Rookies are inherently dangerous in fantasy sports, but this has been a surprisingly strong and fun season for first-year players. Everyone loves Cleveland Cavaliers PF/C Evan Mobley, and for good reason, while Orlando Magic SF/PF Franz Wagner and Toronto Raptors SF/PF Scottie Barnes continue to shine. Top overall pick PG/SG Cade Cunningham and Aussie PG Josh Giddey look like future stars and even some undrafted options like Miami Heat C Omer Yurtseven keep aiding fantasy rosters.
One of the most impressive, if not unheralded rookies over the past few weeks has been Golden State Warriors SF/PF Jonathan Kuminga, a relative late bloomer who only started to get consistent minutes recently. Not only has Warriors coach Steve Kerr entrusted the mature Kuminga, only 19 and the No. 7 pick in the 2021 draft, to guard top scorers on opposing teams lately, he recently compared him to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Well, that should earn our attention!