From Deep: Kel’el Ware leads updated fantasy basketball rookie tiers

The 3-ball has become arguably the staple of scoring in the NBA — so we figured we’d take some shots from way downtown, too. Here, fantasy basketball analyst Dan Titus will break down three things fantasy managers need to know each week. Or, he’ll break down multiple three-point pieces of advice, analysis, and more — it just depends on how open he is From Deep.

We’re back once again, taking an updated look at the 2024-25 rookie class and dividing them into three tiers based on their fantasy success to date and near-term outlooks.

Tier 1: Must-Roster Rookies

Kel’el Ware – PF/C, Miami Heat

Ware has surged to the top of the rookie class, showcasing his ability to dominate alongside Bam Adebayo. With Jimmy Butler suspended indefinitely, the Heat inserted Ware into the starting lineup and it looks like that’ll hold for the foreseeable future.

Ware’s put up sixth-round value in 9-cat leagues for fantasy managers in the last month — outshining seasoned vets like Rudy Gobert, Alperen Şengün and his aforementioned teammate, Adebayo. Over his last 10 games, Ware has averaged 14.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.5 3s, 1.4 blocks and 0.8 steals in 29 minutes per game. He’s collected three double-doubles in that span with a ridiculous 52/41/86 shooting split.

He’s here to stay and will thrive in his new role with the Heat.

Alex Sarr – PF/C, Washington Wizards

Sarr is trading good months with bad months. The second-overall pick won Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in December, but it’s been a different story in January — that rookie wall is real.

Sarr’s shooting 38% on his shot attempts caused his scoring to drop despite grabbing more boards. The looming trade deadline could boost his role significantly, with veterans like Jonas Valančiūnas and Kyle Kuzma possibly on the move. Whether it’s boards or blocks, Sarr will keep delivering as one of the preferred long-term rookie assets in fantasy leagues.

Isaiah Collier – PG, Utah Jazz

Collier was promoted to the starting unit over Keyonte George, which immediately elevated his fantasy outlook. Since joining the starters, Collier’s averaging a fantasy-friendly 9.8 points, 8.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. He’s the youngest player in Jazz franchise history to post a 20 and 10 double-double and with vets like Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson on the trade block, there’s a strong chance Collier will earn 30-plus minutes consistently as the season wears on. I prefer him for points leagues due to his inefficiency, but he should be rostered in all 9-cat leagues. You can’t find eight assists a game off waivers midseason.

Yves Missi – C, New Orleans Pelicans

I’m still holding on, but Missi has been trending down for a while. The rebounds and blocks matter in 9-cat leagues. However, I understand dropping him with the dip in scoring over the past month. When Zion Williamson was off the floor, Missi averaged nearly 10 more fantasy points per game. On the plus side, he’s still starting on a team 24 games from 10th place in the Western Conference. The key is Missi getting back to 30 minutes. He’s been a top 100 player when he does.

Zach Edey – C, Memphis Grizzlies

Edey’s been battling injuries and inconsistency, too, but his play over the last week is encouraging. He’s posting a solid 12.8 points with 8.8 boards and 3.3 stocks per game in 22 minutes. Before his injury, he ranked third among rookies in fantasy points per game and excelled as a rebounder and shot-blocker. Keep holding.

Tier 2: Rotational Streaming Options

Donovan Clingan – C, Portland Trail Blazers

We’re all waiting for him to evoke shades of Walker Kessler. It’s been there in spurts, but Clingan needs Robert Williams or Deandre Ayton moved at the deadline to deploy him confidently in fantasy. Patience is key if you decide to hold him.

Jaylen Wells – SF, Memphis Grizzlies

Wells has been praised for his offense, but his defense keeps him in the starting unit. Someone’s always hurt in Memphis, so the former Western Conference Rookie of the Month has a decent floor. Over the past two weeks, he’s been close to being a top-100 player, and his scoring and TS% mirror his production in November (when he won Rookie of the Month). Eight percent rostered is too low for a rookie who has provided 13/3/2 with 2 3s this month.

Carlton “Bub” Carrington – PG/SG, Washington Wizards

Malcolm Brogdon’s injury woes have already opened lanes for Carrington to re-emerge. Like Missi, Carrington’s numbers jump (10/5/4) when he’s playing 30 minutes a night. That’s not happening this month, as the Pitt alum is sitting at 26 per game. Another long-term gamble: Bub has moments where he can be streamed if the Wizards have a favorable schedule.

Zaccharie Risacher – SF, Atlanta Hawks

Risacher’s stock could rise after the Hawks reported on Wednesday that Jalen Johnson would miss the remainder of the season with a torn labrum. His numbers are pretty flat with and without Johnson on the court, but with a few injuries in the frontcourt, Risacher should get more opportunities. He had 11 points (4-13 FG), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 3s and 2 steals in 20 minutes on Monday — a good start from a fantasy perspective.

Tier 3: Watchlist Rookies

Stephon Castle – PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs

The circulating trade talks between De’Aaron Fox and Spurs concern Castle’s fantasy value. The turnovers and inefficiency limit his appeal, but he’d at least been starting for most of the season.

If Fox doesn’t come to San Antonio, Castle”s worth holding in deep leagues (especially points) because putting up 15/3/4 numbers as a starter deserves a bench spot. He’s not a must-hold for shallow leagues, but with the right matchup, he could hit.

Dalton Knecht – SG/SF, Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers’ rotation is getting crowded, and I don’t see a path for Knecht to be anything more than a valuable second-unit scorer. His role is important in real life, but his minutes are too inconsistent to stream.

Matas Buzelis – SF/PF, Chicago Bulls

Free Matas! But the Bulls can’t do that until they offload a veteran or two. Until that happens, Buzelis will be relegated to dynasty and keeper leagues.

Tristan da Silva – SF, Orlando Magic

da Silva has emerged as an under-the-radar contributor for the Magic while Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner were out. The bad news is that he hasn’t started since Wagner returned three games ago. He won’t see enough usage in his minutes to warrant streaming.

Justin Edwards – SF, Philadelphia 76ers

Edwards has flashed intriguing two-way potential in limited minutes for the 76ers. Offensively, he’s shown confidence in driving to the rim and hitting treys. Defensively, his activity and quick hands have translated into swiping over a steal per game in January.

There is no timetable for Paul George’s return from his finger injury, so Edwards is a deep-league stash with the potential to play a more prominent role later in the season if the Sixers tank after the break.