Coming on the heels of the booming fantasy basketball season, the new tier-based analysis shows some big changes at the top of the rankings board. The biggest storyline from this year’s fantasy basketball rankings are the increasingly specialized counting categories, including blocks, steals, and three-pointers. They even punish players for taking bad shots. The research exposes the individual strengths and weaknesses of each player. Usually, predicting how this information will move them up and down the tier list influences draft plans for fantasy players.
At the very top of the rankings, Giannis Antetokounmpo is alone in Tier 1. Or for that matter, his versatility every time he takes the field. Fantasy managers who want a dependable baseline for their teams should see him as a top target. The Milwaukee Bucks forward shines in every category, cementing his place as one of the best players in the game.
Surprisingly, LeBron James has seen an increase fall because of his free throw percentage. This sudden decline has, at least for now, pushed him down into Tier 2, proving that no one is immune from inefficiencies – not even the oldest of pros. Amen Thompson and Devin Booker to company James’ Tier 2. Both players have delivered brilliant seasons that more than justify their elevated placements.
Victor Wembanyama has introduced himself as a generational talent. He’s now moved ahead of Nikola Jokic, taking over the number 1 spot in Tier 2. Wembanyama’s other-worldly shot-blocking ability might already make him the favorite, making him one of the most must-watch players this coming season. On the other hand, Anthony Davis graduated to Tier 2 as well, mostly because of worries about his history with injuries. Though incredibly talented, the availability risk bumps him down a notch from Giannis into that second tier.
The new world of category-based rankings moves the goalposts from counting everything to counting specifically. This trend allows space for niche players to get the spotlight for their specific expertise. At the same time, players who shoot less efficiently are penalized more severely. Star scorers often run into shooting efficiency issues. In doing so they might find themselves much farther down on the list than they expected.
Remarkably, there are no small forwards in Tier 1 this year. This absence highlights the larger trend toward some positions being more competitive or volatile than others. Tiers 4-6 are more evenly distributed with two to three players in each tier. While the opposite can be said for Tiers 7-9, which are heavily packed with shooting guards, further illustrating that this position is the most common of all.
In Tiers 7-9, power forwards are the least frequent position. Perhaps more than any other trend, this one underscores the changing dynamic of players’ use and their impact on fantasy drafts. Tiers 3-6 feature a minimum of three true combo forwards. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea to prioritize this position—there’s still loads of depth to be found.
The first those two tiers features a sharp divide, as each tier is loaded with point guards, dominating the position landscape. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, in the wake of his MVP campaign, is a prime example. His phenomenal campaign a year ago confirmed his place among the league’s upper echelon at his position. It underscores the need to draft multi-category producers.
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