SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 02: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz in action during the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Vivint Arena on December 02, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Ut
ah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. A week and a half has passed in the new calendar year, and many NBA teams have reached the halfway point in their seasons. Yet, most rookies from the 2022 draft class still aren't considered must-start players in most weekly fantasy leagues. No.
Now that the halfway point in the season is upon us, let's check in on the biggest names in the class and highlight some rookies to monitor in deeper leagues and dynasty formats:Banchero has remained healthy since late November, and the No. 1 overall pick has remained the most productive player in the rookie class. The 20-year-old remains the heavy favorite to win Rookie of the Year as of Jan. 12, but he still sits at No. 134 in nine-cat, per-game fantasy rankings.
It's not very surprising to see the No. 1 overall pick carry the most upside of any rookie in his class, but his struggles with turnovers and free-throw efficiency make him a more appealing option in points formats. Banchero has demonstrated enough production this season to give dynasty managers hope, and he's still a must-roster player in the vast majority of redraft leagues.
The 19-year-old's recent results have made him one of the top rebounders in the rookie class. He's been propelled to No. 178 in the nine-cat, per-game rankings for this season as of Jan. 12. Unfortunately, he's also been limited to single-digit scoring totals in eight of his 15 appearances since claiming a spot in the starting lineup. However, Duren has tallied at least eight rebounds in 15 of his last 16 appearances, which helps offset his slight inconsistency on the scoreboard.
Kessler already ranks as one of the top rookies from a defensive perspective, and that outlook would improve if he no longer had to compete with Olynyk for playing time over the second half of the season. The 22nd overall pick's value for the remainder of the season will largely depend on what Utah decides to do at the trade deadline. Kessler has been an inconsistent scorer but has had success in rebounds, blocks and efficiency from the floor.
While the No. 3 pick could see an uptick in volume, his fantasy upside will remain limited unless his efficiency improves. Fantasy managers have certainly been encouraged by the abundance of playing time, along with the occasional double-double and lack of turnovers, but his inefficiency and lack of output in categories other than points and rebounds have prevented him from taking the next step from a fantasy perspective.
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