8 Must-Have Players to Draft (2024 Fantasy Basketball)

Now that we have trimmed the fat let’s add the foundational pieces you want to include on your team to ensure you can build a roster that delivers and exceeds your expectations. But first…

Key Takeaways From Last Week: 8 Overvalued Players to Avoid (2024 Fantasy Basketball)

• Team state, team culture and player situation can sometimes outweigh a history of elite talent.
• No matter how good a player is, the team is always the priority, and that dictates their potential.
• Too many options may force you to pass on a couple of options, like John Stockton.
• To specialize or generalize, that is a question worth asking and answering.
• New team direction and new needs, when met with new competition, create new opportunities.

Now, let’s get to it.

• Fantasy Basketball Articles & Advice
• Sync Your Fantasy League With MyPlaybook
• Consensus NBA Rankings

Must-Have Players to Draft in Fantasy Basketball

These must-have fantasy basketball plays are must-haves because they enable you to build in varying levels of utility and specialization within your roster core while also setting you up to be aggressive, responsive and agile in addressing any weaknesses or opportunities within your lineups as the season progresses.

Fantasy Format

Scoring Type:

Head-to-Head (Most Categories)

Player Stat Categories:

• Points Scored (PTS)
• Total Rebounds (REB)
• Assists (AST)
• Steals (ST)
• Block Shots (BLK)
• 3-Point Shots Made (3PTM)
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%)

Roster Positions:

• Point Guard (PG)
• Shooting Guard (SG)
• Guard (G)
• Small Forward (SF)
• Power Forward (PF)
• Center (C) x 2
• Utility (UTIL) x 2
• Bench (BN) x 2
• Injured List (IL) x 3

Data Sources

• NBA Player Stats: NBA.com – 2023-2024
• NBA Player Fantasy Rankings: Yahoo.com – 2023-2024
• Average Draft Position (ADP): Source FantasyPros – 2023-2024

Term Guide

Roster Build Frame

• In this article, we will create a simple framework to conceptualize our general manager traits when constructing our rosters. Depending on these answers, we will be able to better identify and explore scenarios that make a case for certain player selections that fit within our designed and desired manager strategy.
• The goal is to assist you in identifying and choosing a starting point from which you can create or confirm your self-understanding of your managerial style and approach. 
• We are going to define this along two spectrums: 
  • Specialist v. Generalist (X-Axis)
  • Hold v. Stream (Y-Axis)

A visual, you ask? Of course, friend…

Must-Have Players to Draft in Fantasy Basketball

Points

Luka Doncic (PG – DAL) | 33.9 PPG – Rank: 2nd

An Anomaly for All

Luka Doncic is a fantasy anomaly and is easily a top-three pick overall in all formats. His production is unreal. The only thing standing in the way of us fully embracing it is how unreal we think it is despite how real it has been since he entered the league.

He averaged 33.9 points per game, second in the league, during the regular season and 28.9 points throughout the postseason, which would’ve been good for fifth in the league. There is no reason to think this will change as we prepare for next year. 

The unique thing about Doncic, however, is that he is in a fantasy “league” by himself and has only himself to thank for any doubts one may have when deciding to go with him with their number one pick. He is the ultimate category producer and has a tremendous level of utility that is rare, with many back-court assets. 

Bell-Cow Star or Championship Banner!?

While his talent is unquestionable, his “bell-cow” nature and use in the Mavericks’ scheme present a double-edged sword when deciding to invest in him for your lineups. The quality of play may be sustainable in itself; however, the quantity and sure volume Doncic receives year after year may not be, especially if the team realizes he alone won’t be able to carry them to a championship.

The team could opt to bring in equally impactful pieces that offset the team’s reliance on him, which could be good for the team but somewhat underwhelming for Doncic’s fantasy production. While team dynamics could be the defining element in judging how high of a priority Doncic should be, there is no reason to think he shouldn’t be the number one consideration for your lineup build, no matter your managerial style and approach.

It’s hard to argue against him being your top pick and anchor for your squad, as some players are that good to defy the natural ebbs and flows of athletic returns. Doncic is one of those players. He is a complete offensive specialist who offers the rare combination of utilitarian and specialist value that many assets aren’t able to offer as consistently and impactfully as he can.

Must-Haves to Consider

Anthony Edwards (SG, SF – MIN) | 25.9 PPG – Rank: 14th

• Selection Type: Prime
• BFC: GspH
• Category: Synergy-realist

Cam Thomas (SG, SF – BKN) | 22.5 PPG – Rank: 35th

• Selection Type: Deeper
• BFC: gSpH
• Category: Singular-realist

Assists

Trae Young (PG – ATL) | 10.8 APG – Rank: 2nd

High-Level Risk

Trae Young isn’t the most efficient or disciplined superstar in today’s league. Still, his high level of production, albeit inconsistently consistency, makes it hard to look anywhere else if looking for a facilitating playmaker such as him. Young, a point guard with shoot-guard tendencies, has a unique style of play that is both intriguing and exciting. He has a knack for creating offensive value even in the most challenging situations.

While he may not have the same level of popularity as Luka Doncic, Young’s offensive potential is a game-changer that could single-handedly shift the balance of your weekly matchup in your favor, giving you hope and optimism for a successful fantasy basketball season. 

As a point guard, he has been able to run the script and own the scheme, squeezing the most production out of each of his teammates. He averaged 10.8 assists per game, good for second in the league, while also scoring 25.7 points per game.

Turnovers for Promising Rewards

While his league-leading 4.0 turnovers per game aren’t ideal, and his efficiency even less attractive, the sheer volume and control he has on and over this team is elite and hasn’t hit the kind of diminishing return a player like him could bring to experience as team’s try to evolve how they can win outside of relying on their superstars. 

Young is poised to have a promising year, especially with Dejounte Murray and Saddiq Bey out of the picture. While he may be the catalyst for some tears from an efficiency and turnover perspective, his offensive upside makes him a confident and reassuring second-round pick candidate.

He can keep you competitive in key categories, allowing you to be more aggressive in addressing niche category shortcomings you may experience in your lineup by executing a strategic, albeit streaming, strategy for acquiring the necessary category production to remain competitive.

Must-Haves to Consider

Ja Morant (PG – MEM) | 8.1 APG – Rank: 8th

• Selection Type: Prime
• BFC: GspH
• Category: Synergy-realist

Ben Simmons (PG, SG, PF – BKN) | 5.7 APG – Rank: 30th

• Selection Type: Deeper
• BFC: gSpHst
• Category: Synergy-realist

Rebounds

Nikola Jokic (C – DEN) | 12.4 RPG – Rank: 4th

No Jokes Here

Nikola Jokic is an obvious name here. While he could be the focal point in many, if not all, of these categories if we are looking for the most bang for our buck, acquiring him with your first pick can be heavily justified for those looking to own and dominate the boards while also remaining competitive across several other major and niche categories. Jokic averaged 12.4 rebounds per game, good for fourth in the league. He has shown the most consistency in his rebounding production year after year. 

While he can play any position in the front court, he is a center and has demonstrated he is a phenomenal one. His utility across all categories is a value add that doesn’t show any signs of diminishing anytime soon. Of all his superstar peers, he seems to be deploy-proof, meaning it doesn’t matter how much time he has on the floor, who he is facing, what the game scenario is or what the necessary game script calls for he is going to produce no matter what. 

The Explosive Truth

Jokic’s value as an asset is so unique that even when he’s not on the court, he has the potential to contribute. While this may sound like an exaggeration, it underscores the exclusivity of his asset pedigree. Despite not being the most exciting player, Jokic’s consistent and elite production makes him a rare find in the fantasy basketball world. 

While he isn’t going to be as seemingly “explosive” in his production as his peers, it is because he has made being statistically “explosive” his everyday reality when on the floor. Please don’t take his elite production clip for granted; it’s rare to have an opportunity to have a player whose only obstacle seems to be how much he is mentally invested in the sport he dominates. If you are looking for elite production utility from an asset to build around, Jokic is by all accounts as perfect of a call you can get.

Must-Haves to Consider

Joel Embiid (C – PHI) | 11.0 RPG – Rank: 8th

• Selection Type: Prime
• BFC: GH
• Category: Synergy-realist

Jalen Duran (C – DET) | 11.6 RPG – Rank: 5th

• Selection Type: Deeper
• BFC: gSpH
• Category: Singular-realist

Steals

Kawhi Leonard (SG, SF, PF – LAC) | 1.6 SPG – Rank: 9th

Big Baller, Bad Health

While Kawhi Leonard’s health is a concern, it does not overshadow his unique value as a fantasy asset. His consistent production in niche categories makes him a formidable opponent and multi-categorical juggernaut, potentially giving you an edge over others in your league. 

The issue is health and game management throughout the season, which always seemed to show up as an issue at the most inopportune times. I’m not saying this from personal experience, but I am also not saying this from personal experience. Things get trickier, though, with George’s departure, which will open up more room, demand and reliance on his skill set on both sides of the floor, especially defense. 

Game-Changing Risk, Game-Changing Reward

Leonard averaged 1.6 steals per game, ninth in the league, and had stretches where he was the best offensive weapon on the entire slate. This combination of consistency, value production and upside makes him a prime candidate as a foundational building piece for your lineup. 

While drafting Leonard in the second round carries some risk, the potential rewards are significant. If you can secure him, his unique skill set could be a game-changer for your team. However, making him your top pick will require careful planning and strategy to ensure overall team success.

Must-Haves to Consider

Donovan Mitchell (PG, SG – CLE) | 2.0 SPG – Rank: 4th

• Selection Type: Prime
• BFC: GsH
• Category: Synergy-realist

Jalen Suggs (PG, SG – ORL) | 1.4 SPG – Rank: 15th 

• Selection Type: Deeper
• BFC: GsHs
• Category: Synergy-realist

Blocks

Victor Wembanyama (PF, C – SAS) | 3.6 BPG – Rank: 1st

He’s Bigger than a Game, He’s Otherworldly

Victor Wembanyama is going to have a phenomenal upcoming season. While his production was enough to make him a top-five pick for this upcoming season, it’s hard to imagine just how much more of a jump he will be able to make in his second season.

It isn’t hard in that it will be hard to see him improve; it’s just that the level of production he has the potential to reach as early as next year, so early in his career, is unimaginable. I mean, he might win Most Improved Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and even Most Valuable Player. The fact you can’t immediately deny that statement shows how legitimate that claim can be and what that can mean for your lineups. 

Wemby, at Number One, is Bold…and Beautiful

Let’s be real; selecting Wembanyama as the number one pick is a bold move. It’s a move that’s reasonable enough for people to accept as good, but it’s also risky enough to make you look like a genius. His stats speak for themselves. He averaged a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game and his performance in almost all major categories was in the top 30 in his rookie season. 

Wembanyama is about to have an offseason with a legendary coach, a unique opportunity that will allow him to explore and improve all aspects of his game. He’s also set to gain support, wisdom, intelligence and leadership from one of the best floor generals in the history of the game. With this kind of support, he is set to shine. 

No Brainer Phenomena

He is a no-brainer for those who are looking for blocks, but he is also a no-brainer for those who desire to go all in on a player who has the potential to reset what value production we believe is possible from a single fantasy asset on a team. While he may be more exciting in points leagues for realizing these fantasy phenomena, his categorical production is promising enough to rationalize building around this young talent.

Must-Haves to Consider

Anthony Davis (PF, C – LAL) | 2.3 BPC – Rank: 4th

• Selection Type: Prime
• BFC: GH
• Category: Synergy-realist

Nic Claxton (C – BKN) | 2.1 BPC – Rank: 8th

• Selection Type: Deeper
• BFC: SphSt
• Category: Singular-realist

Three-Pointers Made

Paul George (SG, SF, PF – PHI) | 3.3 3PTM – Rank: 8th

A New City for an Elite Reminder

Paul George was in L.A., and despite the team not going the distance, I don’t think many people can say they expected that the greatest All-Star team, if made years ago, would achieve a championship. Their shortcomings and George’s somewhat injury-riddled season could’ve caused people to forget just how good this guy is when on the floor, which could be detrimental for managers if they aren’t able to refocus on his elite pedigree.

George is going to Philly, a city on the cusp of having its reign as the best sports city of this upcoming era with the success of the Phillies and Eagles. This energy coming from a fan base as electric and committed as the City of Brotherly Love can do wonders for igniting a second wind in a player who could be poised to turn the clock back on his time in the league.

A Threat From Beyond

This renewed energy, as well as his seemingly perfect fit and role on a team looking to destroy teams on both sides of the ball, is enough for me to put him in this category as a must-have for managers looking to build some niche utility into their lineups.

No single player on this team has yet to demonstrate the ability to make Philly a threat from beyond the arc on a game-to-game basis, but with the arrival of George, that could change substantially.

He averaged 3.3 three-pointers per game, eighth in the league, on a very offensively gifted and crowded Clippers squad. Although consistent, his identity on the team may have been less prominent or needed, and for that, his just being a star was enough for him to get rewards for early investors. His experience in Philly has the potential to be vastly different.

He is coming in because of his legacy as a star and his potential to be an elite star in Philly. He is coming in to make an immediate impact and, in some ways, is in a position to be the “face” of the team.

The Rebirth of ‘Regular Season P’

While Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are undoubtedly the heart and soul of the squad, Paul George gives the team the kind of edge that moves them from competitive squad to dangerous squad, given his book of work and his competitive pedigree, having spent competing heavily in the West over the past five years.

George may be the best specialist player who has the most promise of producing as a multi-categorical asset in most niche categories. If the Sixers can start fast and maintain a stronghold in the East as number one, at minimum, top-three in the conference, and if he buys in with the belief he can win a championship, ‘Playoff P’ may become ‘Regular Season P’ real quick. This could pay off in a big way for managers who take a chance and see him as an elite cog in their roster construction.

Must-Haves to Consider

Damian Lillard (PG – MIL) | 3.0 3PTM – Rank: 18th

• Selection Type: Prime
• BFC: GspH
• Category: Synergy-realist

Donte DiVincenzo (SG, SF – NYK) | 3.5 3PTM – Rank: 4th

• Selection Type: Deeper
• BFC: gSpH
• Category: Singular-realist

Field Goal-Percentage

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, C – MIL) | FG%| 61.1% – Rank: 37th

The Forgranted Superstar

Giannis Antetokounmpo is still a superstar in this league, but he faces the always interesting obstacle most anomalies face, and that’s themselves. He has been good for so long that sometimes we can take his production for granted, especially in an age where team play can adversely impact the perception of an otherwise elite player. 

Despite his free-throw shooting being the only noticeable flaw in his game, Antetokounmpo’s offensive prowess is truly impressive. He is a multi-categorical contributor, excelling in his production and return on investment (ROI) for his managers. His aggressive offensive style sees him scoring 30.4 points on 18.8 field-goal attempts per game, with an incredible 61.1% shooting efficiency, ranking 37th in the league. 

An Elite Vision

Antetokounmpo is again an elite multi-categorical asset who will put you in a great position to compete from week to week. Having a vision for how you want to build your roster and knowing how you want to win will be critical when determining which of these must-haves you should invest in with your first pick in your draft.

Must-Haves to Consider

LeBron James (SF, PF – LAL) | 54% FG% – Rank: 86th

• Selection Type: Prime
• BFC: GH
• Category: Synergy-realist

Jalen Smith (PF, C – CHI) | 59.2% FG% – Rank: 50th

• Selection Type: Deeper
• BFC: gSpSt
• Category: Singular-realist

Free-Throw Percentage

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG, SG – OKC) | 79.0% FT% – Rank: 81st

Shai be Shai-inning

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was phenomenal last season. There is no reason to think he won’t continue to thrive heading into this upcoming season. The team has been able to capitalize on its boom of talent and is embracing its championship-caliber roster after adding some key pieces in Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.

The team is creating an environment for Alexander to be even more aggressive in his playmaking while insulating him in enough talent to force teams to divide their resources to stop this should-be hyper-potent offensive juggernaut. While free throws can be a hit-or-miss category, Alexander offers enough value out of this category that it still manages to stand out in light of his entire book of work.

Busy With Charity

Averaging 6.4 free throws on 8.1 attempts per game and shooting 79.0% offers upside on several fronts. While his percentage isn’t as attractive or robust as some of his counterparts, it is still competitive enough to where the benefits of his production on the line outweigh the downsides. 

His ranking of sixth in both free throws made and attempted is a testament to his volume and reliability in this category. Alexander is a multi-categorical contributor on the offensive end, with a defensive prowess that sets him apart. His presence on this list should give you confidence in choosing him over other elite options, as you can expect to benefit from his MVP-caliber talent.

Must-Haves to Consider

Cade Cunningham (PG, SG – DET) | 86.9% FT% – Rank: 42nd

• Selection Type: Prime
• BFC: GspH
• Category: Synergy-realist

Coby White (PG, SG – CHI) | 83.8% FT% – Rank: 73rd

• Selection Type: Deeper
• BFC: gSpHst
• Category: Synergy-realist