Fantasy Basketball Draft Strategy & Advice: 8 Bounce-Back Players (2024)

As the new season kicks off, it brings a clean slate for teams and players alike — a chance to redefine their legacy and remind us of their true potential.

Bounce-back stories are some of the most exciting narratives in sports, and this year is no exception. We’ll dive into players who are ready to change their trajectory and reclaim relevance in fantasy basketball, helping you find hidden gems that could power your team to victory. Whether they’ve underperformed or slipped off the radar, these players are primed to return to fantasy stardom and guide you to a successful season. But first …

Key takeaways from last week:

• Understand the learning curve: Rookies bring value, but patience is key. Recognize the transition from college or international play to the NBA, and keep expectations realistic to avoid early-season frustration.
• Focus on opportunity: A rookie’s draft position matters, but the real focus should be on their role. Prioritize those stepping into significant minutes with minimal competition for playing time.
• Diversify your roster: Don’t rely solely on rookies. Their upside is exciting, but balancing them with proven veterans ensures consistency as rookies adjust.
• Build synergy: Rookies can become game-changers as they grow. Creating synergy between your rookies and veterans taps into their breakout potential, leading to key category wins and a competitive edge.

Now, let’s get to it.

Fantasy Basketball Draft Strategy & Advice: 8 Bounce-Back Players (2024)

Fantasy Format

Scoring Type:

Head-to-Head (Most Categories)

Player Stat Categories:

• Points Scored (PTS)
• Total Rebounds (REB)
• Assists (AST)
• Steals (ST)
• Block Shots (BLK)
• 3-Point Shots Made (3PTM)
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%)

Roster Positions:

• Point Guard (PG)
• Shooting Guard (SG)
• Guard (G)
• Small Forward (SF)
• Power Forward (PF)
• Center (C) x 2
• Utility (UTIL) x 2
• Bench (BN) x 2
• Injured List (IL) x 3

Data Sources

• NBA Player Stats: NBA.com – 2023-2024
• Draft Analysis: Yahoo!Sports – 2024-2025

Term Guide

8 Bounce-Back Players

Deciding who deserves a second chance or who can make the most of a fresh start is never easy, especially when their previous shortcomings are still fresh in our minds. While past performance can hint at what’s to come, staying focused on the present and evaluating a player’s current situation allows for decisions that can turn a season around and set the stage for championship-winning results.

Points

Jaden Ivey (PG, SG — DET) | 15.4 PPG – Rank: 92nd

Darkest before the dawn

Detroit has struggled mightily over the past couple of seasons, and finishing last in the league for a second consecutive year didn’t instill much hope for fans. But as they say, “it’s always darkest before the dawn.” Detroit is entering a period where subtle but significant changes are taking root, signaling a possible shift. New leadership at the top, including President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon, Sr. VP Dennis Lindsey and EVP Michael Blackstone, seems poised to create the foundation for a brighter future.

By moving on from coach Monty Williams and hiring J.B. Bickerstaff, the Pistons sent a clear message: The days of underperformance are no longer acceptable. This shift, coupled with a young, talented roster, sets the stage for a turnaround season where players like Jaden Ivey can emerge from the darkness and shine.

Talent with character, chemistry and culture

Detroit’s offseason acquisitions — re-acquiring Tobias Harris and adding Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley — bring not only talent but leadership and experience. Fifth-round pick Ron Holland II also adds promising depth to the frontcourt. These moves signal that the Pistons are building towards something special. And at the heart of this new-look team is Jaden Ivey.

Ivey, the promising guard from the 2022 class, had a mixed 2023-24 season. Despite showing flashes of brilliance and averaging 16.3 points as a rookie, he regressed slightly to 15.4 points per game. The inconsistency was largely due to Detroit’s lack of identity and rotation stability. But with a stronger foundation now in place, there’s reason to believe Ivey can return to form and lead the charge for a Pistons revival.

With great vision comes great possibilities

Under this new coaching regime and focused front-office vision, the pieces could finally fall into place for Detroit. Ivey has already shown he can adapt and improve, as seen in his jump from 11.1 points in his first year at Purdue to 17.3 points in his second. With a renewed focus, similar growth can happen in Detroit.

While nothing in basketball is guaranteed, Ivey’s situation mirrors that of the right front-office moves that changed the Eagles’ fortunes, a team I know well. The Pistons are making the right moves, and with Ivey’s immense potential, he could be a game-changer in both real life and fantasy. He has the shooting touch and the athleticism to make a significant impact. It’s just a matter of when — not if — he’ll light up the court. This could be the perfect time to grab him and round out your lineup for the season ahead.

Additional bounce-back considerations

Ja Morant (PG — MEM) | 25.1 PPG – Rank: 18th

• Bounce-Back Category: Step-Back to Bounce-Back Player

Tyler Herro (PG, SG — MIA) | 20.8 PPG – Rank: 44th 

• Bounce-Back Category: Bounce-Back Player

Assists

Chris Paul (PG — SAS) | 6.8 APG – Rank: 15th

Living legend pushing limits

Gregg Popovich remains one of the most respected minds in basketball. Even though this past season wasn’t up to the Spurs’ legendary standards, it was still a success in many ways. Popovich used the time to experiment; pushing the boundaries of his roster’s potential, particularly in maximizing the talents of generational star Victor Wembanyama. Though some rotations — like Jeremy Sochan and Tre Jones’ backcourt dance — left fans scratching their heads, it was all part of understanding how to get the most out of this group and set the table for a competitive season ahead.

Conservative flex

Acquiring Chris Paul might be one of the most underrated moves of the offseason. Paul, though no longer in his prime, brings with him an invaluable combination of experience and leadership. This past season, his assist numbers dipped to 6.8 per game, a far cry from his 8.9 assists in 2022. Some of his least impressive seasons have come when he’s been tasked with jumpstarting teams (like the Warriors this past year or the Thunder in 2019). But in the right system, like the one Popovich is crafting, he could re-emerge as a commanding facilitator, orchestrating the offense and helping bring this young, talented team together.

A legendary band

It feels almost poetic that Paul finds himself in the final stretch of his career with the Spurs — a team known for its disciplined culture and legendary coaching. Surrounded by hungry young talent, and a coach who understands how to utilize Paul’s unique skill set, this could be a rejuvenating chapter for the Hall-of-Fame point guard. While his offensive numbers may not be what they once were, Paul’s ability to create for others and his defensive tenacity could easily lead him to put up All-Star reserve-level contributions this season. For fantasy managers willing to embrace his specialized strengths, Paul’s experience could provide a winning edge, particularly in the assists category.

Additional bounce-back considerations

Coby White (PG, SG — CHI) | 5.1 APG – Rank: T-47th

• Bounce-Back Category: Add-To-Radar

Dennis Schroder (PG — BKN) | 6.1 APG – Rank: 25th

• Bounce-Back Category: Step-Back to Bounce-Back Player

Rebounds

Jeremy Sochan (PG, PF — SAS) | 6.4 RPG – Rank: 64th

No comfort, no problem

Sochan continues to shine as one of the brightest young talents on the Spurs roster, even when thrust into situations outside of his natural comfort zone. Playing significant minutes in both the frontcourt and backcourt throughout the season could have derailed his consistency, yet Sochan thrived. His rebounding numbers tell a promising story, jumping from 5.3 rebounds per game in his rookie year to an impressive 6.4 in Year 2. Had he been afforded a consistent role to develop within, his impact might have been even more dramatic. Regardless, Sochan’s ability to adapt in such an experimental season is a testament to his versatility and potential.

An uncomfortable cance

Popovich had to navigate a season of uncertainty as coach of the Spurs, juggling the need to stay competitive while building around the franchise-altering talent of Wembanyama. This delicate balancing act resulted in an experimental approach for Sochan, yet he still managed to improve across the board. Sochan upped his stats in key areas, including scoring (11.0 PPG to 11.6 PPG) and assists (2.5 APG to 3.4 APG). His steady production, even in an undefined role, highlights his adaptability and potential to grow into an integral part of this team’s future.

Last year’s love, this year’s problem

Sochan may not have had a traditional bounce-back season, but he’s ready for a comeback on your fantasy radar. This past season’s hype didn’t quite translate into the breakout campaign many expected, but Sochan remains a player to watch. Once the Spurs figure out how to better utilize his skillset in their revamped offense, he could become a key contributor, particularly in rebounds and utility stats. While his role may remain somewhat limited, Sochan’s ability to impact multiple categories makes him a valuable piece for savvy fantasy managers.

Additional bounce-back considerations

Ausar Thompson (SG, SF, PF — DET) | 6.4 RPG – Rank: 66th

• Bounce-Back Category: Step-Back to Bounce-Back Player

Precious Achiuwa (PF, C — NYK/TBD) | 6.6 RPG – Rank: 60th

• Bounce-Back Category: Step-Back to Bounce-Back Player

Steals

Ben Simmons (PG, SG, PF — BKN) | 0.8 SPG – Rank: 167th

Long game, large gain

Brooklyn has been playing the long game since bringing in Mikal Bridges, continuing their patient rebuild with strategic acquisitions to bolster their future. Central to this rebuild could be Simmons, who is reportedly in the best shape of his career. If healthy, Simmons could very well return to the All-Star level of production we’ve seen in flashes before. His ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a multi-category weapon for fantasy managers, especially in steals, rebounds, and assists.

This past November, Simmons showed his potential with impressive numbers: 10.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game. While his 8.3 points per game still reflect the offensive limitations he developed in Philadelphia, Simmons remains a utility player with significant upside. His all-around game gave the 76ers enough juice to stay competitive, and Brooklyn might be banking on a similar contribution during this rebuild.

Bad rep with the brotherhood

It’s no secret that Simmons’ playoff performance in Philadelphia tanked his reputation. His struggles were magnified by injuries, and the narrative around his elite potential took a hit. However, the past doesn’t erase the fact that Simmons has averaged over 1.0 steals per game throughout his career. His 0.8 steals per game this past season (albeit in just 15 games) still showcase his defensive prowess.

Simmons has faced harsh criticism, especially from Philadelphia fans, but it’s time to look forward. Despite the frustrations of the past, he has made fantasy managers look like geniuses before, and he has the tools to do it again. If you’re patient and draft him at the right time, insulating the risks with a balanced roster, Simmons could become a vital piece of your strategy.

Nail the comeback kid

Nailing Simmons as a bounce-back candidate could transform your weekly matchups. Though he hasn’t played consistently lately, when he has suited up, his impact has been undeniable. Now part of a Brooklyn team that’s building around a promising core, including Cam Thomas, Simmons could thrive as a central figure in their next phase of development. In the highly competitive Eastern Conference, don’t overlook his potential. Simmons is well worth the gamble to bounce back onto your radar this season.

Additional bounce-back bonsiderations

Amen Thompson (PG, SG, SF — HOU) | 1.3 SPG – Rank: 30th

• Bounce-Back Category: Add-To-Radar

Alex Caruso (PG, SG — OKC) | 1.7 SPG – Rank: 8th

• Bounce-Back Category: Add-To-Radar

Blocks

Trayce Jackson-Davis (PF, C — GSW) | 1.1 BPG – Rank: 28th

Goodbye yesterday, hello tomorrow

The Warriors are entering a transitional phase, with their long-standing dynasty slowly fading into a rebuild. While they have the talent to weather the challenges ahead, the dedication to the Steph Curry–Draymond Green-Klay Thompson era is waning (especially after Thompson joined the Mavericks). As the team contemplates life beyond these franchise icons, players like Jonathan Kuminga and rookie Jackson-Davis represent the future. Jackson-Davis, a standout from Indiana, had an impressive first season in limited minutes, showing flashes of elite ability despite playing just 16.6 minutes per game.

Hooos-ierrr daddy!?

Jackson-Davis’ rookie numbers — 7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.4 steals per game — don’t tell the whole story. His collegiate career at Indiana is a clearer reflection of his potential. In his senior year, he averaged 20.9 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.9 blocks and 0.8 steals per game on an efficient 58.1% shooting. If he can double his rookie minutes, projections of 15 points, 10 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and nearly a steal per game aren’t out of reach. Warriors fans and analysts alike should be excited about what he can bring to their future.

Rudimentarily elite

While projections for Jackson-Davis may seem rudimentary, his raw talent and early promise position him as a potential high-priority pick this season. As the Warriors rebuild their culture around remaining core players like Curry and Green, Jackson-Davis could emerge as a key piece. Whether at power forward or center, his versatility and willingness to adapt could lead to significant success as long as he is trusted and deployed with purpose.

Let dem’ boys play

Steve Kerr’s approach to developing young talent will be crucial for Jackson-Davis’ rise. If Kerr provides him the runway to showcase his abilities, this rookie could become a valuable mid-to-late-round fantasy target. Jackson-Davis’ potential and the Warriors’ pivot towards the future make him a player to watch closely, as he cements his place in both professional basketball and your fantasy lineup.

Additional bounce-back bonsiderations

Jonathan Isaac (SF, PF — ORL) | 1.2 BPG – Rank: 21st

• Bounce-Back Category: Add-To-Radar

Isaiah Jackson (PF, C — IND) | 1.0 BPG – Rank: 38th

• Bounce-Back Category: Add-To-Radar

Three-Pointers Made

Klay Thomspon (SG, SF — DAL) | 3.5 3PTM – Rank: 5th

Impressive implosion

The Mavericks had a season filled with highs and lows, only to falter at the very end in the finals. Despite their sudden postseason collapse, the pieces they’ve assembled — especially in the frontcourt — are a testament to their potential for the upcoming seasons. With key additions like PJ Washington Jr. and Daniel Gafford, alongside rookie standout Dereck Lively II, the Mavericks are building a roster capable of contending in the Western Conference for years to come.

Nasty heroics

Enter Thompson. The Mavericks now have a backcourt force that matches the toughness of their frontcourt. While Thompson’s last season with the Warriors in 2023-24 might not have lived up to his own high standards, his on-court performances and his journey back from injuries have been nothing short of heroic. With a fresh start in Dallas, Thompson is poised to thrive and deliver the consistent offensive firepower that we know he’s capable of.

The calming pplash

Even in a season where Thompson wasn’t at his best, his numbers remain impressive compared to most. He still averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.5 three-pointers made per game. While a drop from his career-high of 4.4 three-pointers per game in 2022, his current output is still comparable to his championship-caliber years, making him a crucial part of Dallas’ offensive strategy.

Texas titan

Thompson’s new role in Dallas is exciting for both him and the team. He’ll be asked to play a pivotal role in a lineup that allows him to be a part of a championship push while also helping solidify a young team’s foundation. This move not only benefits the Mavericks’ title aspirations but also positions Thompson to contribute to a team on the verge of long-term success.

The birth… of heat wave

The Mavericks’ decision to part ways with Tim Hardaway Jr. opens the door for Thompson to regain his elite shooter status. Now, with fewer roster hurdles, Thompson has the opportunity to rebrand himself as more than just a “Splash Brother.” Maybe, just maybe, his presence in Texas will spark a new nickname… something catchy, like “Heat Wave.” Okay, perhaps that’s a bit much—  but either way, Thompson’s re-emergence as a top-tier three-point threat is something to watch this season.

Additional bounce-back considerations

Devin Booker (PG, SG, SF — PHX) | 2.2 3PTM – Rank: 58th

• Bounce-Back Category: Step-Back to Bounce-Back Player

Corey Kispert (SG, SF — WAS) | 2.3 3PTM – Rank: 55th

• Bounce-Back Category: Add-To-Radar

Field-Goal Percentage

Tyler Herro (PG, SG — MIA) | 44.1% FG – Rank: 326th

Not enough dramatic effect

The Heat have long been an Eastern Conference powerhouse, consistently staying competitive since 2019. Despite their impressive growth as a team, this past season didn’t showcase their full potential due to a combination of injuries and integrating new talent. The addition of Terry Rozier III offered promise, particularly in the backcourt, but the impact wasn’t as dramatic as anticipated.

Herro, however, remains a bright spot with his ability to push his offensive game to new heights. Despite an injury-plagued year, Herro posted a career-high 20.8 points per game while maintaining a field goal percentage of 44.1%. His performance showed glimpses of what he can achieve at full strength, setting up expectations for even more impactful results this season.

No ceiling, no scratching, no limits

Herro’s talent is undeniable, even if his recent injury setbacks slightly derailed his momentum. While this past season’s performance didn’t quite fit the typical “bounce-back” narrative, it’s clear that he’s capable of far more. At just 24, Herro hasn’t even scratched the surface of his true ceiling yet. His ability to dominate offensively puts him in line to take on a much larger role for Miami if he can stay healthy.

Just starting as a star

Remember, Herro’s trajectory has been on the rise since his one-year stint in college, where he showcased incredible potential. His gradual transition into a full-time starter came to fruition in 2022, and now, with a fully loaded Miami squad, Herro has the opportunity to demonstrate his explosiveness over an entire healthy season. This could be a breakout campaign where he cements himself as one of the premier offensive players in the league.

To Luka or not to Luka? That is the question.

Could Herro reach the level of offensive dominance that Luka Doncic consistently delivers? If he stays healthy and builds synergy with young assets like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic, along with consistent offensive contributions from Duncan Robinson, Herro’s path to becoming a multi-categorical fantasy asset is clearer than ever. If you’re looking for a high-upside player with scoring potential, Herro’s bounce-back season could be one of the most rewarding opportunities in fantasy this year.

Additional bounce-back considerations

Kelly Olynyk (PF, C — TOR) | 55.5% FG% – Rank: 83rd

• Bounce-Back Category: Add-To-Radar

Paul Reed (PF, C — DET) | 54.0% FG% – Rank: 88th

• Bounce-Back Category: Add-To-Radar

Free-Throw Percentage

Bradley Beal (PG, SG — PHX) | 81.3% FT% – Rank: 190th

Better days for sunshine

The Suns have undoubtedly seen brighter days. Despite their undeniable talent, injuries and unfortunate momentum shifts prevented them from fully capitalizing on their formidable roster this past season. Still, there’s reason for optimism, as the team remained highly competitive in the stacked Western Conference. The chemistry between Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Beal was a major talking point heading into last year, and while Beal didn’t deliver as expected in his first season, he still put up solid numbers. Averaging 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and shooting 51.3% from the field, Beal demonstrated he still has plenty left in the tank to contribute.

Give some charity, receive some charity

One area of concern for Beal this past season was his decline at the free-throw line. His charity stripe numbers fell from 3.8 made free throws on 4.6 attempts per game (84.2%) to 2.1 makes on 2.5 attempts per game (81.3%). While it’s not a dramatic dip, it does raise questions given his history of health issues over the past five seasons. That said, heading into the upcoming season, Beal has a lot to prove, not only to the Suns but to his fantasy managers as well. With the pressure of a must-produce year before the team potentially reassesses their core, he’s positioned to regain his elite status if he can stay healthy.

If Beal can return to form and manage to stay on the floor consistently, he’s a prime candidate for a bounce-back campaign. For fantasy managers, taking a chance on Beal early in drafts could pay huge dividends, as he could return to All-Star levels of production. His ability to contribute across categories makes him a scary asset, especially if he starts clicking with his co-stars early on in the season.

Additional bounce-back considerations

Norman Powell (SG, SF — LAC) | 83.1% FT – Rank: 149th

• Bounce-Back Category: Add-To-Radar

Terance Mann (SG, SF — LAC) | 83.2% FT – Rank: 148th

• Bounce-Back Category: Add-To-Radar