We all want to be the next genius that unearths this year’s surprise contributor of the rookie class, but in standard leagues, it is not always a good idea. In standard leagues, you likely only have three bench slots, and you need to stock those with guys that are playing a lot of minutes. Most rookies don’t fit that bill.
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I already covered which rookies are worth a roster slot in standard leagues. Now we need to get to the ones that you should wait on. Of course, in keeper or dynasty leagues, all of these guys will be owned on potential alone. This is aimed at you standard league players.
Oct 6, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) works the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at TD Garden. Boston defeated the 76ers 98-78. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dante Exum, Jazz: Exum is a very talented player, but he is in a bad situation. Trey Burke already appears to be the PG of the future, and he is behind Gordon Heyward at SG. He will be fighting for minutes with Alec Burks, fellow rookie Rodney Hood, and veteran Jordan Hamilton. He likely won’t see enough minutes to make him relevant in standard leagues.
Marcus Smart, Celtics: If the Celtics do manage to deal Rajon Rondo at some point this season, then Smart will see a huge uptick in minutes. Until then, he will be fighting for time in a very crowded backcourt with Phil Pressey, Avery Bradley, Marcus Thornton and Evan Turner. Stay away until the Celtics tip their hand on how much Smart will play. My guess is not much unless Rondo is traded or hurt.
Julius Randle, Lakers: The signing of Carlos Boozer relegated Randle to backup status, and the Lakers also have Jordan Hill and Robert Sacre fighting for minutes up front. Randle is still a work in progress, and likely won’t see a lot of minutes unless he improves. That said, the opportunity is there for him to carve out a role, so keep an eye on him.
Aaron Gordon, Magic: He isn’t offering much help offensively, and he is fighting for minutes in a crowded frontcourt that featured Andrew Nicholson, Tobias Harris, Nikola Vucevic, Channing Frye, and Kyle O’Quinn. For those of you hoping for him to see quality minutes, it simply won’t happen on a consistent basis.
Joel Embiid, 76ers: His timetable for a return is already well past the All Star break, and the Sixers won’t rush him along. It is entirely possible that he won’t play at all this year, much like the Sixers did with Nerlens Noel last year. That said, if you have a spare IR slot, he might be worth stashing there until you need the room.
T.J. Warren, Suns: He is very talented, but the Suns have P.J. Tucker and Gerald Green in front of Warren. Now his injury only sets him back more. You can do better in standard leagues.
Shabazz Napier, Heat: He is behind Dwyane Wade and veteran Danny Granger in the pecking order, but both of them have injury histories. Keep an eye on Napier, because he is playing behind two fragile players.
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