The NBA playoffs are a time when everything ramps up — the talent, intensity, and the pressure to win in the clutch. This creates an opportunity for players and coaches to show their best when it matters the most.
Here are ESPN fantasy basketball experts André Snellings and Eric Moody for more on the players who have emerged during the 2021-22 NBA playoffs and improved their fantasy outlook heading into next season.
Desmond Bane, Memphis Grizzlies
Bane’s rise was evident in the regular season. His production doubled from his rookie season to his second, to 18.2 PPG with 3.0-3PG. These numbers are quite similar to his overall playoffs averages 18.8 PPG & 3.6 3PG. But, a closer look reveals that Bane was crushing those numbers through round one. Bane had an average of 27.0 PPG and 5.8-3PG through the four games against Minnesota. A back injury kept him from the final round against Golden State.
To reiterate his expectations for next season, Bane was able enough to rebound to 24.0 PPG and 23.0 3PG respectively in the games against the Warriors. Bane could score in the middle of the 20s per match and be among the league’s leaders in 3-pointers in his third season. He finished the regular season in the 50s according to my fantasy rankings. However, if he proves himself in the playoffs, he can be a top-25 draft pick. — Snellings
Jordan Poole, Golden State Warriors
Poole’s ability to play was evident throughout the season. Through the second round playoffs, his averages for 18.6 PPG, 4.1% APG, and 3.4 RPG (combined regular season and playoffs) were all impressive. Poole was drafted with the No. He was the 28th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Poole scored 8.8 PPG during the 2018-2019, 2019-2020 seasons. Many thought Poole was too far out of reach to be selected in the first round. But he has shown that he is ready for the spotlight. Poole, in addition to his natural talent, has been able absorb the best practices of some the most brilliant minds in the league. He is trusted by the Warriors and fantasy managers should feel that way. Poole, one of the most important playmakers for Warriors, is the perfect combination of both. Stephen CurryAnd Klay Thompson. — Moody
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Ben SimmonsMaxey’s unique situation made him an under-the-radar benefit. In the 2022 regular season, and playoffs, Maxey averaged 17.9 PPG with 4.2 APG and 3.2 RPG. He is an incredible improvement on his rookie season of 2020-2021 in which he only averaged 6.1 points per game with Simmons. Maxey’s speed and aggressiveness on court proved that he can coexist with Simmons. James HardenAnd Joel EmbiidAs a third option. Even more impressive is the fact that the trio had little time to build chemistry before the big midseason trade. Maxey’s fantasy outlook is positive, regardless of whether Harden comes back. — Moody
Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavericks
Brunson’s breakout in the playoffs happened at the perfect time for the Mavericks. He has posted an average of 22.9 PPG in the playoffs so far, which is 6.3 PPG higher than his regular season. Brunson is a household name thanks to his incredible playoff performances that helped keep the Mavericks title hopes alive. Brunson will be able to enter unrestricted agency this summer in order to pursue a greater role with another team. This bodes well to his fantasy prospects in 2022. — Moody
De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks
Hunter was another player who showed that he was still healthy and capable of playing at a high standard during the postseason. Hunter was the No. The No. 4 selection in the 2019 NBA Draft. Hunter showed promising signs in his first two seasons, before injuries took him out of play. As a sophomore, he played just 23 games and missed nearly 30 this season. He also showed signs of regression in almost all areas. However, he was not a star in the postseason. Trae YoungThat led the Hawks’ scoring. Hunter, however, was better than the Hawks’ 13.4 PPG in regular season and 21.2 in playoffs.
He improved in every game. From 14 points, 3 boards, and 2 3-pointers, Game 1, to 35 points in Game 5, he scored 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 3-pointers. Hunter finished the season ranked 174th among my fantasy rankings. However, if Hunter is healthy and settles into a role for the Hawks next year, he might be worth considering in the middle rounds. — Snellings
Oladipo was once an impact fantasy player. However, injuries have forced him to miss most of the last three seasons. He played just eight games during the regular season and couldn’t be relied on as a regular producer. He has played in eight playoff games, including one as a starter, and has shown that he is capable of producing when given the opportunity. Oladipo is an unrestricted free agent in this offseason. If he convinces teams that he can return to his former All-Star form due to his improved health, there are fantasy starter upsides for him despite being completely out of the rankings over his years of injury. — Snellings
Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls
Williams was the number 4. Williams was the 4th overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft. He had a solid, if not spectacular rookie season. He was selected as a strong, athletic defensive player wing who might become the do-everything forward in today’s NBA. He suffered a major injury that kept him out of 65 games during the regular season. His rookie season saw him produce similar numbers. He was able to start every game in the playoffs and saw an increase in volume production. Williams is a guard-heavy Bulls team and they would love to see him develop into a solid starter in his third season. He finished the regular season at 231st place in my rankings. But, if he improves upon his playoffs performance to solidify his starting role, Williams could be a worthy late-round fantasy sleeper prospect. — Snellings
Jones was one the NBA’s top backup point guards in the regular season. He played well against the Warriors during the second round playoffs. Ja MorantInjury led to his death. Morant missed 25 games in the regular season. Jones, however, thrived every time he was out. Jones averaged 12.7 PPG and 6.6APG. Jones shot 32% from 3-pointers while shooting 3.2RPG. Memphis went 19-4 in the regular season with Jones as their starter. Jones also proved his value in a contract year at the top position of the league. Jones will likely sign with another team this summer. Morant is expected to sign a long-term extensionWith the Grizzlies. — Moody