After immersing oneself in numerous fantasy basketball mock drafts, consuming vast amounts of preseason analysis, and heeding conventional wisdom, a sense of uniformity often emerges. Certain players acquire widely accepted evaluations, while others are similarly pigeonholed, making dissenting opinions a rarity. However, a popular consensus doesn`t automatically equate to accuracy.
This season, we`ve challenged our esteemed fantasy basketball experts—André Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick, and Steve Alexander—to identify one player about whom their perspective significantly diverges from the prevailing sentiment.
Joel Embiid: A Steal in Rounds 4-5
Embiid is projected to play 62 games, averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per contest, positioning him as an excellent value pick in the fourth or fifth round. It’s easy to be overly cautious with Embiid due to persistent health concerns and even his on-court performance data. Yet, many overlook his impressive average of 67 games played in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, where his statistics were phenomenal. That wasn`t so long ago. While Embiid might still sit out most back-to-back scenarios, I choose optimism, forecasting significant achievements for both him and the 76ers, despite my hesitation to invest a top-30 fantasy draft pick. – Karabell
Anthony Davis: Not a First-Round Draft Pick
Anthony Davis is frequently chosen in the first round of fantasy drafts, a strategy I strongly disagree with. He appears somewhat out of shape, has shown little to inspire confidence during preseason, and his injury track record is alarming. Furthermore, with Kyrie Irving unlikely to play this season, the Mavericks may lack significant motivation in the latter part of the season. I`m intentionally passing on Davis in all my leagues; the associated risk is simply too high. – Alexander
Zion Williamson: A Must-Draft Before Round 3
Many perceive Zion Williamson as a high-risk fantasy prospect, but his upside is immense. Last season, he delivered 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game across 30 appearances, also achieving career-highs in steals and blocks. While durability is a legitimate concern, having played 30 or fewer games in four of his six seasons, he enters the 2025-26 season in the best physical condition of his career. If he manages to stay healthy, Williamson is capable of vastly outperforming his ADP (33.0) and securing a top-20 fantasy finish. – Moody
Jamal Murray`s Fantasy Valuation is Overstated
Last season marked a career-best statistical output for Murray, yet it still fell short of elite production when measured against the high standards for NBA point guards. I appreciate Murray`s talent from a pure basketball standpoint, but his fantasy appeal is diminished by the absence of any standout statistical category. Denver efficiently managed to replace Michael Porter Jr.`s usage and shooting volume (with Cameron Johnson) and arguably boasts more shot-creation talent on its roster this season compared to last. – McCormick
Reed Sheppard: Top-60 Potential is Real
I hold a higher regard for Reed Sheppard than most. I believe he is a clear top-60 player in category leagues and possesses similar potential in points leagues. Coming out of the 2024 NBA draft, I viewed Sheppard as the most immediately productive player in his class, thanks to his consistent 3-point shooting and robust combo guard skills. However, Sheppard was initially drafted by a Rockets team that had an abundance of quality perimeter players, limiting his rookie opportunities. Following the team`s trade of two perimeter starters for Kevin Durant and the injury to Fred VanVleet, Sheppard is now poised to earn significant starting minutes and potentially claim an honorary `Sophomore of the Year` award this season. – Snellings
