You can’t win your league in the first two rounds, but you can certainly set yourself up for success. Pairing two players that fit together is vital and will influence every pick for the rest of your draft in category leagues as you establish a build.
Using Yahoo ADP to determine the first 12 picks, I went through and drafted the best player to pair with them in round two. Since every draft will be different, I’ll also mention other options to consider, but the focus here will be on the best fit based on who is available, if all things go according to how I think they should.
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Pick 12: G Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Pair with: F Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets
The pairing may not have led to a championship for the Suns, but now that they’re no longer on the same team, they can make things work for you in fantasy. Booker should see a jump in production with Durant and Bradley Beal gone, and KD should help make up for any of Book’s inefficiencies. Both can provide well-rounded production while being among the league leaders in points, which gives you plenty of flexibility for the rest of your draft.
Other options: Donovan Mitchell, Stephen Curry, Tyrese Maxey
Pick 11: C Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Pair with: G Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
While I’m not a huge fan of taking Sabonis in the first round, starting your team with him and Amen and leaning into punting three-pointers gives you a strong direction. Not many centers provide the rebounds and assists that Sabonis does, and this gives you a strong field goal percentage immediately. Thompson’s defensive production makes up for Sabonis’ lack of steals and blocks, and you’ll have to figure out the free throws in later rounds, but this gives you an elite start in three categories and strong production in a handful more.
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Other options: Alperen Sengun, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams
Pick 10: G Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Pair with: G James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
There aren’t many players that provide elite production in points, assists, free throws and threes like Young can. Of course, Harden is one of those players, and…
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