Standard fantasy basketball leagues consist of 12 teams, but there are plenty who compete in larger ones. And in those larger leagues, the task of drafting a team can get tricky. For many, that may mean reaching for a player earlier than you would in a standard league, as there\u2019s a higher likelihood that your desired target won\u2019t be available in the following round. Recently, Rotoworld writer Raphielle Johnson participated in a 16-team mock draft hosted by Menace Podmen\u2019s Steve St-Pierre. <\/p>\n
Picking either early or late in a larger draft is preferable to being stuck in the middle, and I held the sixth pick in this mock exercise. Starting with Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey, the hope was to put together a team that would only punt on assists. Below are the round-by-round results and some analysis. <\/p>\n
Round 1 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Victor Wembanyama<\/p>\n
San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Nikola Joki\u0107<\/p>\n
Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/p>\n
Oklahoma City Thunder<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Lakers<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Cade Cunningham<\/p>\n
Detroit Pistons<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Tyrese Maxey<\/p>\n
Philadelphia 76ers<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Jayson Tatum<\/p>\n
Boston Celtics<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Kawhi Leonard<\/p>\n
LA Clippers<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Anthony Edwards<\/p>\n
Minnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Donovan Mitchell<\/p>\n
Cleveland Cavaliers<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Jalen Johnson<\/p>\n
Atlanta Hawks<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
G\/F <\/p>\n
Cooper Flagg<\/p>\n
Dallas Mavericks<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Tyrese Haliburton<\/p>\n
Indiana Pacers<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/p>\n
Miami Heat<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Scottie Barnes<\/p>\n
Toronto Raptors<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Kevin Durant<\/p>\n
Houston Rockets<\/p>\n
According to Hashtag Basketball, Maxey currently has an ADP of 16.9 in Yahoo! leagues, which would put him right at the first\/second round turn in a 16-team league. While there is clearly concern on the part of some managers about how the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown will affect his production, Maxey is well worth the risk in the middle of the first round. Having two additional offensive weapons should keep defenses from loading up too much to slow Maxey down. Also, he\u2019ll be healthy after a finger injury limited his productivity in the postseason. And the players selected immediately after him in this mock draft, Tatum and Leonard, have some health questions of their own. <\/p>\n
Round 2 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Karl-Anthony Towns<\/p>\n
New York Knicks<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Amen Thompson <\/p>\n
Houston Rockets<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Anthony Davis<\/p>\n
Washington Wizards<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Stephen Curry<\/p>\n
Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
LaMelo Ball<\/p>\n
Minnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Jamal Murray<\/p>\n
Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Chet Holmgren<\/p>\n
Oklahoma City Thunder<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Austin Reaves<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Lakers<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Kyrie Irving<\/p>\n
Dallas Mavericks<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Trae Young<\/p>\n
Washington Wizards<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Walker Kessler<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Lakers<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
James Harden<\/p>\n
Cleveland Cavaliers<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Jalen Duren<\/p>\n
Detroit Pistons<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Josh Giddey<\/p>\n
Chicago Bulls<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Trey Murphy<\/p>\n
New Orleans Pelicans<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Alperen \u015eeng\u00fcn<\/p>\n
Houston Rockets<\/p>\n
With 76ers head coach Nick Nurse saying earlier this offseason that LeBron will initiate much of the team\u2019s offense, Maxey may take the biggest hit in assists. Also, adding quality bigs in a 16-team draft is not something that I\u2019m willing to hesitate on. Even with him coming off a season in which he played just five games, Kessler was the second-round pick for me. Given the Lakers\u2019 lack of true big men and the defensive frailties of their starting guards, he could be in for a big debut season in Los Angeles regarding rebounds and blocks. And playing off Luka Don\u010di\u0107 and Austin Reaves should positively impact Kessler\u2019s field goal percentage. <\/p>\n
Round 3 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Jalen Brunson<\/p>\n
New York Knicks<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Lauri Markkanen<\/p>\n
Utah Jazz<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Jaren Jackson Jr. <\/p>\n
Utah Jazz<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Bam Adebayo<\/p>\n
Miami Heat<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Onyeka Okongwu<\/p>\n
Atlanta Hawks<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Evan Mobley<\/p>\n
Cleveland Cavaliers<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Devin Booker<\/p>\n
Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Dyson Daniels<\/p>\n
Atlanta Hawks<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Derrick White<\/p>\n
Boston Celtics<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Domantas Sabonis<\/p>\n
Sacramento Kings<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Dejounte Murray<\/p>\n
New Orleans Pelicans<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Paolo Banchero<\/p>\n
Orlando Magic<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Darius Garland <\/p>\n
LA Clippers<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Jalen Williams <\/p>\n
Oklahoma City Thunder<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Donovan Clingan<\/p>\n
Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Brandon Miller<\/p>\n
Charlotte Hornets<\/p>\n
If you use an early pick on a player with injury concerns, selecting another player who can help compensate for a potential absence is key. And in a 16-team league, the pickings are likely to be slim if you find yourself counting on the waiver wire for help during the season. As a result, I went with Mobley in the third round, and his forward eligibility is a bonus. His 2025-26 numbers were similar to the prior season, with slight increases in assists and blocks. With Mobley and Kessler in the fold, I should be highly competitive in blocks every week. <\/p>\n
Round 4 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Kel\u2019el Ware<\/p>\n
Milwaukee Bucks<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Deni Avdija<\/p>\n
Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Jaylen Brown<\/p>\n
Philadelphia 76ers<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Nickeil Alexander-Walker<\/p>\n
Atlanta Hawks<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Kon Knueppel<\/p>\n
Charlotte Hornets<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
LeBron James<\/p>\n
Philadelphia 76ers<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Joel Embiid<\/p>\n
Philadelphia 76ers<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Desmond Bane<\/p>\n
Orlando Magic<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Jaden McDaniels<\/p>\n
Minnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Franz Wagner<\/p>\n
Orlando Magic<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Pascal Siakam<\/p>\n
Indiana Pacers<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Tyler Herro<\/p>\n
Milwaukee Bucks<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Keyonte George<\/p>\n
Utah Jazz<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Matas Buzelis<\/p>\n
Chicago Bulls<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
OG Anunoby<\/p>\n
New York Knicks<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Stephon Castle<\/p>\n
San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n
The fourth round is where many managers take a swing, hoping to land a player with significant upside. Among those selected in this mock draft, Joel Embiid would certainly qualify, as he can offer first-round value when on the court. Keyonte George, Matas Buzelis, and Stephon Castle represent fourth-round picks in this draft, where managers are betting on them to step up in a major way. I went with Siakam, betting that Tyrese Haliburton\u2019s return from an Achilles tendon rupture will give Spicy P the playmaker he needs to get back into the top-50 in fantasy basketball. <\/p>\n
Round 5 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Damian Lillard<\/p>\n
Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Ryan Rollins<\/p>\n
Milwaukee Bucks<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Naz Reid<\/p>\n
Charlotte Hornets<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Alex Sarr<\/p>\n
Washington Wizards<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Myles Turner<\/p>\n
Milwaukee Bucks<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
VJ Edgecombe<\/p>\n
Philadelphia 76ers<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Zach Edey<\/p>\n
Memphis Grizzlies<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Paul George<\/p>\n
Boston Celtics<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Cameron Boozer<\/p>\n
Memphis Grizzlies<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Brandon Ingram<\/p>\n
Toronto Raptors<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Immanuel Quickley<\/p>\n
Toronto Raptors<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Ivica Zubac<\/p>\n
Indiana Pacers<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Michael Porter Jr.<\/p>\n
Brooklyn Nets<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Julius Randle<\/p>\n
Brooklyn Nets<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Jarrett Allen<\/p>\n
Cleveland Cavaliers<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
De\u2019Aaron Fox<\/p>\n
San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n
If there\u2019s a 76ers player who stands to see his fantasy value take a hit with the roster changes, it may be Edgecombe. He\u2019s the youngest of the five starters, so assuming that he\u2019ll be the one asked to sacrifice early on is not a wild position to take. However, those additions could make Edgecombe a more dangerous offensive weapon due to increased opportunities to attack closeouts. Also, he averaged 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals+blocks per game as a rookie. Those are categories where Edgecombe can provide added value, regardless of how many shots he gets. I\u2019m willing to bet that will be the case next season. <\/p>\n
As for some of the other picks in this round, Turner was the eye-opener, given his struggles during his first season in Milwaukee. With the players acquired in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, the backcourt situation is even more jumbled, and the Bucks also received center Kel\u2019el Ware in the deal. Maybe Turner bounces back, but I\u2019m not convinced, especially considering his limited rebounding numbers. <\/p>\n
Round 6 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Coby White<\/p>\n
Charlotte Hornets<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Dylan Harper<\/p>\n
San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Ty Jerome<\/p>\n
Memphis Grizzlies<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Ja Morant<\/p>\n
Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Mikal Bridges<\/p>\n
New York Knicks<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Rudy Gobert<\/p>\n
Minnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Payton Pritchard<\/p>\n
Boston Celtics<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
AJ Dybantsa<\/p>\n
Washington Wizards<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Jalen Suggs<\/p>\n
Orlando Magic<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Norman Powell<\/p>\n
Chicago Bulls<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Ausar Thompson<\/p>\n
Detroit Pistons<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Caleb Wilson<\/p>\n
Chicago Bulls<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Zion Williamson<\/p>\n
New Orleans Pelicans<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Day\u2019Ron Sharpe<\/p>\n
Brooklyn Nets<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Josh Hart<\/p>\n
New York Knicks<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Nic Claxton<\/p>\n
Chicago Bulls <\/p>\n
While he does not offer much in the way of three-point production and his free-throw percentage remains poor, Thompson\u2019s ability to fill an entire stat line makes him an asset in category leagues. Last season, the Pistons wing averaged 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.0 steals and 0.9 blocks per game, and he made a career-best 73 appearances. I chose him in the sixth round because of his rebounds and defensive stats; I highly doubt Ausar would have been on the board in the seventh. <\/p>\n
Round 7 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
John Collins<\/p>\n
Detroit Pistons<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Brandin Podziemski <\/p>\n
Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Anthony Black<\/p>\n
Orlando Magic<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Darryn Peterson<\/p>\n
Utah Jazz<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Fred VanVleet<\/p>\n
Houston Rockets<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Ayo Dosunmu<\/p>\n
Minnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Derik Queen<\/p>\n
New Orleans Pelicans<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Neemias Queta<\/p>\n
Boston Celtics<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Mark Williams<\/p>\n
Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Miles Bridges<\/p>\n
Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Andrew Wiggins<\/p>\n
Miami Heat<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Isaiah Hartenstein<\/p>\n
Oklahoma City Thunder<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u01f5is<\/p>\n
Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Collin Murray-Boyles<\/p>\n
Toronto Raptors<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Keegan Murray<\/p>\n
Sacramento Kings<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Cedric Coward<\/p>\n
Memphis Grizzlies<\/p>\n
Dosunmu\u2019s fantasy prospects looked better before the Timberwolves signed Jonathan Kuminga, as he could now be relegated to a sixth-man role. However, that\u2019s still a spot in which he can offer quality fantasy value, especially with Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) expected to miss most of next season, if not all of it. Also, Dosunmu averaged nearly 29 minutes per game in his 24 regular-season appearances for the Timberwolves, making nine starts. As he showed last season, Ayo has top-100 potential, whether he starts or comes off the bench. <\/p>\n
Round 8 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Zach LaVine<\/p>\n
Sacramento Kings<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Jabari Smith Jr. <\/p>\n
Houston Rockets<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Ajay Mitchell<\/p>\n
Oklahoma City Thunder<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Cason Wallace<\/p>\n
Oklahoma City Thunder<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Aaron Wiggins<\/p>\n
Atlanta Hawks<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Sandro Mamukelashvili<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Lakers<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Wendell Carter Jr. <\/p>\n
Orlando Magic<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Kevin Porter Jr. <\/p>\n
Milwaukee Bucks <\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Toumani Camara<\/p>\n
Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Peyton Watson<\/p>\n
Cleveland Cavaliers<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Saddiq Bey<\/p>\n
New Orleans Pelicans<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
DeMar DeRozan<\/p>\n
Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
RJ Barrett<\/p>\n
Toronto Raptors<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Reed Sheppard<\/p>\n
Houston Rockets<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Jakob Poeltl<\/p>\n
Toronto Raptors<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Jalen Green<\/p>\n
Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n
Was Saddiq Bey\u2018s career year simply a product of the Pelicans\u2019 many injuries? Or can he provide similar value in 2026-27 under a new head coach? I\u2019m better on the latter, even with the rotation even more crowded due to Dejounte Murray and Herb Jones being healthy. Given their respective r\u00e9sum\u00e9s, DeRozan would have been the safer pick, but what\u2019s the fun in that? And the Pelicans could be a team to watch at the February trade deadline, especially if they aren\u2019t in the mix for a postseason spot, because of the veterans on that roster. <\/p>\n
Round 9 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Maxime Raynaud<\/p>\n
Sacramento Kings<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Grayson Allen<\/p>\n
Charlotte Hornets<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Jusuf Nurki\u0107<\/p>\n
Utah Jazz<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Jimmy Butler III<\/p>\n
Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Jrue Holiday<\/p>\n
Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
CJ McCollum<\/p>\n
Atlanta Hawks<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Andrew Nembhard<\/p>\n
Indiana Pacers<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Paul Reed<\/p>\n
Detroit Pistons<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Jaime Jaquez Jr. <\/p>\n
Milwaukee Bucks<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Darius Acuff Jr. <\/p>\n
Sacramento Kings<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Cameron Johnson<\/p>\n
Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Kyshawn George<\/p>\n
Washington Wizards<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Jeremiah Fears<\/p>\n
New Orleans Pelicans<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Moussa Diabat\u00e9<\/p>\n
Charlotte Hornets<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Quentin Grimes<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Lakers<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Mitchell Robinson<\/p>\n
Boston Celtics<\/p>\n
McCollum may not be a \u201csexy\u201d pick at this point in the draft, but I wanted proven offensive production. Once the Hawks moved him into the starting lineup, his production increased and the team played better. I expect that to remain the case in 2026-27, and McCollum has shown in the past that he has a top-100 floor when used as one of his team\u2019s primary offensive options. He averaged just over four assists per game for the Hawks last season, but that isn\u2019t a category that I was too concerned with in this build. <\/p>\n
Round 10 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Egor D\u00ebmin<\/p>\n
Brooklyn Nets<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
PJ Washington<\/p>\n
Dallas Mavericks<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Davion Mitchell<\/p>\n
Miami Heat<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Dillon Brooks<\/p>\n
Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Collin Gillespie<\/p>\n
Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Daniss Jenkins<\/p>\n
Detroit Pistons<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Yaxel Lendeborg<\/p>\n
Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Julian Champagnie<\/p>\n
San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Devin Vassell<\/p>\n
San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Daniel Gafford<\/p>\n
Dallas Mavericks<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Ace Bailey<\/p>\n
Utah Jazz<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Mikel Brown Jr.<\/p>\n
Brooklyn Nets<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Brook Lopez<\/p>\n
LA Clippers<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Tari Eason<\/p>\n
Houston Rockets<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Tre Jones<\/p>\n
Chicago Bulls<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Isaiah Stewart<\/p>\n
Memphis Grizzlies<\/p>\n
So, what should fantasy managers make of Ace Bailey as he goes into his second NBA season? He put up quality numbers after the All-Star break as a rookie, averaging 18.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.1 blocks and 2.8 three-pointers per game. However, much of that production came without key players on the floor, most notably Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. Add in lottery pick Darryn Peterson, and Bailey\u2019s numbers are likely to take a hit. However, the upside can\u2019t be ignored, especially if the Jazz decide to start Bailey as part of a bigger lineup. <\/p>\n
Round 11 <\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Isaiah Joe<\/p>\n
Detroit Pistons<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Christian Braun<\/p>\n
Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Cam Spencer<\/p>\n
Memphis Grizzlies<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Kelly Oubre Jr.<\/p>\n
Indiana Pacers<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Morez Johnson Jr. <\/p>\n
Dallas Mavericks<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Bobby Portis<\/p>\n
Miami Heat<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Shaedon Sharpe<\/p>\n
Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Robert Williams III<\/p>\n
Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Keaton Wagler<\/p>\n
LA Clippers<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Deandre Ayton<\/p>\n
Washington Wizards<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Jonathan Kuminga<\/p>\n
Minnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Rui Hachimura<\/p>\n
LA Clippers<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Scoot Henderson<\/p>\n
Portland Trail Blazers<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Joan Beringer<\/p>\n
Minnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Gui Santos<\/p>\n
Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Tobias Harris<\/p>\n
San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n
Portis was a relatively safe pick; in hindsight, I wish I had considered Robert Williams III because of what he can bring as a shot-blocker, even as the backup center in Portland. However, even with the Heat adding Nick Richards to their roster, Portis is someone they\u2019re going to count on consistently to supplement the efforts of Giannis and Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt. And his three-point production has increased over the years, with Portis most recently averaging 2.0 makes per game in 2025-26 while making 45.6 percent of his attempts. <\/p>\n
Round 12<\/p>\n
Pick<\/p>\n
Position<\/p>\n
Player<\/p>\n
Team<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Scotty Pippen Jr.<\/p>\n
Memphis Grizzlies<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Aaron Gordon<\/p>\n
Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Draymond Green<\/p>\n
Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
De\u2019Anthony Melton<\/p>\n
Golden State Warriors<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Luke Kennard<\/p>\n
Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Aaron Nesmith<\/p>\n
Indiana Pacers<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Isaiah Collier<\/p>\n
Utah Jazz<\/p>\n
8<\/p>\n
F\/C<\/p>\n
Kyle Filipowski<\/p>\n
Utah Jazz<\/p>\n
9<\/p>\n
G<\/p>\n
Jamal Shead<\/p>\n
Toronto Raptors<\/p>\n
10<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
Hannes Steinbach<\/p>\n
Charlotte Hornets<\/p>\n
11<\/p>\n
G\/F<\/p>\n
Bennedict Mathurin<\/p>\n
New Orleans Pelicans<\/p>\n
12<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Nikola Vu\u010devi\u0107<\/p>\n
Orlando Magic<\/p>\n
13<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Jay Huff<\/p>\n
Indiana Pacers<\/p>\n
14<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Khaman Maluach<\/p>\n
Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n
15<\/p>\n
F<\/p>\n
De\u2019Andre Hunter<\/p>\n
Sacramento Kings<\/p>\n
16<\/p>\n
C<\/p>\n
Dereck Lively II <\/p>\n
Dallas Mavericks<\/p>\n
It\u2019s always fun when the player you wanted to use your final pick on goes off the board one spot before you come up. That\u2019s what happened here, as I hoped to use my final pick on Charlotte\u2019s Hannes Steinbach. Even with the Hornets having Moussa Diabat\u00e9 and Ryan Kalkbrenner, the rookie out of Washington is the best rebounder in this rookie class and can provide immediate value in that category. <\/p>\n
With Steinbach off the board, I went with Mathurin, who has been a better option in points leagues than category leagues throughout his career. As noted above, the Pelicans\u2019 rotation is a bit crowded, but Mathurin is a player the team holds in high regard after signing him recently. And one could do far worse than him with their final pick in a draft. <\/p>\n
Final Team <\/p>\n
G Tyrese Maxey
C Walker Kessler
F\/C Evan Mobley
F\/C Pascal Siakam
G VJ Edgecombe
G\/F Ausar Thompson
G Ayo Dosunmu
F Saddiq Bey
G CJ McCollum
F Ace Bailey
F\/C Bobby Portis
G\/F Bennedict Mathurin <\/p>\n
While assists and free-throw percentage are weaknesses for this team, it has multiple strengths. Points, rebounds, steals and blocks should be strengths for this roster, and turnovers shouldn\u2019t be a major concern. The Kessler pick could determine this team\u2019s ceiling. If he can stay healthy and mesh well with the Lakers\u2019 stars, the 7-footer can be a highly valuable fantasy asset. If not, this group could be in some trouble, even with Mobley, Siakam and Portis all having center eligibility. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Standard fantasy basketball leagues consist of 12 teams, but there are plenty who compete in larger ones. And…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":875281,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[574],"tags":[64,63,726,85],"class_list":["post-875280","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-basketball","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-basketball","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/875280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=875280"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/875280\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/875281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=875280"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=875280"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=875280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}