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Earlier this week, we took a look back on some of the players whose preseason rankings missed the mark, with some being more egregious than others. This column focuses on the “hits,” with some making good on high expectations and others proving the skeptics correct. Rankings are an inexact science, to say the least, but they are fun to look back on. Leading the way are two ball-dominant guards who began the 2025-26 season in Los Angeles County.
NBA: Washington Wizards at Los Angeles Lakers
Fantasy Basketball: Anthony Davis, Giannis among preseason rankings ‘misses’
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A look back at some of the players whose placement in our 2025-26 preseason Top-200 rankings missed the mark.
Preseason rank: 4
Dončić being as productive as he was this season certainly wasn’t a surprise, given the career track record. However, he finished as the league’s scoring champion for the second time in his NBA career, averaging 33.5 points along with 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 4.0 three-pointers per game. Also leading the league in field goal, three-point and free throw attempts, and three-pointers per game, Dončić shot nearly 48 percent from the field.
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Even with an average of four turnovers per game, the Lakers’ star provided top-5 value in 8-cat and points leagues. Depending on what happens with LeBron James in free agency this summer, it’s fair to ask if Dončić can crack the trio of Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama atop the 9-cat rankings in 2026-27.
Preseason rank: 17
Of course, the preseason rankings were compiled when Harden was still with the LA Clippers. Although his scoring average decreased by nearly five points after the trade from the Clippers to the Cavaliers, his efficiency improved. Harden shot 46.6 percent from the field post-trade, and his turnover average decreased.
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As a result, Harden’s offensive rating improved, which factored into him finishing the regular season as a top-25 player in 8-cat, 9-cat and points league formats. A productive run in the postseason may be all that’s needed for Harden to solidify his future in Cleveland, with…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fantasy-basketball-luka-don-james-210000787.html
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Publish date : 2026-04-23 21:00:00
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