Killanomics: Welcome back, everyone! We’re now nine weeks into the 2024 fantasy basketball season—the halfway mark—and it’s time to revisit our preseason predictions. AI, let’s dive into what’s changed and how the teams have performed compared to the initial post-draft expectations.
AI: Absolutely, Killanomics! The standings offer some surprises, and it’s clear that reality has challenged some of our early projections. Here’s what I see when comparing preseason rankings to midseason results:
Top Performers
Killanomics: The Van City Grizzlies sit atop the ABA division with a 52-28-1 record. AI, this team wasn’t a top-tier favorite after the draft. What’s driving their success?
AI: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been phenomenal, living up to his potential as an elite contributor. The Grizzlies also leveraged their depth, maximizing matchups week-to-week. Their current first-place standing proves the value of consistent performance over flashier, top-heavy rosters.
Killanomics: And the Amherst Speedsters?
AI: With a 48-33 record, they’re solidly in second. Anthony Davis has stayed healthier than expected, and Evan Mobley’s breakout has been a huge asset. Preseason, this team was labeled “boom or bust,” but so far, they’re booming. Their ability to capitalize on favorable matchups each week has propelled them to a strong position.
Killanomics: Depth clearly plays a role here. The Grizzlies and Speedsters prove you don’t need a team of superstars if you can field consistent, high-performing players.
AI: Exactly. Managing depth effectively is often underrated in fantasy basketball. It’s about being proactive with lineup changes and keeping an eye on the waiver wire.
Preseason Favorites and Their Struggles
Killanomics: Let’s talk about the Gotham Great Danes. They’re third in the NBA division but haven’t dominated as expected. What’s holding them back?
AI: Injuries to key players like Kristaps Porziņġis have slowed them down. While Lauri Markkanen and Darius Garland have performed well, their depth hasn’t stepped up to fill gaps when stars are sidelined. Still, a 46-34-1 record keeps them in contention. The issue is sustainability. Without healthier stars, they risk slipping in the rankings.
Killanomics: What about the Miami Moneymen? They were another preseason powerhouse but now sit at 11th in the NBA division.
AI: Giannis Antetokounmpo has been reliable, but inconsistent support from role players like CJ McCollum has hurt them. They’ve also had tough matchups, and their 38-41-2 record reflects those struggles. Their lack of waiver activity and roster adjustments might be costing them winnable weeks.
Killanomics: Sounds like they need to make some bold moves to shake things up.
AI: Precisely. The waiver wire and strategic trades could help reinvigorate their roster.
Surprise Standouts
Killanomics: The Syracuse Sparrows were predicted to struggle but are now sixth in the NBA division. What changed?
AI: They’ve overperformed thanks to veterans like Stephen Curry delivering elite weeks and Alperen Şengün stepping up as a key contributor. Their 42-38-1 record is a testament to savvy roster management. They’ve shown a willingness to take risks on lesser-known players who can deliver consistent value.
Killanomics: And what about the Frankfurt 17ers?
AI: Preseason, this team was pegged as “building for the future,” but they’re fifth in the NBA division with a 43-36-2 record. Anthony Edwards and Paolo Banchero have taken major steps forward, making them more competitive than expected. Their manager deserves credit for leaning into their young core and trusting their upside.
Underperformers and Dark Horses
Killanomics: The Chennai SteveBlakeExpress and Boston Bombers have struggled. Were we too optimistic about their potential?
AI: For the SteveBlakeExpress, aging stars like Damian Lillard and Jimmy Butler haven’t been enough to carry the roster. Depth issues have been glaring, reflected in their 33-46-2 record. The Bombers, at 32-47-2, have similarly struggled due to injuries and underperforming support players. It’s clear that both teams need a retooling phase, potentially eyeing next season already.
Killanomics: Any updates on dark horses like the Rucker Park Busters?
AI: They’re eighth in the NBA division with a 41-38-2 record. Luka Dončić has kept them competitive, but their young big men, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, are still finding their footing. This team’s potential remains high for the second half of the season. If Wembanyama and Holmgren hit their stride, they could make a serious playoff push.
Biggest Disappointments
Killanomics: Which teams have been the biggest letdowns so far?
AI: The Kings Landing Kings and Solid State teams are at the bottom of their divisions. The Kings’ reliance on Kawhi Leonard’s health hasn’t paid off, and the Solid State’s depth issues are glaring. Both teams need significant improvements to salvage their seasons. The Kings, in particular, have struggled to find consistent scoring outside their stars.
Killanomics: Do you think these teams have any chance of turning it around?
AI: It’s unlikely without drastic changes. They’d need to hit on multiple high-impact waiver pickups and trades to climb back into contention.
Midseason Rankings Table
| Rank | Team Name | W-L-T | Pct | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Van City Grizzlies | 52-28-1 | .648 | Depth and consistent stars |
| 2 | Amherst Speedsters | 48-33-0 | .593 | AD’s health, Mobley’s growth |
| 3 | Gotham Great Danes | 46-34-1 | .574 | Injuries limiting potential |
| 4 | Brooklyn Phoeniks | 46-35-0 | .568 | Jokic and Murray leading |
| 5 | Frankfurt 17ers | 43-36-2 | .543 | Young stars stepping up |
| 6 | Syracuse Sparrows | 42-38-1 | .525 | Veteran leadership paying off |
| 7 | Chicago Sunroofers | 42-39-0 | .519 | Depth showing consistency |
| 8 | Rucker Park Busters | 41-38-2 | .519 | Luka brilliance, youth upside |
| 9 | NY Knickerbockers | 39-40-2 | .494 | Balanced but unremarkable |
| 10 | Titanes de San Juan | 40-41-0 | .494 | Strong weeks, but inconsistent |
| 11 | Miami Moneymen | 38-41-2 | .481 | Role players underperforming |
| 12 | North Provolone | 35-46-0 | .432 | Building year |
| 13 | Chennai SteveBlakeExpress | 33-46-2 | .420 | Aging stars, depth issues |
| 14 | Boston Bombers | 32-47-2 | .407 | Injuries, shallow roster |
| 15 | Kings Landing Kings | 32-49-0 | .395 | Health concerns sinking team |
| 16 | Solid State | 31-49-1 | .389 | Depth too thin to compete |
Killanomics: Thanks for the analysis, AI. It’s been a wild first half, and there’s still plenty of basketball left to play. To all the managers out there: keep grinding, stay active on the waiver wire, and don’t give up. Let’s see how the second half unfolds!all left to play. To all the managers out there: keep grinding, stay active on the waiver wire, and don’t give up. Let’s see how the second half unfolds!
University of Fantasy Ball 
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