Building a championship-winning fantasy basketball team requires a fine blend of strategy, knowledge, and calculated risk-taking. Understanding player performance, both past and projected, is vital for making informed decisions during drafts and managing your team throughout the season.
The Cornerstones: Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic
Joel Embiid stands out as one of the most consistent high-performers in fantasy basketball. With a projection of averaging over 60 fantasy points per game, alongside last season’s average of 61 fantasy points per game, Embiid is a top-tier selection for any fantasy team. However, his durability remains a concern as Embiid has never played more than 68 games in a season, and last season he played only 39 games. Balancing his immense scoring potential with his injury history is crucial.
On the flip side, Nikola Jokic offers both top-level production and reliability. Jokic played 79 games last season and has never played fewer than 69 games in his career, making him a dependable cornerstone for your fantasy lineup. His durability makes him an appealing choice, especially in contrast to players with similar scoring potential but with more frequent injuries.
Veteran Presence: LeBron James and Kevin Durant
LeBron James continues to defy father time as he approaches his 40th birthday. Last season, James played 71 games, a solid number considering he averaged just 52 games over the previous three seasons. His performance remains exceptional, making him a valuable yet risky pick due to his advancing age. Similarly, Kevin Durant, entering his 18th NBA season, played 75 games last season. Despite being 36 years old, Durant’s experience and steady performance render him a noteworthy candidate for fantasy rosters.
High Risk, High Reward: Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving
Anthony Davis exemplifies the high-risk, high-reward archetype in fantasy basketball. Despite playing 76 games last season, it’s essential to note that he averaged only 44 games per season over the previous three seasons. Davis has managed to play more than 70 games in consecutive seasons only once in his 12-year career, which signals consistency issues. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving’s fantasy value is a dichotomy; he ranked 22nd in fantasy points per game but only 47th in total fantasy points last season. Averaging 44.2 games per season over the last five years, Irving’s stellar performance is often overshadowed by his frequent absences.
Pivotal Young Stars: Ja Morant and Zion Williamson
At 25 years old, Ja Morant continues to be a rising star in the NBA. Despite missing a total of 73 games last season due to suspension and injury, Morant’s averages of 26.7 PPG, 7.5 APG, and 5.8 RPG over the past three seasons demonstrate his explosive potential. Teams looking for a young, impactful player may find Morant to be a worthwhile gamble given his high scoring capability.
Similarly, Zion Williamson offers another high-ceiling option. Averaging 26.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.0 APG between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons, Williamson has proven his talent. However, his availability poses a substantial risk; he played only 90 out of a possible 236 regular season games between those seasons. Conversely, last season saw Williamson achieve a career-high 70 games played, with a remarkable 27.1 PPG average over a 10-game stretch late in the season.
The Question Mark: Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard presents another fascinating case for fantasy teams. Playing 68 games last season, Leonard finished with the 27th-most fantasy points in the league. However, his season was marred by knee issues, missing 12 of the Clippers’ last 14 games, including the playoffs. This injury history adds a layer of uncertainty when considering Leonard for a fantasy draft.
In summary, constructing a fantasy basketball team involves balancing high potential with the risks associated with player durability. Whether it’s veteran reliability or the explosive potential of young stars, the right mix of strategic picks could be the key to dominating your fantasy league this season.