Basketball
ESPN's Top 150 Fantasy Basketball: Blazers' Avdija in the Spotlight
2024-12-05
ESPN has recently unveiled its esteemed list of the top 150 fantasy basketball players in H2H (head-to-head) leagues. This comprehensive list showcases the talents of numerous players across different teams, and interestingly, it includes several players from the Portland Trail Blazers. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, and Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis have secured the top five positions, leaving fans and analysts intrigued about where the Blazers players would land. Let's delve deeper into the Blazers' representation on this list.
Uncover the Fantasy Fates of Portland Trail Blazers Players
No. 104: Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija's journey to the Portland Trail Blazers was a significant one. Acquired on draft day in a deal with the Washington Wizards, the young Israeli wing has made his mark on the team. Despite a slight dip in his raw per-game numbers this season, averaging 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 41.7% from the field, his impact on the court remains crucial. Avdija's ability to contribute in various aspects of the game has been instrumental in the Blazers' improvement. Just missing out on making ESPN's top 100, he finds himself sandwiched between No. 103 Cameron Johnson (Brooklyn) and No. 105 Kyle Kuzma (Washington). His consistent play and potential make him a player to watch in the fantasy basketball realm. 2: Avdija's defensive skills also add value to the Blazers' lineup. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses is often overlooked. His tenacity on the court and willingness to take on challenging defensive assignments have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. In addition to his on-court contributions, Avdija's work ethic and determination off the court are qualities that bode well for his future in the league.No. 108: Anfernee Simons
Similar to Deni Avdija, Anfernee Simons' statistics have seen a decline from the previous season. This year, he is averaging 16.7 points and 4.4 assists per game, but his shooting percentage from three has dropped to 33.1%. Despite these early struggles, Simons has shown flashes of his scoring ability, most notably in his 24-point third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. His ability to go on scoring sprees and provide a boost to the team in crucial moments cannot be ignored. 2: Simons' potential is still very much alive, and his coaches and teammates believe in his ability to bounce back and perform at a higher level. His quickness and explosive scoring ability make him a dangerous player on the court. As he continues to work on his shooting and overall game, there is no doubt that he will continue to be a key contributor to the Blazers.No. 115: Deandre Ayton
Entering this season with some momentum after a strong finish to his first campaign with the Blazers, Deandre Ayton has been a subject of much discussion. Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, he was traded to the Blazers in the now-famous three-team trade involving Damian Lillard. Ayton has always been seen as an underachiever, putting up solid numbers on the surface but never reaching his full potential. This season, he is averaging 14.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game while shooting 56.4% from the field. While these numbers are not bad, they have not been enough to earn him a higher ranking on ESPN's list, as he finds himself behind No. 113 Nic Claxton (Brooklyn) and No. 114 Jabari Smith, Jr. (Houston). 2: Ayton's physical presence and rebounding ability are undeniable. He is a force in the paint and can dominate the boards. However, his lack of playmaking skills and perimeter shooting have limited his overall impact in fantasy basketball. If he can work on expanding his game and becoming more versatile, he has the potential to significantly improve his ranking and become a more valuable asset to the Blazers.No. 119: Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant is a veteran presence on this young Blazers team, providing steady and reliable leadership both on and off the court. He is averaging 15.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, shooting 38.6% from the field, 35.8% from three-point range, and 81.7% from the free-throw line. Despite his solid numbers, he finds himself ranked just behind No. 118 Ayo Dosunmu (Chicago) and No. 117 Terry Rozier (Miami) on ESPN's list. His lack of assists and rebounding may not be particularly suited for fantasy basketball metrics, but his scoring ability and defensive prowess cannot be overlooked. 2: Grant's three-point shooting has been particularly impressive over his last 10 games, as he is making 40.5% of his attempts. This hot streak has added a new dimension to his game and has made him a more valuable asset in fantasy basketball. His ability to score in bunches and play tough defense makes him a key player for the Blazers, and his contributions often go unnoticed in the rankings.Thoughts?So, what do you think? Did ESPN do a fair job ranking Blazers players on this list? Did any of it catch you off guard? In your opinion, is there another Portland player that deserves to be mentioned in the top 150? Let us know in the comments section below!