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Welcome to draft season Razzball Nation. This week, I present the results of an industry mock draft in which I was fortunate enough to get some great basketball minds to kindly offer their time to bring you some extra research material for your dynasty leagues.

Before I begin, I want to give a shout out to Steve Connell, who designed the awesome new Dynasty Deep Dive logo. Check it out above. It is literally fire.

The Format:

Slow draft on Fantrax, as we had participants from the USA, Canada, Phillipines, Australia, New Zealand, and of course England. Standard 9-Cat H2H with the ability to keep everybody at no round cost. Total of 18 roster spots.

Roster Construction:

PG, SG, G, SF, PF, F, C, C, UT, UT, UT with 7 bench spots

Participants:

NameSite/Role
Craig BozicRazzball – Dynasty Deep Dive/Razzball Podcast
Stan SonRazzball Basketball
Kostas OikonomouRazzball – Writer
Brett NelsonRazzball – Writer/Dynasty Deep Dive Research Team
Josh LloydBasketball Monster Lead Analyst/Locked on Fantasy Podcast Host
Adrian BenjaminsHoop Ball – Dynasty Podcast Host
Zach BodineHoop ball – Dynasty Analyst
Jay CollinsHoop Ball – Contributor
Jordan SchultzHashtag Basketball – Dynasty Podcast Co-Host
Sam MaceyHashtag Basketball – Dynasty Podcast Co-Host
Steve ConnellDynasty Deep Dive – Research Team
Patrick LarocoNxtLvLFntasyNBA – Co Founder

Dynasty drafts have the most subjective valuations and results often differ from redraft or keeper leagues. Some teams go all-in to win from the start. Others try to find a balance between winning now and looking towards the future. The rest choose to build a solid, young foundation, knowing full well they won’t be competitive in the first few seasons, but could develop into powerhouse. There are examples of each of these strategies from different owners, so factor in the motivations of the owners when deciding whether a pick was successful or not.

My Strategy:

I like to keep an open mind when going into an inaugural draft, but generally speaking, in season one I like to find value that will likely make me a contender two to three years down the road. My theory is that there are a few people in every league looking to go all-in season one. I am never willing to sell off long-term value for immediate satisfaction and thus find it tough to keep up with the Jones’s in the inaugural season. Ultimately, I am looking to construct a team that can build value season after season, looking for guys who could reach their potential by year three.

The Results

Round 1:

Zach BodhaneAnthony DavisPF/C
Adrian BenjaminsKarl Anthony-TownsC
Pat LarocoJames HardenPG/SG
Kostas OikonomouGiannis AntetokounpoPG/SG/SF
Steve ConnellNikola JokicPF/C
Craig BozicJoel EmbiidC
Josh LloydKevin DurantSF/PF
Jordan SchultzBen SimmonsPG/PF
Same MaceyKawhi LeonardSG/SF
Jay CollinsDonovan MitchellPG/SG
Stan SonVictor OladipoSG
Brett NelsonLebron JamesSF/PF

My Pick:

Once James Harden was taken at number 3, leaving Giannis Antetokounmpo the likely selection at 4, it sparked a conversation between Steve and myself where he was debating between the immediate elite all-around production of Kevin Durant or the younger Ben Simmons. I was thinking Nikola Jokic would be there at 5, so I was immediately put on tilt when Steve threw a curveball and took the 23 year old play-making center from the Nuggets. That left me with four options: take the 30-year old KD, injury risk Joel Embiid, punt TOs, 3s, and FT% Ben Simmons, or take the chance on Kawhi Leonard returning to elite level production. GO BIG OR GO HOME! Yeah, it is a HUGE risk, especially for my first overall pick, but grabbing an elite center who contributes in everything and doesn’t hurt my FT% was the way I decided to go. Sure, he might only play 60-70 games, but I am hoping Embiid can leave the injury prone tag behind. In hindsight, maybe Kawhi Leonard should have been the selection, as I am bullish that he returns to San Antonio form, but at just 24 years of age, the boom or bust route of Embiid was the chosen path.

Round 2

Brett NelsonStephen CurryPG
Stan SonPaul GeorgeSG/SF/PF
Jay CollinsRussell WestbrookPG
Sam MaceyDevin BookerPG/SG
Jordan SchultzDamian LillardPG
Josh LloydJimmy ButlerSG/SF
Craig BozicKyrie IrvingPG/SG
Steve ConnellAndre DrummondC
Kostas OikonomouJrue HolidayPG
Pat LorocoKemba WalkerPG
Adrian BenjiminsLuka DoncicPG/SG/SF
Zach BodhaneMyles TurnerPF/C

Could they fall? This is dynasty after all. Nope, of course they didn’t. Damian Lillard and Paul George were the dream targets here, but in my heart I knew they were not coming back to me. But in my head Jimmy Butler would. Nope, denied faster than Nate Robinson attempting to score a layup with Dwight Howard waiting in the paint. I wanted an elite level PG here, having already nailed myself an elite center and I once again decided to play Russian roulette regarding health and selected Kyrie Irving, another player with first round upside. In drafts I have participated in, it’s a long wait if you miss out on a PG in the first three rounds. After watching two preseason games, Kyrie does look to be back, but I did make the pick before the preseason started. I love an Embiid/Kyrie one-two punch, especially given they are still just 24 & 26 years old, but the big question is in regards to health. Will their bodies remain durable enough to make them successful long-term dynasty investments?

Elsewhere, we already see certain strategies playing out. Brett felt there was too much production to ignore a Curry/Lebron turn, despite investing in two 30+ somethings. A Durant/Butler partnership is also looking formidable, especially since both are a tad younger. We also saw the first rookie off the board in Luka Doncic, who coupled with Karl-Anthony Towns could be the makings of a team thinking a little more long term.

Round 3

Zach BodhaneBradley BealSG
Adrian BenjiminsJohn CollinsPF/C
Pat LorocoClint CapelaC
Kostas OikonomouRudy GobertC
Steve ConnellJayson TatumSF/PF
Craig BozicDeandre AytonC
Josh LloydJohn WallPG
Jordan SchultzDraymond GreenPF/C
Sam MaceyCJ McCollumPG/SG
Jay CollinsChris PaulPG
Stan SonKhris MiddletonSF
Brett NelsonJamaal MurrayPG/SG

At the top of my wish list was Jayson Tatum, but once again Steve Connell proved to be the heart breaker and took him one pick before my selection. I kind of expected this because, if there is a guy who knows me inside out, it’s my brother from a different mother. So here we have rookie number two off the board, DeAndre Ayton, who I am more than happy to take at pick 30 in a dynasty draft. Ayton might have a hard time pushing top 30 value season one, but once again I am looking for upside for season two and beyond and feel that the floor, even in his rookie season, is high enough for me to still not be completely out of the running season one. He certainly has the physical gifts and opportunity to make a serious impact right away. Even in redraft leagues, I feel the floor is high enough to warrant a pick in the 50’s, so I have no qualms about selecting a guy 30th overall who has second round upside. It was nice to start the draft with two centers who will contribute across the board without killing my FT %.

Elsewhere, Adrian’s intentions got more clear as he took John Collins, a very trendy pick this draft season, signifying his intention to draft young with a long-term outlook. Jay locks up his guards, drafting three PG eligible players with his first three picks in Donovan Mitchell, Russell Westbrook, and now Chris Paul. I will never question Paul’s abilities to contribute in fantasy basketball, but at 33 years old and missing significant time in 3 of the last 5 seasons with the Rockets saying they will monitor his minutes to keep him fresh for the playoffs, count me out of wanting anything to do with investing a premium dynasty pick on him.

Round 4

Brett NelsonTrae YoungPG
Stan SonTobias HarrisSF/PF
Jay CollinsKevin LovePF
Sam MaceyKlay ThompsonSG/SF
Jordan SchultzKristaps PorzingisPF/C
Josh LloydTaurean PrinceSF
Craig BozicLauri MarkennanPF
Steve ConnellJonathan IsaacSF/PF
Kostas OikonomouOtto Porter JrSF
Patrick LarocoEric BledsoePG/SG
Adrian BenjiminsJaren Jackson JrPF
Zach BodhaneGary HarrisSG

Lauri Markkanen was my target and the 7-foot sharp shooter is exactly who I got. The best 7-foot shooter to come out of the NCAA, the sky is the limit for the Bulls power forward, especially with a commitment to add strength and what I believe will become an increasingly improved defensive game. I doubt it will ever be elite, though. Some people compare him to Dirk Nowitzki, but are they really so dumbfounded? Let’s compare their per-36 rookie numbers:

NamePtsFG%FT%3PTRBDSTLBLKASS
Dirk14.441%77%0.56.11.11.01.8
Lauri18.443%84%2.69.10.70.71.4

Now, I am not saying Lauri is going to have a Hall-of-Fame career, but it’s certainly food for thought.

Elsewhere, I was hoping to grab both Jonathan Isaac and Trae Young with my next two picks, but both were selected by Brett and Steve respectively. Can’t have them all, right? The Kristaps Porzingis stash comes into play here and Adrian now pretty much put a stamp on his draft strategy, as he selected the long term upside in Jaren Jackson Jr.

Round 5:

Zach BodhaneJosh RichardsonSG/SF
Adrian BenjiminsDejounte MurrayPG
Patrick LarocoRobert CovingtonSF/PF
Kostas OikonomouAaron GordonSF/PF
Steve ConnellKyle LowryPG
Crag BozicLonzo BallPG
Josh LloydJarrett AllenC
Jordan SchultzWendell Carter JrC
Sam MaceyDennis Smith JrPG
Jay CollinsDeMar DeRozanSG/SF
Stan SonBrandon IngramSF
Brett NelsonDario SaricPF

There is a lot of hate for Lonzo Ball, but I am huge believer in the abilities of the Big Baller and, given the minutes, is a triple-double threat on any given night. Sure, the percentages are questionable, but the lack of volume from the free throw line won’t kill me. Let’s not forgot that he shot over 50% in college, so there’s hope for improvement. Ball enters the season coming off surgery and spending the majority of last season on the shelf, but before the critics judge him too hard, let’s remember how young Lonzo is and that his rookie season was coming off a one-and-done freshman year at UCLA. There is a supreme amount of talent here, and who better to mentor him than former NBA champ, Rajon Rondo, and the King.

Dejounte Murray has picked up a lot of steam this off season with the departure of Tony Parker, but I fail to buy into the hype. Sure, the defensive numbers are nice, but I just don’t see the offensive upside, as he is neither a good shooter nor a high level passer. His per-36 numbers last year were 13.5 points and just 4.8 assists, with just 0.2 treys on 44% shooting (which is low for someone who shoots so few treys) and 70% from the line. San Antonio is also a place where point guards don’t put up elite fantasy numbers. In addition, I think Derrick White will eat into that upside. The hype is there, but he won’t find himself on any of my teams.

Round 6:

Brett NelsonJaylen BrownSG/SF
Stan SonMarkelle FultzPG/SG
Jay CollinsMarc GasolC
Sam MaceyAl HorfordPF/C
Jordan SchultzGordan HaywardSG/SF
Josh LloydLamarcus AldridgePF/C
Craig BozicD’Angelo RussellPG/SG
Steve ConnellMike ConleyPG
Kostas OikonomouKris DunnPG
Patrick LarocoSteven AdamsC
Adrian BenjiminsMo BambaC
Zach BodhaneNikola VucevicC

Believe it or not, D’Angelo Russell is still just 22 years old. Before getting hurt last year, he was flirting with top 30 production. Sure, the percentages are unlikely to ever be elite, but there is plenty of upside to consider this as a potential long term bargain. In the short term, it’s going to be interesting to see how a Russell/Spencer Dinwiddie partnership takes shape, but Russell is the guy I want and it’s not close. Oh, Brooklyn plays at the leagues fastest tempo, so even 28 minutes a game leaves plenty of room for production. If you can handle the streaky shooting, I think you can do a lot worse than the former number two overall draft pick.

Round 7:

Zach BodhaneRicky RubioPG
Adrian BenjiminsShai Gilgeous-AlexanderPG
Patrick LarocoJulius RandlePF/C
Kostas OikonomouZach LavinePG
Steve ConnellDeMarcus CousinsC
Craig BozicWill BartonSG/SF
Josh LloydDe’Aaron FoxPG
Jordan SchultzAndrew WigginsSG/SF
Sam MaceyJonas ValanciunusC
Jay CollinsJordan BellPF/C
Stan SonWilly Cauley-SteinC
Brett NelsonMarvin Bagley IIIPF

Although 27 years old, I couldn’t ignore the value of Will Barton in the 7th round. I was in need of a small forward eligible player and I can see him putting up a 17/5/5 season with good percentages. Sure, the situation in Denver is crowded, but it won’t be Barton that suffers. I can see sustained 4th round production over the course of the next few seasons. I expect more of the same from the 6 year veteran who is one of the most unheralded and undervalued players in fantasy.

I want zero part of Andrew Wiggins in fantasy basketball, a one-trick pony (points) who is a negative contributor everywhere else. I get the notion that he could be on the verge of a breakout season with Jimmy Butler likely gone, but count me out on thinking that will boost his production. Fools gold with name value. This round also saw DeMarcus Cousins come off the board in what is likely a stash scenario. I want zero part of Cousins or any player coming off an Achilles injury for that matter, but at that price, it’s potential first round production in future seasons at the expense of him sitting year one.

Round 8:

Brett NelsonMitchell RobinsonC
Stan SonBam AdebayoC
Jay CollinsSerge IbakaPF/C
Sam MaceyBlake GriffinPF/C
Jordan SchultzCaris LevertSF
Josh LloydKyle AndersonSF
Craig BozicMalik MonkSG
Steve ConnellDeAndre JordanC
Kostas OikonomouJabari ParkerSF/PF
Patrick LarocoEnes KanterC
Adrian BenjiminsKevin KnoxSF/PF
Zach BodhaneLarry Nance JrPF

A Dynasty Deep Dive post without a mention of Malik Monk? Not on your nelly, mister. Having analysed all the other draft information out there, I am clearly the high guy on Monk’s talents. Am I expecting him to jump out the gate this season as a superstar? No, but he can easily play himself into top 100 redraft value and a whole lot more in dynasty territory after a couple of months into the season, especially with the Hornets “12 second uptempo offense” looking legit. Monk finished the final month of last season with 20 points, 4 assists, 4 boards, tons of threes on 48% shooting from the field and 100% from the line in 24 MPG. I am not naive enough to expect that, but it is a surefire demonstration of the talents of the former Kentucky star. The poor defense will limit minutes initially, but if/when Kemba Walker moves in free agency or otherwise, you want this guy, especially as Nicolas Batum is playing the 3 this year and Jeremy Lamb doesn’t possess the upside of Monk.

Round 9:

Zach BodhaneNikola MiroticPF
Adrian BenjiminsCollin SextonPG
Patrick LarocoJusuf NurkicC
Kostas OikonomouBuddy HieldSG
Steve ConnellNicolas BatumSF
Craig BozicHarry GilesPF/C
Josh LloydLou Williams*PG/SG
Jordan SchultzRondae Hollis-JeffersonPF
Sam MaceyKyle KuzmaPF
Jay CollinsHassan WhitesideC
Stan SonTyus JonesPG
Brett NelsonJosh JacksonSG/SF

Harry ‘Not Styles’ Giles is another trendy name that has been gaining momentum this offseason, after an impressive Summer League. Dave Joerger has stated that the Kings will roll out the kids this year and will play to the uptempo style that fits their personnel: De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley, Harry Giles, and WCS. I expect the Kings to continue to bring along Giles slowly this year, maybe even taking a half season before really returning fantasy value, but the long term upside for an athletic big with an excellent all-around game is too great to ignore, especially outside the top 100 in a dynasty league.

Lou Williams was an auto-pick, which was as a result of Fantrax having issues with their email notifications that day.

Round 10:

Brett NelsonMichael Porter JrSF/PF
Stan SonWilly HernongomezC
Jay CollinsPaul MillsapPF/C
Sam MaceyJeff TeaguePG
Jordan SchultzFrank NtilikinaPG
Josh LloydBogdan BogdanovicSG/SF
Craig BozicEvan FournierSG
Steve ConnellJoe InglesSG/SF
Kostas OikonomouElfrid PaytonPG
Patrick LarocoHarrison BarnesSF/PF
Adrian BenjiminsMario HerzonjaSG/SF
Zach BodhaneLuke KennardPG/SG

This pick felt safe, solid, and dirty. Evan Fournier is not traditionally a guy I would be target, but after swinging for the fences with my previous two picks, I decided safe and boring was the way to go. Still just 25 years old, and given the lack of real firepower that the Magic possess, the French native should at least hold his value for the upcoming seasons, as well as provide some much needed stability for my team. I wasn’t singing from the hill tops after this pick, but I wasn’t crying over spilled milk either.

Michael Porter Jr. might be the most boom/bust guy in this draft. The upside is truly phenomenal and, if available, would have considered picking him myself in this territory. There are concerns over his health, which is the reason he fell in the draft and will likely see him miss his rookie season. The 13 teams that passed over him could be Denver’s gain.

Round 11:

Zach BodhaneCedi OsmanSF
Adrian BenjiminsZach CollinsPF/C
Patrick LarocoMalcolm BrogdonPG/SG
Kostas OikonomouMontrezl HarrellPF/C
Steve ConnellMiles BridgesSF/PF
Craig BozicJakob PoeltlC
Josh LloydBrook LopezC
Jordan SchultzTim Hardway JrSG/SF
Sam MaceyBobby PortisPF/C
Jay CollinsKelly OlynykPF/C
Stan SonSpencer DinwiddiePG
Brett NelsonGoran DragicPG

I was fully expecting Son to pounce on Jakob Poeltl in the previous round, but with Son hoping to see his Willy Free’d, I was pleased to scoop up his sloppy seconds and obtain the 22 year old who finished 12th in the NBA in blocks last season. With Pau Gasol soon to be drawing his vast pension, Poeltl will have plenty of opportunity to build on those defense stats while working on improving his offensive game. The FG% is high, but the amount of looks is low. I am not expecting a starters workload anytime soon, but at 22 years old with a high floor due to his defensive prowess, I felt good with selecting him here.

Round 12:

Brett NelsonJosh HartSG
Stan SonJerami GrantSF/PF
Jay CollinsJJ ReddickSG
Sam MaceyTerry RozierPG
Jordan SchultzDomantas SabonisPF
Josh LloydTyreke EvansPG/SG/SF
Craig BozicOG AnunobySG/SF
Steve ConnellMikal BridgesSG/SF
Kostas OikonomouKentavious Caldwell-PopeSG
Patrick LarocoFred Van FleetPG
Adrian BenjiminsSkal LabbisierrePF
Zach BodhaneJeremy lambSG

I’ve always admired the real life skill set of OG Anunoby ever since watching him make Jamal Murray look like an extra from the Let it Rain scene in Along Came Polly during the NCAA Tournament. In Kawhi Leonard, a player who had a similar skill coming out of college, OG has a mentor to help hone his craft. We have seen the skill on the defensive end, but will the offensive game to catch up? At this price, I don’t mind finding out, especially since the Raptors look to be one season away from a complete rebuild.

Round 13:

Zach BodhaneElie OkoboPG
Adrian BenjiminsDe’Anthony meltonPG
Patrick LarocoReggie BullockSG/SF
Kostas OikonomouKelly Oubre JrSG/SF
Steve ConnellDwight HowardC
Craig BozcKent BazemoreSG/SF
Josh LloydEric GordonSG
Jordan SchultzDennis SchroederPG
Sam MaceyTrey BurkePG
Jay CollinsDarren CollisonPG
Stan SonPascal SiakamPF
Brett NelsonDerrick FavorsPF/C

Time for a little more stability once again. Kent Bazemore won’t win you a league, but at this price won’t hurt you either. At 29 years old, Bazemore is easily the oldest player I’ve drafted and was another pick that made me feel dirty. The Hawks will be relying on heavy minutes from a lot of younger guys, so they will need some veteran presence. Not a pick I love and probably should have went for upside in hindsight. With that said, Bazemore will provide some threes, assists, and steals without killing me anywhere.

Round 14:

Brett NelsonIsaiah ThomasPG
Stan SonDante ExumPG/SG
Jay CollinsAvery BradleyPG/SG
Sam MaceyIvica ZubacC
Jordan SchultzReggie JacksonPG
Josh lloydDanilo GallinariSF/PF
Craig BozicDzanan MusaSF/PF
Steve ConnellThaddeus YoungSF/PF
Kostas OikonomouTJ WarrenSF
Patrick LarocoTyler JohnsonPG/SG
Adrian BenjaminsAllen CrabbeSG
Zach BodhaneCody ZellerPF/C

Back to shooting for the moon with my Dzanan Musa selection. I am a huge fan and enamored by the offensive potential of the 6′ 9″ playmaker who shows a ton of aggression with the basketball in his hand. I also like the landing spot long term, since the Nets play at the fastest pace in the league and do not have a player with his size and ball handling/playmaking abilities. There were questions regarding the ankle injury he suffered during the World Championship qualifier over the summer, but he looks confident now and has received high praise from Kenny Atkinson and his Nets teammates. With the ability to distribute the ball, score from all three levels, and play through contact, Musa is able to overcome his lack of foot speed. A fierce competitor who I am more than happy to speculate on.

Round 15:

Zach BodhaneJoe HarrisSG/SF
Adrian BenjiminsMichael Kidd-GilchristSF
Patrick LarocoAl Farouq-AminuPF
Kostas OikonomouLonnie Walker IVSG/SF
Steve ConnellTaj GibsonPF
Craig BozicDelon WrightPG/SG
Josh LloydPatrick BeverleyPG/SG
Jordan SchultzDillon BrooksSF
Sam MaceyJames JohnsonSF/PF
Jay CollinsAlex LenC
Stan SonTrey LylesPF
Brett NelsonMarquese ChrissPF/C

The good news regarding Delon Wright is that per-36, he posted 13.9 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 treys on 46% shooting (83% from the line). The bad news is that minutes will be difficult to come by for the 26 year old former Ute. I’m speculating that either Wright or a disgrunted Kyle Lowry get moved. Regardless, this is the area to speculate.

Round 16:

Brett NelsonTroy BrownPG/SG
Stan SonSviatolsav MykhailukSG
Jay CollinsRajon RondoPG
Sam MaceyRodney HoodSG/SF
Jordan SchultzGrayson AllenSG
Craig BozicMarcus SmartSG
Steve ConnellCarmelo AnthonyPF
Kostas OikonomouD.J AugustinePG
Patrick LarocoKevon LooneyPF
Adrian BenjiminsJosh OkogieSG
Zach BodhaneRudy GaySF/PF

37% field goal percentage. Yuck. 73% FT percentage. Yuck. If you draft Marcus Smart, you’re certainly not doing so for the shooting. More for the steals and assists (1.5 steals and 4.8 assists in 2017). Smart is good for close to 30 minutes a game, so it’s unlikely we see a decline in the production, especially with his fierce on-court temperament and positional flexibility. Do I love Marcus Smart in fantasy? No, but in round 16 he has his place and is still just 24 years old.

Round 17:

Zach BodhaneMo HarklessSF
Adrian BenjiminsThon MakerPF/C
Patrick LarocoBojan BogdanovicSF
Kotas OikonomouE’twaun MooreSG/SF
Steve ConnellTrevor ArizaSF
Craig BozicDerrick WhitePG
Josh LloydJeremy LinPG
Jordan SchultzJustic WinslowSF
Sam MaceyStanley JohnsonSF
Jay CollinsJerian GrantPG
Stan SonDerrick Jones JrSF
Brett NelsonDewayne DedmonC

In six Summer League games, the Spurs prioritized developing Derrick White and played him at both guard positions. He didn’t disappoint, as he often looked like a man among boys, averaging 15 points a game over 24 minutes of action. The shot form looked good, the passing ability looked excellent, and he actually thrived in the skills that Dejounte Murray is lacking. White is part of the reason I am lower on Murray than most for fantasy, as well as the fact I can see the Spurs running a more point guard by committee with Murray getting the bulk of the action, rather than Murray running away with the job like most are predicting. He isn’t the biggest or most athletic guy, but his IQ is off the charts, something which we all know Pops loves.

Round 18

Brett NelsonAaron HolidayPG
Stan SonKostas AntetokounmpoSF
Jay CollinsAnte ZizicC
Sam MaceyJuancho HernangomezSF/PF
Jordan SchultzRobert WilliamsC
Josh LloydJae CrowderSF
Craig BozicOmari SpellmanPF
Steve ConnellDanny GreenSG/SF
Kostas OikonomouFrank JacksonPG
Patrick LarocoZhaire SmithSF
Adrian BenjiminsMoritz WagnerPF/C
Zach BodhaneNerlens NoelPF/C

I swear Son picked Kostas just so I had to type Antetokounmpo again. I certainly wouldn’t put it past my boss, that’s for sure! On a more serious note, I rounded out my draft with another rookie, Omari Spellman, who won a national championship with Villanova last year. I’m particularly impressed with his high motor, quick hands, and high efficiency from beyond the arc. Atlanta is going to be in a position to see what they have in their new guys. With Dedmon hurt to start the year and the Hawks likely to play uptempo, Spellman could develop into one of those per minute fantasy darlings that we all crave.

 

What The others said about their draft:

Brett Nelson (Razzball * Dynasty Deep Dive)

”Going into the draft with the 12th pick, I knew I was either going to get lucky or have a tough decision to make at the turn.  I didn’t get lucky.  Rather than reach farther than I’d like on some younger players, I decided to go with the stud proven vets in Bron and Curry.  Old for dynasty, but they also aren’t going away any time soon.  I went the opposite direction the next time at the turn with getting a young, high upside PG in Jamal Murray and my top rookie Trae Young.  If anything, I will win assists and lose turnovers at this point.  Strategy for the next several rounds was to get younger players that are already producing – Dario Saric, Jaylen Brown – and more high upside ‘stash’ type picks – Mitchell Robinson, Marvin Bagley, Michael Porter Jr and Josh Jackson.  From there I went to more steady production with Goran Dragic, Derrick Favors, Isaiah Thomas (comeback!!), and Dewayne Dedmon (quietly very good last year).  Overall the team might not be the most balanced but lots of production mixed with high upside trade chips to help shape it. ”

 

Jordan Schultz (Hashtag Basketball Dynasty Podcast):

”This turned out to be one of my favorite teams I’ve drafted this off-season. I loved starting off with Ben Simmons, Damian Lillard, and Draymond Green. Simmons and Green’s elite out of position assists allowed me to fill out the rest of my roster without worrying about another point guard until round 10. This is a strategy I haven’t really tried yet, and I’m pleased with the results after ending up with Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Schroeder, and Reggie Jackson to backup Dame after focusing so much effort on my wings and bigs in the mid-rounds. This is a team that should compete for the playoffs right away, but has a bright future led by core guys like Simmons, Kristaps Porzingis, Wendell Carter Jr, Caris LeVert, Ntilikina, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.”

 

Steve Connell (Dynasty Deep Dive Research):

”My goal going into a draft like this is always to try to differentiate myself. You can’t force it however. My goal wasn’t to go Big-Big 1-2 but once I did my focus turned to getting a couple of young studs (Tatum, Isaac) to grow with Jokic. I knew I was going to need some luck with guards and I feel the age factor let some nice guys fall to me. After getting Lowry and Conley my plan to differentiate turned to a win now team as I already knew I had some nice young pieces and figured many would be drafting younger/unproven guys in the second half of the draft. I was quite happy to get Miles Bridges who I feel will be a great pro. Additionally, getting Boogie in the 7th could (while risky) prove to be huge for this dynasty team. I would love to play this team out.”

 

Pat Laroco (Next Level Fantasy):

”I’m the dynasty owner who’s not afraid of owning vets as my core. Basic strategy is target best player available in Round 1 then build around his strengths. 

I went after a point guard in Round 2 to support Harden. For Round 3, I wanted a young C and drafted Capella. With the age and strengths of a Harden + Kemba combo, I decided to go with Bledsoe to lock in my back court. For Round 4, I targeted RoCo for my 3-and-D guy. From Rounds 6-9, I decided to secure my front court and went after the young bigs.

For the remaining Rounds, I looked for youth and position needs of my roster.

CATS targeted: AST, 3s, STLs, REBs, FG%”

 

Son (Razzball Basketball):

”Picking at 11, you really do have to channel your inner Bruce Lee and be like water. I felt Victor Oladipo was a no-brainer, as he literally does it all and is a ripe 26 years old. I do like pairing him up with Paul George, as he literally does it all. Hey, there’s a common theme here. Early on, I was looking for the most well-rounded players that weren’t too old. I’m in love with both Doncic and Ayton and was hoping they’d be there when it came back to me. I’m not a smart man. Anyways, I ended up with a ton of wings early in the draft. Wasn’t planned. Just channeling my inner Bruce Lee. I just felt the values were too good to pass up. I went Fultz in Round 6 because he’s really good and I wanted to be with the cool kids with all their rookie picks. After that, I hammered away at big men. I did want Poeltl but felt the upside if Willy gets Freed is much higher. Free Willy!”

 

You can find me on twitter @storyetelling41, or on the weekly Razzball Basketball Podcast with Son, Viz, and Brent.