Building a fantasy basketball team around Luka Dončić can be a rewarding strategy given his all-around statistical contributions. As one of the most versatile and dominant players in the league, Luka provides excellent value in points, assists, rebounds, and even steals, along with high usage rates. To maximize his potential in fantasy basketball, it’s important to surround him with complementary pieces that cover his weaknesses and boost the overall strength of your team.
Here’s a breakdown of how to build a team around Luka:
1. Prioritize Scoring and Assists
– Luka is a triple-double threat, so you’re going to get a lot of points and assists from him. However, you may need to balance this by adding players who can score efficiently and contribute in other categories, like 3-pointers, steals, or blocks.
– Consider drafting another guard or forward who is a reliable scorer (think of a player like Devin Booker or Jaren Jackson Jr.) to provide additional offensive punch.
2. Focus on Rebounds and Blocks
– Luka isn’t a prolific rebounder compared to some of the big men in the league, so it’s essential to add players who can contribute in this area. Drafting a dominant rebounder, such as Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid, or Rudy Gobert, can provide stability in that category.
– Additionally, adding players who can block shots will help you stay competitive in that category, as Luka doesn’t provide huge blocks.
3. Surround Luka with 3-Point Shooters
– Luka’s passing ability means he can generate open looks for teammates. Having shooters who can knock down threes will not only increase your team’s overall scoring but also maximize Luka’s assist potential.
– Target players who are proficient from beyond the arc, such as Dorian Finney-Smith, Tim Hardaway Jr., or Kevin Huerter. If you’re looking for a high-volume shooter, Buddy Hield might be a great addition.
4. Balance with Defensive Players
– Luka’s defense is often considered a weak point, so it’s a good idea to balance his offensive prowess with some strong defenders who can generate steals and block shots. Players like Jaden Ivey, Jaden Ivey, or Jaden Ivey could be great options.
5. Ensure You Have Strong Free-Throw Shooters
– Luka is an excellent free-throw shooter, so you want to surround him with players who can also hit their free throws at a high rate. This will help you capitalize on scoring opportunities during clutch moments.
6. Look for Players with High Usage Rates
– Luka thrives in systems where he has the ball in his hands a lot. Adding other high-usage players (i.e., players who generate their own offense) ensures your fantasy team has more scoring opportunities, especially when Luka is on the bench.
– Players like Trae Young, Zion Williamson, or Ja Morant can complement Luka in this regard.
7. Avoid Overloading with Too Many Similar Players
– You don’t want to stack your team with too many players who provide the same statistical contributions as Luka. For example, if Luka is your main assist and scoring guy, it’s better to add other types of players who contribute in different areas (such as rebounds, blocks, or steals).
8. Consider Injury Risk and Depth
– While Luka is a workhorse, it’s always important to keep an eye on his injury history. If you’re building around him, make sure you have solid depth at key positions to cover in case Luka misses time.
– Consider adding depth at the guard and forward spots, especially players who can be versatile and contribute in various categories. Players like Tyrese Haliburton or Jaren Jackson Jr. can offer value on multiple fronts.
9. Monitor the Schedule and Matchups
– Luka’s ability to perform will often depend on the matchups, so keep track of his game schedule to adjust your fantasy roster accordingly. For example, if Luka has a particularly favorable matchup against a weak defensive team, you may want to adjust your strategy to maximize his impact during that stretch.
By building around Luka Dončić with a team that complements his strengths and mitigates his weaknesses, you can create a highly competitive fantasy basketball squad.
