2024-25 Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft: Factors leagues

NBA preseason motion is formally underway — and with it, a slew of harm updates, highlights and sizzling takes. Let’s put these to the facet as a lot as doable and recap a fantasy basketball factors league mock draft. I drafted from the No. 11 spot on this 12-team league and began with Trae Younger, following that up with Scottie Barnes.

Under, I will spotlight one decide from each spherical that caught out to me for one purpose or one other. Because of everybody who participated! Let’s dive in:

Spherical 1 decide of word: Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

On one hand, I get this decide. Sabonis isn’t harm, and he is a triple-double machine. However I do not suppose he’ll be getting any higher. The addition of DeMar DeRozan will not crush Sabonis’ utilization or worth, however I believe it solely serves to break it, particularly in factors leagues the place a possible improve in FG% will not save a downtick in factors. I’d simply a lot relatively go together with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander right here, who was picked two spots later and should common 5-10 extra fantasy factors per recreation.

Spherical 2 decide of word: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

An absolute assertion decide. I believe that is the best I’ve ever seen Zion drafted. He appeared improbable within the Pels’ preseason opener, and I believe there’s extra upside for him this season as a rebounder and shot-blocker with the crew’s lack of middle choices. And right here it comes: if Zion stays wholesome, this decide ought to work out. I do not suppose you will need to draft him this excessive in most factors leagues, however there is a honest likelihood he’ll be chosen within the third.

So, in the event you actually need him, possibly it’s a must to draft him right here.

Spherical 3 decide of word: Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets

I hoped Şengün would fall to me at 35, however I “settled” for Cade Cunningham. At RotoWire, we’ve got Sengun projected for the Eleventh-most whole fantasy factors this season, and that is with very modest statistical will increase. Şengün is successfully the Rockets’ No. 2 choice and does all the appropriate issues for factors leagues — specifically, stuffing the stat sheet. Contemplating Yahoo hosts a two-center format, that is wonderful worth.

Spherical 4 decide of word: De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings

I used to be sniped right here, with Fox being drafted one decide earlier than my slot at 38 — I went with Jaren Jackson Jr. to ensure I had somebody center-eligible. Like I discussed with Sabonis, the presence of DeRozan in Sacramento mucks issues up a bit, however Fox averaged 45.3 FP/G final season. Even when he takes a small hit to his utilization, we’re nonetheless taking a look at a strong 40 FP/G from one of many highest-floor choices within the league. I do not suppose it could have been wild to take him over Jalen Brunson (23) or Kyrie Irving (24).

Spherical 5 decide of word: Derrick White, Boston Celtics

This spherical was chalky, so I will use this as an area to level out White averaged solely the 68th most FP/G final 12 months. That is a stark distinction from his class league worth of thirty ninth in a punt-turnover construct. This is not a league-losing decide or a large attain, particularly with Kristaps Porziņģis set to overlook significant time, however I might relatively lean on somebody with a bit extra utilization right here. That is additionally the purpose within the draft the place the second wave of facilities comes off the board, with six of the next 15 picks qualifying at middle.

Spherical 6 decide of word: Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

This was my decide. I believe it was round this time somebody within the draft room chatted, “Lets go! Decide!” Contemplating drafting Julius Randle in fantasy shouldn’t be one thing that must be rushed. It’s one thing you succumb to. That stated, he is nice in factors leagues, and far much less of a threat than in class codecs. Possibly he sees fewer minutes away from coach Tom Thibodeau, and possibly his rebounds lower taking part in subsequent to Rudy Gobert. However Minnesota will seemingly nonetheless want him to be their No. 2 choice.

Spherical 7 decide of word: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers

It is about this time that you simply notice simply what number of gamers within the NBA are averaging 30-35 FP/G. Final 12 months, it was 30 gamers. Garland struggled final 12 months amidst accidents and nonetheless averaged 32.2 FP/G, so I like this decide within the hopes of a bounceback 12 months. There aren’t many gamers left on this vary who’re definitively their crew’s No. 2 choice and have confirmed as a lot as Garland has. He most likely may have been drafted in Spherical 5.

Spherical 8 decide of word: Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings

Murray is a effective participant, however he is the fourth choice in Sacramento’s beginning lineup. And in closing lineups the place Malik Monk could also be concerned, Murray turns into the fifth choice. He’ll get sizzling and hit a bunch of 3s some video games, however he is not providing you with a lot else when that is not the case. At this level within the draft, I might relatively choose somebody with the next utilization charge or extra upside. For instance, I went with Coby White one decide later.

Spherical 9 decide of word: Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder

We aren’t precisely positive how OKC will make the most of Hartenstein, however he is been round 1.0 fantasy factors per minute for the majority of his profession. If he can pattern nearer to half-hour per recreation and be extra empowered to make performs than he was in New York, this decide may repay in a giant manner. To not point out, he will get a lift from being a middle in a two-center format.

Spherical 10 decide of word: Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks

I do know — accidents. However the final time Middleton was below 1.0 FP/min was 2016-17. He would not have to play a lot for him to be value rostering, and you are still getting worth with him right here at decide 114 if he performs, what, 60 video games? Possibly even fewer? It is the appropriate sort of upside swing late in a draft.

Spherical 11 decide of word: Kristaps Porziņģis, Boston Celtics

I believe that is the farthest Porziņģis has fallen in any of my mock drafts, and that is most likely the appropriate spot for him. Ideally, you would wait yet another spherical, however somebody will most certainly scoop him up earlier than that. You are hoping for 45-50 video games out of Porziņģis — most of these stacked towards the fantasy playoffs. If he may give you about 35 FP/G when he is on the ground, that’ll be big. Put him in your IR and scoop somebody off waivers.

Spherical 12 decide of word: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets

Look, I am not joyful about it both, however it’s decide 138. We all know in regards to the accidents and the absences, however Simmons has been at or above 1.0 FP/min for each season of his profession. If he will get harm, you’ll be able to drop him and discover somebody on the waiver wire to stream. At this level within the draft, it is all about upside.

Spherical 13 decide of word: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Warmth

For somebody who had an amazing rookie season, there’s been little to no buzz surrounding Jaquez this season. He solely averaged 22.7 FP/G in 28.2 MPG final season, however he is somebody who has a reasonably established rotation spot and is well-rounded. To not point out, Jimmy Butler has hassle staying wholesome, and Miami’s bench is skinny.