Welcome to “The Loser Lineup,” where we investigate what teams eliminated from playoff contention should do to elevate their fantasy basketball game. As the dust settles on this season’s disappointments, it’s time for these teams to strategize, rebuild and reinvigorate their rosters for a chance at redemption next season. Join us as we explore the top moves and player valuations that could change the fantasy landscape in the coming year.
This story will be continually updated as each NBA team heads to Cancun and we add them to the losers’ lineup.
The obvious move for this team to get back in order next season is to bring back LeBron James. He still plays at an elite level and his success creates space for others. Fantasy managers could feel comfortable drafting James in the third round next year.
And while Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell have had their best fantasy campaigns in years, I would explore including Russell or Austin Reaves in a trade package to bring in a true point guard who can reduce the demand for a near-40 prospect. LBJ, one year old.
The other glaring change that needs to be made is leaving Darvin Ham as the head coach of this team. His inability to make in-game adjustments and frequent adjustments to rotations have worn thin, and it’s clear this team needs another leader in the locker room.
The Pels have plenty of fantasy upside, as four players have ranked in the top 100 in leagues across nine categories this season. Zion Williamson narrowly missed the cut at 103. Although the current roster has won 49 games and earned the eighth seed in the West, a first-round sweep all but guarantees change is coming. Given the rise of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones becoming one of the best defenders in the league, we could be looking at a scenario with Zion or Brandon Ingram being traded.
Their salaries plus C.J. McCollum’s take up a significant portion of New Orleans’ cap space, so moving one of them would give the Pelicans more flexibility to address some needs in the frontcourt and second unit.
Of course, if Zion or BI are moved, it will cause fantasy upheaval, so we’ll wait and see how this plays out.
A sweep in the first round, let alone an exit, is grounds for dismissal for one of the Big Three. Devin Booker is the franchise player, which leaves Bradley Beal or Kevin Durant. And since Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause (yuck), the Suns should be vigilant exploring trade options for KD.
Phoenix re-signed Grayson Allen, but there are many more holes to fill, and KD’s move could yield more role players or mobilize capital for the future. If that happens, Booker could reach first-round draft status next season.
