Dan Titus dives into a 14-team mock draft, weighing health, role clarity, and ceiling. Key takeaways: Deni Avdija’s upside could push him into late-2nd/early-3rd round if usage surges; Rudy Gobert’s value hinges on blocks, with 2023-24 burst concerns; Deandre Ayton’s Portland fit could unlock rebound and efficiency opportunities. Late-round lurkers like Keyontae George, Tari Eason, and Santi Aldama offer upside in a high-uptake season, while Nets’ volume around Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges remains pivotal.

VanVleet's ACL tear reshapes Houston's fantasy map. With apron rules delaying any replacement until January, Durant, Amen Thompson, and Sengun anchor a shifted lineup while Reed Shepard and Tari Eason push into bigger roles. Capella-Adams frontcourt mix complicates Sengun's ceiling, and Finney-Smith/Okogie provide wing depth as potential streaming options. Undervalued: Shepard, Eason, Durant; Jabari Smith sits at a lofty ADP. Training camp will tighten the rotation, but backcourt surgencies already signal sizable early-season upside for Rockets youngsters.

In the wake of the injury, Amen Thompson's minutes and playmaking rise, Reed Shepard becomes a must-draft late-round target, and Tari Eason caps a top-100 upside floor with increased opportunity. Durant remains a reliable top-20 asset, though his fit with a larger frontcourt adds nuance. Watch Capella/Adams splits and shooting gaps; Finney-Smith and Okogie should contribute as streaming options. Expect rapid shifts as camp unfolds and roster decisions clarify roles.