We are still a few months away from the NBA season. However, it’s never too early to prepare for your draft. When it comes to fantasy basketball, you have to do your research like a scout. Compared to the prior years, this year’s FIBA rosters (for all countries) are not as good. Regardless, here are five FIBA players you should draft for your fantasy basketball team.
Fantasy Basketball: 5 FIBA Players You Should Draft
FIBA 2023 Player No. 1: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a phenomenal season last year and is only going to improve. He had averages of 31.4 PPG, 5.0 APG, and 51 field goal percentage. The star of the Thunder will definitely make his case for Most Improved Player next year and will be an All-Star. The Thunder’s roster is still being developed, and SGA is the only reliable option for the team.
Fantasy basketball categories SGA can help you with: Scoring, assists, and field goal percentage
FIBA 2023 Player No. 2: Luka Dončić
There’s no doubt that Luka Dončić is on triple-double watch every night. However, many fantasy basketball players are hindered by the fact that Kyrie Irving can take over at any given moment. You can expect Luka’s stats to fall because of this. Nonetheless, Luka should be a top-five pick in drafts.
Fantasy basketball categories Luka can help you with: Scoring, assists, and field goal percentage
FIBA Player No. 3: Paolo Banchero
The reigning 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year will certainly see his stats increase in points and rebounds. By playing with Team USA, he will gain some valuable skills for the upcoming season. However, Paolo Banchero might falter in the field goal percentage category because of the number of shots he will take. There is one stat from last season that stands out: his 2.8 turnovers per game. This is relatively low, especially for a rookie.
Fantasy basketball categories Banchero can help you with: Scoring, rebounds, and turnovers.
FIBA Player No. 4: Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert did not have a good 2022-23 season. He was getting rebounds and blocks right after the trade from the Utah Jazz in 2022, but since then, it’s been downhill. Perhaps it’s the spacing that the Timberwolves have with Karl-Anthony Towns in the lineup. However, you can count on Gobert to get rebounds and blocks for next season.
Fantasy basketball categories Gobert can help you with: Blocks, rebounds, and field goal percentage.
FIBA Player No. 5: Jalen Brunson
So far, Jalen Brunson has lived up to his $100 million dollar plus contract. He is expected to be the focal point in the Knicks offense and will have another good year. It’s a good thing that he’s on this year’s Team USA squad so he can develop his passing and defense.
Fantasy basketball categories Brunson can help you with: Scoring, assists, and turnovers.
FIBA 2023 will begin on August 25. Make sure you scout these players for your fantasy basketball team.
