As the fantasy basketball season approaches, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve and identify trends that can give you an edge in your draft. Here are four key takeaways from recent mock drafts that can inform your strategy:
**Top-tier talent is crucial**
The top four picks in this year’s draft are incredibly strong, with players like Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander offering unparalleled fantasy value. If you can secure a top-four pick, you’ll be well on your way to building a championship-caliber team. However, the drop-off after these four players is significant, making it crucial to prioritize securing one of these superstars.
**Point guards are undervalued**
Conventional wisdom suggests that point guards are scarce and must be drafted early. However, this year’s crop of late-round point guards offers tremendous value. Players like Terry Rozier, Scoot Henderson, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook are all available in the later rounds and possess the potential to rack up impressive stats. Don’t be afraid to wait on a point guard and focus on other positions early in the draft.
**Centers are hiding in plain sight**
In addition to point guards, centers are also being undervalued in this year’s draft. Players like Daniel Gafford, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Brook Lopez offer significant upside and can be had in the later rounds. Hartenstein, in particular, is an intriguing option, having averaged eight points, eight rebounds, a steal, and a block last season. With the right matchup, he could become a fantasy force.
**Small forwards are flying off the shelves**
High-scoring small forwards are in high demand, and players like Jalen Williams, Jaylen Brown, and Mikal Bridges are being snatched up quickly. If you can’t secure one of these players early, consider targeting lesser-known options like Jalen Johnson or Franz Wagner in the middle rounds. These players have the potential to break out and provide significant value to your fantasy team.
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