Nikola Jokic anchors the strategy, viewed as an unstoppable core around which nine-cat head‑to‑head rosters can pivot. The guide stresses avoiding impossible second-round targets, instead pairing Jokic with versatile engines that complement categories he already dominates (points, assists, IQ efficiency) while shoring up weak spots like blocks. Victor Wembanyama opens a path to high scoring and threes, paired with Curry or Maxey to maximize multi‑category upside without overcommitting to weak areas. The conversation then broadens to guard-forward pairings (Edwards, Booker, Mitchell, Fox) and a careful, build‑around approach with Anthony Davis, Towns, Sabonis, and Young, always weighing which stats you’re willing to punt to stay competitive. The result is a blueprint for DRF-style drafting: secure top‑tier anchors, align second‑rounds to your build, and stay agile as the board shifts.

As the panel dives into specific combos, the emphasis lands on Wembanyama as a bridge between high scoring and assist potential, while Jokic remains the no-brainer anchor. Curry and Maxey appear as strong guard pairings when a top pick isn’t Harden or Doncic, with Sengun, Mobley, Barnes, and Williams offered as flexible partners who can fill in the gaps without wrecking your high‑end plan. The discussion also flags risky paths (Edwards without a clear assist anchor, AD with a fragile health track) and recommends flexible, piecemeal pivots late in Round 1 and into Round 2 to lock in strong category coverage without sacrificing scoring and efficiency.