Fantasy Basketball 101: How to Draft Your First Team

Plan for flexibility — watch for last-minute injuries, position eligibility issues

There will always be changes, even during the draft. This is why you need to always check for last-minute injury news as well as position eligibility changes right before you pick.

Draft Day Execution Strategy

Understand the roster layout

There are many hacks to success but having a solid starting lineup and a productive bench is one of the best hacks out there. A good tool to use is RotoWire’s depth charts, as they help you pick both flexible and multi-position players.

Avoid emotional picks

Put aside personal bias when picking players, and make decisions based on statistical value. A good tool to use is the FantasyPros’ consensus rankings, as it helps you pick the best available talent. 

Recognize value drops and when to pivot

There is something called a positional run, and it happens when a lot of managers select players in one position faster than they did for other positions. When this happens, move to another high-level player.

Balance risk and reward

Your early rounds should be to pick safe stars with high floors and consistent production. Once that is done, you can then make calculated risks by bringing young talent in.

Positional scarcity

Some stats are harder to find than others. This is why when you see those scarce players, always prioritize them.

After the Draft — Building for the Season

Set your initial lineup

Figure out your starters for opening week. Use the NBA Schedule Grid to know which teams will play four games, and use that to your advantage.

Waiver wire and trade readiness

The draft is a good place to start, but smart moves will win you trophies. One way to make those smart moves is by constantly monitoring the waiver wire for undrafted breakouts, as well as using Yahoo Sports Fantasy to propose trades.

Monitor injuries, role changes and emerging players

Once a starter gets injured, the backup becomes an instant priority. Keep an eye on trends across the league, and when there is a chance to bring in a rising star, don't miss it.

Avoid major regret moves

Lay emphasis on making gradual and meaningful improvements. Don't be too quick to drop a key player after a bad week. Rather, have an open mind when it comes to improving your roster.

Common Rookie Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Drafting purely by name recognition

Do not bring in a super star who doesn't fit into your league’s scoring system. Rather, focus on those who can consistently produce effective stat lines.

Ignoring the bench or streaming options — the bench matters too

Create a deep bench and do not Ignore, as that way, you can maximize game volume and general statistical output during the season.

Having “fixed” your draft plan — if everyone else winds up different, you need to adapt

Be flexible and always be ready to adapt when unexpected value picks present themselves.

Forgetting the season-long view — drafting only for immediate rounds rather than playoffs

The long-term game always yields the best results. This is why you should focus on durable players who will deliver all through the year.

Bonus Checklist — Your First Draft Workflow

24-48 hours before draft: Confirm league settings, review ADP/tiers, run a mock draft

The final two days before the draft are crucial as they give you ample time to double check your league settings, as well as your ADP Notes. If you can, run a final mock draft on a platform like ESPN or Yahoo to get you fully prepared.

1 hour before draft: Finalize your list, prepare backup picks, check injury updates

Within the last hour before the draft, check your draft list to see if your top five backup players per position are in the right order.  The NBA injury report is a good place to check for last-minute updates that could have a major impact on your strategy.

During draft: Stay calm, take your time (within your timer), pick value, fill needs.

Do not panic and go over your choices very well to see if you made the right choices, as well as if you picked the best statistical value available.

Within 24 hours after draft: Review your roster, adjust your lineup for week 1, note waiver priorities

A day after the draft, look at your final team and see if there's any statistical weaknesses you need to fix. If there isn't, then pick your starting lineup for Week 1. Also, identify potential waiver wire pickups to improve your bench depth. 

Ongoing: check back weekly, monitor performance, adjust and trade accordingly.

Fantasy basketball is a sprint, and not a marathon. Despite how good or bad it gets, always check your team performance weekly.  If a player isn't performing well, drop them for waiver wire gems. Ensure you are always making smart trades, and devise a long-term strategy that will win you the league.

People Also Ask

What should beginners know before their first fantasy basketball draft?Beginners should learn league rules, scoring, player rankings, ADP, and run mock drafts to prepare.

What is the best fantasy basketball draft strategy for beginners?
Draft safe players early, stay flexible, avoid emotional picks, and take value when it falls.

How important are mock drafts in fantasy basketball?
Mock drafts help beginners understand draft flow, timing, and value picks.

What are common fantasy basketball draft mistakes beginners make?Common mistakes include drafting by name, ignoring scoring, neglecting the bench, and overreacting.