Building a championship-winning fantasy basketball team requires a deep understanding of the game, strategic thinking, and a willingness to take calculated risks. Fantasy managers often look beyond top draft picks to find consistent performers who can produce solid numbers on a nightly basis.
Joel Embiid: A Double-Edged Sword
Joel Embiid is an intriguing prospect for fantasy managers. The Philadelphia 76ers' big man is projected to average over 60 fantasy points per game this season, a continuation of his previous campaign where he clocked in at 61 fantasy points per game. Embiid's talent is unquestionable, but his durability remains a concern. He has never played more than 68 games in a season and managed only 39 games last season. For fantasy managers, Embiid represents both tremendous upside and pronounced risk.
The Reliability of Jokic
Nikola Jokic stands in stark contrast to Embiid in terms of dependability. The Denver Nuggets star played 79 games last season, and he's never played fewer than 69 games in his career. His durability makes him a safer bet for fantasy managers who prioritize consistent production over potential spikes in points.
Veteran Stars: LeBron and AD
LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers offer another layer of complexity. LeBron, turning 40 this season, played 71 games last season but has only averaged 52 games over the previous three seasons. Anthony Davis, who played 76 games last season, has historically struggled with health, averaging just 44 games over the prior three seasons. This season marks the only time in his 12-year career where Davis has played more than 70 games in consecutive seasons. Both players come with their own sets of risks and rewards, making them interesting options for managers who are willing to gamble.
Ja Morant: Youth with High Risk
Ja Morant, entering his prime at 25 years old, also poses an interesting dilemma. Morant missed 73 games last season due to suspension and injury but has impressive averages of 26.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game over the past three seasons. His high ceiling makes him a tempting pick, but his injury history could scare off risk-averse managers.
Durant and Irving: Veteran Stars with Caveats
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have proven themselves as elite players, but their recent injury histories cannot be ignored. Durant, now in his 18th NBA season at age 36, played 75 games last season. Irving, on the other hand, has averaged 44.2 games per season over the past five years. Despite his limited appearances, Irving's offensive efficiency stands out, averaging 26.7 points per game with shooting percentages of 49.3% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, and 91.2% from the free-throw line over his last five seasons.
Irving's ranking in fantasy points further complicates his assessment. He was 22nd in fantasy points per game last season but only ranked 47th in total fantasy points, underlining how his lack of games played can impact overall production.
Zion Williamson: Potential Meets Perils
Zion Williamson is another high-risk, high-reward prospect. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 26.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. However, Zion played just 90 of a possible 236 regular-season games between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. Nonetheless, he achieved a career-high 70 games last season and even posted a 27.1 points per game average over a 10-game stretch late in the season, showing glimpses of what he can achieve when healthy.
Kawhi Leonard: The Enigma
Kawhi Leonard remains one of the league's most enigmatic players. He played 68 games last season, finishing with the 27th-most fantasy points in the league. Unfortunately, Leonard missed 12 of the Clippers' last 14 games, including the playoffs, due to knee issues. His unpredictable availability continues to make him a challenging selection for fantasy managers.
In conclusion, crafting a winning fantasy basketball team involves balancing high-upside players with potential injury risks against more consistent performers. Understanding each player's history and potential can guide fantasy managers in making informed decisions, setting the stage for a successful season.