Friday Forecast: 07/11/2025 - NBA Sophomore Minutes Bumps
Not every rookie lights up the league from day one. These players underwhelmed in their first season but are poised for bigger roles and bigger numbers as sophomores. Whether you’re playing dynasty fantasy basketball or just scouting breakout potential, here are the names to watch — with projected minute jumps for each.
Mid-Round Draft Picks Ready to Pop
These former lottery or mid-first rounders are set to become core rotation pieces with expanded opportunities.
- Matas Buzelis – F, Bulls
Rookie: 8.6 PTS, 3.5 REB, 1.0 AST | 19 MPG
Projected: 28+ MPG
Buzelis flashed his versatility despite inconsistent playing time, but Chicago should give him starter-level minutes this year. - Ryan Dunn – F, Suns
Rookie: Defensive stopper in spot minutes | 19 MPG
Projected: 28+ MPG
Dunn’s elite defense should earn him a much bigger role in Phoenix’s wing rotation. - Kel’el Ware – C
Rookie: Mobile big who showed flashes | 23 MPG
Projected: 28+ MPG
Expect Ware to lock down a starting center role with his rim-running and shot-blocking. - Donovan Clingan – C
Rookie: Defensive anchor in limited minutes | 20 MPG
Projected: 28+ MPG
Clingan projects as a full-time starter and defensive difference-maker.
Late-Round Specialists with a Niche
These players fit specific needs and are earning trust to stay on the floor longer.
- Dalton Knecht – F, Lakers
Rookie: Sharpshooter off the bench | 19 MPG
Projected: 24+ MPG
The Lakers need his floor-spacing more than ever. - Quinten Post – C, Warriors
Rookie: Backup big with stretch potential | 16 MPG
Projected: 22+ MPG
A sneaky candidate to seize more frontcourt minutes with his shooting and IQ.
Upside Stashes Worth Holding
High-ceiling players who’ll still come off the bench but with room to grow into more.
- Rob Dillingham – G, Timberwolves
Rookie: Instant offense in short bursts | 11 MPG
Projected: 20+ MPG - Reed Sheppard – G, Rockets
Rookie: Defensive sparkplug and secondary playmaker | 12 MPG
Projected: 20+ MPG - Terrence Shannon Jr. – G, Timberwolves
Rookie: Energy wing with slashing ability | 11 MPG
Projected: 18+ MPG
Deep-League Streaming Candidates
Keep these names handy for deep leagues or weekly streaming — small jumps could matter.
- Jaylon Tyson – F, Cavs
Rookie: Versatile wing | 10 MPG
Projected: 15+ MPG - Johnny Furphy – F
Rookie: Raw athletic forward | 8 MPG
Projected: 15+ MPG - Pacome Dadiet – F
Rookie: Developmental prospect | 6 MPG
Projected: 12+ MPG - Tyler Smith – F/C, Bucks
Rookie: Stretch big with upside | 6 MPG
Projected: 12+ MPG
These players offer a mix of breakout potential, streaming value, and dynasty upside. Whether you’re targeting mid-round investments or stashing upside plays, they all have one thing in common: more minutes, and more impact, in 2025 and beyond.
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