Fantasy draft season is upon us. Going with your gut works, but studying Average draft positions (ADP) and thinking about who could realistically be available each round works best. I assembled my go-to player per round, suitable for 10 and 12 team leagues. Although some players I’ve recommended are gone by the time you’re on the clock, I’m suggesting players who usually drop in the second half of each round. In other words, I tried to introduce you to the players who will be available in each round of your draft. Here’s who I’m aiming for in fantasy drafts ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Read more: Dominate your draft with RotoWire Fantasy Basketball Ranking
Fantasy Basketball ADP come from Yahoo.
(ADP-8.4)
Harden struggled last season by his standards, but the Beard is among the top rebound candidates heading into his first full season in Philadelphia. The fact that he slipped so close to the second round of the fantasy draft illustrates the incredible depth of talent in the NBA. It also highlights why choosing late in the first round of fantasy drafts can be just as beneficial as owning one of the best picks.
Find out where Harden was picked up in Rotowire’s Expert Fantasy basketball simulation project.
(2) Paul GeorgeLos Angeles Clippers
(ADP-20.9)
George was limited to 31 games last year, and Kawhi Leonard (ADP-25.5) is back after being entirely absent last season. Nonetheless, George was stellar when healthy last season, posting career averages of
Fantasy draft season is upon us. Going with your gut works, but studying Average draft positions (ADP) and thinking about who could realistically be available each round works best. I assembled my go-to player per round, suitable for 10 and 12 team leagues. Although some players I’ve recommended are gone by the time you’re on the clock, I’m suggesting players who usually drop in the second half of each round. In other words, I tried to introduce you to the players who will be available in each round of your draft. Here’s who I’m aiming for in fantasy drafts ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Read more: Dominate your draft with RotoWire Fantasy Basketball Ranking
Fantasy Basketball ADP come from Yahoo.
(ADP-8.4)
Harden struggled last season by his standards, but the Beard is among the top rebound candidates heading into his first full season in Philadelphia. The fact that he slipped so close to the second round of the fantasy draft illustrates the incredible depth of talent in the NBA. It also highlights why choosing late in the first round of fantasy drafts can be just as beneficial as owning one of the best picks.
Find out where Harden was picked up in Rotowire’s Expert Fantasy basketball simulation project.
(2) Paul GeorgeLos Angeles Clippers
(ADP-20.9)
George was limited to 31 games last year, and Kawhi Leonard (ADP-25.5) is back after being entirely absent last season. Nonetheless, George was stellar when healthy last season, posting career averages of 5.7 assists and 2.2 steals to go along with 24.3 points, 6.9 boards and 2.9 threes for 34. .7 minutes per game. Like Harden falling to your knees at the end of the first round, catching George at the end of the second feels like an absolute steal. If George is gone, take Leonard.
(ADP-37.6)
Williamson’s production in the three-point shooting and defensive departments will likely still be lacking. In addition, his injuries make it difficult to trust him in the first two rounds. However, it has too many advantages to be available beyond the third round. If Williamson’s ADP continues to increase as the season approaches, with more managers seeking him in the first two rounds, consider selecting Cade Cunningham (ADP-32.9).
Which players should you avoid this season? Read Mike Barner’s list of NBA Fantasy Busts.
(ADP-43.9)
Holiday is coming off another stellar season, having posted 18.3 points (50.1% FG, 41.1% 3PT, 76.1% FT), 6.8 assists, 4.5 boards, 2.0 three and 1.6 interceptions in 32.9 minutes. He hit more than 50.0 percent of his field goal attempts in each of his first two years at Milwaukee. Additionally, he also recorded a career-high three-point shooting percentage in consecutive seasons. With Kris Middleton (wrist) should run out of time to start the campaign, Holiday will probably be in more demand than usual at the start.
(ADP-58.3)
Maxey broke out as a sophomore to the tune of 17.5 points (48.5% FG, 42.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT), 4.3 assists, 3.2 boards, 1.8 threes and 0 .7 interceptions in 35.3 minutes per game. Additionally, he continued to perform exceptionally well during the playoffs while fitting in well with Joel Embid and mid-season acquisition James Harden. Given that Maxey can create an attack for himself and others and plays well on the ball, his stat profile will only improve. Plus, with all the attention opposing defenses will devote to slowing Embiid and Harden, Maxey will benefit immensely.
(ADP-72.3)
Poeltl is coming off a career year in which he averaged highs in scoring (13.5 PPG), rebounding (9.3 RPG), assists (2.8 APG) and minutes (29.0 MPG). He leaves a lot to be desired in the free throw department (49.5% FT), and he doesn’t attempt the three-pointer. Nonetheless, he’s a quality contributor in every other category, and he won’t have to face the former Spurs keeper. Delete Murray (8.3 RPG) for the boards. If Poeltl is gone, Jalen Brunson (ADP-66.2) and Alperen Sengun (ADP-69.3) are great backup choices.
(ADP-85.1)
After appearing in just 11 games in 2021-22, Sexton joins the rebuilding Jazz. Even though Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson staying on the roster for the entire season – which seems unlikely – Sexton will be the best offensive option for Utah. Averaging 24.3 points (47.5% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 81.5% FT), 4.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.6 threes and 1.0 steals in 60 games in 2020-21, Sexton has already shown he can set a stat sheet on fire for an entire campaign. With any luck in the health department, he could have a career year.
Read Henry Weinberg Fantasy Basketball Escapes article to learn more about Sexton.
(8) Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
(ADP-103.8)
It’s still unclear when Jackson will be back after offseason foot surgery, but his ADP continues to drop. Nonetheless, if he’s still available at this late stage of a project, I’d take him and hope for the best. Jackson’s combination of three-point shooting, free throwing, defensive stats and improved offensive skill make him a valuable contributor to any format.
ROUNDS 9-13
I’ve made the case for the players I recommend in Series 9-13 before in recent articles, in which I’ve suggested NBA Fantasy Sleepers with an ADP of 100 or more and projected the fantastic impact of NBA off-season trades.
(9) Lauri MarkkanenUtah Jazz (ADP-104.3)
(ten) isaiah jacksonIndiana Pacers (ADP-123.8)
(11) Jalen DurenDetroit Pistons (ADP-139.6)
(12) Kevin HuerterKings of Sacramento (ADP-143.4)
(13) Bruce BrownDenver Nuggets (ADP-147.2)
