Fantasy Basketball: Bold Predictions for the 2024-25 NBA Season

Sometimes it takes an expert's eye to see something before everyone else sees it, like Tyrese Maxey becoming a 25.9 PPG scorer at age 23 or Derrick White becoming a 25.9 PPG scorer in his eighth NBA season a top 30 fantasy player.

And then there was Damian Lillard, who struggled in his first season in Milwaukee, seeing his scoring drop from 32.2 PPG in the 2022-23 season to just 24.3 in the 2023-24 season.

How many people saw this coming?

If so, you'd have a huge leg up on the competition in your fantasy basketball leagues – that's for sure!

With that in mind, we gathered our fantasy basketball experts – André Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick and Steve Alexander – to break down their bold fantasy basketball predictions for 2024-25.

Cam Thomas ranks in the top 30 fantasy players this season.

The Brooklyn Nets are in rebuilding mode and are expected to be one of the worst teams in the league, but Thomas will score a lot. Last season he averaged 22.5 PPG on 31.4 MPG and 18.0 field goal attempts. With Ben Simmons continuing to play open shots, Thomas faces a huge usage rate. He is also a legitimate candidate to lead the league in scoring and will also contribute in other statistical areas such as assists. He is currently the No. 67 player taken off the board in the ESPN draft, which is too low. — Moody

At least one of the group consisting of Jalen Green, Anfernee Simons and Cam Thomas will finish in the NBA's top five in scoring.

Last season, Kevin Durant was the fifth-highest scorer with 27.1 PPG. Thomas ranked 26th in the league (22.5 PPG), Green was 42nd (19.6 PPG) and Simons didn't play enough games to qualify but would be 22nd with 22.6 PPG. Landed place. All are young players with a proven track record of scoring mega goals and all have the opportunity to take on bigger roles for their teams this season. I believe that at least one, if not more, will make it into the NBA's elite scoring ranks. — Snellings

Chet Holmgren becomes a fantasy superstar

The jump from unknown to rotation player is always a fascinating development. The rare rise from there to glory can change your imagination or the results of real NBA teams. The rarest transition, however, is from star to superstar.

That will be the case for Holmgren this season. I boldly predict that, although not to Wemby heights, he will reach a whole new statistical level, one that includes a dominant defense and a growing attacking repertoire that could become even more dangerous given the added talent in his squad. He's the only player who should be considered on par with San Antonio's specialty center in terms of block rate potential, while the support of his talented teammates gives him the freedom to play direct handoffs, high-efficiency cut-and-lobs and even point plays. to 3 point work. To put it this way: This is probably the last season in a decade where you can take Chet outside of the first round. — McCormick

Andre Drummond will average a double-double in points and boards.

OK, Drummond is 31 now, and he hasn't achieved that since the 2020-21 season, but what a great opportunity he has now that he's back in Philly. We know Joel Embiid won't be playing in every game. Last season he didn't even play in half the games. Drummond averaged 14.1 PPG and 17.9 RPG during his 10 starts for the Chicago Bulls last season and totaled 8.4 PPG and 9.0 RPG. Assuming Drummond starts at least twice as often, perhaps a lot more, he becomes a viable option in deeper leagues. — Carabelle

Naz Reid will be a top-75 fantasy player this season.

Reid was a fantasy darling during the final half of the 2023-24 season, finishing in the top 120 despite playing behind Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, both of whom remained relatively healthy. Reid had a career year, averaging 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 0.9 assists and 2.1 3-pointers, but was even better after the break, scoring 16.0 points, 6.6 Boards, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 2.5 triples. KAT is now in New York and while Julius Randle (and Gobert) will still be in the way, Randle is not KAT. Minnesota knows how good Reid is and we will all see that this season. — Alexander