Browsing: Mock

Weâ€re less than a week away from regular season NBA basketball!

The 2025-26 NBA season tips off on NBC and Peacock with a doubleheader on October 21, as the Lakers face the Warriors and the Rockets face the Thunder.

As we navigate the final week of the preseason, the Rotoworld crew got together to host a 12-team, 9-category mock draft with some of the best and brightest minds in the fantasy basketball industry.

Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworldâ€s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

Here are the analysts who participated and the Draft Order:

1. Zak Hanshew – Rotoworld

2. Nick Shlain – Rotoworld

3. Josh Lloyd – Basketball Monster

4. Eric Samulski – Rotoworld

5. Dan Besbris – Old Man Squad Sports Network

6. Raphiell Johnson – Rotoworld

7. George Bissell – Rotoworld

8. Alex Barutha – Rotowire

9. Dan Titus – Yahoo! Sports

10. Noah Rubin – Rotoworld

11. Adam King – Fantasy Basketball International

12. Papi Roi – Fantasy Basketball Philippines Podcast

Below are the results of our draft with some thoughts and analysis. Why did I take Wemby over Jokic? Which picks were surprising in each round? How early did Cooper Flagg get selected? And which late-round pick did I make to prompt Raphielle Johnson to tell me he hated me?

If you want to watch the entire draft shake out, you can check it out here.

Round 1

1. Victor Wembanyama (SAS – C)

2. Nikola Jokić (DEN – C)

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC – PG)

4. Luka DonÄić (LAL – PG,SG)

5. Anthony Edwards (MIN – PG,SG)

6. Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL – PF,C)

7. Anthony Davis (DAL – PF,C)

8. Cade Cunningham (DET – PG,SG)

9. Devin Booker (PHX – PG,SG)

10. James Harden (LAC – PG,SG)

11. Trae Young (ATL – PG)

12. Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK – PF,C)

Thereâ€s a two or three-man debate for the top overall pick in fantasy hoops this season. Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama are the clear top options, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander working his way into the mix.

I went Wemby here, banking on upside rather than consistency and floor with Jokic. Wembanyama has yet to stay healthy for a full season, and heâ€s not as effective as Jokic as a facilitator. Weâ€ve probably seen the best of Joker after last seasonâ€s triple-double average, but the best is yet to come for Wembanyama.

There were a couple of surprises in the first round, as Ant-Man went right after SGA and Luka. Cade Cunningham was a big riser after a breakout 2024-25 campaign, and James Hardenâ€s inclusion in the top-10 highlights his lasting impact on the game so late into his career.

As Raphielle mentioned during the draft, picking in the 5-7 range is particularly difficult, but he was able to get a steal with Giannis at No. 6 after Edwards surprisingly went one pick before that.

Round 2

1. Amen Thompson (HOU – PG,SG,SF)

2. Tyrese Maxey (PHI – PG)

3. Stephen Curry (GSW – PG)

4. Donovan Mitchell (CLE – PG,SG)

5. Kevin Durant (HOU – SF,PF)

6. Jalen Johnson (ATL – SF,PF)

7. Evan Mobley (CLE – PF,C)

8. Domantas Sabonis (SAC – C)

9. Josh Giddey (CHI – PG,SG)

10. Alperen Sengun (HOU – C)

11. Jalen Brunson (NYK – PG)

12. Jalen Williams (OKC – SF,PF)

Thompson is perhaps the biggest riser in 2025-26 fantasy drafts compared to where he was selected in 2024-25. Last season, Thompson was an afterthought in the realm of fantasy hoops, but heâ€s now a consensus first or second-rounder.

Jalen Johnson is another guy fantasy managers hope can replicate his breakout success from a season ago. Ditto Josh Giddey, who was written off after his final season in OKC but found new life with the Bulls.

Is Alperen Sengun ready to take a leap in 2025-26? He was tremendous a season ago, and he looked even better at EuroBasket. Grabbing him at the end of the second round could prove to be a big-time value if he continues to ascend.

Round 3

1. Paolo Banchero (ORL – PF,C)

2. Scottie Barnes (TOR – SG,SF,PF)

3. LaMelo Ball (CHA – PG,SG)

4. Pascal Siakam (IND – PF,C)

5. Derrick White (BOS – PG,SG)

6. Jamal Murray (DEN – PG,SG)

7. Dyson Daniels (ATL – PG,SG,SF)

8. Chet Holmgren (OKC – PF,C)

9. Bam Adebayo (MIA – PF,C)

10. Cooper Flagg (DAL – SF)

11. Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL – PF,C)

12. Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM – PF,C)

I grabbed Jalen Williams at the end of the second round and paired him with Paolo Banchero at the turn. As Noah pointed out in the draft, Bancheroâ€s lack of defensive stats will be offset by Williams and Wemby. Iâ€m a big fan of Bancheroâ€s, and he could be in for a monster season. He was trending up in a big way before getting hurt last season, and a fully healthy campaign could be monstrous. I love his dual eligibility as a PF and C.

The third round is where things started to get pretty interesting. No surprises in Scottie Barnes and LaMelo Ball. Raphielle played it safe with Jamal Murray, whoâ€s been a steady, yet unremarkable contributor throughout his career. Dyson Daniels and Derrick White have rocketed up draft boards thanks to elite production (Daniels) and increased opportunity (White). Porzingis here is a dice roll given his health, but heâ€s been a great per-game contributor when available.

The first rookie came off the board as Noah got his guy in Cooper Flagg. How high can Flagg rise in fantasy hoops this season? He should see a ton of playing time, and he offers elite production on both ends of the floor.

Round 4

1. Deâ€Aaron Fox (SAS – PG,SG)

2. Austin Reaves (LAL – PG,SG)

3. Franz Wagner (ORL – SF,PF)

4. Ja Morant (MEM – PG)

5. Deni Avdija (POR – SF,PF)

6. Jaylen Brown (BOS – SG,SF)

7. Trey Murphy III (NOP – SF,PF)

8. Kawhi Leonard (LAC – SF,PF)

9. LeBron James (LAL – SF,PF)

10. Coby White (CHI – PG,SG)

11. Ivica Zubac (LAC – C)

12. Joel Embiid (PHI – C)

Deâ€Aaron Fox is certainly a gamble here, as heâ€ll be sidelined to open up the season due to a hamstring injury.

LeBron James will miss the first season-opener of his career, so Austin Reaves could be in line for a massive bump in usage. Reaves went seven picks before James in this draft, which is the most fascinating tidbit of the fourth round. Is James†sciatica going to limit him in Year 23?

Coby White this early is too rich for my blood, especially with Josh Giddey running point guard. Ivica Zubac is another guy I wouldnâ€t be comfortable taking in this range due to LAâ€s offseason roster moves.

I rolled the dice once again with the final pick of this round …

Round 5

1. Zion Williamson (NOP – SF,PF)

2. Desmond Bane (ORL – SG,SF)

3. Myles Turner (MIL – C)

4. Jalen Duren (DET – C)

5. Jimmy Butler III (GSW – SF,PF)

6. Darius Garland (CLE – PG)

7. Nikola VuÄević (CHI – C)

8. Brandon Miller (CHA – SF,PF)

9. Jarrett Allen (CLE – C)

10. Lauri Markkanen (UTA – SF,PF)

11. OG Anunoby (NYK – SF,PF)

12. Payton Pritchard (BOS – PG)

Iâ€m usually opposed to drafting Joel Embiid at all, but getting him at Pick 48 was just way too good to pass up. He missed a ton of time last season and struggled to post elite numbers when on the court. Heâ€s been ramping up activity recently and could be available for the season-opener. When at his best, Embiid is a 30/10/5 guy who can shoot threes and block shots. Thatâ€s incredible value with a huge question mark.

Next up is another injury-prone player, Zion Williamson. Williamson has gotten in better shape during the offseason, and his elite skillset could make him another incredible value. I could have a league-winning pair in Rounds 4-5, or I could have my IL spots filled up quickly. Go big, or go home!

Myles Turner feels like a great value here, but taking Jalen Duren is a bit risky given Detroitâ€s depth. The round wrapped up without too many surprises. Payton Pritchard is a huge riser given Bostonâ€s shallow depth at multiple positions. Will he be a starter or push for 30 minutes off the bench?

Round 6

1. Immanuel Quickley (TOR – PG,SG)

2. Jordan Poole (NOP – PG,SG)

3. Brandon Ingram (TOR – SG,SF,PF)

4. Miles Bridges (CHA – SF,PF)

5. Zach LaVine (SAC – PG,SG)

6. Walker Kessler (UTA – C)

7. Michael Porter Jr. (BKN – SF,PF)

8. Deandre Ayton (LAL – C)

9. DeMar DeRozan (SAC – SF)

10. Jakob Poeltl (TOR – C)

11. Josh Hart (NYK – SG,SF,PF)

12. Cam Thomas (BKN – SG,SF)

A pair of Raptors went off the board here, as Immanuel Quickley will look to put together a fully-healthy season and stuff the stat sheet on a nightly basis. Brandon Ingram could return to form, especially if Toronto utilizes him more as an outside threat.

Several centers went in this round, and Jakob Poeltl is one of my favorite later-round options at the position.

A pair of Nets also came off the board, as Michael Porter Jr. went at Pick 7, and I grabbed my man Cam Thomas at Pick 12. He should be playing for pride and his next contract, giving an added boost to an already promising outlook. Assuming he can stay healthy in 2025-26, Iâ€m counting on Thomas to build on the breakout he had at the end of the 2023-24 season and into the 2024-25 campaign.

Round 7

1. Shaedon Sharpe (POR – SG,SF)

2. Julius Randle (MIN – PF,C)

3. Ausar Thompson (DET – SF,PF)

4. Christian Braun (DEN – SG,SF)

5. Andrew Nembhard (IND – PG,SG)

6. Paul George (PHI – SG,SF,PF)

7. Jalen Green (PHX – PG,SG)

8. Alex Sarr (WAS – C)

9. Rudy Gobert (MIN – C)

10. Donovan Clingan (POR – C)

11. Norman Powell (MIA – SG,SF)

12. Mikal Bridges (NYK – SF,PF)

I was short on guards, so I nabbed Shaedon Sharpe with the first pick of Round 7. Heâ€s been getting a ton of praise from coaches and teammates, and a breakout season could be on tap.

Not too many surprises in this round, other than Alex Sarr. He had a strong rookie campaign, and Washingtonâ€s center depth is thinner than it was a season ago. Is he ready for a breakout, or is a sophomore slump going to disappoint fantasy managers?

Paul George wasnâ€t great last season when on the court, but thereâ€s only one way to go from here, right? Getting him so late in a draft should offset the injury risk.

Ausar Thompson was selected with the third pick. Like his twin Amen (drafted in the second round), heâ€s a player pegged for a potential breakout.

Round 8

1. Matas Buzelis (CHI – SF,PF)

2. Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL – PG,SG)

3. Onyeka Okongwu (ATL – C)

4. Cameron Johnson (DEN – SF,PF)

5. Mark Williams (PHX – C)

6. Kelâ€el Ware (MIA – PF,C)

7. Bennedict Mathurin (IND – SG,SF)

8. John Collins (LAC – PF,C)

9. Santi Aldama (MEM – PF,C)

10. Tyler Herro (MIA – PG,SG)

11. Anfernee Simons (BOS – PG,SG)

12. CJ McCollum (WAS – PG,SG)

Hereâ€s where we started seeing some swings, but there was a ton of potential value in Round 8. Matas Buzelis is a risk/reward option who has become an analyst favorite in the offseason.

Mark Williams and Tyler Herro could be excellent values, but availability is a major concern, given their current injuries and Williams†extensive history of missing time.

Kelâ€el Ware has had a phenomenal preseason, but can he parlay that success into an elite regular season run? Benedict Mathurin should see a ton of playing time in 2025-26, but can he provide more than just points?

Round 9

1. Jalen Suggs (ORL – PG)

2. RJ Barrett (TOR – SF,PF)

3. Toumani Camara (POR – SF,PF)

4. Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC – C)

5. Devin Vassell (SAS – SG,SF)

6. Draymond Green (GSW – PF,C)

7. Jaden Ivey (DET – PG,SG)

8. Reed Sheppard (HOU – PG,SG)

9. Tari Eason (HOU – SF,PF)

10. Zach Edey (MEM – C)

11. Bradley Beal (LAC – SG,SF)

12. Nic Claxton (BKN – C)

I needed a player with PG eligibility, so I took McCollum in Round 8 and Suggs in Round 9. Iâ€m not thrilled with either selection, but both should see enough usage to provide value in this range.

Draymond Green, Jaden Ivey, Reed Sheppard, and RJ Barrett are some of the least exciting selections here. You know what youâ€re getting with Green, but itâ€s not a ton at this point in his career. Still, you canâ€t find a triple-double threat this late in drafts anywhere else. Ivey, Sheppard and Barrett are big risks given uncertain roles for the first two and questions about Barrettâ€s production outside of scoring.

Round 10

1. Dereck Lively II (DAL – C)

2. Cason Wallace (OKC – PG,SG)

3. Brandin Podziemski (GSW – PG,SG)

4. Naz Reid (MIN – PF,C)

5. Keyonte George (UTA – PG,SG)

6. Jaden McDaniels (MIN – SF,PF)

7. Keegan Murray (SAC – SF,PF)

8. Andrew Wiggins (MIA – SG,SF)

9. Dâ€Angelo Russell (DAL – PG)

10. Tobias Harris (DET – PF)

11. Jrue Holiday (POR – PG,SG)

12. Kyshawn George (WAS – SG,SF)

Weâ€re really into big swing territory here. Dâ€Angelo Russell could be a huge value as Dallas†de facto starting PG until Kyrie Irving returns. Tobias Harris and Jrue Holiday have offered elite production over the years, and even in the autumn of their careers, they should certainly offer enough here to be worth a late-round selection.

Round 11

1. Ace Bailey (UTA – SF)

2. Aaron Gordon (DEN – PF,C)

3. Herbert Jones (NOP – SF,PF)

4. Bobby Portis (MIL – PF,C)

5. Donte DiVincenzo (MIN – PG,SG)

6. Jaylen Wells (MEM – SG,SF)

7. Jayson Tatum (BOS – SF,PF)

8. Stephon Castle (SAS – PG,SG)

9. Aaron Nesmith (IND – SF)

10. Isaiah Jackson (IND – C)

11. Scoot Henderson (POR – PG)

12. Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU – PF,C)

I selected Kyshawn George at the end of Round 10. Heâ€s one of my guys for the 2025-26 season, and Iâ€m expecting strong, two-way production. Ace Bailey is another guy who has impressed in the preseason. Strong play and plenty of opportunities for the rebuilding Jazz give him tremendous upside.

The most notable pick of this round is Jayson Tatum, who has said that he wants to try playing this season. Even if heâ€s able to take the court for a few games, heâ€ll be sitting in one of your IL spots all season until he maybe returns.

Round 12

1. Davion Mitchell (MIA – PG)

2. Khris Middleton (WAS – SF,PF)

3. Kyrie Irving (DAL – PG)

4. Nikola Jović (MIA – PF)

5. Collin Sexton (CHA – PG,SG)

6. Yves Missi (NOP – C)

7. VJ Edgecombe (PHI – SG)

8. Neemias Queta (BOS – PF,C)

9. Cam Whitmore (WAS – SF,PF)

10. Deâ€Andre Hunter (CLE – SF,PF)

11. Klay Thompson (DAL – SG,SF)

12. Ryan Kalkbrenner (CHA – C)

Kyrie Irving will presumably be out until at least the All-Star break. How much can he offer when he returns?

Two more rookies came off the board as VJ Edgecombe went to Raphielle, and I selected Ryan Kalkbrenner. Raphielle is high on Kalkbrenner too, and my selection here caused him to tell me he hated me. Strong words, but hey, I got my guy.

Round 13

1. Jonathan Kuminga (GSW – SF,PF)

2. Malik Monk (SAC – SG)

3. Chris Boucher (BOS – PF,C)

4. Adem Bona (PHI – C)

5. Kelly Oubre Jr. (PHI – SF,PF)

6. Ayo Dosunmu (CHI – SG,SF)

7. Sam Hauser (BOS – SF,PF)

8. Mitchell Robinson (NYK – C)

9. Brice Sensabaugh (UTA – SF,PF)

10. Keon Ellis (SAC – PG,SG) – Rubin

11. Dennis Schr̦der (SAC РPG,SG)

12. Dejounte Murray (NOP – PG,SG)

The final round is all about upside, and thatâ€s what I expect with Kuminga. If the Warriors are truly intent on trading him during the season, theyâ€ll have to showcase him, which means a consistent role and strong production.

Chris Boucher could end up the starting center for Boston, making him a nice pick here. Adem Bona could do the same for the 76ers if (who are we kidding – when) Embiid is forced to miss time.

Sam Hauser should see an increased role for the shorthanded Celtics, and someoneâ€s got to step up for Sacramento. Three – yes three – Kings guards went off the board here. Someoneâ€s got a reliable fantasy option, right?

Could the Knicks utilize a jumbo lineup with Karl-Anthony Towns playing alongside Mitchell Robinson? Even if Robinson comes off the bench, he should see enough playing time to be a viable option, and getting him in the final round is a tremendous value.

The draft closed out with another injured player. Dejounte Murray is an elite, multi-cat contributor, but heâ€ll have to sit in an IL spot until at least January.

My team

1. (1) Victor Wembanyama (SAS – C)

2. (24) Jalen Williams (OKC – SF,PF)

3. (25) Paolo Banchero (ORL – PF,C)

4. (48) Joel Embiid (PHI – C)

5. (49) Zion Williamson (NOP – SF,PF)

6. (72) Cam Thomas (BKN – SG,SF)

7. (73) Shaedon Sharpe (POR – SG,SF)

8. (96) CJ McCollum (WAS – PG,SG)

9. (97) Jalen Suggs (ORL – PG)

10. (120) Kyshawn George (WAS – SG,SF)

11. (121) Ace Bailey (UTA – SF)

12. (144) Ryan Kalkbrenner (CHA – C)

13. (145) Jonathan Kuminga (GSW – SF,PF)

Strengths: Defense, rebounding, FG%

Weaknesses: Three-pointers, assists, availability

I rolled the dice many times in this draft, but this team is on-brand. I love drafting for upside rather than security, and typically, Iâ€m inclined to draft younger players over veterans. There are breakout options all across my final roster, and if guys like Embiid, Williamson, Thomas and Sharpe can stay mostly healthy, this team could win many, many weeks.

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Fernando Mendoza could be the next quarterback given the monumental task of turning things around for the New York Jets.

In his first mock draft of the season for ESPN.com, Jordan Reid is projecting Mendoza to the Jets with the No. 1 overall pick and Rueben Bain Jr. to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 2.

Jordan Reid Mock Draft Top 10 Picks

Full mock draft available on ESPN.com.

It seems almost certain that the Jets, the NFL’s lone remaining winless team (0-6), will address the quarterback position in the offseason. Justin Fields just turned in one of the worst games ever with minus-10 net passing yards in Sunday’s 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Mendoza is on the short list of Heisman candidates this season for an undefeated Indiana team that just went into Autzen Stadium and beat Oregon. He has thrown for 1,423 yards, 17 touchdowns and a 71.2 completion percentage in six games.

Beyond his statistical performance, Reid noted Mendoza is a “decisive pocket passer” whose “ability to throw precise, on-time passes suits a Jets offense that’s predicated on timing and accuracy.”

Assuming the Jets do end up taking a quarterback early in next year’s draft, it would mark the eighth time since 2000 that they have used a pick in the top two rounds on a signal-caller. Five of them will have been first-round selections.

The Ravens even being in the mix for the No. 2 overall pick is a shocking development, but Reid’s projection that they would add Bain does speak to their need for impact talent on defense.

“He’s a versatile 6-foot-3, 275-pound defender who can play multiple alignments, and his 24 pressures at edge is eighth in the FBS,” Reid wrote of Bain. “His hand power and knockback strength would immediately boost a Ravens defense that needs playmakers.”

Lamar Jackson’s hamstring injury has made things tough in Baltimore, but the defense was holding the team down even before the two-time MVP went down. The Ravens rank last in the NFL in points allowed per game, tied for 27th in sacks and tied for 29th in takeaways.

The Ravens haven’t ranked outside the top 20 in points allowed per game since 2015, which was also their worst season under John Harbaugh (5-11).

Bain currently has 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in five games for Miami. He had 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks as a true freshman in 2023. A hamstring injury limited him to just nine games last season, but he still recorded 5.5 tackles for loss.

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Fantasy basketball season is here, and the best way to prep for your drafts is to mock, mock again and mock some more!

Drafting out of the No. 12 spot in a 12-team league offers the benefit of back-to-back picks to start your build, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The top-tier players have been selected, and your two picks will be the only ones you have until your next two picks nearly two full rounds later.

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I completed a mock drafting from this spot to show how it might play out. Here are the results and brief analysis.

Round 1

1. Nikola Jokić (DEN – C)

2. Victor Wembanyama (SAS – C)

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL – PF,C)

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC – PG)

5. Luka DonÄić (LAL – PG,SG)

6. Cade Cunningham (DET – PG,SG)

7. Anthony Davis (DAL – PF,C)

8. Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK – PF,C)

9. Anthony Edwards (MIN – PG,SG)

10. Devin Booker (PHX – PG,SG)

11. Trae Young (ATL – PG)

12. Amen Thompson (HOU – PG,SG,SF)

Round 2

13. Jalen Williams (OKC – SF,PF)

14. James Harden (LAC – PG,SG)

15. Domantas Sabonis (SAC – C)

16. Kevin Durant (HOU – SF,PF)

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17. Donovan Mitchell (CLE – PG,SG)

18. Stephen Curry (GSW – PG)

19. Evan Mobley (CLE – PF,C)

20. Tyrese Maxey (PHI – PG)

21. Jalen Brunson (NYK – PG)

22. Alperen Sengun (HOU – C)

23. Chet Holmgren (OKC – PF,C)

24. Jalen Johnson (ATL – SF,PF)

Drafting from the 12 spot with back-to-back picks, my options are wide open, but there is some strategy involved here.

With the clear-cut top options off the board, I turned my attention to the slew of quality second-rounders. Having the 12th pick means I get two players and donâ€t get to draft again for 23 more picks. Taking Thompson and J-Dub here may look like a slight reach, but I value them more highly than any of the other players taken in the same range, and neither would have gotten back to me at Pick 36.

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My first two picks lean into a build thatâ€s punting three-pointers, but I try to make up some ground in that category later in the draft. Iâ€m already off to a solid start with rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and FG%. Iâ€m not too shabby in the scoring department with this duo, but points wonâ€t be at a premium after my selections in Rounds 3-4.

Round 3

25. LeBron James (LAL – SF,PF)

26. LaMelo Ball (CHA – PG,SG)

27. Scottie Barnes (TOR – SG,SF,PF)

28. Jaylen Brown (BOS – SG,SF)

29. Josh Giddey (CHI – PG,SG)

30. Pascal Siakam (IND – PF,C)

31. Jamal Murray (DEN – PG,SG)

32. Bam Adebayo (MIA – PF,C)

33. Derrick White (BOS – PG,SG)

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34. Franz Wagner (ORL – SF,PF)

35. Ivica Zubac (LAC – C)

36. Paolo Banchero (ORL – PF,C)

Round 4

37. Cooper Flagg (DAL – SF)

38. De’Aaron Fox (SAS – PG,SG)

39. Desmond Bane (ORL – SG,SF)

40. Trey Murphy III (NOP – SF,PF)

41. Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM – PF,C)

42. Kawhi Leonard (LAC – SF,PF)

43. Dyson Daniels (ATL – PG,SG,SF)

44. Deni Avdija (POR – SF,PF)

45. Jimmy Butler III (GSW – SF,PF)

46. Ja Morant (MEM – PG)

47. Zion Williamson (NOP – SF,PF)

48. Myles Turner (MIL – C)

Banchero is expected to take another step forward in Year 4 after a tremendous 2024-25 campaign in which he averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocked shots and 1.9 three-pointers. His shooting percentages werenâ€t elite (45.2 FG%, 72.7 FT%), but Banchero offered a ton of value as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator. His dual eligibility as a PF and C makes him an excellent and versatile selection, but he will need to improve his percentages and defensive contributions to pay off his Round 3-4 ADP.

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The first rookie comes off the board at 37, and he goes to me. Flagg is expected to take on a sizeable role in Year 1, and he could be utilized even more on offense while Kyrie Irving is out. Flagg represents an elite, two-way talent who can rack up points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots. Taking him at 37 is a bit of a reach, and Iâ€m probably grabbing him at his ceiling. Nevertheless, I want to get him on my team for the tremendous upside, and he wonâ€t be available when itâ€s my turn to pick at the 5-6 turn.

Round 5

49. Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL – PF,C)

50. Joel Embiid (PHI – C)

51. Brandon Miller (CHA – SF,PF)

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52. Austin Reaves (LAL – PG,SG)

53. Lauri Markkanen (UTA – SF,PF)

54. Miles Bridges (CHA – SF,PF)

55. Nikola VuÄević (CHI – C)

56. DeMar DeRozan (SAC – SF)

57. Josh Hart (NYK – SG,SF,PF)

58. Jalen Duren (DET – C)

59. Walker Kessler (UTA – C)

60. Deandre Ayton (LAL – C)

Round 6

61. Ausar Thompson (DET – SF,PF)

62. Jarrett Allen (CLE – C)

63. Zach LaVine (SAC – PG,SG)

64. Darius Garland (CLE – PG)

65. Coby White (CHI – PG,SG)

66. Paul George (PHI – SG,SF,PF)

67. Payton Pritchard (BOS – PG)

68. OG Anunoby (NYK – SF,PF)

69. Brandon Ingram (TOR – SG,SF,PF)

70. Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC – C)

71. Rudy Gobert (MIN – C)

72. Immanuel Quickley (TOR – PG,SG)

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The purpose of mock drafts is to learn. Trial-and-error is the name of the game, and admittedly, this is a bit of an error. While there is nothing inherently wrong with selecting Ayton at 60, I didnâ€t need to grab him. Paolo Banchero is eligible at Center, meaning I could have pivoted to a player with PG eligibility – a position with which this team is scarce on depth. I addressed Center depth later in the draft with Jakob Poeltl, who is a fine pick a couple rounds later. Live and learn.

Iâ€m happy to grab Thompson at 61, but he is far riskier than his “breakout†moniker implies. Like his brother, Detroitâ€s Thompson is an athletic phenom, capable of scoring in transition and elevating at the rim on offense and adept at disrupting opponents on the defensive end. He doesnâ€t have an outside shot, and playing time is still questionable given how many minutes heâ€s played in his first two seasons. A bump in court time and additional usage as a playmaker would do wonders for his fantasy value.

Round 7

73. Andrew Nembhard (IND – PG,SG)

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74. Jordan Poole (NOP – PG,SG)

75. Tyler Herro (MIA – PG,SG)

76. Julius Randle (MIN – PF,C)

77. Michael Porter Jr. (BKN – SF,PF)

78. Norman Powell (MIA – SG,SF)

79. Anfernee Simons (BOS – PG,SG)

80. Bradley Beal (LAC – SG,SF)

81. Jrue Holiday (POR – PG,SG)

82. Jalen Suggs (ORL – PG)

83. Jalen Green (PHX – PG,SG)

84. Cam Thomas (BKN – SG,SF)

Round 8

85. Jakob Poeltl (TOR – C)

86. Christian Braun (DEN – SG,SF)

87. Donovan Clingan (POR – C)

88. Matas Buzelis (CHI – SF,PF)

89. Mark Williams (PHX – C)

90. Bennedict Mathurin (IND – SG,SF)

91. Cameron Johnson (DEN – SF,PF)

92. John Collins (LAC – PF,C)

93. RJ Barrett (TOR – SF,PF)

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94. Kel’el Ware (MIA – PF,C)

95. Onyeka Okongwu (ATL – C)

96. Shaedon Sharpe (POR – SG,SF)

Thomas is my favorite player in fantasy basketball this season. Heâ€s a certified bucket coming off the best statistical season of his career. Thomas†would-be breakout campaign was hampered by injuries, and heâ€ll surely be hungry to get back on the court in 2025-26. Thomas should also have some additional motivation after going through lengthy contract negotiations with Brooklyn that ultimately led to him accepting a qualifying offer. Heâ€ll be playing for pride and for a new contract. Watch out.

As mentioned earlier, I didnâ€t need to reach for Ayton at the end of the fifth round. I had Banchero, and Poeltl was available three rounds later as a strong, later-round center option. Heâ€s coming off the best season of his career and just inked a big extension with the Raptors. Torontoâ€s center depth is bare, so fantasy managers should expect big minutes and solid production with a discount price tag on draft day.

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Round 9

97. Mikal Bridges (NYK – SF,PF)

98. Devin Vassell (SAS – SG,SF)

99. Santi Aldama (MEM – PF,C)

100. D’Angelo Russell (DAL – PG)

101. Tobias Harris (DET – PF)

102. Herbert Jones (NOP – SF,PF)

103. Andrew Wiggins (MIA – SG,SF)

104. Nic Claxton (BKN – C)

105. Alex Sarr (WAS – C)

106. Naz Reid (MIN – PF,C)

107. Draymond Green (GSW – PF,C)

108. Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL – PG,SG)

Round 10

109. Kyshawn George (WAS – SG,SF)

110. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL – SG,SF)

111. Keegan Murray (SAC – SF,PF)

112. Dereck Lively II (DAL – C)

113. CJ McCollum (WAS – PG,SG)

114. Zach Edey (MEM – C)

115. Aaron Gordon (DEN – PF,C)

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116. Wendell Carter Jr. (ORL – C)

117. Jeremy Sochan (SAS – PF,C)

118. Jaden Ivey (DET – PG,SG)

119. Jaden McDaniels (MIN – SF,PF)

120. Bobby Portis (MIL – PF,C)

KPJ is penciled in as Milwaukeeâ€s starting PG, and weâ€ve seen his tremendous upside in flashes throughout his career. Porter Jr. had some good moments in Cleveland before moving to Houston and breaking out at the end of the 2020-21 campaign. Injuries and off-court issues have prevented him from being on the court more during his NBA tenure, but if he can stay healthy and out of trouble in 2025-26, he should be able to post respectable numbers. KPJ averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.7 steals across five starts between the Clippers and Bucks last season.

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George is one of the players I highlighted in Rotoworldâ€s Staff Favorites article. The young and athletic George is a versatile wing with the ability to get hot from downtown and make a major impact on defense. He played solid minutes for Washington a season ago, but his playing time could increase in Year 2 as the team continues its rebuild. Bilal Coulibaly is dealing with a thumb injury and will miss time early in the season. That opens the door for George to be a starter on opening night. If he can build momentum from the jump, he could parlay early-season success into a quality campaign.

Round 11

121. Donte DiVincenzo (MIN – PG,SG)

122. Dennis Schr̦der (SAC РPG,SG)

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123. Keyonte George (UTA – PG,SG)

124. Jaylen Wells (MEM – SG,SF)

125. Lonzo Ball (CLE – PG,SG)

126. Quentin Grimes (PHI – SG,SF)

127. Brandin Podziemski (GSW – PG,SG)

128. Reed Sheppard (HOU – PG,SG)

129. Toumani Camara (POR – SF,PF)

130. Klay Thompson (DAL – SG,SF)

131. Malik Monk (SAC – SG)

132. Kon Knueppel (CHA – SF)

Round 12

133. Jonathan Kuminga (GSW – SF,PF)

134. Cason Wallace (OKC – PG,SG)

135. Stephon Castle (SAS – PG,SG)

136. Chris Paul (LAC – PG)

137. Aaron Nesmith (IND – SF)

138. Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU – PF,C)

139. Davion Mitchell (MIA – PG)

140. Ty Jerome (MEM – SG)

141. Yves Missi (NOP – C)

142. Tari Eason (HOU – SF,PF)

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143. Kyle Kuzma (MIL – SF,PF)

144. Brook Lopez (LAC – C)

Another rookie comes off the board as I grab Charlotteâ€s Kon Knueppel. The Summer League MVP is poised to see big minutes for the Hornets in Year 1. Elite, long-range shooting is his calling card, but heâ€s a hound on defense and a guy able to get teammates involved with his quality, playmaking abilities.

No player had a more tumultuous offseason than Kuminga. After a bizarre 2024-25 season in which he was taken in and out of Golden Stateâ€s lineups for reasons that still arenâ€t inherently clear, Kuminga dealt with trade rumors and contract disputes with the team for months. He finally agreed on a two-year deal, but the prevailing thought is that the Warriors will use him as a trade piece after heâ€s eligible to be traded in early 2026. Heâ€s playing for his next deal, and the Dubs may look to give him ample playing time as an audition. Heâ€s a risky pickup here, but there is plenty of upside.

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Round 13

145. Daniel Gafford (DAL – C)

146. P.J. Washington (DAL – SF,PF)

147. Kyle Filipowski (UTA – PF,C)

148. Isaiah Collier (UTA – PG,SG)

149. Zaccharie Risacher (ATL – SF,PF)

150. T.J. McConnell (IND – PG)

151. Scoot Henderson (POR – PG)

152. Ace Bailey (UTA – SF)

153. VJ Edgecombe (PHI – SG)

154. Dejounte Murray (NOP – PG,SG)

155. Jay Huff (IND – C)

156. Dylan Harper (SAS – SG)

I debated grabbing Kyrie Irving here but opted to go for a player who could be an immediate contributor. Harperâ€s path to meaningful minutes isnâ€t clear given the competition for playing time at guard with Deâ€Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, but the No. 2 pick surely wonâ€t spend the entirety of his rookie season on the bench. Thereâ€s upside here, and thatâ€s what the final round of fantasy drafts is all about. If Ace Bailey hadnâ€t been taken four picks earlier, he would have been my selection. Given how good heâ€s looked in the preseason, I highly doubt heâ€ll be available this late again.

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My team

1. Amen Thompson (HOU – PG,SG,SF)

2. Jalen Williams (OKC – SF,PF)

3. Paolo Banchero (ORL – PF,C)

4. Cooper Flagg (DAL – SF)

5. Deandre Ayton (LAL – C)

6. Ausar Thompson (DET – SF,PF)

7. Cam Thomas (BKN – SG,SF)

8. Jakob Poeltl (TOR – C)

9. Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL – PG,SG)

10. Kyshawn George (WAS – SG,SF)

11. Kon Knueppel (CHA – SF)

12. Jonathan Kuminga (GSW – SF,PF)

13. Dylan Harper (SAS – SG)

Strengths: Defense, rebounding, FG%

Weaknesses: Three-pointers

I grabbed several quality defenders here, so my team is good to go with steals, blocks, rebounds and FG%. Three-pointers have been punted, though we may have a few surprisingly competitive weeks in that category if Cam Thomas, Kyshawn George and Kon Knueppel go off.

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Ultimately, this is a risk/reward build. Jalen Williams is a safe selection, but there are question marks everywhere across this roster. Will the Thompson twins break out? Will Paolo Banchero improve his percentages and defensive numbers enough to make his early-round selection worth the cost? Rookies are always an unknown, and despite the buzz around Cooper Flagg, his early success is far from a guarantee.

Picks 7-13 are full of big swings, but they could all be home run selections. Safe picks have never been my forte, so this final roster is certainly indicative of my draft style.

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Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

This is the easiest way to handle having the first pick, and maybe that means it’s simply the correct one, too. The three-time MVP is as reliable as anyone in fantasy, and he’s basically guaranteed to help you everywhere other than blocks. Over his last five seasons, he has averaged 26.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 72.8 games.

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

For those who don’t take the Joker, there won’t be a greater temptation than Wembanyama, who seems capable of breaking the game of basketball at any moment. He’s already an elite in points (24.3), rebounds (11.0), blocks (3.8) and three-pointers (3.1), and there’s a hope he can become even more efficient (47.6 field-goal percentage), particularly with San Antonio having overloaded its roster with playmakers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

The league’s reigning MVP is 27 years old, has complete control of his offense and leads a roster bursting at the seams with solid-to-borderline-spectacular support players. In other words, it’s possible we haven’t seen SGA at his best, and that’s saying something after the campaign he just delivered: 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 combined steals and blocks and 2.1 three-pointers.

Luka DonÄić, Los Angeles Lakers

Would it be a reach to take DonÄić first overall? Probably, if only because he sometimes has issues with availability and shooting efficiency. That said, he’s a 26-year-old who won a scoring title in 2023-24, flirts with triple-doubles on a nightly basis and has recently come within arm’s reach of both a 50 field-goal percentage and a 40-percent splash rate from three. He is objectively awesome, and his improved conditioning might bring out his best basketball yet.

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The Rotoworld Basketball staff is excited to set you up for success, both on draft day and throughout the 2025-26 season. This year is especially exciting as the NBA returns to NBC and streams on Peacock, and weâ€re ready to bring you the fantasy coverage to match.

On this page, youâ€ll find links to all of our preseason content in one place. We have rankings in various formats, position breakdowns, mock draft analysis, and general draft strategy.

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And this is just scratching the surface of what we’ll have to offer. As the NBA preseason ramps up, weâ€ll continue adding fresh rankings, analysis, and strategy articles. Bookmark this page and check back often to stay ahead of your league.

Happy drafting season!

2025 FANTASY BASKETBALL RANKINGS

Preseason Top 200 led by Jokić, SGA, Wemby

Top 10 rookies led by Cooper Flagg

Top 20 second-year player rankings led by Clingan, Sarr

2025 FANTASY BASKETBALL POSITION BREAKDOWNS, PLAYER PROFILES

Top 50 Fantasy Basketball Guards

Top 50 Fantasy Basketball Forwards

Top 50 Fantasy Basketball Centers

2025 FANTASY BASKETBALL MOCK DRAFTS

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Salary Cap Mock Draft: Jokic, SGA command high prices

2025 FANTASY BASKETBALL STRATEGY ARTICLES

Hacking the Default Rankings

Fantasy Basketball Category Punt Guide for 2025-26

Draft Tips and Beginners†Guide for Fantasy Basketball

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Sep 25, 2025, 06:48 AM ET

The ESPN fantasy basketball experts got together for their second mock draft of the 2025-26 NBA season, using a 10-team head-to-head categories format.

If you’re new to fantasy hoops and looking to try it out for the first time, here is a tutorial of all the basics. From there, it’s easy to grab a handful of people, set up a draft and have some fun! Before that, though, it’s always smart to spend a little time preparing with a mock draft of your own.

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In category leagues, specialists who can contribute and dominate one stat such as steals or blocks or assists are more valuable than in points leagues. And players who struggle with FG% and FT% aren’t as valuable as they can be in points leagues. With that in mind, how did this draft shake out?

The participants of our 10-team H2H categories mock were Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Tom Carpenter, Joe Kaiser, Jim McCormick, Matt Williams and Steve Alexander, and joining us from Rotowire.com were Alex Barutha and Kirien Katzmarek.

Round 1

1. Victor Wembanyama, SA, C (C1) — Karabell
2. Nikola Jokic, Den, C (C2) — Carpenter
3. Luka Doncic, LAL, PG (PG1) — Alexander
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC, PG (PG2) — Williams
5. Anthony Davis, Dal, PF/C (C3) — McCormick
6. Anthony Edwards, Min, SG/SF (SG1) — Katzmarek
7. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mil, PF/C (PF1) — Barutha
8. James Harden, LAC, PG/SG (PG3) — Snellings
9. Stephen Curry, GS, PG (PG4) — Kaiser
10. Trae Young, Atl, PG (PG5) — Moody

Round 2

11. Chet Holmgren, OKC, PF/C (C4) — Moody
12. Karl-Anthony Towns, NY, PF/C (C5) — Kaiser
13. Domantas Sabonis, Sac, PF/C (C6) — Snellings
14. Cade Cunningham, Det, PG/SG (PG6) — Barutha
15. Donovan Mitchell, Cle, PG/SG (SG2) — Katzmarek
16. Scottie Barnes, Tor, SG/SF/PF (SF1) — McCormick
17. Amen Thompson, Hou, SG/SF/PF (SF2) — Williams
18. Devin Booker, Phx, PG/SG (PG7) — Alexander
19. Jalen Brunson, NY, PG (PG8) — Carpenter
20. LeBron James, LAL, SF/PF (SF3) — Karabell

Round 3

21. Kevin Durant, Hou, PF (PF2) — Karabell
22. Tyrese Maxey, Phi, PG/SG (PG9) — Carpenter
23. Dyson Daniels, Atl, PG/SG (SG3) — Alexander
24. Jalen Williams, OKC, SF/PF/C (PF3) — Williams
25. Cooper Flagg, Dal, SF/PF (SF4) — McCormick
26. LaMelo Ball, Cha, PG (PG10) — Katzmarek
27. Josh Giddey, FA, PG/SG/SF (SG4) — Barutha
28. De’Aaron Fox, SA, PG (PG11) — Snellings
29. Derrick White, Bos, PG/SG (SG5) — Kaiser
30. Jaren Jackson Jr., Mem, PF/C (C7) — Moody

Round 4

31. Ja Morant, Mem, PG (PG12) — Moody
32. Nikola Vucevic, Chi, C (C8) — Kaiser
33. Paolo Banchero, Orl, SF/PF (PF4) — Snellings
34. Evan Mobley, Cle, PF/C (PF5) — Barutha
35. Jalen Johnson, Atl, PF (PF6) — Katzmarek
36. Jamal Murray, Den, PG (PG13) — McCormick
37. Alperen Sengun, Hou, C (C9) — Williams
38. Brandon Miller, Cha, SG/SF (SF5) — Alexander
39. Myles Turner, Mil, C (C10) — Carpenter
40. Desmond Bane, Orl, SG/SF (SG6) — Karabell

Round 5

41. Bam Adebayo, Mia, PF/C (C11) — Karabell
42. Austin Reaves, LAL, PG/SG/SF (SG7) — Carpenter
43. Trey Murphy III, NO, SG/SF (SF6) — Alexander
44. Joel Embiid, Phi, C (C12) — Williams
45. Jaylen Brown, Bos, SG/SF (SF7) — McCormick
46. Franz Wagner, Orl, SF/PF (SF8) — Katzmarek
47. Pascal Siakam, Ind, PF (PF7) — Barutha
48. Josh Hart, NY, SG/SF (SF9) — Snellings
49. Walker Kessler, Utah, C (C13) — Kaiser
50. Miles Bridges, Cha, SF/PF (SF10) — Moody

Round 6

51. Jalen Green, Phx, SG (SG8) — Moody
52. Mikal Bridges, NY, SG/SF (SF11) — Kaiser
53. Zion Williamson, NO, PF (PF8) — Snellings
54. Deni Avdija, Por, SF/PF (SF12) — Barutha
55. Kristaps Porzingis, Atl, PF/C (C14) — Katzmarek
56. Lauri Markkanen, Utah, SF/PF (PF9) — McCormick
57. Ivica Zubac, LAC, C (C15) — Williams
58. Coby White, Chi, PG/SG (PG14) — Alexander
59. Zach LaVine, Sac, SG/SF (SG9) — Carpenter
60. Anfernee Simons, Bos, PG/SG (SG10) — Karabell

Round 7

61. Darius Garland, Cle, PG (PG15) — Karabell
62. OG Anunoby, NY, SF/PF (SF13) — Carpenter
63. Rudy Gobert, Min, C (C16) — Alexander
64. Ausar Thompson, Det, SF/PF (SF14) — Williams
65. Julius Randle, Min, PF (PF10) — McCormick
66. Jordan Poole, NO, PG/SG (SG11) — Katzmarek
67. Jimmy Butler III, GS, SG/SF/PF (SF15) — Barutha
68. DeMar DeRozan, Sac, SF/PF (SF16) — Snellings
69. Brook Lopez, LAC, C (C17) — Kaiser
70. Naz Reid, Min, PF/C (C18) — Moody

Round 8

71. Jalen Duren, Det, C (C19) — Moody
72. Tyler Herro, Mia, PG/SG (SG12) — Kaiser
73. Michael Porter Jr., Bkn, SF/PF (SF17) — Snellings
74. Kawhi Leonard, LAC, SF/PF (SF18) — Barutha
75. Brandon Ingram, Tor, SF (SF19) — Katzmarek
76. Paul George, Phi, SF/PF (SF20) — McCormick
77. Jalen Suggs, Orl, PG/SG (PG16) — Williams
78. John Collins, LAC, PF/C (PF11) — Alexander
79. Daniel Gafford, Dal, C (C20) — Carpenter
80. CJ McCollum, Wsh, PG/SG (SG13) — Karabell

Round 9

81. Jakob Poeltl, Tor, C (C21) — Karabell
82. Devin Vassell, SA, SG/SF (SG14) — Carpenter
83. Reed Sheppard, Hou, SG (SG15) — Alexander
84. Norman Powell, Mia, SG/SF (SG16) — Williams
85. Dejounte Murray, NO, PG/SG (SG17) — McCormick
86. Cam Thomas, Bkn, SG/SF (SG18) — Katzmarek
87. Immanuel Quickley, Tor, PG/SG (PG17) — Barutha
88. Alex Sarr, Wsh, C (C22) — Snellings
89. Draymond Green, GS, PF/C (PF12) — Kaiser
90. Malik Monk, Sac, PG/SG/SF (SG19) — Moody

Round 10

91. Keegan Murray, Sac, SF/PF (PF13) — Moody
92. Cameron Johnson, Den, SF/PF (SF21) — Kaiser
93. Deandre Ayton, LAL, C (C23) — Snellings
94. Mark Williams, Phx, C (C24) — Barutha
95. Tobias Harris, Det, SF/PF (PF14) — Katzmarek
96. P.J. Washington, Dal, PF (PF15) — McCormick
97. Andrew Nembhard, Ind, PG/SG (PG18) — Williams
98. Kel’el Ware, Mia, C (C25) — Alexander
99. Nic Claxton, Bkn, C (C26) — Carpenter
100. Jarrett Allen, Cle, C (C27) — Karabell

Round 11

101. Jrue Holiday, Por, PG/SG (PG19) — Karabell
102. Jaden Ivey, Det, PG/SG (SG20) — Carpenter
103. Matas Buzelis, Chi, SF/PF (SF22) — Alexander
104. VJ Edgecombe, Phi, SG (SG21) — Williams
105. D’Angelo Russell, Dal, PG/SG (PG20) — McCormick
106. Jabari Smith Jr., Hou, PF/C (PF16) — Katzmarek
107. Payton Pritchard, Bos, PG (PG21) — Barutha
108. Shaedon Sharpe, Por, SG/SF (SG22) — Snellings
109. Kevin Porter Jr., Mil, SG (SG23) — Kaiser
110. Aaron Gordon, Den, PF (PF17) — Moody

Round 12

111. Donte DiVincenzo, Min, PG/SG (SG24) — Moody
112. T.J. McConnell, Ind, PG (PG22) — Kaiser
113. Stephon Castle, SA, PG/SG (PG23) — Snellings
114. Donovan Clingan, Por, C (C28) — Barutha
115. Bennedict Mathurin, Ind, SG/SF (SF23) — Katzmarek
116. Ace Bailey, Utah, SF/PF (SF24) — McCormick
117. RJ Barrett, Tor, SG/SF/PF (SF25) — Williams
118. Davion Mitchell, Mia, PG (PG24) — Alexander
119. Tari Eason, Hou, SF/PF (SF26) — Carpenter
120. Scotty Pippen Jr., Mem, PG/SG (PG25) — Karabell

Round 13

121. Bobby Portis, Mil, PF (PF18) — Karabell
122. Collin Sexton, Cha, PG/SG (SG25) — Carpenter
123. Onyeka Okongwu, Atl, C (C29) — Alexander
124. Jeremiah Fears, NO, PG/SG (SG26) — Williams
125. Russell Westbrook, FA, PG (PG26) — McCormick
126. Kon Knueppel, Cha, SG (SG27) — Katzmarek
127. Keyonte George, Utah, PG/SG (PG27) — Barutha
128. Kyrie Irving, Dal, PG/SG (PG28) — Snellings
129. Kelly Oubre Jr., Phi, SG/SF (SF27) — Kaiser
130. Bradley Beal, LAC, SG/SF (SF28) — Moody

Team rosters are presented in first-round pick order. Picks indicated in parentheses in this manner: (Round.Pick)

Team Karabell

PG1 Darius Garland, Cle, PG (Pick: 7.1)
PG2 Jrue Holiday, Por, PG/SG (Pick: 11.1)
PG3 Scotty Pippen Jr., Mem, PG/SG (Pick: 12.10)
SG1 Desmond Bane, Orl, SG/SF (Pick: 4.10)
SG2 Anfernee Simons, Bos, PG/SG (Pick: 6.10)
SG3 CJ McCollum, Wsh, PG/SG (Pick: 8.10)
SF1 LeBron James, LAL, SF/PF (Pick: 2.10)
PF1 Kevin Durant, Hou, PF (Pick: 3.1)
PF2 Bobby Portis, Mil, PF (Pick: 13.1)
C1 Victor Wembanyama, SA, C (Pick: 1.1)
C2 Bam Adebayo, Mia, PF/C (Pick: 5.1)
C3 Jakob Poeltl, Tor, C (Pick: 9.1)
C4 Jarrett Allen, Cle, C (Pick: 10.10)

Team Carpenter

PG1 Jalen Brunson, NY, PG (Pick: 2.9)
PG2 Tyrese Maxey, Phi, PG/SG (Pick: 3.2)
SG1 Austin Reaves, LAL, PG/SG/SF (Pick: 5.2)
SG2 Zach LaVine, Sac, SG/SF (Pick: 6.9)
SG3 Devin Vassell, SA, SG/SF (Pick: 9.2)
SG4 Jaden Ivey, Det, PG/SG (Pick: 11.2)
SG5 Collin Sexton, Cha, PG/SG (Pick: 13.2)
SF1 OG Anunoby, NY, SF/PF (Pick: 7.2)
SF2 Tari Eason, Hou, SF/PF (Pick: 12.9)
C1 Nikola Jokic, Den, C (Pick: 1.2)
C2 Myles Turner, Mil, C (Pick: 4.9)
C3 Daniel Gafford, Dal, C (Pick: 8.9)
C4 Nic Claxton, Bkn, C (Pick: 10.9)

Team Alexander

PG1 Luka Doncic, LAL, PG (Pick: 1.3)
PG2 Devin Booker, Phx, PG/SG (Pick: 2.8)
PG3 Coby White, Chi, PG/SG (Pick: 6.8)
PG4 Davion Mitchell, Mia, PG (Pick: 12.8)
SG1 Dyson Daniels, Atl, PG/SG (Pick: 3.3)
SG2 Reed Sheppard, Hou, SG (Pick: 9.3)
SF1 Brandon Miller, Cha, SG/SF (Pick: 4.8)
SF2 Trey Murphy III, NO, SG/SF (Pick: 5.3)
SF3 Matas Buzelis, Chi, SF/PF (Pick: 11.3)
PF1 John Collins, LAC, PF/C (Pick: 8.8)
C1 Rudy Gobert, Min, C (Pick: 7.3)
C2 Kel’el Ware, Mia, C (Pick: 10.8)
C3 Onyeka Okongwu, Atl, C (Pick: 13.3)

Team Williams

PG1 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC, PG (Pick: 1.4)
PG2 Jalen Suggs, Orl, PG/SG (Pick: 8.7)
PG3 Andrew Nembhard, Ind, PG/SG (Pick: 10.7)
SG1 Norman Powell, Mia, SG/SF (Pick: 9.4)
SG2 VJ Edgecombe, Phi, SG (Pick: 11.4)
SG3 Jeremiah Fears, NO, PG/SG (Pick: 13.4)
SF1 Amen Thompson, Hou, SG/SF/PF (Pick: 2.7)
SF2 Ausar Thompson, Det, SF/PF (Pick: 7.4)
SF3 RJ Barrett, Tor, SG/SF/PF (Pick: 12.7)
PF1 Jalen Williams, OKC, SF/PF/C (Pick: 3.4)
C1 Alperen Sengun, Hou, C (Pick: 4.7)
C2 Joel Embiid, Phi, C (Pick: 5.4)
C3 Ivica Zubac, LAC, C (Pick: 6.7)

Team McCormick

PG1 Jamal Murray, Den, PG (Pick: 4.6)
PG2 D’Angelo Russell, Dal, PG/SG (Pick: 11.5)
PG3 Russell Westbrook, FA, PG (Pick: 13.5)
SG1 Dejounte Murray, NO, PG/SG (Pick: 9.5)
SF1 Scottie Barnes, Tor, SG/SF/PF (Pick: 2.6)
SF2 Cooper Flagg, Dal, SF/PF (Pick: 3.5)
SF3 Jaylen Brown, Bos, SG/SF (Pick: 5.5)
SF4 Paul George, Phi, SF/PF (Pick: 8.6)
SF5 Ace Bailey, Utah, SF/PF (Pick: 12.6)
PF1 Lauri Markkanen, Utah, SF/PF (Pick: 6.6)
PF2 Julius Randle, Min, PF (Pick: 7.5)
PF3 P.J. Washington, Dal, PF (Pick: 10.6)
C1 Anthony Davis, Dal, PF/C (Pick: 1.5)

Team Katzmarek

PG1 LaMelo Ball, Cha, PG (Pick: 3.6)
SG1 Anthony Edwards, Min, SG/SF (Pick: 1.6)
SG2 Donovan Mitchell, Cle, PG/SG (Pick: 2.5)
SG3 Jordan Poole, NO, PG/SG (Pick: 7.6)
SG4 Cam Thomas, Bkn, SG/SF (Pick: 9.6)
SG5 Kon Knueppel, Cha, SG (Pick: 13.6)
SF1 Franz Wagner, Orl, SF/PF (Pick: 5.6)
SF2 Brandon Ingram, Tor, SF (Pick: 8.5)
SF3 Bennedict Mathurin, Ind, SG/SF (Pick: 12.5)
PF1 Jalen Johnson, Atl, PF (Pick: 4.5)
PF2 Tobias Harris, Det, SF/PF (Pick: 10.5)
PF3 Jabari Smith Jr., Hou, PF/C (Pick: 11.6)
C1 Kristaps Porzingis, Atl, PF/C (Pick: 6.5)

Team Barutha

PG1 Cade Cunningham, Det, PG/SG (Pick: 2.4)
PG2 Immanuel Quickley, Tor, PG/SG (Pick: 9.7)
PG3 Payton Pritchard, Bos, PG (Pick: 11.7)
PG4 Keyonte George, Utah, PG/SG (Pick: 13.7)
SG1 Josh Giddey, FA, PG/SG/SF (Pick: 3.7)
SF1 Deni Avdija, Por, SF/PF (Pick: 6.4)
SF2 Jimmy Butler III, GS, SG/SF/PF (Pick: 7.7)
SF3 Kawhi Leonard, LAC, SF/PF (Pick: 8.4)
PF1 Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mil, PF/C (Pick: 1.7)
PF2 Evan Mobley, Cle, PF/C (Pick: 4.4)
PF3 Pascal Siakam, Ind, PF (Pick: 5.7)
C1 Mark Williams, Phx, C (Pick: 10.4)
C2 Donovan Clingan, Por, C (Pick: 12.4)

Team Snellings

PG1 James Harden, LAC, PG/SG (Pick: 1.8)
PG2 De’Aaron Fox, SA, PG (Pick: 3.8)
PG3 Stephon Castle, SA, PG/SG (Pick: 12.3)
PG4 Kyrie Irving, Dal, PG/SG (Pick: 13.8)
SG1 Shaedon Sharpe, Por, SG/SF (Pick: 11.8)
SF1 Josh Hart, NY, SG/SF (Pick: 5.8)
SF2 DeMar DeRozan, Sac, SF/PF (Pick: 7.8)
SF3 Michael Porter Jr., Bkn, SF/PF (Pick: 8.3)
PF1 Paolo Banchero, Orl, SF/PF (Pick: 4.3)
PF2 Zion Williamson, NO, PF (Pick: 6.3)
C1 Domantas Sabonis, Sac, PF/C (Pick: 2.3)
C2 Alex Sarr, Wsh, C (Pick: 9.8)
C3 Deandre Ayton, LAL, C (Pick: 10.3)

Team Kaiser

PG1 Stephen Curry, GS, PG (Pick: 1.9)
PG2 T.J. McConnell, Ind, PG (Pick: 12.2)
SG1 Derrick White, Bos, PG/SG (Pick: 3.9)
SG2 Tyler Herro, Mia, PG/SG (Pick: 8.2)
SG3 Kevin Porter Jr., Mil, SG (Pick: 11.9)
SF1 Mikal Bridges, NY, SG/SF (Pick: 6.2)
SF2 Cameron Johnson, Den, SF/PF (Pick: 10.2)
SF3 Kelly Oubre Jr., Phi, SG/SF (Pick: 13.9)
PF1 Draymond Green, GS, PF/C (Pick: 9.9)
C1 Karl-Anthony Towns, NY, PF/C (Pick: 2.2)
C2 Nikola Vucevic, Chi, C (Pick: 4.2)
C3 Walker Kessler, Utah, C (Pick: 5.9)
C4 Brook Lopez, LAC, C (Pick: 7.9)

Team Moody

PG1 Trae Young, Atl, PG (Pick: 1.10)
PG2 Ja Morant, Mem, PG (Pick: 4.1)
SG1 Jalen Green, Phx, SG (Pick: 6.1)
SG2 Malik Monk, Sac, PG/SG/SF (Pick: 9.10)
SG3 Donte DiVincenzo, Min, PG/SG (Pick: 12.1)
SF1 Miles Bridges, Cha, SF/PF (Pick: 5.10)
SF2 Bradley Beal, LAC, SG/SF (Pick: 13.10)
PF1 Keegan Murray, Sac, SF/PF (Pick: 10.1)
PF2 Aaron Gordon, Den, PF (Pick: 11.10)
C1 Chet Holmgren, OKC, PF/C (Pick: 2.1)
C2 Jaren Jackson Jr., Mem, PF/C (Pick: 3.10)
C3 Naz Reid, Min, PF/C (Pick: 7.10)
C4 Jalen Duren, Det, C (Pick: 8.1)

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Sep 24, 2025, 08:42 AM ET

Whether you are trying fantasy basketball for the first time or are an experienced fantasy hoops veteran, the 2025-26 ESPN fantasy basketball draft guide has everything you need to crush your drafts.

From rankings and projections to sleepers, breakouts and busts, we’ve got you covered from every angle, all in one convenient place.

Create, reactivate or join a league today!

Rankings and Projections

Top 150 H2H points rankings
André Snellings ranks his top 150 players for leagues that use head-to-head points scoring systems.

Top 150 H2H roto and category rankings
André Snellings reveals his top 150 players for leagues that use roto and category scoring systems.

Sortable player projections
Every point, rebound, steal, 3-pointer, block, turnover, steal, field goal and free throw taken makes a difference in fantasy. We have them all projected for you right here.

Mock drafts

10-team, head-to-head points (Sept. 22)

Strategy and advice

Sleepers, breakouts and busts
Which fantasy basketball players are going to exceed expectations? Who will flop the hardest? Who is ready to take things to an elite level? Our experts identify their picks.

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Create or join a fantasy basketball league on ESPN. Your championship run starts today!

Sign up today!

Our experts list five players they are targeting in drafts
Take a look at which players our fantasy analysts don’t want to leave drafts without.

Should you draft Cooper Flagg at hiscurrent draft position?
Our analysts weigh in on the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA draft and what type of fantasy production they expect out of him as a rookie.

Other helpful tips

10 tips to help you win your fantasy basketball league
André Snellings lays out what it takes to put yourself in the best position to win your league ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.

How to ace your salary cap draft
Are you ready for your salary cap draft? Jim McCormick lays out helpful strategies and tactics you can use for a successful draft.

The pros and cons of points, roto and category leagues
Which fantasy basketball scoring format should you play? Jim McCormick breaks down the most popular options so you can choose for yourself.

Tools

Create a league | Get the league back together | Join a league
Create, reactivate or join a league today!

Mock draft lobby
Take part in some mock drafts to work out the kinks before your real ones. Practice makes perfect.

Average draft position (ADP)/live draft results
Get a leg up on your opponents by knowing where each player is being selected in ESPN drafts so you can get the best value possible.

ESPN Fantasy Basketball 101: How to play
Thinking about trying fantasy basketball for the first time? Here is everything you need to know so you can join in on the fun.

Analytics glossary
Wondering what things such as eFG%, pace, usage rate and CARMELO mean? Seth Walder explains each notable NBA advanced analytics term so you can use them to your advantage.

Source link

Sep 23, 2025, 06:56 AM ET

The ESPN fantasy basketball experts got together for their first mock draft of the 2025-26 NBA season, using a 10-team head-to-head points format.

If you’re new to fantasy hoops and looking to try it out for the first time, here is a tutorial of all the basics. From there, it’s easy to grab a handful of people, set up a draft and have some fun! Before that, though, it’s always smart to spend a little time preparing with a mock draft of your own.

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Create or join a fantasy basketball league on ESPN. Your championship run starts today!

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That said, this mock draft should help shine some light on what things will look like in most real fantasy drafts this season … at least in H2H points leagues.

Where did Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg get picked? Did longtime fantasy stars like LeBron James, James Harden, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant fall? And which players stood out as the top values in the middle and late rounds?

The participants of our 10-team H2H points mock, in order of draft position, were as follows: Alex Barutha, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Andre Snellings, Tom Carpenter, Ken Crites, Joe Kaiser, Jim McCormick, Steve Alexander and Kirien Sprecher.

Round 1

1. Nikola Jokic, Den, C (C1) — Barutha
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC, PG (PG1) — Moody
3. Victor Wembanyama, SA, C (C2) — Karabell
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mil, PF/C (PF1) — Snellings
5. Luka Doncic, LAL, PG (PG2) — Carpenter
6. Anthony Edwards, Min, SG/SF (SG1) — Crites
7. Cade Cunningham, Det, PG/SG (PG3) — Kaiser
8. Domantas Sabonis, Sac, PF/C (C3) — McCormick
9. Trae Young, Atl, PG (PG4) — Alexander
10. Karl-Anthony Towns, NY, PF/C (C4) — Sprecher

Round 2

11. Jalen Williams, OKC, SF/PF/C (PF2) — Sprecher
12. LeBron James, LAL, SF/PF (SF1) — Alexander
13. Devin Booker, Phx, PG/SG (PG5) — McCormick
14. Anthony Davis, Dal, PF/C (C5) — Kaiser
15. Tyrese Maxey, Phi, PG/SG (PG6) — Crites
16. Ivica Zubac, LAC, C (C6) — Carpenter
17. Jalen Brunson, NY, PG (PG7) — Snellings
18. James Harden, LAC, PG/SG (PG8) — Karabell
19. Pascal Siakam, Ind, PF (PF3) — Moody
20. Evan Mobley, Cle, PF/C (PF4) — Barutha

Round 3

21. Josh Giddey, FA, PG/SG/SF (SG2) — Barutha
22. Donovan Mitchell, Cle, PG/SG (SG3) — Moody
23. Stephen Curry, GS, PG (PG9) — Karabell
24. Alperen Sengun, Hou, C (C7) — Snellings
25. Franz Wagner, Orl, SF/PF (SF2) — Carpenter
26. Bam Adebayo, Mia, PF/C (C8) — Crites
27. Nikola Vucevic, Chi, C (C9) — Kaiser
28. Jaylen Brown, Bos, SG/SF (SF3) — McCormick
29. Paolo Banchero, Orl, SF/PF (PF5) — Alexander
30. LaMelo Ball, Cha, PG (PG10) — Sprecher

Round 4

31. Scottie Barnes, Tor, SG/SF/PF (SF4) — Sprecher
32. Kevin Durant, Hou, PF (PF6) — Alexander
33. De’Aaron Fox, SA, PG (PG11) — McCormick
34. Cooper Flagg, Dal, SF/PF (SF5) — Kaiser
35. Jalen Johnson, Atl, PF (PF7) — Crites
36. Desmond Bane, Orl, SG/SF (SG4) — Carpenter
37. Ja Morant, Mem, PG (PG12) — Snellings
38. DeMar DeRozan, Sac, SF/PF (SF6) — Karabell
39. Zion Williamson, NO, PF (PF8) — Moody
40. Amen Thompson, Hou, SG/SF/PF (SF7) — Barutha

Round 5

41. Coby White, Chi, PG/SG (PG13) — Barutha
42. Jaren Jackson Jr., Mem, PF/C (C10) — Moody
43. Austin Reaves, LAL, PG/SG/SF (SG5) — Karabell
44. Chet Holmgren, OKC, PF/C (C11) — Snellings
45. Jalen Green, Phx, SG (SG6) — Carpenter
46. Derrick White, Bos, PG/SG (SG7) — Crites
47. Josh Hart, NY, SG/SF (SF8) — Kaiser
48. Jalen Duren, Det, C (C12) — McCormick
49. Trey Murphy III, NO, SG/SF (SF9) — Alexander
50. Dyson Daniels, Atl, PG/SG (SG8) — Sprecher

Round 6

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

51. Deni Avdija, Por, SF/PF (SF10) — Sprecher
52. Brandon Miller, Cha, SG/SF (SF11) — Alexander
53. Tyler Herro, Mia, PG/SG (SG9) — McCormick
54. Jarrett Allen, Cle, C (C13) — Kaiser
55. Immanuel Quickley, Tor, PG/SG (PG14) — Crites
56. Mikal Bridges, NY, SG/SF (SF12) — Carpenter
57. Joel Embiid, Phi, C (C14) — Snellings
58. Jamal Murray, Den, PG (PG15) — Karabell
59. Myles Turner, Mil, C (C15) — Moody
60. Walker Kessler, Utah, C (C16) — Barutha

Round 7

61. Payton Pritchard, Bos, PG (PG16) — Barutha
62. Jordan Poole, NO, PG/SG (SG10) — Moody
63. Julius Randle, Min, PF (PF9) — Karabell
64. Michael Porter Jr., Bkn, SF/PF (SF13) — Snellings
65. Miles Bridges, Cha, SF/PF (SF14) — Carpenter
66. Alex Sarr, Wsh, C (C17) — Crites
67. Jimmy Butler III, GS, SG/SF/PF (SF15) — Kaiser
68. Kevin Porter Jr., Mil, SG (SG11) — McCormick
69. Matas Buzelis, Chi, SF/PF (SF16) — Alexander
70. Darius Garland, Cle, PG (PG17) — Sprecher

Round 8

71. Zach LaVine, Sac, SG/SF (SG12) — Sprecher
72. Norman Powell, Mia, SG/SF (SG13) — Alexander
73. Jakob Poeltl, Tor, C (C18) — McCormick
74. Christian Braun, Den, SG/SF (SG14) — Kaiser
75. Ausar Thompson, Det, SF/PF (SF17) — Crites
76. Onyeka Okongwu, Atl, C (C19) — Carpenter
77. Kawhi Leonard, LAC, SF/PF (SF18) — Snellings
78. Lauri Markkanen, Utah, SF/PF (PF10) — Karabell
79. Nic Claxton, Bkn, C (C20) — Moody
80. Paul George, Phi, SF/PF (SF19) — Barutha

Round 9

81. Mark Williams, Phx, C (C21) — Barutha
82. CJ McCollum, Wsh, PG/SG (SG15) — Moody
83. Rudy Gobert, Min, C (C22) — Karabell
84. Kristaps Porzingis, Atl, PF/C (C23) — Snellings
85. Devin Vassell, SA, SG/SF (SG16) — Carpenter
86. Kel’el Ware, Mia, C (C24) — Crites
87. Daniel Gafford, Dal, C (C25) — Kaiser
88. OG Anunoby, NY, SF/PF (SF20) — McCormick
89. Deandre Ayton, LAL, C (C26) — Alexander
90. Jalen Suggs, Orl, PG/SG (PG18) — Sprecher

Round 10

91. Cam Thomas, Bkn, SG/SF (SG17) — Sprecher
92. Naz Reid, Min, PF/C (C27) — Alexander
93. John Collins, LAC, PF/C (PF11) — McCormick
94. Fred VanVleet, Hou, PG (PG19) — Kaiser (Editor’s Note: This draft was held Monday before the news that VanVleet tore his ACL.)
95. Santi Aldama, Mem, SF/PF/C (PF12) — Crites
96. Keegan Murray, Sac, SF/PF (PF13) — Carpenter
97. Shaedon Sharpe, Por, SG/SF (SG18) — Snellings
98. Anfernee Simons, Bos, PG/SG (SG19) — Karabell
99. RJ Barrett, Tor, SG/SF/PF (SF21) — Moody
100. T.J. McConnell, Ind, PG (PG20) — Barutha

Round 11

101. Bobby Portis, Mil, PF (PF14) — Barutha
102. Brandon Ingram, Tor, SF (SF22) — Moody
103. Stephon Castle, SA, PG/SG (PG21) — Karabell
104. Andrew Nembhard, Ind, PG/SG (PG22) — Snellings
105. Cameron Johnson, Den, SF/PF (SF23) — Carpenter
106. Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC, C (C28) — Crites
107. Aaron Gordon, Den, PF (PF15) — Kaiser
108. Andrew Wiggins, Mia, SF/PF (SF24) — McCormick
109. Bennedict Mathurin, Ind, SG/SF (SF25) — Alexander
110. Zach Edey, Mem, C (C29) — Sprecher

Round 12

111. Donovan Clingan, Por, C (C30) — Sprecher
112. Donte DiVincenzo, Min, PG/SG (SG20) — Alexander
113. Jaden McDaniels, Min, SF (SF26) — McCormick
114. Malik Monk, Sac, PG/SG/SF (SG21) — Kaiser
115. Brandin Podziemski, GS, PG/SG (SG22) — Crites
116. Keyonte George, Utah, PG/SG (PG23) — Carpenter
117. D’Angelo Russell, Dal, PG/SG (PG24) — Snellings
118. Dereck Lively II, Dal, C (C31) — Karabell
119. Tobias Harris, Det, SF/PF (PF16) — Moody
120. Scoot Henderson, Por, PG (PG25) — Barutha

Round 13

121. Jaden Ivey, Det, PG/SG (SG23) — Barutha
122. Collin Sexton, Cha, PG/SG (SG24) — Moody
123. Dennis Schroder, Sac, PG (PG26) — Karabell
124. Dylan Harper, SA, PG/SG (PG27) — Snellings
125. Zaccharie Risacher, Atl, SF (SF27) — Carpenter
126. Bub Carrington, Wsh, PG/SG (PG28) — Crites
127. Draymond Green, GS, PF/C (PF17) — Kaiser
128. Scotty Pippen Jr., Mem, PG/SG (PG29) — McCormick
129. Davion Mitchell, Mia, PG (PG30) — Alexander
130. Neemias Queta, Bos, C (C32) — Sprecher

Team rosters are presented in first-round pick order. Picks indicated in parentheses in this manner: (Round.Pick)

Team Barutha

PG1 Coby White, Chi, PG/SG (Pick: 5.1)
PG2 Payton Pritchard, Bos, PG (Pick: 7.1)
PG3 T.J. McConnell, Ind, PG (Pick: 10.10)
PG4 Scoot Henderson, Por, PG (Pick: 12.10)
SG1 Josh Giddey, FA, PG/SG/SF (Pick: 3.1)
SG2 Jaden Ivey, Det, PG/SG (Pick: 13.1)
SF1 Amen Thompson, Hou, SG/SF/PF (Pick: 4.10)
SF2 Paul George, Phi, SF/PF (Pick: 8.10)
PF1 Evan Mobley, Cle, PF/C (Pick: 2.10)
PF2 Bobby Portis, Mil, PF (Pick: 11.1)
C1 Nikola Jokic, Den, C (Pick: 1.1)
C2 Walker Kessler, Utah, C (Pick: 6.10)
C3 Mark Williams, Phx, C (Pick: 9.1)

Team Moody

PG1 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC, PG (Pick: 1.2)
SG1 Donovan Mitchell, Cle, PG/SG (Pick: 3.2)
SG2 Jordan Poole, NO, PG/SG (Pick: 7.2)
SG3 CJ McCollum, Wsh, PG/SG (Pick: 9.2)
SG4 Collin Sexton, Cha, PG/SG (Pick: 13.2)
SF1 RJ Barrett, Tor, SG/SF/PF (Pick: 10.9)
SF2 Brandon Ingram, Tor, SF (Pick: 11.2)
PF1 Pascal Siakam, Ind, PF (Pick: 2.9)
PF2 Zion Williamson, NO, PF (Pick: 4.9)
PF3 Tobias Harris, Det, SF/PF (Pick: 12.9)
C1 Jaren Jackson Jr., Mem, PF/C (Pick: 5.2)
C2 Myles Turner, Mil, C (Pick: 6.9)
C3 Nic Claxton, Bkn, C (Pick: 8.9)

Team Karabell

PG1 James Harden, LAC, PG/SG (Pick: 2.8)
PG2 Stephen Curry, GS, PG (Pick: 3.3)
PG3 Jamal Murray, Den, PG (Pick: 6.8)
PG4 Stephon Castle, SA, PG/SG (Pick: 11.3)
PG5 Dennis Schroder, Sac, PG (Pick: 13.3)
SG1 Austin Reaves, LAL, PG/SG/SF (Pick: 5.3)
SG2 Anfernee Simons, Bos, PG/SG (Pick: 10.8)
SF1 DeMar DeRozan, Sac, SF/PF (Pick: 4.8)
PF1 Julius Randle, Min, PF (Pick: 7.3)
PF2 Lauri Markkanen, Utah, SF/PF (Pick: 8.8)
C1 Victor Wembanyama, SA, C (Pick: 1.3)
C2 Rudy Gobert, Min, C (Pick: 9.3)
C3 Dereck Lively II, Dal, C (Pick: 12.8)

Team Snellings

PG1 Jalen Brunson, NY, PG (Pick: 2.7)
PG2 Ja Morant, Mem, PG (Pick: 4.7)
PG3 Andrew Nembhard, Ind, PG/SG (Pick: 11.4)
PG4 D’Angelo Russell, Dal, PG/SG (Pick: 12.7)
PG5 Dylan Harper, SA, PG/SG (Pick: 13.4)
SG1 Shaedon Sharpe, Por, SG/SF (Pick: 10.7)
SF1 Michael Porter Jr., Bkn, SF/PF (Pick: 7.4)
SF2 Kawhi Leonard, LAC, SF/PF (Pick: 8.7)
PF1 Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mil, PF/C (Pick: 1.4)
C1 Alperen Sengun, Hou, C (Pick: 3.4)
C2 Chet Holmgren, OKC, PF/C (Pick: 5.4)
C3 Joel Embiid, Phi, C (Pick: 6.7)
C4 Kristaps Porzingis, Atl, PF/C (Pick: 9.4)

Team Carpenter

PG1 Luka Doncic, LAL, PG (Pick: 1.5)
PG2 Keyonte George, Utah, PG/SG (Pick: 12.6)
SG1 Desmond Bane, Orl, SG/SF (Pick: 4.6)
SG2 Jalen Green, Phx, SG (Pick: 5.5)
SG3 Devin Vassell, SA, SG/SF (Pick: 9.5)
SF1 Franz Wagner, Orl, SF/PF (Pick: 3.5)
SF2 Mikal Bridges, NY, SG/SF (Pick: 6.6)
SF3 Miles Bridges, Cha, SF/PF (Pick: 7.5)
SF4 Cameron Johnson, Den, SF/PF (Pick: 11.5)
SF5 Zaccharie Risacher, Atl, SF (Pick: 13.5)
PF1 Keegan Murray, Sac, SF/PF (Pick: 10.6)
C1 Ivica Zubac, LAC, C (Pick: 2.6)
C2 Onyeka Okongwu, Atl, C (Pick: 8.6)

Team Crites

PG1 Tyrese Maxey, Phi, PG/SG (Pick: 2.5)
PG2 Immanuel Quickley, Tor, PG/SG (Pick: 6.5)
PG3 Bub Carrington, Wsh, PG/SG (Pick: 13.6)
SG1 Anthony Edwards, Min, SG/SF (Pick: 1.6)
SG2 Derrick White, Bos, PG/SG (Pick: 5.6)
SG3 Brandin Podziemski, GS, PG/SG (Pick: 12.5)
SF1 Ausar Thompson, Det, SF/PF (Pick: 8.5)
PF1 Jalen Johnson, Atl, PF (Pick: 4.5)
PF2 Santi Aldama, Mem, SF/PF/C (Pick: 10.5)
C1 Bam Adebayo, Mia, PF/C (Pick: 3.6)
C2 Alex Sarr, Wsh, C (Pick: 7.6)
C3 Kel’el Ware, Mia, C (Pick: 9.6)
C4 Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC, C (Pick: 11.6)

Team Kaiser

PG1 Cade Cunningham, Det, PG/SG (Pick: 1.7)
PG2 Fred VanVleet, Hou, PG (Pick: 10.4)
SG1 Christian Braun, Den, SG/SF (Pick: 8.4)
SG2 Malik Monk, Sac, PG/SG/SF (Pick: 12.4)
SF1 Cooper Flagg, Dal, SF/PF (Pick: 4.4)
SF2 Josh Hart, NY, SG/SF (Pick: 5.7)
SF3 Jimmy Butler III, GS, SG/SF/PF (Pick: 7.7)
PF1 Aaron Gordon, Den, PF (Pick: 11.7)
PF2 Draymond Green, GS, PF/C (Pick: 13.7)
C1 Anthony Davis, Dal, PF/C (Pick: 2.4)
C2 Nikola Vucevic, Chi, C (Pick: 3.7)
C3 Jarrett Allen, Cle, C (Pick: 6.4)
C4 Daniel Gafford, Dal, C (Pick: 9.7)

Team McCormick

PG1 Devin Booker, Phx, PG/SG (Pick: 2.3)
PG2 De’Aaron Fox, SA, PG (Pick: 4.3)
PG3 Scotty Pippen Jr., Mem, PG/SG (Pick: 13.8)
SG1 Tyler Herro, Mia, PG/SG (Pick: 6.3)
SG2 Kevin Porter Jr., Mil, SG (Pick: 7.8)
SF1 Jaylen Brown, Bos, SG/SF (Pick: 3.8)
SF2 OG Anunoby, NY, SF/PF (Pick: 9.8)
SF3 Andrew Wiggins, Mia, SF/PF (Pick: 11.8)
SF4 Jaden McDaniels, Min, SF (Pick: 12.3)
PF1 John Collins, LAC, PF/C (Pick: 10.3)
C1 Domantas Sabonis, Sac, PF/C (Pick: 1.8)
C2 Jalen Duren, Det, C (Pick: 5.8)
C3 Jakob Poeltl, Tor, C (Pick: 8.3)

Team Alexander

PG1 Trae Young, Atl, PG (Pick: 1.9)
PG2 Davion Mitchell, Mia, PG (Pick: 13.9)
SG1 Norman Powell, Mia, SG/SF (Pick: 8.2)
SG2 Donte DiVincenzo, Min, PG/SG (Pick: 12.2)
SF1 LeBron James, LAL, SF/PF (Pick: 2.2)
SF2 Trey Murphy III, NO, SG/SF (Pick: 5.9)
SF3 Brandon Miller, Cha, SG/SF (Pick: 6.2)
SF4 Matas Buzelis, Chi, SF/PF (Pick: 7.9)
SF5 Bennedict Mathurin, Ind, SG/SF (Pick: 11.9)
PF1 Paolo Banchero, Orl, SF/PF (Pick: 3.9)
PF2 Kevin Durant, Hou, PF (Pick: 4.2)
C1 Deandre Ayton, LAL, C (Pick: 9.9)
C2 Naz Reid, Min, PF/C (Pick: 10.2)

Team Sprecher

PG1 LaMelo Ball, Cha, PG (Pick: 3.10)
PG2 Darius Garland, Cle, PG (Pick: 7.10)
PG3 Jalen Suggs, Orl, PG/SG (Pick: 9.10)
SG1 Dyson Daniels, Atl, PG/SG (Pick: 5.10)
SG2 Zach LaVine, Sac, SG/SF (Pick: 8.1)
SG3 Cam Thomas, Bkn, SG/SF (Pick: 10.1)
SF1 Scottie Barnes, Tor, SG/SF/PF (Pick: 4.1)
SF2 Deni Avdija, Por, SF/PF (Pick: 6.1)
PF1 Jalen Williams, OKC, SF/PF/C (Pick: 2.1)
C1 Karl-Anthony Towns, NY, PF/C (Pick: 1.10)
C2 Zach Edey, Mem, C (Pick: 11.10)
C3 Donovan Clingan, Por, C (Pick: 12.1)
C4 Neemias Queta, Bos, C (Pick: 13.10)

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Sep 22, 2025, 10:00 AM ET

Welcome to the first edition of ESPN Fantasy Hockey’s four-team mock draft? Yes, four teams. Our servers tell us that a growing number of you are playing in four-team leagues, so we decided to put the challenge to our expert panel to see what their strategy would be, and how their teams turned out.

Our experts also contended with the question that many of you have navigated in your drafts so far… when to draft injured star Matthew Tkachuk.

The Florida Panthers expect to be without Tkachuk (groin) until at least December, and he previously was ranked in the top-10 before the injury was known. If your league has IR spots available, he would be eligible to be placed there, opening up an extra roster spot until he returns.

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This draft featured the following participants (in order of first-round selection): Victoria Matiash, Pierre Becquey, Sachin Dave Chandan, and Sean Allen. Scoring is ESPN standard H2H points, see the scoring system here. See their commentary below, and then see how each round played out.

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Sean Allen, fantasy hockey analyst: I get it now, the appeal of four-team leagues. Fast draft, every pick a star, no digging through the scraps. I ended up with five of my personally ranked top seven blueliners, including drafting Thomas Harley to a bench spot. Obviously I’ll need these defenders to help prop up a slightly weaker forward group, but to make up for that, I prioritized players who have a high ceiling, rather than safe floor: Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard, Dylan Guenther, Wyatt Johnston and Dylan Holloway.

While some of those picks might be a risk over safer options in a standard-sized league, all bets are off in a four-team format. The stats of a replacement level player are through the roof in this format because of the smaller pool of selected talent. Alex DeBrincat, Jordan Kyrou, Nico Hischier and Bo Horvat are on the waiver wire!

Pierre Becquey, fantasy sports editor: I targeted several top goalies because it was a way to build an edge at one of the positions and the draft lent itself to snagging goalies. With a cap of four per roster, having half the top 8 on my squad means I should be able to maximize quality starts every week while streaming forwards and defensemen as I see fit.

I think we were all playing a game of chicken with Tkachuk and this is as far as I was willing to let him drop. He goes straight to my IR, allowing me to pick up another skater and, when he returns I’ve got an extra “first rounder” to deploy for the stretch run and, hopefully, the playoffs.

Fantasy hockey essentials

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Victoria Matiash, fantasy hockey analyst: More of a veteran of deeper leagues involving 10-plus teams, I’m a bit blown away by the quality of my roster. And everyone else’s! There’s certainly a fun novelty to challenging a small handful of opposing fantasy managers with my own selected cream versus their also high-quality crop.

Suspecting there might be an early run on top-tier goaltenders, I instead chose to immediately target elite heavyweights up front. MacKinnon, and Pastrnak, and Kucherov, oh my! Now we’ll see if my solid collection of blueliners — fingers crossed Roman Josi remains healthy and active — and group of good netminders can pull their fantasy weight while the best forwards in the biz cook like only they can. I am admittedly bummed about losing out on Tkachuk as an IR stash, waiting one draft round too many.

Staying on top of waiver options, particularly at the goalie position, will be a priority once play gets underway. If one of my full-timers falls flat early, the objective will be to quickly sub-in this year’s Darcy Kuemper or Logan Thompson. Having the likes of Juuse Saros, Thompson, Jordan Binnington, Thatcher Demko, and a self-proclaimed fitter-than-ever Stuart Skinner, available for the grabbing offers safety-net comfort in that regard.

Sachin Dave Chandan, fantasy hockey editor: As with most drafts, I aim to take “best player available” and then figure out positions later on. In doing so this time, I picked perennial fantasy-MVP candidate Connor McDavid as well as a pair of elite goaltenders in reigning top fantasy-point scorer Connor Hellebuyck and Igor Shesterkin. As my forward roster continued to develop, the middle rounds exposed a huge gap in the defenseman available, so I had to reach for five defensemen in my final eight picks — each of whom I would be happy with in a ten-team league.

What I’m most excited about in a four-team league is that every roster spot is going to an all-star quality player, which means higher-scoring matchups. As mentioned by the others, it’s intriguing how many quality starters are left over on waivers.

Round 1

1. Nathan MacKinnon Col, C — Matiash
2. Auston Matthews Tor, C — Becquey
3. Connor McDavid Edm, C — Chandan
4. Cale Makar Col, D — Allen

Round 2

5. Leon Draisaitl Edm, C — Allen
6. Connor Hellebuyck Wpg, G — Chandan
7. Jake Oettinger Dal, G — Becquey
8. David Pastrnak Bos, RW — Matiash

Round 3

9. Nikita Kucherov TB, RW — Matiash
10. Andrei Vasilevskiy TB, G — Becquey
11. Brady Tkachuk Ott, LW — Chandan
12. Kirill Kaprizov Min, LW — Allen

Round 4

Editor’s Picks

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1 Related

13. Macklin Celebrini SJ, C — Allen
14. Artemi Panarin NYR, LW — Chandan
15. Filip Forsberg Nsh, LW — Becquey
16. William Nylander Tor, RW — Matiash

Round 5

17. Kyle Connor Wpg, LW — Matiash
18. Mikko Rantanen Dal, RW — Becquey
19. Jack Hughes NJ, C — Chandan
20. Jack Eichel VGK, C — Allen

Round 6

21. Sam Reinhart Fla, RW — Allen
22. Igor Shesterkin NYR, G — Chandan
23. MacKenzie Weegar Cgy, D — Becquey
24. Roman Josi Nsh, D — Matiash

Round 7

25. Kirill Marchenko CBJ, LW — Matiash
26. J.T. Miller NYR, C — Becquey
27. Alex Ovechkin Wsh, LW — Chandan
28. Rasmus Dahlin Buf, D — Allen

Round 8

29. Zach Werenski CBJ, D — Allen
30. Cole Caufield Mon, LW — Chandan
31. Sergei Bobrovsky Fla, G — Becquey
32. Filip Gustavsson Min, G — Matiash

Round 9

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33. Brayden Point TB, C — Matiash
34. Moritz Seider Det, D — Becquey
35. Jake Guentzel TB, LW — Chandan
36. Tim Stutzle Ott, C — Allen

Round 10

37. Sidney Crosby Pit, C — Allen
38. Jason Robertson Dal, LW — Chandan
39. Victor Hedman TB, D — Becquey
40. Quinn Hughes Van, D — Matiash

Round 11

41. Evan Bouchard Edm, D — Matiash
42. Elias Pettersson Van, C — Becquey
43. Tage Thompson Buf, C — Chandan
44. Mitch Marner VGK, RW — Allen

Round 12

45. Dylan Guenther UTA, RW — Allen
46. John Tavares Tor, C — Chandan
47. Matt Boldy Min, LW — Becquey
48. Adin Hill VGK, G — Matiash

Round 13

49. Clayton Keller UTA, LW — Matiash
50. Matthew Tkachuk Fla, RW — Becquey
51. Jesper Bratt NJ, RW — Chandan
52. Jake Sanderson Ott, D — Allen

Round 14

53. Adam Fox NYR, D — Allen
54. Adrian Kempe LA, RW — Chandan
55. Steven Stamkos Nsh, C — Becquey
56. Josh Morrissey Wpg, D — Matiash

Round 15

57. Mark Scheifele Wpg, C — Matiash
58. Dustin Wolf Cgy, G — Becquey
59. John Carlson Wsh, D — Chandan
60. Wyatt Johnston Dal, C — Allen

Round 16

61. Thomas Harley Dal, D — Allen
62. Brandon Hagel TB, LW — Chandan
63. Vincent Trocheck NYR, C — Becquey
64. Darcy Kuemper LA, G — Matiash

Round 17

65. Dylan Larkin Det, C — Matiash
66. Nick Suzuki Mon, C — Becquey
67. Jackson LaCombe Ana, D — Chandan
68. Dylan Holloway StL, C — Allen

Round 18

69. Connor Bedard Chi, C — Allen
70. Nazem Kadri Cgy, C — Chandan
71. Mikhail Sergachev UTA, D — Becquey
72. Martin Necas Col, RW — Matiash

Round 19

73. Rasmus Andersson Cgy, D — Matiash
74. Mike Matheson Mon, D — Becquey
75. Noah Dobson Mon, D — Chandan
76. Aleksander Barkov Fla, C — Allen

Round 20

77. Mackenzie Blackwood Col, G — Allen
78. Charlie McAvoy Bos, D — Chandan
79. Seth Jarvis Car, RW — Becquey
80. Brock Faber Min, D — Matiash

Round 21

81. Mika Zibanejad NYR, C — Matiash
82. Sebastian Aho Car, C — Becquey
83. Erik Karlsson Pit, D — Chandan
84. Frederik Andersen Car, G — Allen

Round 22

85. Jacob Markstrom NJ, G — Allen
86. Anthony Stolarz Tor, G — Chandan
87. Kris Letang Pit, D — Becquey
88. Ilya Sorokin NYI, G — Matiash

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Team Matiash

F1 Nathan MacKinnon Col, C (Pick: 1.1)

F2 David Pastrnak Bos, RW (Pick: 2.8)

F3 Nikita Kucherov TB, RW (Pick: 3.9)

F4 William Nylander Tor, RW (Pick: 4.16)

F5 Kyle Connor Wpg, LW (Pick: 5.17)

D1 Roman Josi Nsh, D (Pick: 6.24)

F6 Kirill Marchenko CBJ, LW (Pick: 7.25)

G1 Filip Gustavsson Min, G (Pick: 8.32)

F7 Brayden Point TB, C (Pick: 9.33)

D2 Quinn Hughes Van, D (Pick: 10.40)

D3 Evan Bouchard Edm, D (Pick: 11.41)

G2 Adin Hill VGK, G (Pick: 12.48)

F8 Clayton Keller UTA, LW (Pick: 13.49)

D4 Josh Morrissey Wpg, D (Pick: 14.56)

F9 Mark Scheifele Wpg, C (Pick: 15.57)

G3 Darcy Kuemper LA, G (Pick: 16.64)

F10 Dylan Larkin Det, C (Pick: 17.65)

F11 Martin Necas Col, RW (Pick: 18.72)

D5 Rasmus Andersson Cgy, D (Pick: 19.73)

D6 Brock Faber Min, D (Pick: 20.80)

F12 Mika Zibanejad NYR, C (Pick: 21.81)

G4 Ilya Sorokin NYI, G (Pick: 22.88)

Team Becquey

F1 Auston Matthews Tor, C (Pick: 1.2)

G1 Jake Oettinger Dal, G (Pick: 2.7

G2 Andrei Vasilevskiy TB, G (Pick: 3.10

F2 Filip Forsberg Nsh, LW (Pick: 4.15

F3 Mikko Rantanen Dal, RW (Pick: 5.18

D1 MacKenzie Weegar Cgy, D (Pick: 6.23

F4 J.T. Miller NYR, C (Pick: 7.26

G3 Sergei Bobrovsky Fla, G (Pick: 8.31

D2 Moritz Seider Det, D (Pick: 9.34

D3 Victor Hedman TB, D (Pick: 10.39

F5 Elias Pettersson Van, C (Pick: 11.42

F6 Matt Boldy Min, LW (Pick: 12.47

F7 Matthew Tkachuk Fla, RW (Pick: 13.50

F8 Steven Stamkos Nsh, C (Pick: 14.55

G4 Dustin Wolf Cgy, G (Pick: 15.58

F9 Vincent Trocheck NYR, C (Pick: 16.63

F10 Nick Suzuki Mon, C (Pick: 17.66

D4 Mikhail Sergachev UTA, D (Pick: 18.71

D5 Mike Matheson Mon, D (Pick: 19.74

F11 Seth Jarvis Car, RW (Pick: 20.79

F12 Sebastian Aho Car, C (Pick: 21.82

D6 Kris Letang Pit, D (Pick: 22.87

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Team Chandan

F1 Connor McDavid Edm, C (Pick: 1.3)

G1 Connor Hellebuyck Wpg, G (Pick: 2.6)

F2 Brady Tkachuk Ott, LW (Pick: 3.11)

F3 Artemi Panarin NYR, LW (Pick: 4.14)

F4 Jack Hughes NJ, C (Pick: 5.19)

G2 Igor Shesterkin NYR, G (Pick: 6.22)

F5 Alex Ovechkin Wsh, LW (Pick: 7.27)

F6 Cole Caufield Mon, LW (Pick: 8.30)

F7 Jake Guentzel TB, LW (Pick: 9.35)

F8 Jason Robertson Dal, LW (Pick: 10.38)

F9 Tage Thompson Buf, C (Pick: 11.43)

F10 John Tavares Tor, C (Pick: 12.46)

F11 Jesper Bratt NJ, RW (Pick: 13.51)

F12 Adrian Kempe LA, RW (Pick: 14.54)

D1 John Carlson Wsh, D (Pick: 15.59)

F13 Brandon Hagel TB, LW (Pick: 16.62)

D2 Jackson LaCombe Ana, D (Pick: 17.67)

F14 Nazem Kadri Cgy, C (Pick: 18.70)

D3 Noah Dobson Mon, D (Pick: 19.75)

D4 Charlie McAvoy Bos, D (Pick: 20.78)

D5 Erik Karlsson Pit, D (Pick: 21.83)

G3 Anthony Stolarz Tor, G (Pick: 22.86)

Team Allen

D1 Cale Makar Col, D (Pick: 1.4)

F1 Leon Draisaitl Edm, C (Pick: 2.5)

F2 Kirill Kaprizov Min, LW (Pick: 3.12)

F3 Macklin Celebrini SJ, C (Pick: 4.13)

F4 Jack Eichel VGK, C (Pick: 5.20)

F5 Sam Reinhart Fla, RW (Pick: 6.21)

D2 Rasmus Dahlin Buf, D (Pick: 7.28)

D3 Zach Werenski CBJ, D (Pick: 8.29)

F6 Tim Stutzle Ott, C (Pick: 9.36)

F7 Sidney Crosby Pit, C (Pick: 10.37)

F8 Mitch Marner VGK, RW (Pick: 11.44)

F9 Dylan Guenther UTA, RW (Pick: 12.45)

D4 Jake Sanderson Ott, D (Pick: 13.52)

D5 Adam Fox NYR, D (Pick: 14.53)

F10 Wyatt Johnston Dal, C (Pick: 15.60)

D6 Thomas Harley Dal, D (Pick: 16.61)

F11 Dylan Holloway StL, C (Pick: 17.68)

F12 Connor Bedard Chi, C (Pick: 18.69)

F13 Aleksander Barkov Fla, C (Pick: 19.76)

G1 Mackenzie Blackwood Col, G (Pick: 20.77)

G2 Frederik Andersen Car, G (Pick: 21.84)

G3 Jacob Markstrom NJ, G (Pick: 22.85)

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