UPDATE: The first ESPN mock draft of the 2023-24 NBA season has just been released, revealing critical trends that could shape your fantasy basketball strategy. Notably, the draft showcased a surprising lack of wing players, with zero small forwards and just one shooting guard in the first round, while four centers and four point guards dominated the early picks.
This immediate insight into player tiers is essential for fantasy managers, especially as the draft approaches. Understanding the positional landscape can provide a significant advantage, particularly when managing your roster. The mock draft indicates that while the top of the draft is heavily populated with point guards and centers, value can be found in small forwards and shooting guards later.
In the first two tiers of point guards, we find reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading Tier 1, alongside Luka Doncic, who remains a top-tier pick despite his recent trade to the Lakers. Emerging star Cade Cunningham has also made a significant leap into this elite category, thanks to a standout performance last season.
Anthony Edwards stands out as the sole shooting guard in Tier 1 for the second consecutive season. He is joined by All-Stars Devin Booker and Jaylen Brown in Tier 2, both of whom are expected to see expanded roles this season. The depth of shooting guards is reflected in Tier 3, where Donovan Mitchell and other young stars are vying for prime positions.
The small forward position sees LeBron James holding strong in Tier 1, an impressive feat at age 40, following a season where he ranked among the top fantasy scorers. Notably, Jalen Williams and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg are also highlighted in the subsequent tiers, showcasing the evolving landscape of this position.
When it comes to power forwards, perennial favorites Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis occupy Tier 1, while Tier 2 features Pascal Siakam, who is expected to capitalize on increased volume this season. The depth in Tier 3 is remarkable, including talents such as Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson.
At center, the top tiers remain saturated with talent. Nikola Jokic is once again projected as the top overall pick, while Victor Wembanyama continues to emerge as a formidable force. However, concerns about Joel Embiid’s health have him dropping to Tier 4, raising alarms for fantasy managers.
For those drafting soon, this mock draft provides an invaluable roadmap. It emphasizes the need to strategically identify where talent is clustered across positions. As noted, while wing players may be scarce in early rounds, robust options exist in later picks.
Fantasy managers should take this opportunity to recalibrate their strategies. Analyzing these tiers can significantly impact your draft preparation and overall team success. The insights from the mock draft highlight the importance of staying informed and flexible as the season progresses.
As the season approaches, keep an eye on player performance and injury updates. This evolving landscape will be crucial in determining your draft success and, ultimately, your championship run. Don’t miss out—start your fantasy basketball journey on ESPN today!
