Caleb Wilson of the Chicago Bulls tops this ranking of the 15 most valuable rookies for rest-of-season fantasy play, with the first two weeks showing how differently this class is being used. Some rookies have stepped into significant roles and are delivering for fantasy managers, while others are struggling with their shooting or simply aren’t getting enough minutes to make an impact. The rankings below weigh rest-of-season value in points leagues first, with some consideration for category formats.
1. Caleb Wilson, SF, Chicago Bulls: Chicago has wasted no time putting Wilson to work. The rookie is averaging 19.5 PPG and 6.5 RPG in 34.1 MPG, and he has attempted 17.1 shots per game with a 26.3% usage rate. His shooting hasn’t been particularly efficient, and averaging more than three combined steals and blocks will be difficult to sustain. Still, Wilson is getting plenty of opportunities on both ends of the floor. He is an automatic starter in fantasy lineups and has a chance to be especially valuable in category leagues.
2. Cameron Boozer, PF, Memphis Grizzlies: The shooting hasn’t caught up with the rest of Boozer’s game, but fantasy managers have plenty to like. He’s averaging 16.5 PPG, 9.8 RPG and 5.4 APG while making 2.3 3-pointers per game. His 23.4% assist percentage shows how much Memphis relies on him as a passer. Boozer is also shooting 94.4% from the free throw line, which helps offset a field goal percentage below 40%. He is a strong hold in every format and someone to consider trading for if another manager is frustrated with his shooting.
3. Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Sacramento Kings: Sacramento has essentially handed Acuff the keys to its offense. He’s averaging 25.6 PPG, 7.0 APG and 3.0 3-pointers in 36.6 MPG, with a 32.3% usage rate. He recently scored 38 points with nine 3-pointers against the Memphis Grizzlies. The downside is efficiency. Acuff is shooting 37.7% from the field and committing 3.6 turnovers per game. That makes him more appealing in points leagues than category formats, but it’s hard to argue with this kind of volume. Keep him in your starting lineup.
4. Yaxel Lendeborg, SF/PF, Golden State Warriors: Lendeborg has delivered in an expanded role for Golden State, averaging 21.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.9 APG and 2.5 3-pointers. His 63.8% true shooting percentage is impressive given his offensive responsibilities. Jimmy Butler III’s absence has created minutes and touches, and Lendeborg has taken full advantage. He is a must-start player, especially in category leagues. The one thing to watch is how much his role changes when Butler returns and Golden State’s rotation gets healthier.
5. AJ Dybantsa, SF, Washington Wizards: Dybantsa missed the start of the season with an ankle injury, but the No. 1 overall pick has looked comfortable offensively through three games. He’s averaging 16.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 1.0 SPG in 30.5 minutes per game. His limited assists and 3-point production make him somewhat dependent on scoring right now, and Washington has other established offensive options, so his role could take time to develop. Dybantsa belongs on fantasy rosters, but there’s no reason to rush to conclusions after such a small sample.
6. Darryn Peterson, SG/PG, Utah Jazz: Peterson’s shooting has been rough, with a 35.4% field goal percentage, but there’s more to his early numbers. He’s averaging 12.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.8 APG and 1.1 steals in 30.3 minutes, which shows his versatility. The minutes and defensive production give him a solid foundation while he works through his shooting struggles. I’d hold him in 12-team leagues and consider trading for him if another manager is impatient.
7. Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, LA Clippers: Wagler has had the ball in his hands, but the shots aren’t falling. He’s averaging 12.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 23.8 minutes while shooting just 30.9% from the field. His 23.4% usage rate and 20.2% assist percentage are encouraging, and he’s finding ways to get to the free throw line, attempting 6.0 per game and converting 85.4%. There’s enough here to justify stashing him in deeper leagues. In standard formats, I’d wait for his shooting or playing time to improve before adding him.
8. Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Brooklyn Nets: Brown’s 33.8% field goal percentage is hard to ignore, but his passing tells a different story. He’s averaging 4.0 APG in 22.8 minutes, and his 31.0% assist percentage ranks among the highest in the rookie class. With a 27.9% usage rate, Brooklyn is giving him real opportunities to create offense. The problem is that he isn’t producing enough outside of assists, and he’s shooting only 29.7% from deep. I’d leave Brown on waivers in standard leagues for now. Better shooting or a larger role could change that.
9. Meleek Thomas, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers: Thomas has given Cleveland some unexpected scoring, averaging 13.0 PPG and 2.6 3-pointers while shooting 46.3% from the field. His 59.2% true shooting percentage is excellent, but he has played just five games and is averaging 21.4 MPG. He needs those threes to maintain his fantasy value, and it’s unrealistic to expect him to keep shooting at this pace. Thomas is worth considering when you need points and 3-pointers, but be careful about getting too attached to his early production.
10. Aday Mara, C, Oklahoma City Thunder: Mara’s fantasy appeal is simple right now: he’s blocking shots. The 7-foot-3 center is averaging 1.9 BPG and 5.5 RPG in just 19.0 MPG. He’s scored only 6.8 PPG, so the offense isn’t there yet. However, the blocks alone could help managers in category leagues. Playing time remains the biggest obstacle. If Oklahoma City gives Mara closer to 25 minutes per game, he could become a much more attractive option. For now, he is primarily a blocks specialist.
11. Kingston Flemings, SG/PG, Atlanta Hawks: Flemings isn’t scoring much, but his assists deserve attention. He’s averaging 4.9 APG and 0.8 SPG in 20.8 MPG. His 17.4% usage rate helps explain why he’s scoring only 8.0 PPG. The passing gives him some appeal in deeper category leagues, especially for managers chasing assists. Points league managers can leave him on waivers for now, but if Atlanta pushes his minutes toward 30 per game, Flemings could help fantasy managers who need assists.
12. Trevon Brazile, SF/PF, Denver Nuggets: Denver isn’t asking Brazile to do much offensively, but he’s finding ways to contribute. The second-round pick out of Arkansas is averaging 8.0 PPG and 6.4 RPG in 22.1 MPG. He’s shooting 55.0% from the field, and his 14.4% usage rate shows Denver isn’t relying on him to create offense, which limits his scoring ceiling. However, his rebounding and defensive production could help managers in deeper leagues. I’d consider streaming him when you need those categories, especially if his minutes increase.
13. Brayden Burries, SG, Milwaukee Bucks: Burries’ rebounding has been one of the better parts of his game, as he’s averaging 4.5 RPG and 8.9 PPG in just 17.9 minutes. His shooting hasn’t been nearly as impressive at 41.1% from the field. Milwaukee also has several guards competing for playing time, which makes a consistent role difficult to project. Burries has a 21.6% usage rate, but he isn’t getting enough minutes to help fantasy managers in most leagues. I’d leave him on waivers until something changes.
14. Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Dallas Mavericks: Johnson is shooting 60% from the field, but that efficiency hasn’t translated into much fantasy value. He’s averaging just 7.4 PPG and 3.1 RPG in only 15.9 MPG, with very little production in steals or blocks. His field goal percentage is encouraging, but he needs to contribute more on the glass and defensively. Even with additional minutes, he would need to improve in those areas to become a dependable fantasy option. There’s no reason to prioritize him on waivers in standard leagues right now.
15. Nate Ament, SF, Milwaukee Bucks: Ament has shown promise as an outside shooter, making 40.0% of his 3-point attempts. The problem is that he’s attempting fewer than two per game while averaging just 14.8 minutes. He’s producing 7.2 PPG and 2.3 RPG, and his 20.6% usage rate suggests Milwaukee is giving him some offensive chances. It’s not enough for fantasy purposes right now. Ament is more of a developmental stash in deeper leagues, and managers in shallower formats can leave him on waivers until his playing time increases.
Final thoughts
Wilson, Boozer, Acuff and Lendeborg have established themselves as must-roster players. They’re getting consistent minutes and enough offensive opportunities to produce strong fantasy numbers. Wilson and Lendeborg are particularly appealing in category leagues, while Acuff’s scoring and assists make him more valuable in points formats.
Boozer and Peterson are two players to be patient with. Both are contributing despite shooting struggles, and their fantasy value can rise if they become more efficient. Wagler and Brown also have potential, but managers in shallower leagues don’t need to rush to add them.
Mara, Flemings and Brazile are three names to keep on the radar. Mara could become a valuable source of blocks, Flemings has assist potential, and Brazile is already contributing rebounds and defensive stats in limited minutes.
The next rookie worth adding might not be someone producing right now. Keep an eye on playing time, usage rates and rotation changes. Those are often the first signs that a player is about to become useful in fantasy.