NBA Immediate Impact 2 Week Check In

Every month we'll take a look at the players in my previous potential sleeper posts to see how they're progressing over the season.

Immediate Impact

Giannis Antetokounmpo

I'll admit, like many analysts, I expected to see more out of the Greek Freak production wise.  Granted it is still early and he has the tools to increase his production over the next couple months.  So far this season he is putting up 10.6pt 5.3rb 3.3ast with 1 3pt/blk/stl in 29.7 minutes a night.  My expectations may be too high for him this season seeing I'm disappointed with this all around production.  Don't sleep on him though because there are just reasons for his projected rise.

Nikola Mirotic

When I first wrote about Mirotic I said he could put up just over 12-4-1 and 1 steal a game given 25 minutes a night.  Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol have been playing great thus far which has significantly limited Mirotic's floor time.  This can be expected when you're part of arguably the deepest front court in the league.  He has managed to work his way into 13.1 minutes a game as the 4th big man.  In that time he has put up 3.5pt 3.1rb 0.9ast 0.4stl/blk a game while shooting great percentages from deep and the foul line (.417 and .900 respectively).  Look for his numbers to rise if given the opportunity.

Gorgui Dieng

I few weeks ago I said Dieng should get a lot more minutes with Kevin Love's departure and could become a double double machine.  Honestly I'm shocked that he is only owned in 10.6% of fantasy leagues on ESPN.  He has earned an increase in minutes this year, although it is less than I expected.  So far he is averaging only 18.7 minutes but is putting up gaudy per48 numbers.  His line is 7.5pt 7rb 0.3ast/stl and 1.7blk with great shooting percentages.  I don't understand how this man gets so overlooked with those elite block numbers, solid rebounding/points, and potential.  If you do feel like waiting then jump on him as soon as his minutes get near 25 minutes.

Nikola Vucevic

I play in a dynasty fantasy league that disbanded two deadbeat owners this past off season dropping the team count to ten.  We had a one round draft for those players dropped by the two teams and I was more than elated to see Vucevic still available with my 9th pick.  He is owned in 100% of ESPN fantasy leagues but is often forgot about by the casual fan because of his injury history and that he's in Orlando.  I had said earlier that he should give a nightly double double while contributing a little everywhere else.  All he's done thus far is put up all-star caliber numbers racking up 18.6pt 12.3rb 2.4ast 1stl 1.1blk in 36.3 minutes a game.  Remember this name and be sure to watch if you get the opportunity.  This man is a beast.