5 low-risk high reward players to consider in NBA fantasy drafts

#3 Josh Giddey

Josh Giddey during the 2021 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot

In standard leagues that reset every season, rookies are not typically valued very highly. Maybe Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green will garner some mid-round consideration because of their likeliness to be a focal point of their teams from the jump.

Josh Giddey is a name that most people will overlook, but he has proven to fill up the stat sheet in a variety of categories. During his time in the NBL, the 19-year-old 6'8" point guard averaged 12.2 points, 8.4 assists, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 32.1 minutes of playing time.

Expecting those averages to settle down is somewhat understandable, but take into account the NBA team he was drafted to and their current focus. The Oklahoma City Thunder seem to fully intend to develop their young talent through any growing pains.

Players that do a little bit of everything reward fantasy owners kindly, and Josh Giddey fills that mold. He could also be available in the final rounds or as a free agent.

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#2 Jonas Valanciunas

Valanciunas during New Orleans Pelicans v Utah Jazz

I fail to understand why most people are predicting a significant dip in production from the Lithuanian big man this NBA season. He was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the New Orleans Pelicans and the most common argument seems to be that he will be less of a focal point on offense.

The Grizzlies still rostered Ja Morant last season and Valanciunas averaged 17.1 points and 12.5 rebounds a night. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are the focal points alongside him now in New Orleans, along with some young perimeter talent.

Zion Williamson's health concerns are being overlooked, though. He is coming off underdocumented foot surgery with no timetable to return, but an update and re-evaluation is scheduled for two weeks into the NBA season. Those type of numbers are repeatable for Jonas, and for some reason I have seen him sliding into the sixth round or later in some fantasy NBA drafts.

If Jonas Valanciunas is available in the sixth or seventh round of your draft, I would recommend scooping him up in a heartbeat.

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#1 Kevin Porter Jr.

Indiana Pacers face off against the Houston Rockets

I understand the hesitation with Kevin Porter Jr. Some character concerns and complications have led to unexpected benching or needed confidence boosts in the G-League.

The Houston Rockets are in full rebuild at this point, and he may be the one initiating the offense for them on nearly every possession. Porter Jr. and Jalen Green will be the two-headed monster in Houston along with big man Christian Wood.

Porter's averages of 16.6 points, 6.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds throughout 26 games with the Rockets last year is encouraging, and there is reason to buy into the 21-year-old taking another step up in his production.

I was shocked to see Kevin Porter Jr. available in some fantasy NBA drafts as late as the final round.