Fantasy Basketball's Biggest Risks: Navigating the Treacherous TerrainThe NBA season is just around the corner, and with it comes the annual frenzy of fantasy basketball drafts. As managers scour the player pool, seeking out sleepers and avoiding potential busts, the conversation often centers around the most high-profile names. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the players that fantasy enthusiasts should approach with caution, the "All-Fades" team that could derail even the most meticulously crafted rosters.## Tread Carefully: The All-Fades Team for 2024-25### Joel Embiid: The Fragile SuperstarJoel Embiid, the former MVP and perennial fantasy powerhouse, finds himself on the "All-Fades" team for the upcoming season. The reports from Philadelphia's training camp have raised significant concerns, as the star center has missed the entire preseason with a knee injury and is not practicing with the team. In an effort to ensure he's at full strength for the playoffs, Embiid is expected to take a cautious approach, sitting out at least half of the team's 14 back-to-back games. With a history of injury woes, Embiid has played more than 60 regular-season games only four times in his eight-year career, and his inability to stay on the court has often resulted in him finishing outside the top 40 in eight-category fantasy settings. The uncertainty surrounding his availability and the likelihood of missed games make Embiid a risky proposition, especially when considering his current average draft position (ADP) inside the top 10.### Lauri Markkanen: The Inconsistent UnicornLauri Markkanen, the versatile forward of the Utah Jazz, is another player that fantasy managers should approach with caution. In the past two seasons, Markkanen has missed significant time in March and April, coinciding with the crucial fantasy playoffs. With the Jazz projected to be one of the weaker teams in the Western Conference, it's not unreasonable to expect a similar late-season shutdown strategy. Additionally, Markkanen's fantasy value is heavily dependent on his efficiency as a volume shooter, making him more valuable in category formats than in points leagues. His limited contributions in the combined assists, steals, and blocks categories further narrow his appeal, as managers targeting those stats should look elsewhere.### Kawhi Leonard: The Perpetual Injury ConcernKawhi Leonard, the perennial All-Star and two-time NBA champion, finds himself on the "All-Fades" team due to his persistent injury concerns. After a relatively healthy campaign in 2023-24, Leonard missed the final eight games of the regular season and six of the Clippers' eight postseason games due to inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. The uncertainty surrounding his availability for the upcoming season is further compounded by the fact that he had to withdraw from Team USA's roster for the Paris Olympics due to health concerns. Even if Leonard is cleared to play, fantasy managers should expect significant restrictions on his minutes and overall usage, limiting his upside and making him a risky proposition around his current ADP.### Mikal Bridges: The Diminished OpportunityMikal Bridges, the versatile wing player, transitions from being the primary option on the Brooklyn Nets to the clear third option on the New York Knicks. This shift in role could lead to a potential drop in his scoring output, and while he may compensate with improved efficiency and defensive contributions, there is a risk of a decline in rebounds and assists. Bridges' health has been a strength, as he has missed just one game in his NBA career, but his overall fantasy production last season, ranking 41st in total category value and 74th in fantasy points per game, suggests that his current ADP may be at or near his relative ceiling. While Bridges can still be a valuable asset in category formats that prioritize efficient scoring and steals, managers should carefully consider their team's needs before investing a mid-round pick on the Knicks' new addition.### Bradley Beal: The Fading SuperstarBradley Beal, the veteran guard, is another player that fantasy managers should approach with caution. Beal's production took a significant hit last season while playing alongside the Suns' star-studded roster, and his inability to stay healthy has been a persistent concern. Even if Beal manages to play all 82 games, his current ADP may not justify the investment, as he ranked 51st in punt-turnover category value and 71st in fantasy points per game last season. Beal's upside is heavily dependent on the potential injuries to either Kevin Durant or Devin Booker, which would force the ball into his hands for extended stretches. In category formats that prioritize efficient scoring, Beal may hold some value around the 80th pick, but in most other scenarios, he should be avoided until much later in the draft.