Analysis of NBA draft prospects is typically farsighted, with an emphasis upon players' long-term values rather than their short-term statistical outlook. But examining rookies under the lens of fantasy sports, all we care about is this season's stats. And stats occur when skills meet opportunity. Many players selected Thursday will provide valuable contributions down the road for their teams, but only a handful marry proper circumstance with adequate talent to yield immediate statistical production.

Predicting rookie impact upon fantasy hoops is tricky: Three years ago, nine rookies ended the season in the top 150 on the Player Rater. Two years ago, it was three. Last year, eight did it from a class that was widely dubbed as weak. This year's draft appears relatively deep with talent, but the majority of the players who end up as fantasy options will be added during the season, not prime options on draft day. For fantasy purposes, it's less about which rookies to draft, and more about knowing which players to keep tabs on as the season progresses and have the upside to be modest fantasy contributors if opportunity shines upon them.

Let's take a look at a few players who will have fantasy impact this year, some sleepers and some to watch for the long term. I'm not including "busts," because it's difficult to dub a player as a bust during their rookie season, although many have great long-term prospects but unpromising short-term outlooks.

Impact Players

Anthony Davis, New Orleans Hornets: Blocks and boards, that's where this stud's short-term fantasy value lies. Davis will put up defensive stats immediately, but his offensive game is still a work in progress. He'll likely score more as the season goes on and finish in the low double-digits. His long-term ceiling is insane, because he has guard-like skills and quickness in a freakish body with room for growth, but this year, his statistical impact will primarily be limited to the defensive end. He should average at least eight boards and two blocks per game, a feat only three players achieved last season. That's good enough to make him a solid option, especially if he qualifies at center, although if he solely has power forward eligibility, you would ideally get more scoring from that slot. He'll be fantasy relevant, but not dominant for a couple of years as his jump hook and turnaround jumper continues to develop along with his low post moves. His rookie statistical floor this season is DeAndre Jordan, who finished top-70, and his ceiling is Serge Ibaka with more boards and better percentages.

Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards: Beal is a snug fit for the Wizards, who need a shooter to complement John Wall in the backcourt and are set at the other starting positions with Trevor Ariza, Nene and Emeka Okafor. Beal's one season at Florida didn't fully exemplify his statistical potential, as he deferred to veteran players, played out of position at times and struggled a bit with his shot. But he wowed teams with his shooting in workouts, has an NBA-ready body, good ballhandling, work ethic, toughness, and the ability to impact both ends of the floor. His 3-pointers and steals should translate to the fantasy game immediately, and he could come close to mimicking his college numbers as a rookie. Expect more than a three and a steal per game from the jump, with double-digit scoring and nice rebounds for a guard.

Thomas Robinson, Sacramento Kings: Robinson is a great fit chemistry and makeup-wise for the Kings and complements DeMarcus Cousins nicely in their frontcourt. He'll be immediately productive in the scoring and rebounding department, but the lack of blocks hinders his fantasy value. He should shine in pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop situations, and Cousins should take pressure off him in the post, but he'll mostly contribute points and boards and not much else. He'll be more helpful to the Kings than to fantasy teams and could eventually average a double-double, but not this season. Expect 12-14 points and eight boards, but with mediocre peripherals, as he blocked just 0.9 shots per game for Kansas.

Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers: He had some of the best offensive numbers in all of college basketball, averaging 24.5 points (second in the nation), 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.9 3s and 1.5 steals, while shooting 46.7 percent from the floor and 88.7 percent from the stripe. His 3s made were second among drafted players, a promising immediate sign in the fantasy realm. Questions surround the fact he never played a top-25 team or played in the NCAA tournament and hasn't seen top competition, but he's a high-character, superb athlete who can score relentlessly with nice passing skills. He's also in an excellent place in Portland, a team with just six players on the roster and plenty of room for an offensive combo guard. Expect primarily points and 3s from him as a rookie as his court vision and all-around game develops at the next level.

Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors: There isn't much long-term competition for Barnes, who will fit nicely with Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry to form a formidable scoring trio from the perimeter. Richard Jefferson and Dorell Wright will block his immediate path, but don't be surprised if he's making noise by the end of the season like Thompson did last season. If he sees floor time, his well-rounded game will translate into 3s and steals, and many allow the fact that he didn't completely dominate in college muddle their perception of his amazing athleticism. He posted a 38-inch standing vertical at the combine and blew people away with his measurables, plus there's still room for growth. He should immediately provide modest points, 3s and steals. Down the line, he has a great fantasy skill set, especially as he becomes more efficient offensively.

Jeremy Lamb, Houston Rockets: He should soak up Chase Budinger's minutes, and if the team gets rid of Kevin Martin in a trade, Lamb has the tools to contribute if he gets the opportunity. His season was somewhat disappointing, but he still averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 3s and 1.2 steals with good percentages. A 7-foot wingspan, ability to spot up as well as score off screens and curls, and promising defensive potential indicate that he'll excel eventually, but he doesn't get to the rim as much as he could, is not great at creating own offense, and his size makes it difficult for him to finish around rim. The stats to focus on when measuring a guard's ability to immediately contribute are 3s and steals, and Lamb should be able to provide them right away, but if Martin is still on the roster, he won't provide much else.

Not yet

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte Bobcats: While the second overall pick drips with intangibles: "hard worker," a "winner," "you can build a culture around him," "motor" ... the stats just won't be there...