Fantasy basketball faceoff: DeMar DeRozan vs. Khris Middleton

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Here's a look at whether you would be better off selecting DeMar DeRozan or Khris Middleton in 2018 fantasy basketball drafts:

2017-18 Stats

The Case for DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan has an opportunity to blossom into an ultra-efficient force under San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich after spending nine years as the face of the Toronto Raptors. With seemingly little-to-no crafty playmakers on the Spurs' roster, he'll quickly become the top option alongside LaMarcus Aldridge.

The shoot-first All-Star began making plays for teammates in 2017-18, and he even hit the occasional 3-pointer. He's now a more versatile threat, reaching career highs in 3-pointers made (1.1) and assists (5.2) per game last season.

If DeRozan can shoot from long range at a higher volume and rate, pencil him in among the best players in fantasy basketball. It's virtually impossible to lose faith in Popovich's ability to get the most effective version of any player.

Best-Case Scenario: DeRozan becomes an above-average shooter behind the arc for a team that lacks spacing. He hits two 3-pointers per game on 35-plus percent shooting and leads the Spurs in assists. That shouldn't be difficult after Tony Parker led the way last season with just 3.5 dimes per game.

Worst-Case Scenario: DeRozan's similarities to Aldridge and Rudy Gay make him an impossible fit, while his defensive deficiencies remain obvious despite playing in one of the NBA's best systems. He sticks to his mid-range game and proves incapable of expanding his skillset.

The Case for Middleton

Khris Middleton was great for fantasy owners last season, providing excellent scoring and efficient shooting percentages. He's one of the better two-way perimeter players in the league and has given Milwaukee a capable tertiary playmaker behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Eric Bledsoe.

Middleton averaged 20-plus points per game for the first time in his career in 2017-18, adding 5.2 boards while dishing out four dimes. His 3-point percentage dipped to 35.9 percent, but he should return to form in Mike Budenholzer's system that benefits high-level long-range shooters.

Best-Case Scenario: Middleton is once again a 20-plus point scorer and solidifies his spot as an excellent complimentary player beside Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks' spacing improves, allowing Middleton to have a 40-plus 3-point percentage while hitting two-plus triples per game.

Worst-Case Scenario: This is Antetokoumpo's team, and everything revolves around what he wants to do on the floor. If the Greek Freak is chasing stats, Middleton's numbers will likely take a slight dip. The uber-aggressive Bledsoe, who's entering a contract year, might be a threat to Middleton's production too.

Verdict

Middleton can become an All-Star this season if he continues to show his wide array of skills. At his best, the Bucks star will give fantasy owners great scoring stats, along with solid rebounding and assist numbers.

The expectations are different with DeRozan. He's entering a leading role under a head coach who doesn't aim to improve a player's box score, but will improve efficiency. Regardless, the uncertainty of the Spurs' mid-range heavy roster makes Middleton the more reliable selection.