NBA Fantasy Dunkest: 5 Players to Watch in Preseason
After months of waiting between Summer League and EuroBasket, the NBA is finally back with the Preseason: the perfect moment to spot potential steals for NBA Fantasy on Dunkest
The preseason doesn’t have the glamour of the big NBA nights nor the intensity of the Playoffs, but for those who closely follow the league it’s a crucial moment. It’s the testing ground where coaches experiment with new solutions, young players fight for playing time, and NBA Fantasy Dunkest fans go hunting for possible steals.
With shortened rotations and managed workloads, every game becomes a valuable window to catch signs that could turn out to be decisive during the season.
We’ve picked 5 players who, in the preseason, are battling for minutes, roles, and their coach’s trust. The first friendlies can already reveal a lot about their future on the team.
Reed Sheppard (Guard, Houston Rockets, 4.5 cr)
With VanVleet sidelined, Houston is looking at Sheppard to play alongside Amen Thompson. After a marginal season (35% from the field, 33.8% from three), he needs to regain confidence and show he can hold his own defensively to beat out Holiday in the rotation. The preseason is his first real proving ground.
Jarace Walker (Forward, Indiana Pacers, 6.0 cr)
The 8th pick in 2023, so far held back by injuries and competition. With Haliburton and Turner out, Indiana has room for him. He’s shown solid defense, 40% from three, and notable physicality. Carlisle has used him as the 10th man, but if ready, he could immediately get more minutes in what looks like a “bridge season” for the Pacers.
John Collins (Forward, Los Angeles Clippers, 8.0 cr)
A new piece for the Clippers, he can bring dynamism alongside Zubac or Lopez. After shooting 39% from three in Utah, he needs to work as a floor spacer and run in transition. What remains to be seen is whether Lue will slot him into closing lineups or sacrifice him for more static units with Beal and Leonard.
Jake LaRavia (Forward, Los Angeles Lakers, 5.0 cr)
A potential Finney-Smith type for Redick’s Lakers. At 23, he shoots 37% from deep and averages over 2 steals per game. An underrated defender, but inconsistent in isolation and not very impactful inside. If the team wants to push for the Playoffs, he’ll need to improve by midseason. The preseason will be his first real test.
Kobe Bufkin (Guard, Brooklyn Nets, 4.5 cr)
Traded to the Nets after two nearly invisible years in Atlanta. Positive signs in Summer League, but the roster is crowded. A light defender and streaky shooter, he remains a gamble at 22. The preseason could determine his future, especially with a $7 million team option on the horizon.
In the end, the preseason is more than just a warm-up for the regular season: it’s fertile ground for insights and bets, especially for those who live the NBA through fantasy. Watching these early tests closely can make the difference between a forgettable choice and the steal that transforms your Dunkest squad.