Right after the first article came out, it was made clear that Paul Reed won’t be getting a bigger opportunity this year due to the signing of Montrezl Harrell. With that information in mind, pick with caution. Still, this article will include some more sleeper hits. Sleepers to look for in fantasy basketball standard leagues part three.
PJ Washington: Hornets PF
Now that Miles Bridges is more than likely on his way out, Washington will be entrenched in the starting lineup. Washington has a very fun fantasy profile and now he gets more opportunity. Last season, he averaged 10.3 points, 5.2 boards, 2.3 dimes, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.3 turnovers on 47% from the field, 37% from three and 72% from the line. Since Charlotte hasn’t really made any big moves this offseason (in fact they lost more than they gained). This bodes well for Washington’s outlook since he will be in the starting lineup. He also has been putting in a ton of work this offseason, so his numbers figure to grow this year. Another thing to note: Lamelo Ball’s playmaking has only gotten better and better, so Washington’s scoring will more than likely rise.
Isaiah Jackson: Pacers PF/C
Jackson had a very fun rookie season but was unfortunately marred by injuries. He finished with averages of 8.3 points, 4.1 boards, 0.3 dimes, 0.7 steals, 1.4 swats, and 1.1 turnovers a game on 56% from the field, 31% from three and 68% from the line. Jackson is on a rebuilding team in the Pacers, so he will not lack for opportunities. He has some very fun per 36 min averages: 19.8 points, 9.9 boards, 0.7 dimes, 1.7 steals, 3.5 blocks, and 2.7 turnovers a game. If he can come close to 36 minutes a game, then that would be a fun sight to witness. The second-year forward/center just needs to stay healthy because he only played 36 games.
Jared Butler: Jazz PG
Butler is in a very favorable situation right now. Now that Donovan Mitchell is gone and the Jazz have embraced the tank, Butler is going to have some major opportunities in front of him. With Collin Sexton the top dog, maybe Butler can slide in at the two or vice versa. A thing to think about: Butler has per 36 min averages of 16.1 points, 4.5 boards, 6.3 assists, 1.7 swipes, 0.8 blocks, and 3.3 turnovers a game. The Jazz are looking to unload Malik Beasley, Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson. If these guys get shipped off for draft capital, expect Butler to have a fantasy-relevant season for the tank-ridden Jazz.
Talen Horton-Tucker: Jazz SG/SF
Tucker started last season like prime Michael Jordan and finished on a very mediocre note. He finished with averages of 10 points, 3.2 boards, 2.7 dimes, one steal, 0.5 blocks, and 1.4 turnovers on 42% from the field, 27% from three and 80% from the line. For a second-round pick that is going into his fourth season, the averages are good. His potential is there and his opportunity to do something this season have increased dramatically. Expect Horton-Tucker to have a more relevant season this year.