Lauri Markkanen’s Fantasy Outlook
Lauri Markkanen, once a top fantasy basketball prospect, has seen his average draft position (ADP) drop to the sixth round, as potential fantasy owners grew weary of his frequent absences due to injury. His previous season was underwhelming, with an average of just 19 points per game, a stark contrast to the impressive numbers he posted during his first two seasons with the Utah Jazz, where he scored 25.6 points and grabbed 8.6 rebounds per game while connecting on numerous three-point shots.
While injuries have plagued Markkanen, leading to inconsistencies over the past couple of seasons, it seems he is regaining his form this year. Currently, he stands out among an elite group of players, averaging 30 points per game as of Thursday, though concerns about his health remain valid given his history of injuries and limited game appearances, never exceeding 68 games in a season.
Despite the setbacks, Markkanen’s attempts on the court have increased notably from 17.3 to 21.5 per game, making him the fourth most aggressive scorer in the league. His shooting from beyond the arc, averaging 3.8 made threes per game, adds another dimension to his scoring prowess. With the Utah roster lacking depth following the season-ending injury to starting center Walker Kessler, Markkanen is projected to have ample opportunities to continue his surge.
Young talents like Keyonte George, although struggling with shooting consistency and turnovers, manage to feed him the ball effectively, while rookie Ace Bailey is expected to become a notable scorer as well, anticipating contributions around 15 points per game by Christmas.
Markkanen’s Recent Performance
Markkanen’s prospects seem bright, especially after already notching a remarkable 51-point game against the Phoenix Suns and scoring over 40 points in two of his last three outings. Although his contributions may skew more towards points rather than rebounds or assists in fantasy formats, he is inching back toward being a foundational player in fantasy leagues. Potential factors limiting his performance may include injuries or a trade that could relegate him to a lesser role, but for now, fantasy managers should relish his resurgence.
Coaching Changes and Player Development
In other developments, the recent coaching change in New Orleans, following the dismissal of Willie Green, may yield positive outcomes for the Pelicans’ rebuilding effort. Young guard Trey Murphy is expected to flourish under this new regime. While he might not reach Markkanen’s scoring stats, goals of 25 points per game are within reach for Murphy, especially alongside promising rookies like Fears and Queen.
Although Fears recently dropped 24 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he still has areas to improve, specifically rebounding and assisting. Nonetheless, his 19 years bring promising potential, and his play suggests he could settle into a role as a shooting guard if the Pelicans shored up their rotation. Queen, whose game has improved since the coaching switch, is becoming a dynamic contributor and can be a force on the boards despite his raw offensive skills.
Celtics’ Shooting Trends
As for the Celtics, last year they led the league in three-point attempts and makes, yet recent trends suggest their shooting has taken a dip. Even with lowered figures, players like Brown, White, and Pritchard continue to accumulate fantasy points, with Pritchard recently shining by averaging 25.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in several games. White, despite an off shooting year at 35%, is expected to bounce back. Investment in these players may still yield rewards in fantasy leagues, although caution around struggling additions like Simons and Hauser is advisable.
