Constructing a winning fantasy basketball team involves more than just snagging the top draft picks; it's about strategy and understanding player performance beyond the surface. Being able to rely on consistent production from your roster, especially those selected beyond the top draft spots, can set up a championship run. As we delve into the upcoming season, several notable players stand out for their potential and their historical performances.
Joel Embiid: A Double-Edged Sword
Joel Embiid is a prime example of high risk and high reward. The towering center is projected to average over 60 fantasy points per game, a feat he achieved last season with an impressive 61 fantasy points per game average. However, his durability remains a significant concern. Embiid has never played more than 68 games in any season, managing only 39 games last year. His potential to be a fantasy juggernaut is undeniable, but managers must weigh the risks of his injury history.
The Dependable Nikola Jokic
In stark contrast, Nikola Jokic exemplifies reliability. Last season, Jokic played 79 games, and throughout his career, he has never played fewer than 69 games in a single season. This consistency makes him one of the most coveted players in fantasy basketball. Jokic's ability to stay on the court and produce at a high level forms the backbone of many successful fantasy teams.
Veterans LeBron James and Anthony Davis
LeBron James and Anthony Davis, despite their incredible talents, also bring some concerns due to their injury histories. LeBron played 71 games last season but has averaged only 52 games over the past three seasons. As he approaches his 40th year, questions arise about his ability to maintain his performance levels. Similarly, Anthony Davis managed 76 games last season but has averaged just 44 games over the previous three seasons. Moreover, he has played more than 70 games in consecutive seasons only once in his 12-year career, putting his long-term reliability in doubt.
The Up-and-Coming Ja Morant
Ja Morant, at 25-years-old, continues to show tremendous promise with averages of 26.7 PPG, 7.5 APG, and 5.8 RPG over the past three seasons. However, his ability to stay on the court has been hampered by both injury and suspension, having missed 73 games last season. If Morant can overcome these hurdles, he has the potential to be a cornerstone for fantasy teams.
Enduring Excellence: Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is set to enter his 18th NBA season, coming off a year where he played 75 games. At 36 years old, Durant has shown he can still compete at an elite level. His ability to stay healthy and produce consistently makes him an attractive option for fantasy managers looking for a proven performer.
The Enigma of Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving’s talent is unquestionable, with impressive averages of 26.7 PPG, 49.3 FG%, 39.9 3P%, and 91.2 FT% over the last five seasons. However, his availability remains a critical issue as he has averaged only 44.2 games per season during the same period. Last season, he ranked 22nd in fantasy points per game but down at 47th in total points due to missed games.
Zion Williamson: A Tale of Potential and Frustration
Zion Williamson's career thus far has been a blend of spectacular performances and significant absences. Across the seasons from 2020-21 to 2022-23, he averaged 26.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.0 APG but played just 90 of a possible 236 regular season games. Despite playing a career-high 70 games last season and ending with a 27.1 PPG average over a 10-game stretch, concerns about his long-term durability linger.
Kawhi Leonard: Flashes of Brilliance Marred by Injury
Kawhi Leonard, who played 68 games last season, finished with the 27th-most fantasy points. However, his fantasy value took a hit during crucial moments as he missed 12 of the Clippers' last 14 games, including the playoffs, due to knee issues. Leonard’s struggles with injury have been a recurring theme, often limiting his availability during key stretches of the season.
In the end, building a successful fantasy basketball team involves balancing these factors—potential, historical performance, and injury risk. Staying informed and making calculated decisions will be the cornerstone of triumph in the highly competitive realm of fantasy basketball.