Building a championship-winning fantasy basketball team hinges significantly on strategic selection, player knowledge, and calculated risks. As this upcoming season approaches, fantasy managers must consider not only the star power but also a player's consistency and durability throughout the season.
The Highs and Lows of Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid's potential for fantasy gold is undeniable. Last season, he averaged an impressive 61 fantasy points per game. Moreover, projections indicate he will continue to deliver, with estimates suggesting he might even surpass 60 fantasy points per game this season. However, Embiid's challenge has always been his availability. He has never played more than 68 games in a single season, which raises a red flag for those looking to invest heavily. Last year, he managed to play in only 39 games, underscoring the risk associated with his recurring injuries.
Iron Man Nikola Jokic
In sharp contrast stands Nikola Jokic, the epitome of durability and consistency. Jokic played 79 games last season and has never played fewer than 69 games in any season throughout his career. For fantasy managers, Jokic’s reliability is a significant asset. The consistency in availability and performance makes him a valuable cornerstone for any fantasy league.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis: Aging Vets or Reliable Bets?
LeBron James continues to defy age, playing 71 games last season as he heads into his 40th year. However, over the past three seasons, he has averaged only 52 games, which might make some fantasy managers wary. Anthony Davis presents a similar conundrum. Though he played 76 games last season, over the previous three seasons, he averaged just 44 games. It's crucial to note that Davis has only played more than 70 games in consecutive seasons once in his 12-year career. Both players bring undeniable skills and a wealth of experience, but their injury histories beg careful consideration.
Ja Morant: High Performance, High Risk
Ja Morant offers an intriguing mix of high-performance potential and significant risk. Though he averaged 26.7 points per game (PPG), 7.5 assists per game (APG), and 5.8 rebounds per game (RPG) over the past three seasons, he missed 73 games last season due to suspension and injury. Now at 25 years old, Morant's ability to stay healthy and out of trouble will be critical for fantasy managers who are willing to bet on his high ceiling.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving: Stars with Caveats
Kevin Durant remains a force as he heads into his 18th NBA season at age 36, having played 75 games last season. His stamina and performance levels are commendable for a veteran, making him a valuable pick for fantasy managers seeking reliability and star power. Kyrie Irving’s performance metrics over the last five seasons are stellar—averaging 26.7 PPG, with excellent shooting percentages (49.3% FG, 39.9% 3P, 91.2% FT). However, his availability is a frequent concern, as he averaged just 44.2 games per season in that same span. Last season, he ranked 22nd in fantasy points per game but only 47th in total fantasy points, likely due to missed games.
Zion Williamson: A Potential Sleeper
Zion Williamson has the potential to be a game-changer in fantasy leagues. He averaged 26.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.0 APG between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. His challenge has been staying on the court, playing only 90 of the possible 236 regular season games in that period. However, his career-high 70 games last season and a late-season surge where he averaged 27.1 PPG over 10 games hint at his immense potential if he can stay healthy.
Kawhi Leonard: Return to Form?
Kawhi Leonard remains a high-risk, high-reward pick. Last season, Leonard played 68 games and finished with the 27th-most fantasy points in the league. However, knee issues caused him to miss 12 of the Clippers’ last 14 games, including the playoffs. If Leonard can maintain his health, he could be a significant asset, but the risk of re-injury is something to keep in mind.
In conclusion, a well-rounded fantasy basketball team requires a blend of high-performing stars and reliable players who can withstand the rigors of an entire season. While players like Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis offer substantial upsides, their injury histories cannot be ignored. Conversely, players like Nikola Jokic and Kevin Durant offer consistent performances that can anchor a fantasy roster. The key lies in balancing potential with reliability to build a championship-worthy team.