The New Orleans Pelicans announced that forward/centerDaniel Theis(thumb) won't play against the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Theis will miss his second straight game due to an injured thumb. The 32-year-old is averaging 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 16.3 minutes per contest across 38 games this season. He doesn't make much of an impact in fantasy, but while the big man is out, Jeremiah Robinson-EarlandKarlo Matkovic will see more playing time behind starting center Yves Missi.

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Daniel Theis (thumb) will not face his former friends in green on Friday, as he has been ruled out for a matchup against the Boston Celtics. It's not a surprise that Theis isn't available, as he was listed as doubtful on the initial injury report. Starting center Yves Missi might have to do a bit more on Friday with Theis out, with Karlo Matkovic and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl logging time as his backups. Missi has had a good rookie campaign, but he currently finds himself in an offensive slump, having gone scoreless in back-to-back games.

New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis (thumb) is considered doubtful on Friday against the Boston Celtics with a thumb sprain. The veteran big man picked up the injury in their last game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. If he does get downgraded to out, Yves Missi should be in line for some big minutes at center. Zion Williamson also will spend some time at the five in small-ball lineups while Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will get more opportunities. Missi is the best streaming option after registering seven rebounds, one assist, and four blocks in their last contest. He's not recommended for managers that may need scoring stats though.

New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis (ankle) is on track to play Friday against the Indiana Pacers, according to head coach Willie Green. The 32-year-old exited early in Wednesday's loss to Golden State with a right ankle issue, but it appears he'll be able to suit up without any missed time. Over his first five games of the season, Theis has averaged 4.0 points and 4.4 rebounds as a reliable role player. Expect him to resume his usual role barring any last-minute setbacks.

New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis suffered an ankle injury in Wednesday's game against Golden State. He had soaked in just five minutes of action before hurting his right ankle. The German big man finished the contest scoreless while recording three rebounds. Theis has kicked off the year as New Orleans' starting center, averaging 4.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 16.0 minutes. Yves Missi will be in line for more playing time if Theis has to miss additional time, although the rookie himself battled a hip problem on Wednesday. With two bigs limited by health issues, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl logged a season-high 23 minutes. He had nine points with five rebounds and three assists. Robinson-Earl could be a speculative add for fantasy managers if Missi joins Theis on the sidelines.

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it?Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, the opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA. 

Introduction

I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2023 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2023-24 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence.As I will frequently emphasize and reiterate: in 2023, there is very little difference between the vast majority of second-round draft picks and undrafted free agents--it always all comes down to the skillsets they possess, their capacity for growth, and the situations they've landed in.Seasons will be made and broken with early identification of the diamond-in-the-rough rookies. I used to list out the many examples from the past season in this introduction portion, but we are now in a beautiful era where there are just too many to count. There is also very little separating the featured players below and those dubbed "Honorable Mentions"--so put in the work and keep an eye out throughout the regular season for who is receiving and seizing their opportunities. 

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Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (back) is set to return from a two-game absence on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls. However, backup center Daniel Theis (thumb) has been ruled out with a thumb strain. Turner should resume his normal starting role on Wednesday while Isaiah Jackson should absorb Theis's minutes off the bench. Jackson could be worth a look as a streamer for blocks, especially if Theis's injury lingers past the All-Star break.

Indiana Pacers center Daniel Theis (thumb) is listed as questionable versus the Chicago Bulls Wednesday. Theis seemed to sprain his thumb during his spot start on Monday with Myles Turner (back) out and is in jeopardy of missing their next contest. With Turner also questionable to play Wednesday, the Pacers would likely turn to Isaiah Jackson if both Turner and Theis have to sit out. Jalen Smith may also find his way back into the rotation given the circumstances.

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]

It's funny that every year at the NBA Draft, once the end of the guaranteed money and live appearances arrives at the end of the first round, everybody tunes out and refers to the 60th pick as "Mr. Irrelevant." That's not very accurate though, is it? Speaking historically, the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" could just as easily be applied to each pick in the draft, as organizations differ greatly in their evaluation of talent and their own needs, particularly in a year without the NCAA tournament. The nickname just doesn't reflect how basketball works anymore. Executives strategically stockpile second-round draft picks for the less burdensome financial obligations, and organizations in rebuilding mode get super creative to field a respectable team on a budget.Particularly in the NBA where worldwide talent is plentiful and positional lines continue to fade, opportunity is everything: in the right situation, the right under-the-radar player can make an immediate, poignant statement. With professional development leagues for 16-18-year-olds, an ever-expanding set of domestic/international opportunities due to the sheer growth of basketball, and widespread NIL rights for college athletes, players of all levels and localities are starting to get their due exposure and now have enough freedom to hone their skills in a place, and at a pace, that fits best with their path to the NBA.Plus, I am inherently skeptical and distrusting of scouting from the high school level to pre-Draft. That's why in this annual article, I tend to favor overlooked college players (love the mid-majors/non-power conferences) with either well-rounded, polished games, or specific statistical specialties.We are going to discuss a handful of 2022 second-round picks and undrafted free agent signees who, given their individual skillsets and circumstances, warrant the attention of Fantasy Basketball Managers as potential high-impact rookies for the 2022-23 campaign who can quietly be acquired on clearance once they start showing signs of emergence. ... [More]

Indiana Pacers center Daniel Theis is dealing with an undisclosed injury. As a result, he will miss the World Cup qualifiers and potentially September's EuroBasket tournament. The 30-year-old, who was included in the deal that sent Malcolm Brogdon to Boston, has averaged 7.9 points and 4.7 rebounds throughout his career. Although he isn't expected to be a day-to-day fantasy option, he may get some work at various points during the 2022-23 campaign. Also, Myles Turner is still not a lock to remain on the roster, so if he gets moved, Theis' ceiling could increase, assuming his current ailment isn't serious.

Boston Celtics center Daniel Theis is uncertain to suit up for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. He was traded to the Celtics from the Houston Rockets at the trade deadline. Head coach Ime Udoka mentioned that the organization is comfortable plugging in Theis once he's cleared to play. However, it could be tough for Theis to carve out a role for himself in Boston. He'll likely be stuck behind Robert Williams III and Al Horford. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to add Theis since it's unlikely he'll have much value once he does play.

Boston Celtics center Daniel Theis has not yet been cleared to suit up for his new team, which means he will miss Friday's contest against the Nuggets. Theis has not appeared in an outing since Jan. 14, which will likely mean that Boston will need to ease him back into game speed, even if his role is unlikely to see him logging significant minutes. Theis, who began his career with Boston, averaged 7.2 points and 4.9 boards in 236 games with the team from 2017-21. He stands to back up Robert Williams III and Al Horford at the center spot, which gives him a very limited path to fantasy relevance during the second half of the season.

Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis has reportedly been dealt to the Boston Celtics just prior to Thursday's NBA trade deadline, reuniting him with the franchise with which he spent the first three and a half seasons of his career. Houston acquired Dennis Schroder, Enes Freedomand Bruno Fernando in exchange. Theis' playing time was sporadic with the rebuilding Rockets, as he averaged 8.4 points and 5.0 boards across 26 games (21 starts). He rejoins a Celtics frontcourt that appears quite set with Robert Williams III and Al Horford holding down center duties, which makes Theis a tricky season-long option in any sized format.

Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis grabbed his second double-double of the campaign on Thursday, scoring a team-high 22 points and notching 10 rebounds in a loss to the Knicks. He shot 8-for-12 from the field and had a nice 2-for-4 night from downtown with a 4-for-5 record at the foul line. Theis also tallied two blocks with one assist and one steal in 33 minutes of action. This was a nice performance from Theis, but it came with Christian Wood (knee) sidelined and Houston's starting center is expected to be back for Saturday's matchup against Detroit. Theis has even spent some time out of the rotation lately when Wood has been healthy, so his situation in Houston isn't great.

Houston Rockets forward Daniel Theis (toe) is questionable for Saturday's game versus the Nuggets. The 29-year-old veteran has missed the team's previous two games because of right Great Toe soreness. If he can't suit up, Alperen Segun will be in line to take his place. Sengun is averaging eight points and four rebounds while filling in for Theis in the starting lineup. However, despite an enhanced role, the rookie's lack of minutes lowers his ceiling in both seasonal and DFS formats.

Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis (toe) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Phoenix Suns. The big man has put together a slow start with his new team. However, rookie Alperen Sengun has been off to a hot start with Houston. He'll likely draw another start and be a solid DFS option for Thursday's slate. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Rockets use Sengun more going forward. He is quickly becoming a must-have fantasy option.

Houston Rockets power forward/center Daniel Theis (toe) has been deemed questionable to suit up for Thursday's contest vs. the Suns. Theis was unavailable Tuesday due to a sore big toe on his right foot, allowing Alperen Sengun to draw the first start of his career. Should Theis once again be unavailable, look for Sengun to be a solid punt play option in DFS due to his multi-category contributions. Theis' minutes total (22 per game) has kept him from larger season-long fantasy relevance, while the Rockets have numerous young mouths to feed on offense. Check back prior to tip-off to get the final word on Theis' status.

Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis (toe) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets new big man has been off to a slow start to the season. He is averaging 6.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.6 assists while shooting just 37.5% from the floor over his last five games. The organization would likely use a committee approach to fill the void, assuming Theis is out. Fantasy managers should check back for another update closer to tip off.

Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis (rest) and guard Eric Gordon (rest) have been ruled out for Friday's preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs. There aren't any lingering injuries here, so the Rockets are just playing it safe as the regular season approaches. Theis has played well during his three preseason games, but only averaged 18.9 minutes per game. He certainly has the ability to create fantasy value, but it will be dependent on how often he's on the court.