By Joel Perez 
So I decided to go ahead and try fantasy basketball one more time, mainly because I found out
about a league a couple of days before the draft and figured why not? I honestly had no plans of
doing fantasy basketball this year, but I wanted to share my thought process throughout the
draft, mostly because I want to look back at this at the end of the season and test my ball
knowledge before everything tips off.
I had the third overall pick, and the first two were the obvious choices with Nikola Jokic and Shai
Gilgeous-Alexander going off the board. That left me staring at Giannis and Wemby, but I
couldn’t help myself. I went with Luka Doncic. I truly believe he’s going to go bonkers this
season and win MVP, just like I thought last year, but whatever man. I’m doubling down. I love
the idea of building my team around Luka.
On the way back to my second-round pick, I grabbed one of my favorite players in the league,
Jalen Williams from the defending champion OKC Thunder. Then I couldn’t pass up Bam with
my third pick. There’s definitely a trend forming here. I’m clearly favoring players I love to watch,
even though Bam has his frustrating stretches. Still, I’m a huge fan of my top three. I think it’s a
solid mix of reliable production and pure enjoyment.
For my fourth pick, I went with Derrick White. I expect him to shine this season with Jayson
Tatum sidelined for a bit. Shortly after that came my first questionable selection, Trey Murphy III.
It was between Murphy and Myles Turner, but I’d rather avoid the headache of relying on Turner
every night. So I went with Murphy, the guy I have the utmost faith in.
My sixth pick was another “can’t pass him up” moment. I had the choice between Knicks wings
Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby and ended up taking Bridges strictly based on his availability.
With those first six picks, I felt like I had a secure and balanced start for the ProjectSiix squad.
Then I swung for the fences with my homerun pick, Kel’el Ware. I’ve got serious faith in him. He
might not be consistently great early, but as the season goes on, I think he’ll earn Spo’s trust
and find a real role. He’s got the chance to be a freakazoid for the Heat and for my fantasy
team.
The next two selections were upside plays: Bennedict Mathurin, with Haliburton and Turner out,
he’ll have plenty of opportunity, and he’s playing for a contract, and Aaron Gordon, who felt like
the safest option available. Gordon might end up as a trade chip, but he’s a starter on a good
team with consistent minutes and solid production.
Then came one of my favorite steals. I couldn’t believe Jalen Suggs was still on the board. Easy
pick. After that, I went with Derrick Lively, hoping for a breakout year in Dallas.
Keeping the trend of hopefulness alive, I closed things out with Kon Knueppel and Brandin
Podziemski. Knueppel was a nod to the only Charlotte Hornets fan I know, my brother, and
maybe he’ll get real minutes next to LaMelo and Brandon Miller. As for Podz, that was a total
“f*** it, why not?” pick. He’s on an expiring deal, playing for a good team, and could play himself
into a payday if he helps Golden State make a playoff push.
That wraps up my draft for this fantasy basketball season. For the record, I’ve got some level of
experience. Last year was my first real run in a couple of years, I played in two leagues, won
one (and $100), and went out early in the playoffs in this same league.
I love this squad. I’m excited to see how it turns out, and honestly, I just loved writing this live as
I drafted. Let’s hope I pulled off something special here and end up with a little money in my
pocket.
Angel Rivera