Which Raptors starters are worth selecting in fantasy basketball?

With fantasy football seasons approximately 25 percent complete, the article suggests shifting focus to other sports, such as basketball, to continue the pursuit of fantasy sports management. It highlights the Toronto Raptors as a team worth examining for fantasy value, noting that while they are not the most dominant in the NBA, they contain serviceable players who can contribute significantly to winning fantasy leagues.

The guide is tailored for fantasy players in a 12-team head-to-head nine-category league and incorporates data from FantasyPros' average draft position (ADP) and Hashtag Basketball's rankings. It emphasizes that valuable players can be found on less prominent teams like the Raptors, encouraging managers to thoroughly analyze such rosters for hidden gems.

The article provides a detailed analysis of Scottie Barnes, citing his 2025-26 ADP of 26, a drop from his 2024-25 ranking of 60 but an improvement from his 2023-24 ranking of 21. Barnes is praised for his ability to stuff stat sheets, having been a fantasy cheat code in his early seasons, particularly if drafted in later rounds. His main drawback is his three-point shooting, averaging 30 percent on 3.6 attempts, which can negatively impact fantasy teams due to the freedom in the Raptors' system. Despite this, he remains an attractive option early in the third round because of his triple-double potential and strong defensive stats, such as finishing 12th in stocks (steals and blocks) last season, with few players ahead of him matching his usage and playmaking skills.