Yahoo opened fantasy basketball leagues and released early pre-draft rankings, but mock drafts aren’t live yet. The top-line takeaway is calibration matters: Yahoo’s default settings push users toward a points format in a way that clashes with broader “category” formats, and the X-rank lists feel vibe-based rather than projection-driven. The host walks through the top 24, noting Jokic at No. 1 and Giannis at No. 2, with Victor Wembanyama looming near the top. He emphasizes that schedules, playoff quirks, and health will reshape value as we move toward drafts.

The discussion hones in on how format affects value: Jokic’s potential decline in minutes and two tough finals weeks could nudge him down in some formats, while Wembanyama’s superstar upside keeps him near the very top. Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are seen as anchor picks, balanced by Paulo Banchero’s proximity to a first-round feel in points formats but not necessarily in categories. Devin Booker and Tyrese Maxey land in the early second tier, with caution toward injuries and usage. The host also flags several rankings quirks: De’Aaron Fox and Trae Young sit where their format-mined projections land, while Sabonis and others may be over- or under-valued depending on league settings.

In sum, Yahoo’s X-rank requires savvy adjustment: recognize when the list is “vibes” over projections, account for league type, and map schedule realities to player value. Premium targets will shift as data tightens; the smartest managers will draft with a clear plan for points vs. categories, and keep their eyes on minutes, usage, and playoff weeks as drafts approach.

Warriors talk dominates the middle of the pod, with Marcus Thompson II and Vincent Goodwill unpacking a 2024-25 arc that could hinge on Golden State’s aging core and how Jonathan Kuminga fits into a post-Steph era. Golden State’s 44-win projection isn’t just a number; it signals questions about health, depth, and the sustainability of their two-timeline approach. The crew flags a potential first‑round risk if Curry’s usage dips or if bigs with size test Golden State’s thin frontline.

Kuminga’s path is front and center. The owner’s belief in Kuminga as a long-term pillar clashes with the immediate window around Steph. They explore how Wiggins, Otto Porter Jr., and the rest can bridge the present to the next phase, while acknowledging that KD’s Golden State stint reshaped Curry’s leadership—pushing him toward an alpha role and teaching him to navigate pressure and responsibility. The conversation then shifts to how all of this touches fantasy rosters: MVP chatter for Luka remains amplified by LeBron’s looming decisions, while the Knicks’ ambitious ceiling keeps stirring dynasty rumors. Calibrating risk around two-time champions, two-way versatility, and the evolving supporting cast becomes the key to fantasy success.

Yahoo’s top-10 for 9-cat fantasy basketball is out, led by Nikola Jokic at No. 1. Giannis Antetokounmpo sat at No. 2, with Victor Wembanyama at No. 3 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at No. 4. Luka Dončić sits at No. 5, followed by Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Domantas Sabonis completing the top 10. The host argues Jokic’s multi-category supremacy makes him a safe, productivity-saturated anchor, while projecting upside and risk across the board for the rest. Giannis’ placement sparks debate due to severe free-throw penalties in nine-category formats, making him a mid-first-round pick in some builds. Wembanyama’s ceiling is enormous, but he’s not a foolproof path in every format, especially if you’re not punting certain categories. The discussion then pivots to building around the big names with eye-catching durability, with attention paid to how health, games played, and category emphasis shape value for Edwards, Cunningham, Davis, Towns, and Sabonis. The host also dives into scoring profiles, field-goal efficiency, and the tricky balance between punting and balancing categories in both nine-cat and roto setups, offering practical draft-landing zones and pairing strategies for a season that demands both steady floor and ceiling bets.