NBA Preseason Heats Up: Mock Draft Insights and Team Name Fun

Basketball Is Back: Preseason Games and Fantasy Draft Prep

The NBA preseason is in full swing, and basketball fans are buzzing as highlight reels fill with excitement. The anticipation doesn’t just end with the games but extends into the world of fantasy basketball, with drafting season on the horizon. Although many leagues might still have some time before their drafts, now is the critical moment for pre-draft preparation.

Mock drafts are an invaluable resource during this time, allowing players to simulate the selection process. This helps anticipate how the talent grab will unfold in real-time. Here’s a brief look at a recent one-round mock draft created using FantasyPros' mock draft simulator.

First-Round Picks: Who to Consider

The first pick of the draft came down to the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić. As a three-time MVP, Jokić is considered one of the safest choices, contributing across multiple categories, except blocks, with a five-season average of 26.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists.

If you’re not picking the Joker, the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama might be the most tempting option. Showing incredible potential, Wembanyama boasts impressive stats, including 24.3 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, and his efficiency could improve with San Antonio’s enhanced playmaking roster.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, last year's MVP, is another top contender. At just 27 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander dominated with stats of 32.7 points, providing a glimpse into a future where he could elevate his game even further.

Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Dončić, although sometimes a hunting ground for questions regarding availability and shooting efficiency, emerged as another attractive option. Winning a scoring title in the last season, Dončić is proving to be a scoring machine and is on the verge of tapping into his best performance yet.

Creative Team Names for the Season

Alongside player selections, getting creative with team names is part of the fun in fantasy basketball. Some entertaining suggestions for this season include: