Fantasy managers get 10-step game plan from ESPN’s André Snellings
fantasy-basketball-2025-26-draft-tips
ESPN senior fantasy basketball writer Dr. André Snellings on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2025, released a 10-point checklist designed to help players navigate drafts and in-season moves for the 2025-26 NBA fantasy campaign.
Key recommendations
1. Block out prep time: Snellings urges managers to study rankings and adjust them to their own views before draft day instead of relying on public lists once the clock starts.
2. Track every offseason deal: Moves such as Kevin Durant’s trade to Houston, Desmond Bane’s arrival in Orlando and rookie performances — including Dallas Mavericks first-round pick Cooper Flagg — can quickly reshape fantasy value charts.
3. Draft for your scoring format: Understand whether the league uses points, roto or head-to-head categories and target skills that fit the scoring rules.
4. Open rounds: best talent first, position later: Early selections should focus on overall production, even if several choices share the same position.
5. Mid rounds: balance the roster: Between Rounds 5 and 8, managers should fill positional gaps and secure contributors across statistical categories.
6. Late rounds: swing for upside: With a foundation in place, Snellings recommends targeting high-ceiling sleepers rather than low-risk veterans.
7. Prioritize young, central stars: Younger veterans tasked with carrying their teams often log heavy minutes, while older standouts may rest more frequently.
8. Act fast on early free agents: The first two weeks, when unexpected breakouts appear, are critical. Snellings advises cutting underperforming late picks to add hot starters.
9. Trade proactively: Thoughtful, mutually beneficial deals throughout the season can separate contenders from the pack.
10. Immerse yourself in the NBA: Watching games, following highlights and keeping up with daily coverage gives managers real-time insight that numbers alone might miss.
Background on the author
Snellings, who holds a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan, joined ESPN in 2017 after 16 years as a neural engineer and a stint as a Rotowire analyst. He covers both men’s and women’s fantasy basketball as well as sports betting.
The full list appears on ESPN.com ahead of upcoming fantasy drafts.
Source: ESPN
