Paolo Banchero is flagged as risky in nine-cat formats ahead of the 2025-26 season, while LaMelo Ball and Joel Embiid face durability questions that could sink early-round value. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard carry injury risk, and Malik Monk and De'Aaron Fox are watched for stability amid roster shifts with the Kings. The host argues for a simple drafting path, prioritizing healthy, versatile contributors over high-variance upside to maximize matchups from opening night.

Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers situation centers on a controversial funding and endorsement pattern that has fans and analysts watching for anything that might breach NBA rules. A $50 million Aspiration investment, KL2 Aspire LLC formation, and later a four-year $28 million endorsement with $20 million in stock are all on the table in a timing that many see as crafted to benefit Leonard. The history of pushes to push limits by the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer adds to the intrigue, but there is no smoking gun yet. Arbitration chatter around Uncle Dennis and past practices lingers, while executives warn penalties could swing cap space and draft leverage. For fantasy, the thread elevates off-cield risk around LA—potential shifts in minutes, usage, and roster moves could ripple through Kawhi, Paul George, and the rest of the squad.

61 through 70 on the Top 100 fantasy board brings a health-tinged mix of sure bets and high-upside bets. Paul George sits in the injury-prone zone, while Deni Avdija could blossom with extra usage in Portland. Zach LaVine remains a reliable scoring anchor, Cam Thomas and Kobe White duke it out for guard upside, and Deandre Ayton looks primed for a productive Lakers setup. Nikola Vucevic, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett offer solid floor with varying risk, while Kobe White and Scoot Henderson bring safer floors with room to grow. Zion Williamson looms as a high-usage engine in New Orleans, and Brandon Ingram anchors Toronto’s hypothetical, swingy mix. Emanuel Quickley, Scotty Barnes, and RJ Barrett cap the tier with multi-position appeal and distribution upside.