Unlock Your Fantasy NBA 2020 Victory With These Expert Draft Strategies

As I sat down to prepare for my Fantasy NBA 2020 draft, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the strategic mindset required for fantasy basketball and the mental fortitude displayed by athletes like Eala in her recent match. Just as she carried her momentum into the second set and raced to a 2-0 lead, fantasy managers need to build early momentum in their drafts to establish a winning foundation. I've found through my 7 years of playing fantasy basketball that the first 5 rounds typically determine about 65% of your team's ultimate success - that's how crucial those early picks are.

When Day leveled at 2-all in that match, it reminded me of those moments in fantasy drafts where your carefully laid plans get disrupted by unexpected picks. I remember in one particularly challenging draft last season, three of my targeted players got snatched right before my turn. But like Eala steadying herself, I had to regroup quickly. That's why I always emphasize having contingency plans - I typically prepare 3-4 alternative options for each round. The key is maintaining composure when your strategy gets tested, because panic decisions often lead to reaching for players who don't fit your overall build.

What really separates elite fantasy managers from casual players is how they handle the middle rounds. This is where you find those value picks that can make or break your season. Personally, I've developed a system where I track player ADP (average draft position) across multiple platforms and identify at least 12-15 players I believe are being undervalued. Last season, I managed to snag Bam Adebayo in the 6th round when his ADP was around 45 - that single pick essentially won me my matchup in three separate weeks. The mid-draft phase is where championships are truly built, much like how Eala pulled away to seal her victory after the match was leveled.

I'm particularly bullish on targeting players in contract years - they tend to outperform their ADP by approximately 15-20% based on my analysis of the past three seasons. While some managers focus heavily on last year's stats, I put more weight on situational changes: new coaches, improved teammates, or systems that better fit a player's skills. For instance, I'm targeting Christian Wood this year because his move to Houston presents exactly the kind of opportunity where players typically see a usage rate increase of 3-5 percentage points.

The final rounds require a different approach entirely. This is where I take calculated risks rather than playing it safe. I'll typically use my last 3-4 picks on high-upside players in new situations or rookies who might break out. About 40% of these late-round fliers don't work out, but when they hit, they provide massive value. My strategy involves identifying at least 8-10 potential breakout candidates and being ready to pivot based on how my team has shaped up in earlier rounds.

Ultimately, successful fantasy drafting combines rigorous preparation with the flexibility to adapt when circumstances change. Just as Eala demonstrated the mental toughness to reset after her opponent leveled the match, fantasy managers need to maintain their strategic discipline while being responsive to the draft's flow. The best managers I've observed don't just follow a preset plan - they read the draft room, identify value as it emerges, and build cohesive rosters rather than just collecting the best available players. What I've learned through years of both wins and losses is that the managers who consistently compete for championships are those who prepare thoroughly but execute flexibly.