, while shooting 45% from the field. The No. 28 pick in the NBA draft, Poole, only scored 8.8 points in two seasons. At the time he was drafted, many thought he was a reach to be selected at the end of the first round, but he has proven he is ready for the spotlight. Along with his natural talents, Poole has been able to absorb best practices from some of the best minds in the league. Fantasy managers should feel the same way, as he is trusted by the Warriors. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson make up a perfect blend of Poole's skills.
The Philadelphia 76ers have a player named Tyrese Maxey.
Maxey was an under-the-radar beneficiary of Ben Simmons' situation. In the regular season and playoffs, he averaged more than 17 points per game. He averaged only 6.1 PPG with Simmons in his first season. With his speed and aggressiveness on the court, Maxey proved he could coexist with James Harden andJoel Embiid as a third option. This is even more impressive when you consider that the trio didn't have a lot of time to get to know each other. Regardless of whether Harden returns or not, Maxey's fantasy outlook remains positive.
The Dallas Mavericks have a player named Jalen Brunson.
It was a perfect time for the Mavericks to see the breakthrough of Brunson in the playoffs. He put up more points in the playoffs than he did in the regular season. He has become a household name because of his playoff performances. In the summer, he will enter unrestricted free agency to find a more prominent role. This will bode well for his fantasy prospects in the future.
The Atlanta Hawks have a player named Deandre Hunter.
During the playoffs, Hunter showed that he was still capable of playing at a high level and that he was healthy. Hunter was the fourth pick in the NBA draft, and showed promise in his first couple seasons before injuries derailed him. He played only 23 games as a sophomore and missed almost 30 this season. Trae Young led the Hawks in scoring in the playoffs. Hunter improved from 13.4 to 21.2 in the playoffs.
He improved from 14 points, 3 rebound, 2 3-pointers, to 35 points, 11 rebound, and 3 3-pointers in the first game, and then from 14 points, 3 rebound, 2 3-pointers, to 25 points, 11 rebound, and 3 3-pointers in the second game. Hunter finished the season ranked 174th in my fantasy rankings, but he could be worth a look in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts if he settles into a key role for the Hawks next season.
The Miami Heat have Victor Oladipo.
Injuries have caused him to miss most of the last three seasons, but he was once a fantasy impact player. During the regular season, he played only eight games and was no longer relied upon as a producer. He has already played eight games in the playoffs, starting one, and has shown that he can still produce. If he convinces a team that he may return to his former All-Star form with his improved health, he still has fantasy starter upside despite having fallen completely out of the rankings during his years of injury.
Patrick Williams is a player for the Chicago Bulls.
The No. 4 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Williams had a solid first season. He was drafted a strong, athletic defensive wing that could develop into a do-everything forward in the NBA. He missed 65 games and turned in the same numbers as his first season, but he was injured for the majority of the season. He started every game in the playoffs and his volume production improved. The Bulls would love for Williams to become a starter in his third season. He finished the regular season ranked 231st in my rankings, but if he improves on his performance in the playoffs he could be a worthy late round fantasy sleeper.
Tyus Jones is a player for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Ja Morant was lost to injury in the second round of the playoffs and Jones was one of the best backups in the NBA. Jones thrived when Morant was out, shooting 32% on 3-pointers, and he averaged 12.7 PPG, 6.6 APG and 3.2RPG while he was out. Memphis finished 19-4 in the regular season with Jones as the starter. He showed his value at the most important position in the league. Morant is expected to sign a long-term extension with the Grizzlies and Jones is likely to sign with another team this summer.
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