In the competitive world of fantasy basketball, crafting a championship-winning team is a delicate balance of strategy, knowledge, and calculated risk-taking. The most successful fantasy managers understand the importance of consistent production, especially from players selected beyond the top draft picks. Key players often make the difference between a good team and a championship contender.
The Unstoppable Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid stands out as a fantasy goldmine, projected to average over 60 fantasy points per game this upcoming season. Last year, he averaged an impressive 61 fantasy points per game. However, there's a catch—Embiid's durability remains a concern. He has never played more than 68 games in a season and clocked in just 39 games last year. Fantasy managers selecting Embiid will need to weigh his high scoring potential against his injury-prone history.
The Consistency of Nikola Jokic
Unlike Embiid, Nikola Jokic brings a level of reliability that fantasy managers crave. Jokic played 79 games last season and has never played fewer than 69 games in his career. His durability and consistent performance make him one of the most valuable assets in fantasy basketball. Jokic's availability is a significant advantage, offering managers peace of mind and steady point production.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis: A Study in Contrasts
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are another duo that fantasy managers often grapple with. James, turning 40 this season, played 71 games last year but averaged just 52 games over the previous three seasons. Davis, on the other hand, played 76 games last season but has only managed to play more than 70 games in consecutive seasons once in his 12-year career. These fluctuations in availability present challenges for fantasy managers, requiring them to have robust backup plans.
Ja Morant: High Risk, High Reward
Ja Morant is another player who elicits mixed feelings among fantasy managers. At 25 years old, Morant missed 73 games last season due to suspension and injury. Despite these setbacks, he has averaged 26.7 PPG, 7.5 APG, and 5.8 RPG over the past three seasons, showcasing his tremendous potential. The challenge for fantasy managers lies in balancing his high scoring ability with the risk of his unavailability.
The Veteran Kevin Durant
As Kevin Durant enters his 18th NBA season at the age of 36, he remains a valuable fantasy pick. Durant played 75 games last season, proving his capability to stay on the court. His experience and skill set make him a reliable option for fantasy managers looking to bank on a seasoned veteran.
Kyrie Irving: A Mixed Bag
Kyrie Irving presents another interesting case. With an average of 26.7 PPG, 49.3 FG%, 39.9 3P%, and 91.2 FT% over his last five seasons, Irving's offensive stats are impressive. However, his availability has been a significant issue, averaging just 44.2 games per season over the same period. Last season, he ranked 22nd in fantasy points per game but dropped to 47th in total fantasy points, primarily due to his inconsistent appearances. Managers must carefully consider whether his scoring ability outweighs the risk of missing games.
Zion Williamson and Kawhi Leonard: Potential Meets Probability
Zion Williamson and Kawhi Leonard bring a mix of potential and risk. Williamson has shown flashes of brilliance, averaging 26.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.0 APG between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. Yet, he has only played 90 of 236 possible regular season games during that period. Last season was a breakthrough for Williamson, as he played a career-high 70 games and had a strong finish, averaging 27.1 PPG over a 10-game stretch.
Similarly, Kawhi Leonard played 68 games last season and finished with the 27th-most fantasy points in the league. However, his injury history is concerning. Leonard missed 12 of the Clippers' last 14 games, including playoffs, due to knee issues. For fantasy managers, his health will be a significant determinant of his value.
In fantasy basketball, building a successful team is about finding the right balance between high-impact players and those who can consistently contribute throughout the season. Understanding each player's strengths and potential pitfalls can make all the difference in navigating the often unpredictable fantasy landscape.