2016/2017 Fantasy Outlook: Central Division

Throughout the month of October, theScore will examine the offseason moves and biggest fantasy storylines of each NBA team. This edition focuses on the Central Division.

Division Outlook
Atlantic | Central | Southeast
Pacific | Southwest | Northwest

Chicago Bulls

Big Picture: With a lot of turnover and plenty of new faces, the Bulls remain a playoff-caliber team and potentially have more fantasy-relevant pieces than they did a year ago. SG/SF Jimmy Butler is the face of the franchise, especially with perennial injury risk Derrick Rose in New York, but the new makeup could make or break his production.

Butler has logged a lot of minutes, so the additions may alleviate some pressure, which could help his efficiency. PG Rajon Rondo, SG Dwyane Wade and C Robin Lopez can provide solid numbers, but they're also a bit long in the tooth and can't be expected to meet their career averages.

X-Factor: Rondo was counted out prior to last season - not even ranked within the top 100 players on most sites - and proceeded to lead the NBA in assists. How he gels with the Bulls offense will determine how effective the supporting characters are. If it all implodes, Butler isn't likely to be able to consistently put the team on his back like Paul George did in Indiana.

But who knows what Wade has to offer this team? His numbers have declined sharply since 2008-09, when he led the NBA in points per game with 30.2. That was before LeBron James went to Miami. After James left, Wade's numbers stayed gone. If Wade can take some pressure off Rondo and Butler, that will be a huge difference. If not, this team may be exhausted by March.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Big Picture: The reigning champs have only one true fantasy superstar, and it's King James. PG Kyrie Irving could get there if he can stay healthy and gain consistency. PF/C Kevin Love could also be amazing if he played for a bad team where he can shine in garbage time, which was his calling card for years in Minnesota. He played his best games when James was out of the lineup.

Very little will change even with Matthew Dellavedova and Timofey Mozgov gone. This means Tristan Thompson will see more floor time as the primary center and Iman Shumpert will get a crack at SG. In a pinch, aging veterans like Channing Frye or Chris Andersen will sneak into the rotation, but only injury or unexpected poor play will change the starting five.

X-Factor: Can James and Love co-exist? Everything clicked for the Cavaliers in the postseason, but the regular season was bumpier than a first-place team might normally anticipate. In fantasy, Love fell below expectations and even James' numbers fell a tick below his career averages, though not by much.

The talent is immense, but playoff success doesn't translate to fantasy elitism. James will turn 32 in December, and while he has been remarkably durable throughout his 13 seasons, time waits for no one. Until he shows marked signs of slowing, he'll remain a top pick, but worry could start creeping in.

Detroit Pistons

Big Picture: The Pistons are a team on the rise thanks to big time play from PF/C Andre Drummond, PG Reggie Jackson and a slew of young talent. The average age of their starting five is 24.8. PF Marcus Morris is slated to be the elder statesman among starters at 27 years old.

Despite its deficiencies, the Pistons roster is filled with valuable fantasy assets and the bench is relatively deep, especially following offseason additions like PG Ish Smith, PF Jon Leuer and C Boban Marjanovic. If someone gets injured, there will be immediate value available on the waiver wire. Expect Drummond to be the top fantasy producer despite his free throw woes.

X-Factor: Drummond. In many leagues, his horrendous rate from the line (.355) won't factor into scoring. Even if it does, it can be, and will have to be, mitigated by adding accurate free throw shooters. More important is his ability to nab a double-double, as he did in 10 of his first 11 games last season.

His scoring dipped as the season went on, but remained one of the top rebounders in the league and growth can be expected. He is a risky top draft pick, though, because those minutes could recede if he continues to struggle in free throw situations.

Indiana Pacers

Big Picture: Paul George has some help! The 2015-16 season will be known as the rebirth of George as he successfully returned from injury to carry the broken corpse of the Pacers into the postseason and nearly to a first-round victory. George was also the only player worth owning in season-long fantasy.

With PG Jeff Teague, PF Thaddeus Young, and C Al Jefferson offering either positional improvements or depth, George may see a smaller workload. The minutes could be similar, but he likely won't be asked to do everything.

X-Factor: Past George, second-year center Myles Turner could be a catalyst for the team's success. Jefferson is an aging big man coming off an injury-laden final season in Charlotte, and can't be expected to play like he did in his prime. At his best, Turner showed an ability to score close to 30 points while adding 10 or more rebounds. His blocking prowess also improved.

George will remain the centerpiece, but Turner could be the difference maker over the new acquisitions.

Milwaukee Bucks

Big Picture: The Bucks are a team on the rise, though changes could be afoot. Incumbent C Greg Monroe may not last the season on the roster with Miles Plumlee getting $12 million to be a backup and with 2016 first-rounder Thon Maker waiting in the wings. With veteran PF Steve Novak and John Henson also on the roster, the frontcourt is a little crowded.

Still, none of the pieces are or were top fantasy options in 2015-16 except for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Expect the focus of the team to circle around the Greek Freak and PF Jabari Parker. Any trade of Monroe will likely result in depth in the backcourt or the wing.

X-Factor: What role does Antetokounmpo play? He has the makings of a top fantasy star, and has showcased versatility at a variety of positions, including PG. The flexibility he offers will dictate the moves Milwaukee makes, and it could also make his draft stock soar in fantasy.

He has improved his numbers with every season, and even shot over 50 percent in his third year while making strides in his rebounds, assists and scoring averages. As Antetokounmpo goes, so does the rest of the team.