New York Knicks: Players worth drafting for fantasy basketball in 2017-18
By Sunder Bedi
There are many players who can make a difference for fantasy basketball owners. Here are a few New York Knicks standouts worth picking on draft day.
With the 2017-18 NBA regular season opener mere weeks away, the start of the fantasy basketball season will soon begin, as well. There are many players who are worth drafting, including a number of players on the New York Knicks.
here are a few Knicks players who would be worth selecting on draft day.
Kristaps Porzingis
With Carmelo Anthony no longer in New York, Kristaps Porzingis will officially take the lead for the Knicks. Last season, Porzingis averaged 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.7 three-point field goals made per game.
The numbers may rise with Anthony no longer on the team. More than anything, Anthony’s departure should provide more scoring opportunities for the Unicorn. Quite honestly, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Porzingis’ scoring average were to exceed 21.0 points per game.
Porzingis should be a great source of points, blocks, three-point field goals made, and rebounds. The Unicorn is a must-add in all leagues.
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr is projected to be the starting shooting guard for the Knicks after signing a four-year deal worth $71 million. He’s also expected to be the second option on offense, as well as the primary scoring option amongst the perimeter players.
In 2016-17, Hardaway was an asset on many fantasy teams for his contributions in scoring and three-point field goals made. In 30 games as a starter, he averaged 17.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 three-point field goals made in 33.8 minutes per game.
With an increased role in New York, Hardaway’s fantasy production is expected to be on the rise. Hardaway is another must-add in all leagues.
Enes Kanter
Enes Kanter is expected to compete for the starting center position with Willy Hernangomez and Joakim Noah. He’s able to make high-quality contributions in scoring and rebounding categories.
If he wins the starting center spot, Kanter will be a must-add in all fantasy basketball leagues. For perspective, Kanter averaged 15.5 points and 9.0 rebounds as a full-time starter in 2014-15.
Even if he doesn’t start, Kanter makes a quality addition in ten-team leagues or greater. Last season, he provided solid fantasy production with averages of 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in just 21.3 minutes per game.
That translates to 24.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per 36 minutes.
If a fantasy owner is looking for a player who’s able to provide scoring and rebounding, Kanter should be a high priority.
Willy Hernangomez
Willy Hernangomez’s fantasy stock is similar to Kanter’s. If he becomes the starter, his fantasy production will be high. Hernangomez is a steady source of points and rebounds, and should provide an efficient field goal percentage.
Last season, Hernangomez averaged 11.6 points (on 50.5 percent shooting) and 9.3 rebounds in 22 games as a starter for New York. He becomes a must-add if he’s the starting center.
If Hernangomez isn’t the starting center, he would be still be able to produce in these categories as a sixth man, but should only be added in fantasy leagues with ten teams or more.
Must Read: 5 reasons Kristaps Porzingis will be an All-Star in 2017-18
Some may have tempered expectations for the New York Knicks, but a number of players could be fantasy basketball steals in 2017-18.