In a highly anticipated 10-team points league mock draft, basketball fans and analysts alike closely observed the selection of top-tier talent from across the league. As always, the event showcased a great balance of proven fantasy superstars and exciting fresh talent, which is the fuel that keeps the fantasy basketball engine roaring.
And as luck would have it, Nikola Jokic, the defending MVP, won the first overall pick. He was drafted C1 (Center 1) with a value of 1.1 pick value. The biggest emerging superstar, Victor Wembanyama, was selected as C1 with a raw value of 1.2. His selection makes it clear just how stoked they are on the rookie and his potential. Luka Doncic is already one of the league’s most versatile guards. His draft positioning as Point Guard 1 (PG1) with a slot value of 1.3 cements his status as a franchise player for any fantasy squad.
Top Selections Dominate the First Round
It was an exciting kickoff to what most people feel will be a thrilling fantasy season as well. Jokic’s selection at the top highlighted his elite performance metrics last season, where he consistently delivered in scoring, rebounding, and assists. It’s this ability to contribute across all categories that makes him an invaluable asset for any fantasy team.
Wembanyama’s making the first selection shortly thereafter, reaffirming all the faith that drafters have in his skill set. Despite being a rookie, his impressive preseason performances have drawn comparisons to some of the greats. Teams are betting that his rare mixture of size and finesse will lead to winning performances right away.
Luka Doncic further punctuated the draft class’s top three picks with a 2022 NBA championship reward. As PG1, he is known for his elite level playmaking ability and scoring upside. He scores and dishes impressive assists with European flair. This combination makes him a fantasy leagues’ number one pick, guaranteed to be chosen first overall.
Notable Picks in the Middle Rounds
Once the draft has moved into the middle rounds, that’s where some of the best talent was picked up. He is actually closer in value to Jamal Murray, who was picked as PG1, with a value of 4.10. As such, with his return to full health, comes a heightened level of expectation for his performance. Following an incredible playoff stretch, he displayed to fans all his elite scoring talent.
Tyrese Maxey’s pick at 2.9 certainly raised some eyebrows. When on the field, he’s proven to be one of the most influential players on his team. His knack for scoring efficiently in high volume while creating opportunities for his teammates has made him one of the most desired players at the fantasy level.
In the forward category, LeBron James was chosen as Small Forward 1 (SF1) with 2.10 pick value. At this point in his career, he’s an essential piece for any fantasy title contender. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate makes him irreplaceable. Then DeMar DeRozan was selected three picks later as SF1, pick value 5.1. His nightly scoring output combined with his consistent contributions across the board have made him an elite option on a nightly basis for fantasy managers.
Final Selections and Emerging Talents
The latter part of the draft saw teams focusing on building depth in their rosters with selections that could yield significant returns throughout the season. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the 15th player selected in a draft where no pick had a defined value. His exceptional skill and game-changing athleticism make him one of the most dangerous transition forwards in MLS.
Revisiting Draymond Green’s late pick as the first power forward reflects his true on-court value and strategic move. He possesses the defensive instincts and playmaking chops that every NBA team craves from their bigs today. His offensive stats might not be jaw dropping but he adds incalculable value that changes game against opponents.
There were some intriguing selections, like the Center position, in the later rounds too. His pick value is not defined, but that goes to show how elite Embiid was even with the injury concerns. Nikola Vucevic was chosen as C2, with a value of 3.1. He’s celebrated for his elite ability on the boards and accuracy shooting the three-point shot.
Alperen Sengun is climbing quickly as a C2. With a pick value of 3.2, his confidence in being able to make a strong impact on games is obviously increasing. Pick #3 — OKC — Chet Holmgren, C3 Pick Value = 5.2 Finally, on the other end of the spectrum, Walker Kessler entered as C4 with a pick value of 8.9, illustrating teams’ willingness to pump draft capital into young, high-ceiling players.
Isaiah Hartenstein round out the last center chosen as C3, with a pick value of 10.10. This provides teams one more thing to consider as they put the finishing touches on their rosters.
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