Building a championship-winning fantasy basketball team demands strategy, knowledge, and a willingness to take calculated risks. At the core of any successful fantasy roster is the need for consistent production, particularly from players who might not be among the top draft picks.
Joel Embiid: The Projection vs. Reality
Joel Embiid is a prime example of a high-stakes player. Projected to average more than 60 fantasy points per game, Embiid indeed delivered last season with an average of 61 fantasy points per game. However, his history of availability poses a challenge. Embiid has never played more than 68 games in a season and managed only 39 games last year, emphasizing the risk involved in relying heavily on him.
Nikola Jokic: A Model of Consistency
On the other end of the spectrum lies Nikola Jokic, an exemplar of consistency. Jokic played 79 games last season, and he has never played fewer than 69 games in any season throughout his career. This remarkable reliability makes Jokic an invaluable asset to any fantasy team.
The Longevity of LeBron James and Anthony Davis
LeBron James and Anthony Davis present another interesting duo. James played 71 games last season, improving on his average of 52 games over the previous three seasons. With James turning 40 this season, durability remains a critical consideration. Davis, similarly, played 76 games last season but has averaged only 44 games over the previous three seasons. Notably, Davis has played more than 70 games in consecutive seasons only once in his 12-year career.
Ja Morant: Performance Amidst Challenges
Ja Morant's talent is indisputable, with averages of 26.7 points per game (PPG), 7.5 assists per game (APG), and 5.8 rebounds per game (RPG) over the past three seasons. Yet, his availability last season was a concern, as he missed 73 games due to suspension and injury. At 25 years old, Morant's potential is sky-high if he can stay on the court.
Veteran Presence of Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is entering his 18th NBA season but continues to be a steady source of fantasy points. Playing 75 games last season, the 36-year-old forward remains a reliable pick for fantasy managers.
Kyrie Irving: High Performance, Limited Games
Kyrie Irving offers high fantasy points per game but has struggled with consistency in the number of games played. Over the last five seasons, Irving has averaged 26.7 PPG, 49.3% field goal percentage (FG%), 39.9% three-point percentage (3P%), and 91.2% free throw percentage (FT%). However, his availability has been limited, averaging just 44.2 games per season during that time. Consequently, although he ranked 22nd in fantasy points per game last season, he finished 47th in total fantasy points.
Zion Williamson: A Double-Edged Sword
Zion Williamson's performance also mirrors this high-risk, high-reward scenario. Williamson averaged 26.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.0 APG between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. Yet, he played only 90 out of a possible 236 regular-season games during that period. Last season, Williamson maximized his appearances by playing a career-high 70 games, including an impressive 27.1 PPG average over a 10-game stretch late in the season.
Kawhi Leonard: A Late-Season Gamble
Kawhi Leonard managed 68 games last season, finishing with the 27th-most fantasy points in the league. However, his late-season knee issues caused him to miss 12 of the Clippers' last 14 games, including the playoffs - a crucial factor for fantasy managers to consider.
In summary, achieving fantasy basketball glory hinges on balancing the proven reliability of players like Nikola Jokic and Kevin Durant with high-risk, high-reward picks such as Joel Embiid and Ja Morant. Each player’s potential impact on a fantasy team goes beyond mere averages, requiring a keen eye on both performance metrics and historical availability.