Another year, another set of players with sky-high expectations entering the NBA season.
But whether it's because of injuries, a lack of chemistry with new teammates or simply a dip in play, expectations don't always come to fruition. Take Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, who entered last season as our No. 1 overall player. While he still produced at a very high level, it wasn't nearly the leap we thought he'd make in his second season in New Orleans. For example, his promising long-range game declined, and he shot 30 percent from beyond the 3-point line. Part of the problem was the limited help he got from the lackluster lineup around him.
What players being hyped this season won't come close to their potential in 2016-17? Our experts give their picks for whom to avoid in drafts.
Kemba Walker, PG, Charlotte Hornets
Walker's a fine player, but I'm a little concerned about how the return of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist might crowd the floor after Walker benefited from improved spacing to get to the basket more last season. And I'm very concerned about two surgeries on the meniscus in his left knee in the past two years. So I'd rather let someone else take their chances with Walker this season. - Kevin Pelton
Marc Gasol, C, Memphis Grizzlies
Gasol has played in 59 or fewer games in two of the past three seasons and has consistently played heavy minutes in the process, and there is legitimate concern he could be wearing down. I have no question about Gasol's ability to produce when he's on the court, I just think the inherent risks of injury and erosion for this big man aren't appropriately baked into his draft cost this fall. It's one of those situations where I'm fine being wrong about it, because I'd rather chase younger centers at cheaper prices such as Myles Turner and Nikola Jokic. - Jim McCormick
Chandler Parsons, SF, Memphis Grizzlies
This summer, the Memphis Grizzlies made a huge bet on Chandler Parsons' knees, signing him to a 4-year, $95 million deal. I'd advise you to be less optimistic. Parsons has had multiple knee surgeries. Worse yet, Parsons had microfracture surgery -- once regarded as a death sentence for an NBA player's career -- which mostly gets performed when little to no cartilage is left in the knee. While this procedure undoubtedly has improved in recent years, the fact that it was necessary to perform would already scare me. I would not be surprised if Parsons not only misses lots of games, but also sees his production decline because of constant knee pain. - Jeremias Engelmann
Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards
I like Beal as a player, but in fantasy he leaves much to be desired, and he is as injury-prone as just about any young guard in the game. The numbers tell the story: Beal has played 73 games or less in all four of his NBA seasons and has eclipsed 63 games only once. That's a major problem, and it makes him too risky of a pick at the stage in the draft where he's being selected (around No. 60).
Even when healthy, Beal isn't a big contributor in any category other than points. Surprisingly, he has yet to average two 3-pointers per game in a season, and his career field goal percentage of 42.6 percent also leaves much to be desired. Add in his averages of around one steal and three assists per game, and Beal is someone who continues to be overhyped based on name recognition and the lofty expectations that greeted him when he entered the league. - Joe Kaiser
Horford is one of my most-selected players of the past 10 years. His value is sneaky, in that much of it is buried in efficiency versus attention-grabbing volume. As a Hawk, he always went a round too late. Now he's a Celtic. Coming off a summer in which his free-agent deal was perhaps the second-most high-profile in the NBA, he'll go a half-round to a round too early. - John Cregan
Kyle Lowry, PG, Toronto Raptors
Lowry is just one of those guys who has rarely appeared on any of my fantasy teams, and this season will be no different. I've always faded him more than most people, because he has been susceptible to injuries and has shot under 42 percent throughout his career. People caught lightning in a bottle last season, when he missed just five games and racked up career-high numbers, but I'm not expecting him to repeat last season's performance now that he is 30 years old. I'd gladly take him if he falls far enough, but that never seems to happen ... and I doubt that will change this time around. - Tom Carpenter
Any Pelican not named Anthony Davis
The Pelicans have weapons on offense. Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday and Buddy Hield look promising. The problem is, all of them, including Davis, have issues staying healthy. Last season, the Pelicans started 42 lineups, by far the most in the NBA. Their top lineup -- Omer Asik, Davis, Evans, Eric Gordon and Holiday -- did not play a single game together last season.
With the losses of Gordon and Ryan Anderson, the spacing on the floor won't be as good, and teams are likely to clog the paint and double-team Davis.
Not to mention, players such as Asik, currently the starting center, and Dante Cunningham, the starting small forward, are known for their defense and not so much their offensive prowess. Hield could be there for 3-pointers and maybe free throw percentage, but everyone else is a large question mark. - Matthew Wittyngham
Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
You might have seen the training video everyone was talking about this offseason. He sure looks back to his old self, no? But I'm not sold, not until I see Embiid, who has missed nearly two years with injury, in five-on-five action on the court. And even if he's back to 100 percent, he still has to fight for time with Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel for frontcourt touches. Embiid possesses immense skill and ability, so for the sake of basketball fans, I hope I'm wrong. - Greg Rosenstein