Top NBA Fantasy Basketball Rankings For Points Leagues (ESPN)

by Jhon Lennon 62 views

Hey guys! Getting ready for your fantasy basketball draft? If you're playing in an ESPN points league, you've come to the right place. Knowing where to draft players is crucial for building a winning team. Forget those generic rankings ā€“ we're diving deep into what matters most for ESPN points leagues.

Understanding ESPN Points League Scoring

Before we jump into the rankings, let's quickly break down how ESPN points leagues typically score. While settings can vary slightly, a common setup looks something like this:

  • Points: 1 point
  • Rebounds: 1.2 points
  • Assists: 1.5 points
  • Steals: 3 points
  • Blocks: 3 points
  • Turnovers: -1 point

Notice anything? Steals and blocks are super valuable! Guys who get a lot of those defensive stats get a big boost in points leagues compared to standard leagues. Turnovers, on the other hand, hurt you, so players who are turnover-prone get knocked down a peg. You need to internalize these values in order to dominate your league. Building your team around players who rack up steals and blocks while minimizing turnovers is a recipe for fantasy success. Also, remember to always double-check your league's specific scoring settings to make sure you're drafting with the right information.

Top 5 Guards for ESPN Points Leagues

Okay, let's get into some names! When it comes to guards in ESPN points leagues, you're looking for guys who can score, dish out assists, and, ideally, snag a few steals. Here are my top 5:

  1. Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks): Luka is an absolute fantasy beast in any format, but especially in points leagues. He scores a ton, rebounds well for a guard, gets a ton of assists, and even chips in a steal per game. Yes, he has some turnovers, but his overall production far outweighs the negatives. Draft him high and don't look back! You're probably familiar with Luka's game, but just in case, he is a walking triple-double threat. He consistently puts up huge numbers and is the focal point of the Mavericks' offense. He is basically a human stat sheet, which is exactly what you want in a fantasy basketball stud. When he's on, he is the most exciting player to watch in the NBA. Don't overthink this pick ā€“ he is a guaranteed star.
  2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder): SGA took a massive leap last season and established himself as a top-tier fantasy option. He's an elite scorer who gets to the free-throw line a bunch and contributes across the board. Plus, he's a really good steal guy, which is gold in points leagues. He is known for his crafty moves to the basket and his ability to draw fouls. He has a knack for getting steals and disrupting the opponent's offense. With his consistent scoring and valuable defensive stats, SGA is a reliable option to anchor your fantasy team.
  3. Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks): Trae is a scoring and assist machine. He's one of the best playmakers in the league and can fill it up from anywhere on the court. The downside? He turns the ball over a lot. But, if you can stomach the turnovers, his upside is enormous. Some folks may be sleeping on Trae due to concerns about his fit with Dejounte Murray, but I wouldn't worry too much. Trae is still the engine that makes the Hawks' offense go. His ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a fantasy powerhouse. Don't let the turnovers scare you away from drafting him.
  4. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors): What can I say about Steph that hasn't already been said? He's the greatest shooter of all time and an elite scorer. He doesn't get as many assists or steals as some other guards on this list, but his scoring efficiency is off the charts. And, he doesn't turn the ball over much, which is a nice bonus. His off-ball movement and limitless range make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He is a joy to watch, and his fantasy production is just as fun. Despite being in his mid-30s, he is still playing at an incredibly high level. So, go ahead and draft him with confidence.
  5. Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers): Mitchell proved last year that his stats weren't inflated by playing on a bad team. He continues to be a scoring machine on a team contending for a championship. What makes Mitchell so appealing in fantasy hoops is that he doesn't hurt you anywhere. He is a very good free throw shooter and doesn't turn the ball over much. He is a complete offensive package. He can slash, shoot the three, and create for his teammates. He is a true three-level scorer. Also, his athleticism and explosiveness make him a constant threat to score in transition. Plus, his tenacious defense allows him to rack up steals and cause turnovers.

Top 5 Forwards for ESPN Points Leagues

Moving on to forwards, you're generally looking for guys who can score, rebound, and maybe get you some defensive stats. Here are my top 5:

  1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks): Giannis is a fantasy monster in any format, but especially in points leagues. He scores a ton, rebounds like crazy, gets a decent number of assists, and even chips in a block or two. The only downside is his free-throw percentage, but his overall production is just too good to pass up. If you can get Giannis, you're in great shape. Giannis's combination of size, speed, and athleticism is simply unmatched. He is virtually unstoppable when he attacks the basket. His ability to dominate on both ends of the court makes him a valuable asset in any fantasy league. You cannot go wrong by drafting him first overall.
  2. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics): Tatum has emerged as a true superstar in recent years, and his fantasy production reflects that. He scores a lot, rebounds well, and even gets you a steal and a block per game. He's a well-rounded fantasy option who can contribute across the board. With his silky smooth jump shot and crafty moves to the basket, Tatum is a nightmare for opposing defenses. He is also a capable defender, which makes him even more valuable in fantasy basketball. Plus, he is only getting better, which is scary for the rest of the league.
  3. Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns): When healthy, KD is one of the best scorers in the league. He's incredibly efficient and can score from anywhere on the court. He also chips in a decent number of rebounds and assists. The only concern is his injury history, but if he stays healthy, he's a top-5 fantasy player. He is nearly impossible to guard with his combination of size, length, and shooting ability. He can score over anyone, and his offensive repertoire is unmatched. Even at his age, he is still playing at an elite level. So, if you're willing to take the risk, drafting him could pay off big time.
  4. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers): Even at his advanced age, LeBron is still putting up huge numbers. He scores, rebounds, assists, and even gets you a steal per game. He's a fantasy legend for a reason. The only concern is load management, but when he plays, he produces. You know what you're getting with LeBron. He is a walking triple-double threat who can take over any game. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and his leadership is invaluable. He is a true icon of the sport. He is also still one of the most dominant players in the league.
  5. Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers): When healthy, Kawhi is a two-way monster. He scores efficiently, gets steals and blocks, and doesn't turn the ball over much. The problem, of course, is staying healthy. But, if you're willing to take the risk, he has top-10 upside. He is one of the best defenders in the league, and his offensive game is incredibly polished. His ability to score in isolation situations makes him a valuable asset in fantasy basketball. If you're feeling lucky, he could be the steal of the draft.

Top 5 Centers for ESPN Points Leagues

Finally, let's look at centers. In points leagues, you want guys who can rebound, block shots, and score efficiently. Here are my top 5:

  1. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets): Jokić is the reigning MVP and for good reason. He's a triple-double threat every night and contributes in every category. He's the ultimate fantasy center. His passing ability is unmatched for a center, and his scoring efficiency is off the charts. His basketball IQ is simply incredible, and he always seems to make the right play. He is the complete package and a joy to watch. You can't go wrong by drafting Jokic first overall.
  2. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers): Embiid is a dominant scorer and rebounder who also blocks a ton of shots. He's a force on both ends of the court and a top-tier fantasy option. He is virtually unstoppable in the post, and his jump shot is steadily improving. He is also a capable defender who can protect the rim. Plus, he has a competitive fire that drives him to be the best. Just make sure he is healthy before drafting him.
  3. Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings): Sabonis is a rebounding and assist machine who also scores efficiently. He's a triple-double threat and a very valuable fantasy asset. He is known for his tenacity on the boards and his ability to find open teammates. His passing ability is exceptional for a center, and his scoring touch around the rim is improving. Sabonis can really contribute in your fantasy league.
  4. Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers): When healthy, AD is one of the best fantasy players in the league. He scores, rebounds, blocks shots, and gets steals. The problem, of course, is staying healthy. But, if he plays, he produces at an elite level. Davis has the potential to be a league winner if he can stay on the court. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill is simply unmatched. However, proceed with caution.
  5. Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): Gobert is a defensive specialist who rebounds and blocks a ton of shots. He doesn't offer much in the way of scoring or assists, but his defensive stats are so valuable in points leagues that he's still a top-5 center. He is one of the best rim protectors in the league. His presence in the paint deters opponents from attacking the basket. If you need to shore up your defensive stats, Gobert is your guy.

General Draft Strategy for ESPN Points Leagues

Okay, now that you have a better idea of which players to target, let's talk about some general draft strategies for ESPN points leagues:

  • Prioritize Steals and Blocks: As I mentioned earlier, steals and blocks are super valuable in points leagues. Target players who excel in these categories, even if they're not elite scorers.
  • Minimize Turnovers: Turnovers kill you in points leagues. Avoid players who are turnover-prone, even if they're good in other areas.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Reach: If you really like a player, don't be afraid to reach for him a round or two early. It's better to get the guys you want than to settle for someone you're not as excited about.
  • Pay Attention to Position Scarcity: Some positions are deeper than others. For example, there are usually more good point guards available than good centers. Keep this in mind when you're making your picks.
  • Be Flexible: Don't go into the draft with a rigid plan. Be willing to adjust your strategy based on how the draft is unfolding. If you get sniped on a player you were targeting, be ready to pivot to someone else.

Final Thoughts

Drafting in ESPN points leagues requires a slightly different approach than standard leagues. By understanding the scoring system and targeting players who excel in steals and blocks, you can build a winning team. Good luck with your draft, guys! I hope this article helps you dominate your league this season. Remember to always stay up-to-date on the latest news and injuries, and don't be afraid to make trades throughout the season. Fantasy basketball is a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient and trust your instincts. With a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work, you can take home the championship trophy!