Fantasy Basketball: Jokić vs. Wembanyama — who should be the No. 1 pick?

Fantasy basketball managers with the No. 1 have a tough decision to make this season. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Choosing between Nikola Jokić, the seasoned, can’t-miss MVP with a track record of fantasy dominance, and Victor Wembanyama, the electrifying new phenom, presents a unique dilemma for fantasy basketball managers with the first overall pick.

Sure, the choice may be easy for some, but others will wrestle with the allure of proven success versus exploring untapped potential. There’s ultimately no wrong way to go, but here are some considerations I’d debate with such an advantageous draft position this season.

The incumbent 1.01: Nikola Jokić

The model of consistency, Jokić has owned fantasy basketball for almost half a decade. Here’s a breakdown of his fantasy performances over the past four seasons, where he’s captured three MVPs, a Finals MVP and an NBA Championship.

Year

9-category rank

(per-game)

9-category rank
(total)

Points rank

(per-game)

Points rank

(total)

2023-2024

3

1

3

1

2022-2023

1

1

3

1

2021-2022

1

1

1

1

2020-2021

1

1

1

1

Data courtesy of Basketball Monster and Hashtag Basketball

When you combine his per-game performance with his unmatched durability (totals), he’s been a no-brainer selection at the top of fantasy basketball draft boards. He doesn’t miss games and fantasy is about stat accumulation. Jokić has more than earned it.

The Joker has 114 triple-doubles since 2019, the most in the NBA over that span. You’ll always see his name among the leaders in rebounds and assists per game and the only areas where he’s below league average are in turnovers (understood, given his usage) and three-pointers made. And to all of the “Jokić doesn’t play defense” haters, he’s averaged 2.2 stocks per game since 2019. Cut it out.

Then there’s the efficiency. With over 60% of Jokić’s shots coming from within 3-10 feet and 80% of his field goals being of the 2-point variety, he takes advantage of mismatches and finds ways to score closest to the rim. Jokić has shot over 56% from the field over the last four years and has been between an 81-82% free-throw shooter.

I’ll spare you from going down the rabbit hole of his…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nikola-jokic-victor-wembanyama-fantasy-basketball-2024-25-144716102.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-08-22 14:47:16

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