Rotoworld Fantasy Basketball Podcast

Last week we convened a panel of fantasy basketball experts and special guests for a 12-team, 9-category fantasy draft, and on today's episode we have the audio version of that draft in its entirety. Things got out of hand early with some Luka Doncic-related draft sniping, and it was eventful throughout with a very early pick of Russell Westbrook, a potentially massive reach for Michael Porter Jr. and a free fall of sorts for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander highlight some post-hype breakout possibilities for the 2020-21 season, attempting to answer whether some of last year’s most high-profile disappointments (including Lauri Markkanen, Marvin Bagley and Mitchell Robinson) can take a notable step forward this year. Also on this episode: the breakout potential for Wendell Carter Jr., Delon Wright, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Thomas Bryant — as well as proof that Dr. A literally dreams basketball.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander discuss more takeaways from NBA free agency, including the outlook for Brandon Ingram in the absence of Jrue Holiday, and John Collins in a much more crowded Atlanta rotation with Danilo Gallinari backing him up. Plus, Cam Reddish tries to carve out his own significant role with the Hawks, Hassan Whiteside is headed for a position battle with Richaun Holmes, Kemba Walker is going to get auto-drafted all over the place and Dennis Schroder is trying to seize the starting PG job in LA.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander analyze the aftermath of the NBA Draft and free agency for 12 different teams, ranging from Atlanta (which added Danilo Gallinari and likely Bogdan Bogdanovic) to a suddenly crowded Minnesota backcourt, all the way to New Orleans, where Lonzo Ball now runs the show in the absence of Jrue Holiday. Plus, we try — and fail — to keep our expectations in check for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Wood.

A wild week in the NBA has already seen some massive headlines, with Chris Paul on his way from Oklahoma City to Phoenix, and James Harden reportedly trying to plan his exit from Houston. Matt Stroup, Steve Alexander and Ryan Knaus break down the latest NBA news, and discuss some of the big names to watch for in Wednesday night's draft (including LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards and Obi Toppin). We also preview some of the most notable free agents and their potential destinations — including Fred VanVleet, Montrezl Harrell and Christian Wood — while breaking down their fantasy value.

With the 2020 NBA Draft (and the 2020-21 NBA season) fast approaching, Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander take a close look at last year's rookies, forecasting some of the top candidates for a second-year breakout. We break down the question marks surrounding Zion Williamson's stat line while looking ahead to potentially big things from Ja Morant, Coby White, Cam Reddish and PJ Washington. Plus, why Tyler Herro might get drafted too early in fantasy, and the upside for Kevin Porter Jr. and Michael Porter Jr.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander discuss the realities for some of fantasy basketball's biggest stars (including LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant) as they voyage into — or in some cases, well into — their 30's. Going down the list case-by-case, we decide who we can trust and who we can't, hitting players ranging from Chris Paul (sort of) to Kyle Lowry (yes) to Russell Westbrook (mostly) to Draymond Green (no). Plus, an update on the NBA schedule, with a debate between late-December and mid-January, and how that might impact LeBron.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander delve into a dangerous fantasy basketball experiment, drafting a team of wildly talented players who miss way too many games. We discuss what could happen if you loaded a squad with Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, Kristaps Porzingis, Draymond Green, Kevin Love, Otto Porter, Derrick Rose and others. Plus, why names such as Lou Williams, Spencer Dinwiddie, Marcus Smart and Al Horford all become essential in the event you try this (which you probably shouldn't).

Or maybe it is? On this week's episode, Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander comb through some recent NBA headlines, including Victor Oladipo reportedly looking for a max contract, and Kawhi Leonard's teammates reportedly frustrated that he sits out a whole bunch of games. We discuss their respective numbers and what we expect from each of them in fantasy leagues next season.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander look back at the finish of the NBA Finals, and consider what to expect moving forward in fantasy leagues from Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo after their remarkable run in the playoffs. Plus, we're optimistic about Pascal Siakam after a frustrating time in the NBA Bubble for the Raptors star, and cause for concern rises when it comes to Kristaps Porzingis (knee surgery) and Joel Embiid (load management).

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander look at the latest from the NBA Finals as Jimmy Butler and the Heat try to stay alive against LeBron James and the Lakers in Game 5 on Friday night. Plus, with Doc Rivers taking over as head coach of the Sixers, we discuss how the fantasy outlook could change (or not change) for Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons moving forward.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander first take a moment to marvel at another incredible game from Jimmy Butler in the NBA Finals, then turn their attention to a very early fantasy leaderboard for 2020-21, with Damian Lillard, Trae Young, Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum all looking poised to repeat/return first-round value, while Giannis Antetokounmpo and the aforementioned Butler lead to divided opinions among our (two-man) panel.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander react to Game 1 of the NBA Finals, which saw the Heat get crushed by the Lakers and by injuries, with Goran Dragic, Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler all getting hurt to varying degrees. Plus, with positive reports coming out of Warriors minicamp regarding Klay Thompson and Steph Curry — and some lingering knee trouble for Kemba Walker — we discuss the outlook moving forward for all three 30-something stars.

With the Heat and Lakers set to face off in the NBA Finals — and the Celtics and Nuggets eliminated — Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander look back at the formidable playoff runs from Jamal Murray, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Michael Porter Jr., determining what's ahead for the all of the young stars in Denver and Boston after their impressive work in the NBA bubble.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander discuss the remarkable breakout performance from Tyler Herro on Wednesday night (37 points, second-youngest player in history to score 35+ in a NBA playoff game). Plus, we react to the news out of Chicago that Billy Donovan is taking over as head coach of the Bulls, and what that means for Coby White, Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine. Also on this episode: Steve throws down the gauntlet on Golden Tee.

Matt Stroup and Ryan Knaus look at the massive peaks (and one significant drawback) of the Giannis Antetokounmpo experience in fantasy hoops after the Bucks superstar won his second straight NBA MVP award. Plus, the continued emergence of Bam Adebayo as a bona fide force, Gordon Hayward is back and still looking spry on the north side of 30 years old, and Ryan provides an update on his efforts to harness the Hayward haircut.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander review Kawhi Leonard's dominant playoff numbers and discuss how to approach the 29-year-old in fantasy leagues moving forward. We also consider whether young players including Tyler Herro could make a double-leap before next season with what essentially amounts to two offseasons. Plus, Gary Harris is starting to heat up after almost six months off, Coby White may be set to take off for the post-Jim Boylen Chicago Bulls, and Steve and Matt put on their referee jerseys for some truly amateur officiating of the Bam Adebayo-Jayson Tatum block.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander dissect some recent trends in the NBA Playoffs, from Nikola Jokic's all-around absurd play in the bubble to Jaylen Brown's prolonged breakout. Also on this episode: LeBron James continues to defy all laws of age when it comes to fantasy and real-life, Anthony Davis is dominating and we're already demoralized by our fantasy football squads.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander discuss a handful of players who have had notable hot streaks during the NBA playoffs, from Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray and his run of 50-point games to OG Anunoby's impressive all-around stats (and penchant for hitting big jumpers) for the Raptors, to Marcus Smart's roller coaster performances. We also consider what it means for all of their fantasy values, including some encouraging numbers for Anunoby's long-term potential. Also on this episode: an update on Steve's fridge.

Matt Stroup and Steve Alexander discuss the rapid improvement, strong playoff performance and long-term fantasy upside of Bam Adebayo, and consider what to expect from over-30 All-Stars Kyle Lowry, Kemba Walker and Paul George as their teams try to advance in the NBA Playoffs.