In the latest episode, Drew Hanlen, renowned NBA trainer, shares deep insights into the development and mindset of premier players like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Maxey. Hanlen discusses his collaborations with Tatum, particularly during his shooting slumps in crucial playoff moments, emphasizing a tailored approach to refining his shot mechanics without compromising his confidence.

He explains how Tatum's shooting challenges stemmed from a higher ball path when contested, leading to flatter shots. Hanlen highlights the importance of maintaining balance, a straight ball path, and shooting on the way up—key elements for success. Additionally, he recounts how he instilled a relentless work ethic in Tatum from a young age, demonstrating how mental fortitude often influences performance on the court.

During the All-Star break, a list was compiled of players who are unlikely to be drafted again due to ongoing performance issues or injury concerns. Joel Embiid, for instance, has struggled with health and has not been himself this season, even when on the court, showcasing a concerning trend for potential drafters. Similarly, LaMelo Ball has been unreliable due to injuries, creating skepticism about his draft value moving forward. Other notable names include Paul George, who has shown inconsistency and injury woes, and Zion Williamson, whose unpredictable health has made him a high-risk pick. Players like Brandon Ingram and Bradley Beal also face scrutiny for their ability to stay healthy and productive. The episode emphasizes the importance of being cautious with these high-profile athletes in future drafts.

In the latest episode of Locked on Fantasy Basketball, Josh Lloyd and Adam King field a variety of questions from listeners about player performances and fantasy strategies. Key discussions center around Trey Murphy III and his potential for shutdown given his injury risks, along with Nick Richards and whether he should be dropped for Jaylen Smith. The episode also covers the fantasy viability of players like Hachimura and Eubanks as they navigate team dynamics and injuries.

Lloyd reassures listeners that panic over shutdowns is often overstated, particularly in Murphy’s case, while also offering candid opinions on the lack of value in holding players like Richards. As the trade deadline approaches, the hosts encourage viewers to remain proactive in their roster management, weighing risks and potential gains in player performance.

Fantasy basketball insights are pivotal as we approach the trade deadline. Analysts stress the importance of finding 'buy low' opportunities among underperforming players amidst the ongoing season. Each week, performance metrics and narrative elements interlace to guide fantasy managers. For instance, Donovan Mitchell's resurgence in ranking from 107th to 25th exemplifies the potential for players to elevate their game. Similarly, RJ Barrett’s uptick from 122nd to 62nd suggests consistent improvement can elevate a player's status in fantasy leagues.

LaMelo Ball's injury raises questions about his draft value, as many fear he might miss significant time. Despite his current rank of 58th, analysts believe he could return to being a top-10 player if he regains health. On the other hand, Trey Young showcases volatility, dropping to 44th recently, with projections indicating a return to form could be on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Tobias Harris's performance has plunged, making him a candidate for 'buy low' despite criticism. With a ranking that has fallen to 243rd, his past performance suggests better days could be ahead. Chris Paul also faces scrutiny but is regarded as a solid pickup, especially given his healthy track record. Lastly, Kobe White's fluctuating performance adds to the uncertainty, yet analysts suggest he could rebound if given the right opportunity.