In fantasy basketball, having strong centers can make all the difference. While the top centers are usually picked very early in drafts, there are many talented players who are often overlooked. These “hidden gems” can provide valuable points, rebounds, and blocks, helping you build a well-rounded and successful team.
To find these underrated players, we need to look beyond their basic stats. It’s important to consider their team’s situation, recent player changes, and their potential for more playing time. Many teams are changing their lineups, creating opportunities for new players to step up and make a big impact. Here are five centers who could be great value picks for your fantasy team this season.
🤔 Onyeka Okongwu, Hawks
The Hawks’ addition of Kristaps Porziņģis has made some fantasy managers worried about Onyeka Okongwu’s role. However, there are still reasons to be optimistic. Porziņģis has a history of injuries, and it’s uncertain how much he will play. Furthermore, Okongwu is the team’s only true center, and he played very well last season even with limited minutes. He has shown he can be a top fantasy performer, and there’s a good chance he will repeat that success.
💪 Isaiah Jackson, Pacers
With Myles Turner no longer on the team, the center position for the Pacers is now open. The coach has suggested that playing time might be shared, but Isaiah Jackson has the most potential to stand out. He missed most of last season due to an injury, so some may have forgotten about him. However, his coach has praised his defensive skills, and his stats show that he is very productive when he’s on the court, contributing in points, rebounds, and blocks.
📈 Donovan Clingan, Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan is in a great position to have a breakout season. After the Trail Blazers traded Deandre Ayton, Clingan is expected to become the team’s starting center. He already showed great promise last year, putting up strong numbers whenever he started. Now, with a full year of experience and the addition of veteran guard Jrue Holiday to the team, Clingan is poised for significant improvement and could become a key player for fantasy teams.
🚪 Neemias Queta, Celtics
Neemias Queta is a player whose fantasy value is rising because of a new opportunity. He has always been an efficient player who makes the most of his minutes on the court. This season, the Celtics have fewer frontcourt players after the departure of Kristaps Porziņģis, opening a path for Queta to earn a starting role. In the games he started last year, he played well, nearly averaging a double-double. This makes him a smart late-round pick who could provide great value in rebounds and blocks.
💎 Adem Bona, 76ers
Adem Bona is a player to keep an eye on, especially in the later rounds of your fantasy draft. His value is closely tied to the health of the 76ers’ star center, Joel Embiid, who has missed a significant number of games in recent years. If Embiid is sidelined, Bona is expected to step into a much larger role. In his starts last season, Bona proved he can be an effective fantasy player by contributing points, rebounds, and blocks. He’s a great player to draft as a backup with the potential for a huge payoff.
