It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it?Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, the opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA. 

Introduction

I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2023 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2023-24 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence.As I will frequently emphasize and reiterate: in 2023, there is very little difference between the vast majority of second-round draft picks and undrafted free agents--it always all comes down to the skillsets they possess, their capacity for growth, and the situations they've landed in.Seasons will be made and broken with early identification of the diamond-in-the-rough rookies. I used to list out the many examples from the past season in this introduction portion, but we are now in a beautiful era where there are just too many to count. There is also very little separating the featured players below and those dubbed "Honorable Mentions"--so put in the work and keep an eye out throughout the regular season for who is receiving and seizing their opportunities. 

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Danny Green will make his return to Cleveland in Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Green was recently picked up from waivers by Cleveland, one of his former teams. Green will officially be available Wednesday, but his role has not been determined yet. Green will likely battle with Isaac Okoro, Caris LeVert and Cedi Osman for minutes.

According to team reporter Chris Fedor, free-agent guard Danny Green is nearing a deal with the Cavaliers. The veteran, who was recently acquired and bought out by the Rockets, played only three games for the Grizzlies after missing the start of the season recovering from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. With that said, although Green has shot at least 37.5% from deep in each of his last five seasons, his best days are behind him. As a result, he's not expected to offer much on the fantasy end, so he should remain off rosters until he gets more involved.

The NBA trade deadline has officially come and gone and we had one of the most active deadlines in recent memory with some big stars being dealt. Kyrie, KD, and Westbrook are all heading to new teams and we have been covering those trades and their fantasy impacts here at RotoBaller.But there were plenty of other lesser-known players who were dealt in the last few days and I wanted to go through and make sure we don't overlook some of these trades as some of those deals may even have more fantasy impact than the big moves.So here are some other trades that went down and my two cents on the increase or decrease in value that we should expect from the players involved for the remainder of the 2022-2023 fantasy basketball season. 

Moves That Matter

These are very much in order of how much they matter. Let's start with the Spurs sending their starting center back up North where he started his career.Jakob Poeltl to the RaptorsI am a huge Poeltl fan and was close to acquiring him on multiple teams before the deadline. It was a curious move by Toronto to be buyers instead of sellers at the deadline, but Poeltl gives them the presence at the five they have been lacking all season and allows Siakam to shift over and play PF where he belongs.Poeltl is no longer a shutdown candidate and has legit top-50 upside with his multi-category abilities. His departure also makes ... [More]

The Rockets acquired guard Danny Green from Memphis as part of a three-team deal involving the Clippers. Green's career with the Grizzlies ended after only three appearances, missing most of the season while recovering from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee suffered during a postseason game in May 2022. However, with the veteran on a hefty expiring contract, he could receive a buyout from the Rockets. As a result, it's hard to say for sure what his fantasy outlook will be moving ahead. Yet, he's shot nearly 40% from deep throughout his career, so he should at least continue contributing in that area for category managers needing a boost.

Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Danny Green (knee) will be kept out of Thursday's meeting with the Cavaliers. He made his season debut on Wednesday versus Portland and will sit Thursday night due to left knee surgery injury management. Green played a pretty productive 10 minutes against the Trail Blazers, picking up three points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. He'll provide an extra option off the bench for the team and brings plenty of experience, but Green isn't going to make a big impact in fantasy basketball unless Memphis suffers a raft of injuries.

Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Danny Green (knee) is expected to get some minutes in Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Green will make his season debut and will likely face some heavy minutes restrictions as the Grizzlies ease him back into action. Green was not the most fantasy-friendly player before the injury, but was always a good source of threes and defensive stats when healthy. If he is able to shake off the minutes restrictions, Green could carve himself into a productive role for Memphis.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Danny Green (knee) has received one of his first questionable tags since tearing his ACL and LCL last season as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs. He said that he would return by the All-Star break this year and he seems to be on schedule with that prediction. Fantasy managers will want to wait before adding him on any rosters since he wasn't too valuable last season before getting hurt. His source of fantasy value comes from just threes and steals, so after he gets off any minute restrictions he might have little value in very deep leagues.

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]

Memphis Grizzlies guard Danny Green (knee) remains focused on getting back on the court sooner rather than later. He was dealt to Memphis during the 2022 NBA Draft in exchange for De'Anthony Melton. Yet, the front office hasn't revealed whether Green will remain on the roster moving ahead, with general manager Zach Kleiman unable to say for sure what the future holds for the veteran. The 35-year-old, who suffered a torn ACL during Game 6 of the postseason series against Miami, is hoping to return by the All-Star break. Still, while Green should have no problem finding a home if he gets released by the Grizz, he probably won't see any fantasy interest until he's active.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Danny Green (knee) believes he'll be back by the All-Star break next season. The veteran forward suffered a torn ACL during the Game 6 loss to the Miami Heat on May 12. Despite that, Green believes he'll be back by February. It's great to see the veteran forward confident he can return in a seven month timetable. However, the Sixers haven't picked up Green's final year yet. It's uncertain if Green will be playing in Philadelphia next season. Regardless, it's unlikely he carries any fantasy value wherever he goes.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Danny Green (knee) was diagnosed with a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. The injury occurred during the first quarter of the Game 6 loss to Miami after teammate Joel Embiid ran into him. The news was confirmed on Friday by an MRI, and he will go under the knife as a result. The veteran has averaged 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 39% from deep throughout his career. However, with Green in line to earn $10 million, which will be fully guaranteed after July 1st, his time in Philadelphia could be over, especially since he may miss most (or all) of the 2022-23 season.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Danny Green (knee) exited Thursday's postseason matchup against Miami. However, he didn't return. The veteran sustained a left knee injury after Joel Embiidcollided with him, and according to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, there's "significant concern on the severity." The 25-year-old averaged 8.2 points while shooting 55% from deep during the series with the Heat. He'll have an MRI to determine the severity, although things aren't looking good.

Philadelphia 76ers small forward Danny Green (finger) has been cleared to play in Monday's game against Denver, returning from a two-game absence due to a left middle finger laceration. Green will provide Philly with an additional shooter off the bench, a much-needed benefit due to the Nuggets holding the opposition to 34% from deep this year (the fifth-best mark in the league). The veteran sharpshooter holds little fantasy intrigue in his own right due to shortened playing time in 2021-22, but his presence stands to squeeze Furkan Korkmaz and Isaiah Joe's run as well.

Philadelphia 76ers small forward Danny Green (finger) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Magic as he continues to work his way back from a laceration on his left middle finger. Green's absence among the second unit paves the way for Shake Milton, Furkan Korkmaz, and Isaiah Joe to take on slightly elevated workloads. Green has become almost entirely a three-point option for Philly in 2021-22, with 84% of his shot attempts coming from behind the arc. At an average of just 6.1 PPG this year, Green has exceeded double figures in scoring just once since Dec. 3, all but removing him from any season-long consideration. He remains a vital bench cog for Philly, whose next chance to suit up comes Monday vs. Denver.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Danny Green (finger) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday's game against the Chicago Bulls. The veteran forward has been ruled out after lacerating his left middle finger in the third quarter. He finished with three points, three boards, and one assist in 10 minutes. This doesn't seem like the type of injury that would cause Green to miss time. Although, Georges Niang and Matisse Thybulle would stand to gain value, assuming Green does miss time. Thybulle is the better option between the two, but neither have much upside in fantasy formats.

Philadelphia 76ers small forward Danny Green (hip) has been deemed questionable to play in Thursday's game vs. the Lakers due to right hip pain. The ailment has cost Green each of Philly's previous seven contests, with Furkan Korkmaz emerging as the team's primary marksman. Even when healthy, Green has been held to single digits in the scoring column in each of his last 13 outings, illuminating the ceiling that he possesses during his age-34 campaign. A return from Green could cut slightly into Korkmaz and Matisse Thybulle's minutes share, so fantasy managers will want to check back before tip-off to get the final word.

Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Seth Curry (ankle) and small forward Danny Green (hip) have been ruled out for Sunday's game vs. the Spurs. Curry's absence due to a sore left ankle has now extended to two contests, with Isaiah Joe having stepped into his starting spot Friday. Green will have missed each of Philly's last six outings, which has largely allowed Furkan Korkmaz to see both elevated minutes and offensive usage. The absence of both Curry and Green likely funnels offensive duties in the direction of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, while putting added attention on Korkmaz's long-range abilities. The next chance for either sharpshooter to return comes Tuesday against New Orleans.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Matisse Thybulle (shoulder) and forward Danny Green (hip) have been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. Thybulle took a fall during Friday's game and was forced out of that contest. As a result, Thybulle will miss at least Saturday's game. Green has been dealing with lingering hip pain for quite some time. He played 10 minutes on Wednesday and sat out on Friday. The absence of these two players should mean a spike in usage for Seth Curry. He is looking like a strong streaming option for Saturday.