The NBA preseason is about as useful as NFL exhibition games. Superstars usually don’t play much of a full schedule and when they are playing it is usually in a diminished capacity to some regard. We know what to expect from the stars but it is often the role players or newer players in the association who really get a chance to shine in these contests.
Let’s take a look at some NBA preseason top performers who will be looking to carry their success into the regular season. A fantasy roster can really be bolstered by a player who outperforms preseason expectations, pay attention here and see if you can’t grab one of these guys and reap the rewards.
Alec Burks - Utah Jazz
Burks is playing regular season like minutes thus far in his four preseason games. While loggin about 30 minutes a night Burks is scoring at a 17 ppg clip which is three points higher than his season-end averages of last year. It is pretty clear that Burks and Trey Burke can co-exist nicely in the backcourt together. The odd man out of this rotation is rookie Dante Exum who thus far has demonstrated that he is still a 19-year old kid who is finding his game. Burks is playing out the last year in his rookie deal and with the extra motivation of getting a nice payday, Burks seems focused on making big improvements this season.
Nerlens Noel - Philadelphia 76ers
There is no question that Noel is fully recovered from his ACL injury, there should also be no question that Noel will be getting as much game action that he can handle. This is a good thing for fantasy general managers as Noel is proving to be quite a stat-stuffer. Not only does Noel score and rebound he protects the rim like a beast and is very active in getting steals. It is the steals and blocks that will really define his fantasy worth moving forward. In four games Noel has 10 blocked shots and 9 steals to go along with a 8.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg averages.
Jimmy Butler - Chicago Bulls
It is evident that the single biggest benefactor of having a healthy Derrick Rose and the newly acquired Pau Gasol in the lineup is none other than Jimmy Butler. Butler has cemented his spot in the starting rotation as the shooting guard which will give plenty of opportunity for Butler to play off defenses as they focus in on Rose, Gasol and Joakim Noah. In 5 preseason games Butler is averaging 17.6 ppg and 4.2 rpg.
Jabari Parker - Milwaukee Bucks
Parker is proving draft pundits right as he is clearly the most polished and NBA ready rookie to join the association this year. Parker is shooting the ball well although through five games he has yet to connect on a three-ball. Parker is showing off that smooth skill set that he demonstrated so well at the collegiate level. Coach Jason Kidd will give Parker every opportunity to assert himself and as a result Parker will likely take home Rookie of the Year honors at season end.
Jared Sullinger - Boston Celtics
Sullinger is getting great run right now in Boston and he is making the most of it. Offseason reports had Sullinger dropping over 20 pounds and that sleeker frame will alleviate some of that wear and tear that wore Sullinger down last season. in back-to-back preseason games Sullinger was dominant in posting 21 points and 19 rebounds followed by a 15 point and 17 rebound effort. These kind of nights will certainly impress upon Brad Stevens to keep him in the lineup come regular season.
Keep an eye on these preseason top performers to see how their regular season’s get started. All five players will have significant roles on their respective teams; however, none of them are the marque or most proven player on their respective clubs. Each of these five could offer tremendous fantasy value if they can be grabbed in the later rounds.