Building a championship-winning fantasy basketball team is always about blending strategy, knowledge, and calculated risks. For those who live and breathe fantasy sports, the upcoming season is filled with both excitement and trepidation.
The Pillars: Embiid and Jokic
Joel Embiid stands as a prominent figure in fantasy basketball, projected to average over 60 fantasy points per game. He had an impressive average of 61 fantasy points per game last season, yet concerns remain about his durability. Embiid has never played more than 68 games in a season, and the last campaign saw him suiting up for only 39 games. Despite his skill and contributions on the court, his injury history is a red flag.
In contrast, Nikola Jokic is the model of consistency. Playing 79 games last season, Jokic has never featured in fewer than 69 games in any season. This reliability makes him a cornerstone for any fantasy roster. Jokic’s endurance and sustained performance supply a sense of security to those who draft him, ensuring a steady accumulation of points throughout the season.
James and Davis: A Mixed Bag
LeBron James and Anthony Davis present another intriguing duo. Last season saw James participating in 71 games, a stark contrast to his average of 52 games over the preceding three seasons. As he approaches his 40th birthday, questions about his ability to sustain such rigorous participation remain valid concerns for fantasy managers.
Anthony Davis also had a remarkable season with 76 games, yet his career narrative tells a different story. Averaging 44 games over the previous three seasons and surpassing the 70-game mark in consecutive seasons only once in his 12-year career, Davis carries a reputation for being injury-prone. These mixed records of availability make both players high-risk, high-reward choices.
Young Stars: Morant and Williamson
Ja Morant, at just 25, embodies both promise and peril. Despite missing 73 games last season due to suspension and injury, his performance over the past three seasons — averaging 26.7 points per game (PPG), 7.5 assists per game (APG), and 5.8 rebounds per game (RPG) — highlights his potential impact. However, his availability remains a primary concern going forward.
Similarly, Zion Williamson is another young talent whose career has been marred by injuries. Averaging 26.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.0 APG from the 2020-21 to 2022-23 seasons, his fantasy value is indisputable when healthy. Yet, having played only 90 of 236 possible regular season games between those years, managers must weigh his potential against his track record of missed games.
Seasoned Veterans: Durant and Leonard
Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard, both seasoned veterans entering the twilight of their careers, bring a wealth of experience and a degree of uncertainty. Durant, embarking on his 18th NBA season at the age of 36, logged 75 games last season. His ongoing productivity and relatively high game count last year provide a glimmer of hope for fantasy managers seeking stability from a proven star.
Kawhi Leonard also had a significant presence last season, playing in 68 games and ranking 27th in total fantasy points. However, his recurring knee issues, which caused him to miss the bulk of the Clippers’ critical final stretch, cannot be ignored. These health concerns introduce uncertainty about his reliability over the long haul.
Uncertain Performers: Irving
Kyrie Irving is another high-octane scorer who comes with a hefty dose of uncertainty. Averaging 26.7 PPG on an impressive 49.3 field goal percentage (FG%), 39.9 three-point percentage (3P%), and 91.2 free throw percentage (FT%) over the last five seasons, his place as a top-tier fantasy performer is evident. Yet, his average of 44.2 games per season during this period significantly dampens his allure. Ranking 22nd in fantasy points per game but only 47th in total fantasy points last season encapsulates his high volatility.
In conclusion, crafting a championship-winning fantasy basketball team requires balancing the explosive potential of high-risk players with the steadfast reliability of consistent performers. With stars like Embiid, Jokic, James, Davis, Morant, Williamson, Durant, Leonard, and Irving, managers face a season of tough decisions and strategic plays that could make or break their fantasy success.