The 2023–24 NBA season is just less than three weeks away now and the preseason already started last week in Abu Dhabi. That means leagues are starting to draft their teams for another amazing year. Fantasy basketball managers are looking for undervalued players who had a weak campaign last season. It was believed that the players would have a great season, but they struggled with their play. This is not uncommon because there are several factors that affect a player’s performance. From team coordination to switching to a new team and new coach, there are many things for a player to struggle through. Yet players have another season to bounce back and have a great season. Let’s have a look at those players who are projected to have a comeback NBA season.
John Collins
John Collins was a first-round pick at one point a few years ago. His production has fallen off for the Atlanta Hawks, especially after the acquisition of Dejounte Murray last year. His touchers became limited, which meant limited production on both sides of the court. The Hawks were loaded with talented players like Okenya Okungwu and Clint Capela. Collins will get a new start with the Utah Jazz this season and could bounce back. He will have Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler alongside him and will also play with Kelly Olynyk and Simone Fontecchio.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t have a bad campaign last season, as he finished third in MVP voting behind Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. However, last season, he was an underwhelming fantasy player based on his draft position. When Antetokounmpo’s defense took a drastic decline last season, the Bucks relied on Brook Lopez. The injury to Khris Middleton also meant that Giannis would have to focus more on offense. But now that Middleston is healthy and Damian Lillard is returning, Giannis will have another great season that could propel him into another top-tier fantasy player.
DeAndre Ayton
DeAndre Ayton was predicted to be in the top 40 last season, but he had a really disappointing campaign with the Phoenix Suns. Ayton had a poor relationship with then-head coach Monty Williams. His performance on the court suffered and he finished just in the top 70 in fantasy basketball. This season will be a different story for Ayton, who was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the Damian Lillard deal. This year could be the best one for Ayton’s NBA career. He will be the focal point of the Blazers offense, along with youngsters Scooter Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
Scottie Barnes
Barnes had a disappointing year after winning Rookie of the Year in 2022. Ge struggled with his shot and was outmatched by Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby. With new head coach Darko Rajakovic and Fred VanVleet gone, the Raptors forward could share duties with Dennis Schroder. The Toronto Raptors are also potential sellers at the NBA trade deadline, with Siakam and Anunoby among their targets. If those two are traded, Barnes will have free reign to take over the team’s offense later in the season and could finish in the Top 40 of fantasy basketball.
Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons could definitely have a comeback this season. Although the same was said last season, Simmons was a shell of his former self and was shut down two months before the NBA season ended. However, it should be noted that Simmons is recovering from back surgery and it usually takes more than a year to get back into playing rhythm.
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