With every NBA team playing at least one game, here are some players who are worth adding in your respective fantasy leagues. These players have made the most of their opportunities and have made a case for more playing time moving forward. Please note that all of these players are owned in less than 50% of ESPN leagues.

Dereck Lively II 

(Dallas Mavericks C)

 
Lively had an effective rookie season as he averaged 8.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 1.4 BPG while shooting almost 75% from the field. Dereck is still in a center committee with Daniel Gafford which limits his fantasy appeal, but it’s looking like he’ll get the majority of playing time as he played nine more minutes than Gafford in Thursday’s contest. Lively looked great in Dallas’ first game as he put up 15 PTS, 11 REB, and 6 AST, making him a must-add in all fantasy formats.

Dyson Daniels

(Atlanta Hawks G)

Daniels has impressed in his first two games with the Hawks as he’s gone for 16.5 PPG, 3.5 SPG, and 1.5 BPG. Dyson still has to share minutes with Bogdan Bogdanovic at shooting guard, but he’s showcased enough defensive versatility to keep him on the floor for extended periods of time. The former Pelican is making a strong case for the Most Improved Player in the NBA to begin the season.

Ivica Zubac

(Los Angeles Clippers C)

With the absence of Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac took full advantage on offense as he put up 21 PTS and 9 REB in his 2024-25 season debut. Ivica is coming off his career-best season, as he averaged 11.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 1.2 BPG over 72 games. Leonard has no timetable for a return, so Zubac could be in for more offensive volume to begin the year.

Rui Hachimura

(Los Angeles Lakers F)

Rui Hachimura has looked extremely aggressive throughout his first two games as he’s averaged 16 PPG and 6 RPG. He’s a strong source of scoring and rebounding if he continues to see 37 minutes a game. Rui has definitely benefited from playing for new Lakers coach JJ Redick, as he’s seen a big increase in his overall volume.

Jordan Hawkins

(New Orleans Pelicans G)

Jordan Hawkins was expected to come off the bench to begin this season but has been thrust into a bigger role with the injuries of Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy. The former UConn guard is arguably the best shooter on this Pelicans roster and has made 3+ 3PT in his first two games. Jordan is averaging 18.5 PPG and 6.5 RPG through two games and is bound to see a prominent role until Murray returns.

Taylor Hendricks

(Utah Jazz F)

Taylor Hendricks had a quiet rookie season but showed promise due to his three and D capabilities. The former #9 pick comes into this season as a full-time starter, which should allow him to have a larger offensive workload. In his first two games, he’s averaging 6 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 SPG, and 1.5 BPG. While he struggled offensively in his second game (0-6 from the field), Taylor is still a valuable fantasy asset due to his rebounding and defensive contributions.

Wendell Carter Jr 

(Orlando Magic C)

Carter Jr. is starting for Orlando at the 5, which has allowed him to see over 10 RPG in each of his first two contests. WCJ didn’t have the greatest season last year, as his points, rebounds, and minutes all dropped from the previous year. If he can consistently play 27-30 minutes a game, he’ll be a much more reliable fantasy option for the remainder of this campaign. Wendell is putting up 8 PPG, 12.5 RPG, and 2 SPG to begin the 2024-25 season.

Christian Braun

(Denver Nuggets G)

Christian Braun has proven he is a serviceable starter for Denver as he’s a great cutter and underrated defender. Christian has filled in nicely as he’s seen a bigger role with the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He stepped up in Denver’s first game as he put up 16 PTS, 7 REB, and 2 STL in 29 minutes, making him a worthwhile pick up.

De’Andre Hunter

(Atlanta Hawks F)

Despite the addition of Zaccharie Risacher through the draft, De’Andre Hunter is still starting at the 3 for Atlanta. This is a promising sign given Risacher was expected to start at small forward to begin the 2024-25 campaign. De’Andre is making the most of his opportunities, as he’s averaging 18 PPG and 6.5 RPG through two games.

Malik Monk

(Sacramento Kings G)

Malik Monk had a career year in the 2023-24 campaign as he was the runner up for 6th Man of the Year. He’ll still command a big role off the Kings bench as he’s already gone for 17 PTS and 4 AST in his first game of the season. Malik is expected to run the second unit for Sacramento again, making him a safe addition to rosters.

Bilal Coulibaly

(Washington Wizards G/F)

Bilal Coulibaly wasn’t the most aggressive offensive player in his first game, but made up for that with his all around contributions. Bilal went for 8 PTS, 6 AST, and 6 REB in his initial contest, showcasing his versatile play. The former #7 pick has upside due to the Wizards lacking depth on their roster.

Norman Powell

(Los Angeles Clippers G/F)

Norman Powell should benefit from the absence of Kawhi Leonard, as this will allow him to have a much bigger offensive role. While he struggled offensively in his first game against Phoenix (5-16 from the field), Norman still attempted the second most field goal attempts for the Clippers. Powell managed 17 PTS, 4 REB, and 4 AST in his first contest despite not having the best shooting night. Since there’s no timetable for Leonard’s return, Norman should continue to see a larger burden on offense.