Part one of a six part installment looks at the fantasy value of players on non-playoff teams. I have long contended that non-playoff teams can provide excellent fantasy player options. Let’s face it, even bad teams score 80 plus points per game, so someone has to get those points and it’s just as likely that someone is getting some assists.

Now these non-playoff teams typically don’t get a lot of run on televised games, nor do they get much representation in the media because let’s face it, if they had a franchise or superstar player they won’t be such a bad team to start with. We start our analysis in the Atlantic Division where we project that the Toronto Raptors will be the sole team to not make the playoffs. That’s right; the Brooklyn Nets will make the playoffs this year. Here are two players from the Toronto Raptors that could contribute nicely to your fantasy roster.

Kyle Lowry – Point Guard
Lowry came over from the Houston Rockets in the off-season and was immediately handed the keys to the Raptors offence. Lowry will supplant Jose Calderon as the starting point guard from the on-set as coach Dwane Casey is looking for an immediate upgrade at that position. Lowry has improved off each of his NBA seasons, and expect this season to be no different.

Lowry will have some added pressure in Toronto as fans want to see an exciting brand of basketball that produces some wins. Despite Lowry’s best efforts the Raptors will once again fall short of their playoff goal. If Kyle can keep his shooting percentage up and keep the turnovers down then watch for the scoring and assist numbers to rise. Season ending averages of 16.5 ppg, 7.5 apg and 5 rpg are not unattainable. He is the best fantasy option on this team, and he will prove to be a real fantasy option at the point guard position.  

DeMar DeRozan – Shooting Guard
DeMar has been a consistent starter for the Raptors, having started every game he played in the past two seasons. DeMar saw his scoring average decrease slightly last season, as his field goal percentage was down. I like DeRozan as a cheap fantasy option in the two guard spot, if he could get his rebounding and assist numbers up slightly I would value him higher. On a bad Raptors team, DeRozan will again be called upon to score the basketball, and with the added benefit of having a playmaking partner in the backcourt he should have a descent statistical season.

The Raptors don’t have a lot of great fantasy options on their roster, and I don’t see any sleeper type players that will out perform their expectations. Andrea Bargnani seems a bit fragile, Jonas Valanciunas did not look good in the Olympics and new additions Landry Fields and Terrence Ross are not consistent enough shooters; none of these players should be counted on for any long-term fantasy gains. I like Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan off this non-playoff team to give descent fantasy value. Watch for Lowry to be undervalued in salary cap leagues due to his move north of the Border.