With the dates for NBA fantasy drafts quickly approaching, it’s that time of the year where we take a closer look at the potential breakout stars that could help put your team over the top this season. While it isn’t difficult at all to draft Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Stephen Curry in the first round, the true keys to success are the late picks that overachieve and produce at a higher level than expected. We found a handful of players that could fit that category. Here is a look at five potential NBA fantasy sleeper picks from the Northwest division.
PG: Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
It took some time for Murray to adjust to the NBA but he played at a high level at the end of the season and showed that he is more than capable of excelling as a starter. Murray averaged 15.1 points, 5.0 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.6 three-point shots in the final month of the 2016-17 season. That should set the bar high for 2017-18, with Murray looking to carry over the momentum following his strong finish. It’s easy to overlook him based on his full season statistics. However, if you project his strong finish over a full 82-game season following another offseason to develop, it’s clear Murray could be a fantasy sleeper worth taking a chance on.
C: Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers
A trade to Portland absolutely ignited Nurkic last season. The 2014 first round pick was outstanding for the Trail Blazers down the stretch as he averaged 15.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.9 blocks per game over the final 19 games of the season. Nurkic has the potential to build on that strong finish with another full offseason to improve his chemistry with Damian Lillard and company in Portland. He should be on the radar of fantasy GM’s as a legitimate fantasy sleeper pick.
PF: Patrick Patterson, Oklahoma City Thunder
Patterson averaged 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game for the Toronto Raptors last season. A new start in Oklahoma City could translate to even better numbers this season. Patterson hit 37-percent of his three-point shots with Toronto last year and could be leaned on even more by the Thunder as a big man that can stretch the floor. Russell Westbrook and Paul George will command plenty of attention from opposing defenses this coming season so Patterson should have plenty of open three-point opportunities. It won’t be a surprise if he averages at least 10.0 points, 2.0 three-point shots and 5.0 rebounds in 2017-18.
C: Derrick Favours, Utah Jazz
Favours was limited by injuries last season, which should push him down most fantasy basketball draft lists for this coming season. However, he could actually end up being a sneaky good value option at the center position now that he is healthy again. In 2015-16, Favours averaged 16.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per game for the Jazz. He might not be able to replicate those numbers this coming season, but he could come close if he avoids the injury bug in Utah this season. Keep in mind that the Jazz will likely rely on their interior players a little bit more now that Gordon Hayward has departed. And it should help that the Jazz bigs are playing with Ricky Rubio who – when healthy – is probably the best point guard they’ve worked with in a long time.
SF: Omri Casspi, Golden State Warriors
Casspi fell off the fantasy map in 2016-17 when he averaged just 5.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist over the course of the season. However, there is reason to believe he will bounce back this coming year with a fresh start for the Warriors. Casspi averaged 11.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 three-point shots per game in 2015-16. With more help in a reserve role, Casspi will have the opportunity to turn back the clock this season. Casspi has already shown what he can do at the NBA level. He’s another big who can shoot, which fits in well with the Warriors game plan. Don’t be surprised if he bounces back as a deep sleeper fantasy option this season.
The 2017 NBA futures are out. It’s been a wild offseason already, but keep an eye on the betting lines as they move around at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
