Winning a fantasy basketball league often requires a stroke of luck, but preparation plays a crucial role in creating opportunities for success. Properly preparing for your team draft is essential since it marks a pivotal moment in your fantasy season.
Determining your ideal team structure is the first step in this preparation process. Many participants in your leagues may not have a solid game plan and will rely on chance during the draft. Entering with a clear understanding of player availability can provide you with a huge advantage from the start.
Mock drafts can be an effective way to visualize your potential team composition. By participating in these simulations, you can assess which players are likely to be available and whether your sleeper picks are common knowledge among other drafters.
This practice often reveals undervalued players who might be accessible later than expected, allowing you to strategize effectively before the actual draft.
This article showcases my preferred players for various draft positions. Early round selections can impact your available options, so I will identify key players of interest.
In the middle and later rounds, I will recommend groups of players who should still be within reach based on average draft position (ADP) data, giving insights into potential values throughout your draft.
Round 1: Victor Wembanyama
If the opportunity arises, Wembanyama (ADP 3.9) is a must-have for my drafts. His tremendous potential and entertaining style of play make him a top choice, often surpassing more established players like Nikola Jokic (ADP 1.8) and Luka Doncic (ADP 2.6).
Nevertheless, given Jokic’s top fantasy point production over the past four seasons and Doncic’s leading per-game performance last season, I would be satisfied with any of these three options.
For mid-round selections, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ADP 4.2) or Giannis Antetokounmpo (ADP 5.2) are my targets due to their elite performance and the scarcity of top-tier forwards.
While numerous point guards and centers are worthy of high draft positions, fewer options exist among swingmen or forwards.
Late Round 1: Anthony Edwards
When drafting toward the end of the round, Anthony Edwards (ADP 9.0) becomes my focus. At just 23 years old, he is on an upward trajectory, showcasing playoff performances that could raise him among the elite fantasy producers if replicated in the regular season.
If he is unavailable, Jayson Tatum (ADP 9.0) serves as an excellent backup option, combining proven output, a history of durability, and upside potential at age 26.
Round 2: Anthony Davis or LeBron James
In the early second round, I might consider taking a calculated risk on a high-reward player from the Lakers, like Anthony Davis (ADP 12.6) or LeBron James (ADP 13.2), both of whom ranked in the top 10 for fantasy points last season, finishing fifth and seventh, respectively.
However, there are concerns about their durability since they played most of last season but had previously combined for over 60 missed games across the last three seasons. With LeBron turning 40 in December and entering his 21st season, durability is a valid concern. Both players present as lottery ticket prospects.
Late Round 2: Ja Morant or Trae Young
During the middle of the second round, I will be eyeing two electrifying point guards: Morant (ADP 15.9) and Young (ADP 18.3), who are reaching pivotal ages of 25 and 26, respectively—often when players hit their peak performance.
Morant is back from a season-ending injury that followed a 25-game suspension, and he would likely be a frontrunner for a comeback player of the year award if one existed in the NBA.
Young, who has navigated coexisting with another All-Star point guard, Dejounte Murray, now faces new opportunities with Murray’s trade. As a result, Young has legitimate potential for a 30-point/10-assist season.
Round 3: Scottie Barnes
This season, I’m particularly excited about Barnes (ADP 21.1), who recently earned his first All-Star selection. At only 23, he continues to improve.
With the Raptors moving away from veteran star players, they now build around a young core led by Barnes. He contributed across all categories last season, and his volume is expected to rise.
Late Round 3: Pascal Siakam or Damian Lillard
In the third round, I will target Siakam (ADP 28.0) and Lillard (ADP 29.2). Both players were traded last season from teams where they excelled to new environments where they had to adapt to playing alongside higher-usage stars.
Siakam joined the Pacers late last season but did not get the chance to play with a fully healthy Tyrese Haliburton, a top distributor in the NBA. If they find synergy this season, Siakam could see his scoring numbers flourish as he benefits from Haliburton’s playmaking.
Lillard faced challenges adjusting to playing alongside Antetokounmpo, who commanded a high usage rate, often relegating Lillard to a secondary shooting role. However, after a season together and the resolution of off-court distractions, Lillard is primed for a resurgence.
Round 4: LaMelo Ball or Zion Williamson
If my first three picks are on the safer side, I might take a risk in Round 4 by choosing either Ball (ADP 34.2) or Williamson (ADP 39.3). Each player has the potential to deliver first-round value, but their injury histories make them high-risk selections.
Ball has been plagued by major ankle injuries, which caused him to miss much of the past two seasons, though he previously ranked ninth in fantasy points during his second season.
Williamson managed to play a career-high 70 games last season, after missing huge time prior, but recorded his lowest combined scoring and rebounding averages.
If he can maintain his health while returning to the 27 points and 7 rebounds he averaged previously, Williamson possesses elite fantasy potential.
Should I have already taken a riskier player in earlier rounds, I’ll opt for safer selections like Cunningham (ADP 35.5) and Vucevic (ADP 39.9) in this round, as they offer solid values without the same volatility.
Cunningham is a young talent with upside, having shown considerable growth in his third season toward becoming a fantasy elite player.
While he has health concerns, having never played more than 64 games in a season, he remains secure as the cornerstone of the young Pistons.
Vucevic consistently produces solid statistics each season, averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block while playing 73 to 82 games each year. His consistent output is a valuable asset in drafts.
Green (ADP 42.0), Bane (ADP 46.7), and Markkanen (ADP 44.3) are all projected to be selected approximately half a round later than I currently anticipate.
After experiencing some growth pains with new coach Ime Udoka last season, Green stepped up during the Rockets’ playoff push, averaging nearly 30 points.
Bane has proven capable of leading the Grizzlies’ scoring when Morant was unavailable but should also thrive with Morant’s return, as opposing defenses will focus on Morant, creating scoring opportunities for teammates.
Markkanen emerged as a star player with the Jazz last season and is still young enough to further improve after establishing himself as their franchise cornerstone.
Three additional players catch my attention at this draft stage.
Jalen Johnson (ADP 73.3) made a known impact with the Hawks last season and now transitions into a “second star” role following Dejounte Murray’s departure. He possesses the potential for a 20-point/10-rebound/5-assist season this year.
Both Cam Thomas (ADP 79.5) and Anfernee Simons (ADP 84.6) showcased their ability to lead the league in scoring someday, and that potential might manifest as soon as this season.
Thomas stands out as the primary scoring option on the rebuilding Nets, while Simons serves as the offensive focal point for the Trail Blazers. Each could aim for 30 points per game if they can maintain consistent scoring.
As I approach the 100th pick, my focus shifts to a group of young players with considerable upside.
Entering their sophomore seasons, Amen Thompson (ADP 101.6) and Ausar Thompson (ADP 130.5) both have untapped potential. Ausar displayed double-double capability as a rookie, and his role should expand this season.
Amen faced early-season ankle injuries but rebounded to average over 14 points, nearly 10 rebounds, and almost four assists in his last 16 games.
Jaquez (ADP 121.6) stands out as another second-year player with good potential. He averaged over 15 points, almost five rebounds, and nearly three assists in his 20 rookie starts, with even more opportunities likely in his second season, especially if star player Jimmy Butler follows his pattern of sitting out over 20 games.
My top-rated rookies heading into the season are Sheppard (ADP 123.5) and Castle (ADP 134.7). Both players validated their high draft selections by performing well in the Las Vegas Summer League. Although neither is projected to start, they can produce if called upon by their teams.
Lastly, Sharpe (ADP 130.4) had a strong start to his second season before injuries curtailed his progress. Still only 21, he has the potential to become a star in his third season.