The first week of the 2015-16 NBA season came and went without any major fireworks, but the steady stream of games allowed us to evaluate a number of player situations. Now we’ve got some insight into a number of settings that we were trying to handicap entering the regular season. Here’s what we’ve learned so far:
Towns Is The Real Deal
The Minnesota Timberwolves became the first team in NBA history with three consecutive No. 1 picks on their roster at the same time when they drafted and signed Karl-Anthony Towns in the 2015 NBA Draft. While there was some talk about how long it would take for him to reach his potential at the pro level, the early returns are a strong indication he is the real deal. Towns has averaged 17.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in 30.7 minutes per game through three contests and his numbers are better than the reigning Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins early on.
Everybody knew that Towns had the potential to become an NBA star but it seems like he is already ahead of the curve. There were some concerns that he might not get starter minutes in a cramped frontcourt but the Timberwolves are feeding him what he can handle. And there were also some question marks in terms of his offensive game but the Timberwolves coaching staff told us that he simply hadn’t been unleashed at Kentucky. Well, he’s been unleashed in the NBA and he has the makings of a superstar so far.
Mudiay Is Talented, Still Raw
Speaking of rookies, Denver Nuggets first-round pick Emmanuel Mudiay was talked about a lot as a quality sleeper pick option in deeper fantasy leagues this season. We learned this week that was a fair assessment but he’s still very raw. Mudiay has averaged 12.7 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals is 30.3 minutes per game through his first three NBA appearances but he has also averaged 6.3 turnovers per game, including a career-high 11 in a 105-85 win over the Houston Rockets. The seventh-overall pick from this year’s Draft is clearly an exceptional talent that will get every opportunity to put up quality numbers in Denver but he is also very raw still and a liability in the turnover department.
Porter’s Emergence In DC
Washington Wizards small forward Otto Porter Jr. broke out in last year’s playoffs and expectations were high for him heading into this year with a bigger role. With Paul Pierce’s exit after he joined the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason, Porter was expected to be the man who stepped up. The early returns support the idea that Porter is ready for a breakout fantasy season as he has averaged 9.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals in 34.3 minutes per game through Washington’s first three contests. The scoring numbers might seem a little light to some but he is chipping in across the board. The combination of a starting role, increased minutes and his individual development as a player has led to Porter becoming a relevant fantasy forward and if he’s still available on the wire, he’s a guy you’ll want to consider adding.
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No Signs Hill Will Regress
The healthy return of Paul George combined with the addition of Monta Ellis influenced some fantasy basketball general managers to think George Hill’s numbers were bound to dip this season. However, the early numbers indicate otherwise. Hill has averaged a team-high 18.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals in 38.0 minutes per game through the first three contests while George has been average and the newcomer Ellis has struggled to adjust to his new team (and role). Indiana didn’t look so hot starting the season with three straight losses but this is a team that fits Hill’s skills quite well. They like to run a lot and he’s the best facilitator in the backcourt as George and Ellis are scorers. Even as the team has struggled, Hill has been consistent. He’s someone you want to own and start.
