1. Lamar Stevens
PARFPrice 8.3Proj PIR 12.2@ Paris
Partizan opened the season with a strong home win over Milan, and Lamar Stevens was an important part of it. In just under 24 minutes he produced 14 PIR, which is excellent for an 8.3-credit player. Paris plays at the fastest pace in the league, around 78 possessions per game, and that can help a forward who fills multiple stat columns. Paris also allowed 44 real points to Panathinaikos forwards in Round 1, the highest mark in the league by position. Price, minutes, pace and matchup make Stevens my first value pick.
2. Braxton Key
FBTFPrice 8.6Proj PIR 12.8vs Bayern
Braxton Key has quickly looked like one of Fenerbahçe’s key pieces. In Round 1 against Virtus, in a game where Fener had to work hard, he delivered 22 PIR. He also produced an estimated 18 PIR in the domestic league loss to Bahçeşehir. Like Stevens, Key contributes across categories, rebounds well and has enough minutes to make his 8.6 price very attractive.
3. AJ Lawson
KBAGPrice 9.1Proj PIR 12.5@ Valencia
AJ Lawson is the ultra-differential on this list. Baskonia’s guard already looks like one of the main players on the team and still managed 17 PIR in the loss to Olympiacos. In domestic play he was a little quieter, but still had 13 points and 12 PIR in 22 minutes. The Round 2 setup is about pace: Baskonia and Valencia are among the fastest teams in possessions, which can create more shots, rebounds, assists and PIR chances. With around 25 minutes and low ownership, Lawson is a strong differential.