Welcome to the 2024-25 Fantasy Basketball Blueprint, where we channel the spirit of Jay-Z’s iconic trilogy (and others from Jay-Z’s deep catalog) to help you orchestrate a championship-winning team. Get ready to dive into strategy, ranks, tiers, and analyst tips to help you dominate your drafts.
From sleeper picks to breakout stars, we have everything you need to turn your fantasy basketball draft into a masterpiece. It’s time to step up your game and build your version of a dynasty.
Let’s get started!
MAGNA CARTA: How to get ready for drafts
- Understand your league’s scoring system: Ensure you understand the format and league settings to draft players best suited to your league’s format.
- Formulate a plan: Create a plan with multiple scenarios and backup options for each round.
- Mock Draft!: Participate in mock drafts to get a feel for trends and player values.
- Check my latest points and category league rankings: Stay updated with the latest rankings.
- Monitor preseason performance: Keep an eye on preseason games to catch rising stars.
- Use player projections: Utilize available projection models for additional resources.
I strive for balance between category leagues and points leagues with a simple formula:
- Get guards who cover points, assists, 3s, and steals.
- Get bigs who get points, rebounds, and blocks.
- Focus on players with steady minutes and high usage rates.
No draft is created equal, so be ready to pivot and be flexible. Make sure you have a depth chart handy to build the necessary depth for a successful fantasy basketball season.
Optimal draft slots
In a 10 or 12-team league, aim for picks 1-4 to avoid players with heightened injury profiles. The backend of the first round in 12-team leagues can also provide residual value for building your core.
Teams to buy
- New York Knicks
- Boston Celtics
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Phoenix Suns
- Indiana Pacers
Teams to avoid
- Golden State Warriors
- Orlando Magic
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Brooklyn Nets
- Washington Wizards
THE TAKEOVER: Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick
Consider Victor Wembanyama as the top pick in fantasy drafts for his versatile stat-stuffing abilities and potential impact on your team.
SOME PEOPLE HATE: Rookies who could make an impact
Explore rookies like Zach Edey, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Matas Buzelis, and Kel’el Ware who could have an impact on fantasy leagues.
SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY: Guys on my roster after Draft Day
Target breakout players like Anthony Edwards, James Harden, LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Maxey, and others to strengthen your fantasy roster.
Thank you for vibing with The Fantasy Basketball Blueprint. Use these tips, strategies, and favorite targets to take the throne and dominate this season. "Remind yourself. Nobody built like you, you design yourself" – Jay-Z, A Dream, Blueprint 2.