The Fantasy Basketball Reign: Can Anyone Overtake Nikola Jokic?
With the NBA season resuming on Wednesday, it’s the perfect time to delve into some of the most pressing questions that will shape the fantasy basketball landscape for the remainder of the season. Among the key discussions is whether anyone can challenge Nikola Jokic’s dominance at the top of the fantasy rankings. Nick Schlain, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson, and Zak Hanshew, seasoned fantasy writers at Rotoworld, weigh in on who has the best shot at dethroning the reigning champion.
Victor Wembanyama vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Who Has the Edge?
Nick Schlain:
If anyone can overtake Nikola Jokic as the top fantasy player, it would likely be Victor Wembanyama. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Jokic have similar scoring numbers, Jokic’s superior rebounding and assisting make him a machine. SGA, at 26 years old and in his seventh NBA season, is likely near his peak, averaging 32.5 points per game. However, Wembanyama, who turned 21 in January and is in his second season, has room to grow. Wemby averages 24.3 points per game, 11 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks, along with 3.0 three-pointers per game. Though Jokic is hard to beat, Wembanyama’s potential and growth make him the most likely contender.
The Path to Improvement
Noah Rubin:
Victor Wembanyama is the clear choice. While SGA is an elite player, his room for improvement is limited. Wembanyama, on the other hand, leads the league in blocks, provides elite value in scoring, rebounding, and three-point shooting, but still has room to grow. He’s the only player in the top five in nine-cat leagues on Basketball Monster who shoots below 50 percent from the field. With more chemistry with De’Aaron Fox and better shot selection, Wemby can improve his field goal percentage, giving him a strong chance to surpass Jokic.
Dominating the Blocks Category
Raphielle Johnson:
While SGA has been exceptional, Wembanyama’s dominance in the blocked shot category is his key advantage. Averaging 3.8 blocks per game, Wembanyama has a clear edge over Jokic. SGA’s superior scoring and low turnover rate are significant, but Wemby’s block rate is a game-changer in fantasy. The Spurs’ position in the standings compared to the Thunder means Wemby might play more minutes, especially if OKC maintains its lead in the West. This increased playing time and additional opportunities can further boost his fantasy value.
The Future is Bright for Wembanyama
Zak Hanshew:
Wembanyama is the clear choice. SGA, at his current peak, has limited room for improvement. Wemby, in his second season, has a clear path to enhancing his fantasy stock. Improving his field goal percentage (FG%) and free throw percentage (FT%), along with reducing turnovers, can significantly boost his value. A potential dip in efficiency from SGA, especially as a three-point shooter, could hurt his fantasy standing. Moreover, Wemby’s block rate has room to grow, and the scarcity of elite numbers in that category provides a monstrous boost in fantasy value. The future is bright for the Spurs’ phenom, making him the most likely candidate to challenge Jokic.
Conclusion: The Future of Fantasy Basketball
In the world of fantasy basketball, Nikola Jokic has set a high bar with his consistent triple-double performances. However, the emergence of Victor Wembanyama offers a glimmer of hope for those looking to dethrone the reigning champion. Wembanyama’s unique combination of scoring, rebounding, and blocking, along with his potential for growth, makes him the most viable contender. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a formidable force, Wemby’s ceiling and potential improvements give him the edge. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these players evolve and whether Wembanyama can finally claim the top spot in the fantasy rankings.
