According to RotoWire analysts Alex Barutha, Kirien Sprecher, and Nick Whalen, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the 2026-27 fantasy basketball season coming off the most efficient campaign of his career, highlighted by a 66.5% true shooting mark. As fantasy managers prepare for drafts, selecting the top overall player remains a heavily debated topic involving Nikola Jokić, Victor Wembanyama, and elite superstar movement across the league.
Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama Headline the 1.01 Debate
According to Nick Whalen, Nikola Jokić remains the default No. 1 overall pick for fantasy managers despite missing 17 games last season, which ended a decade-long streak of 12 or fewer absences. Whalen notes that Jokić is only 31 years old and maintains all-around production and durability history. Meanwhile, Kirien Sprecher argues that Victor Wembanyama also has a strong case for the top spot. Sprecher points out that Wembanyama blocks shots at a historic rate, hits three-pointers in bunches, and punishes opposing teams at the free-throw line, though he has missed extended time in each of his first three seasons.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Secures the No. 3 Spot in Category Leagues
According to Alex Barutha, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represents the clear third choice in category-league formats following Jokić and Wembanyama. The back-to-back MVP features no meaningful flaws in his fantasy profile, offering stable minutes, high usage, and consistent health for the Thunder. Barutha highlights that Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off the most efficient season of his career, posting a 66.5% true shooting mark.
Pro Tip: Points league players may lean toward Luka Dončić or Giannis Antetokounmpo over Gilgeous-Alexander due to raw scoring volume, but category managers benefit most from SGA’s elite efficiency and lack of weaknesses, according to RotoWire’s Alex Barutha.
Superstar Movement Shakes Up Early Round Value
According to Alex Barutha, Luka Dončić adjusted well to his first full season with the Lakers by shooting a career-high 82% at the rim, aided by LeBron James and Austin Reaves. However, with LeBron signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, Dončić takes on an even larger burden alongside Reaves. In Miami, Giannis Antetokounmpo brings MVP-level production but drops into the back half of the first round in category leagues due to poor free-throw shooting and a lack of three-pointers, per Barutha. Antetokounmpo joins the Heat after appearing in just 36 games and playing 27.5 minutes per game last season for the Bucks.
Mid-First Round Stability and Injury Recovery
According to Kirien Sprecher, Cade Cunningham provides the safest pick after the Big 4 come off the board, thanks to improved shooting around him in Detroit and his 17.3 potential assists per game from the previous season. Nick Whalen notes that Jayson Tatum required a leap of faith after returning from a torn Achilles tendon, yet still managed averages of 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.9 threes in 32.6 minutes. With Jaylen Brown moving to Philadelphia, the Celtics have committed fully to Tatum as their primary option.
Rising Stars Round Out the Top Ten
According to Nick Whalen, Jalen Johnson claimed the No. 7 spot after staying healthy and delivering elite rebounds, assists, strong field goal percentages, and defensive stats. Kirien Sprecher points out that Anthony Edwards reached new heights in field-goal efficiency last year and benefits from the Timberwolves trading Julius Randle for LaMelo Ball. Finally, Alex Barutha describes Cooper Flagg at No. 10 as one of the toughest draft decisions in recent memory, noting that Flagg ranked 30th per game in 8-category leagues while averaging 42.4 fantasy points after December 1 of his rookie season.
Did You Know? From December 1 onward in his rookie season, 18-year-old Cooper Flagg averaged 42.4 fantasy points per game in 8-category leagues, according to RotoWire’s Alex Barutha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the consensus No. 1 pick in fantasy basketball drafts?
According to RotoWire’s Nick Whalen, Nikola Jokić remains the standard No. 1 overall choice due to his all-around production and track record of durability, though Victor Wembanyama challenges him for the top spot.
Where does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go in fantasy drafts?
According to Alex Barutha, Gilgeous-Alexander goes third overall in category leagues behind Jokić and Wembanyama, backed by his recent 66.5% true shooting mark and back-to-back MVP awards.
How did offseason team changes impact Luka Dončić?
According to Alex Barutha, LeBron James’ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers leaves Dončić and Austin Reaves as the primary options on the Lakers, increasing Dončić’s offensive workload.
Call to Action: Who are you taking with the first overall pick in your fantasy league this season? Join the debate by leaving a comment below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more expert draft analysis and player rankings.
Related reading