Unsung Heroes of the Fantasy Basketball Season: Paul George, Jalen Johnson, and Grayson Allen

The NBA regular season is coming to a close, and fantasy basketball managers are reflecting on the standout performers who helped carry their teams to success. As we look back on the season, the question arises: who was your “unsung hero” for this season?

In a panel discussion featuring Raphielle Johnson, Noah Rubin, and Zak Hanshew, each writer highlighted a player who exceeded expectations and provided immense value to fantasy teams.

Zak Hanshew’s pick for unsung hero was Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers. George, who has a history of missing games due to injury, managed to play in 72 out of 78 games this season. Ranked 12th in per-game fantasy value and seventh in totals, George outperformed his late third-round ADP and proved to be a steal in fantasy drafts.

Noah Rubin chose Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks as his unsung hero. With an ADP of 102.4, Johnson surpassed all expectations by ranking inside the top 50 players in fantasy. The young power forward has shown tremendous growth and potential, averaging impressive numbers across multiple categories.

Raphielle Johnson’s selection for unsung hero was Grayson Allen of the Phoenix Suns. Despite being overshadowed by star players like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, Allen proved to be a valuable asset for fantasy managers. Leading the NBA in 3-point percentage, Allen exceeded his late-round ADP and emerged as a top-50 player in 9-cat formats.

As fantasy basketball managers reflect on the season, these unsung heroes serve as a reminder of the value that can be found in unexpected places. Whether it’s a star player staying healthy, a young talent exceeding expectations, or a role player stepping up, fantasy success often hinges on the contributions of these underrated players.