The Boston Celtics emerged as the NBA champions, showcasing dominance throughout the regular season and playoffs. For an in-depth analysis, watch the full episode of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast here.
Jayson Tatum's Fantasy Step Back
Jayson Tatum took a fantasy step back this season, which was a surprise to many. Despite averaging 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, his overall fantasy impact was slightly lower than expected. His shooting percentages were solid but not elite, making him a bit of a mixed bag for fantasy owners.
Jaylen Brown: Overrated in Fantasy?
Jaylen Brown had a strong playoffs and won the Finals MVP, but his regular season was less impressive from a fantasy standpoint. Averaging 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, Brown's free-throw struggles (70%) and mediocre three-point shooting (35%) kept his fantasy value lower than anticipated.
Kristaps Porzingis: Injury Concerns
Kristaps Porzingis had a productive season when healthy, averaging 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. However, his injury history remains a significant concern. Despite playing only 57 games, Porzingis showcased his elite fantasy potential, but his lower body issues make him a risky pick moving forward.
Derrick White's Breakout Season
Derrick White was a revelation this season, ranking 24th on Yahoo and 44th in minus one rankings. Averaging 15 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.2 blocks, White's breakout was fueled by his elite defense and improved shooting. Be cautious, though, as drafting him too high based on this year's performance could be risky.
Al Horford: Tough to Pin Down Value
Al Horford remains a tricky player to evaluate for fantasy purposes. At 38, he played 65 games, averaging 8.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block. While Horford can be a valuable streaming option when starting, his inconsistent role and age make him a challenging player to rely on consistently.
The Celtics' Future
Looking ahead, the Celtics have some decisions to make with their roster. They hold the 30th and 54th picks in the upcoming NBA draft and face potential luxury tax implications. With key players like Jayson Tatum and Derrick White eligible for extensions, Boston's management will need to navigate these financial challenges carefully.
For a detailed breakdown of each player's season and the Celtics' future outlook, watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Josh Lloyd, host of Locked On Fantasy Basketball, provides in-depth analysis and insights into the world of fantasy basketball. Follow him on Twitter @RedRock_BBall and catch all the latest episodes on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms.