Fantasy Basketball Early Season Recap: Franz Wagner, Dyson Daniels, Peyton Watson and More

Now that we are in a steady flow of consistent NBA games, it's time to discuss some of the biggest fantasy basketball takeaways from early on in the season.

I will pick out some of the best storylines that are positive and negative that have occurred early on.

Explore the best in-season tool to manage lineup/start decisions including waiver pickups, projections, trade suggestions, trade value charts, rest of season rankings, power rankings, and tons more with Fantasy Assistant. Use our fantasy basketball trade analyzer to break down trade scenarios.

Dyson Daniels' Defensive Dominance 

Coming into this year, many people questioned if Daniels could truly tap into the two-way potential that got him selected in the lottery. But I don’t think anyone could have guessed he would be this good coming into a new situation.

He is putting together one of the greatest perimeter defender seasons in recent memory. Right now, he is on pace for 600 deflections; the record is 302. That is not the only crazy defensive stat that he has recorded; he also had a five-game stretch where he recorded 29 steals. 

He has been a glove-like fit next to an offensive-oriented Trae Young. He is also scoring the ball more efficiently as well. On the season, Dyson is averaging 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game on 49% shooting. He still needs to make some strides as an efficient shooter, but other than that, he has been amazing. He is making a serious bid as the early leader in the most improved player race.

D'Angelo Russell's Struggles

After two disappointing postseason showings, many Laker fans called for Russell to be moved in the offseason, but new coach JJ Redick stuck with him. So far, he hasn’t been able to find a consistent rhythm to positively impact this Lakers team.

He has shot just 40% from the field and 33% from the 3-point line this season. Those splits led the team to bench him in favor of younger players on the team.

I’ve been optimistic about Russell’s long-term fit with this team, but to see them get better once he takes a lesser role is not ideal. Russell is on an expiring deal, and I don’t see a mutual interest to reunite with the Lakers in the offseason. In my opinion, he will be moved by the trade deadline to a situation that could possibly cater more toward his playstyle.

Peyton Watson Steps Up

Since Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has been sidelined with a calf strain, Watson has stepped up in a huge way. Watson has shown the versatility and athleticism that have had fans intrigued with his development. His lanky frame at 6’7 has allowed him to be a defensive anchor in a sense for the Nuggets in Gordon's absence. He recently had two clutch defensive swats to seal games for the Nuggets. 

As a starter, Watson has averaged 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks on 54% shooting from the field. He started the season a bit rusty because he got zero preseason action, but has really found his footing as of late. He should be even better once the Nuggets get back to full health.

Franz Wagner Silencing Concerns

Since Wagner was rewarded with a max contract in the offseason, many people questioned if he was really worth it. Critics pointed to his shaky shooting and him benefiting from having a guy like Paolo Banchero to play with. He did get most of the blame for the shaky start as well. He has shown that he can carry an offense efficiently and get others involved at a very high level.

In his last five games, he is averaging 28 points and six assists a game, while leading the Magic to a five-game win streak. The Banchero injury was unfortunate, but also helpful to get Wagner's confidence and rhythm back. The Magic have always had a great defense, so if they can maximize their offensive potential, they could potentially be a really dangerous team.

Kristaps Porzingis Eyeing Return 

Today, the Boston Celtics assigned Porzingis to the Maine Celtics for practice. Since the start of last season's playoffs, Porzingis has been fighting through injuries to play and help the Celtics win the championship. 

In the offseason, he opted for foot surgery. He will be a huge addition to the Celtics lineup because he will bring an element of spacing and interior defense that no other big man on their team can bring. Last year he averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks on 51% shooting. The Celtics have already been dominant this season, so it will be exciting to see how they look with a healthy Porzingis in the lineup.