As the 2023-24 NBA season heats up, more and more players are becoming key contributors, making them key investments in fantasy basketball leagues. Ben Sheppard of the Indiana Pacers is about to play a big role. At the same time, fellow Pistons star Ronald Holland II is carving out his own legacy. Further, Walter Clayton Jr. is making a name for himself after a strong debut preseason. At the same time, young talent like Jerami Grant and Herbert Jones add to an increasing depth of players further cementing their place in the NBA.
Ben Sheppard, Indiana Pacers This is a crucial season of opportunity and growth for Ben Sheppard. Their star point guard and NBA rising star Tyrese Haliburton is out with injury. This creates a great opportunity for Sheppard to break out and become a bigger contributor to the team. Now that they lost Haliburton, the void is there, and Sheppard is more than ready to fill it.
Things got worse when my teammate and a key piece, Andrew Nembhard went down with a shoulder injury. This major injury changed my role on the court exponentially. Now, he’s finally receiving a lot of burn. On both sides of the ball, he’s poised to be a major contributor in multiple facets of the game. He’s a proven scorer, playmaker and rebounder. This combination makes him an incredibly tantalizing target for fantasy basketball managers looking to boost the production on their rosters.
The Rise of Ronald Holland II
Another player drawing lots of eyes this year is Ronald Holland II, a small forward with the Detroit Pistons. Holland was drafted UConn’s second No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Now, he graduates to the professional stage with considerable expectations. It gives him considerable upside to be an impact player in more facets of the game, most notably as a scorer.
Holland’s performance thus far has been impressive. Though early in the season, he’s already shown that he can be a productive playmaker for his team. To tell his story, you can’t stop at his prowess on offense—he has an immense defensive impact. His impressive scoring instinct is really starting to show as he’s developing ways to create shots and finish at the rim.
Holland’s prodigious talent, combined with his high draft position, means exciting things lie ahead. He’s poised to be a primary playmaker for the Pistons. He’s a guy that fantasy basketball players should keep a very close eye on. He is getting comfortable in the job and aiming to get better week in and week out.
Walter Clayton Jr.’s Strong Start
Walter Clayton Jr. After an oft-eval-explicit preseason, the All-MAAC player deserves some hype. As we’ve seen, his breakout performance has continued through the regular season. Clayton was a beast on the boards and threatened no-fly zones defenses at Creighton. Now, he’s doing it right away in an immediate-impact way in the NBA.
In Clayton’s first-ever NBA action, he recorded a double-double—six points and 11 rebounds—illustrating his propensity to play a two-way game. This performance highlights his potential and positions him as a valuable asset for teams looking to enhance their frontcourt depth.
The more experience and confidence he is able to gain, the further Clayton’s role should grow. His encouraging production gives hope that he can turn into a dangerous option for the rest of the year.
Proven Contributors: Jerami Grant and Herbert Jones
While new talents are making headlines, established players like Jerami Grant and Herbert Jones remain critical components of their respective teams. Grant is currently the starting power forward for the Portland Trail Blazers. He proved early on he was a career scorer, having averaged 19.5 points and 2.1 three-pointers made per game over five seasons. His scoring ability has made him a staple for fantasy basketball managers seeking reliable points on the board.
Herbert Jones, small forward / power forward, New Orleans Pelicans Herbert Jones uses his length well to draw charges and contest shots. He’s one of the best 3-and-D wings out there. A proven entity around the league, Jones has made a name for herself as a dependable spark plug who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
His ability to stretch the floor while providing defensive support makes him an attractive option for fantasy players seeking multi-dimensional contributors. Jones’s consistency and skill set guarantee that he’s an incredibly valuable asset as the season moves forward.
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