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Inside the Draft Room: Matty G, Adam King, and D-Mac Redefine Fantasy Strategy

Oct 18, 2025

A couple of days ago, Matty G brought together two of the fantasy basketball community’s sharpest minds: Adam King of Rotowire Fantasy and D-Mac, who is known across social platforms for his bold takes as @NBAFantasyBible. What followed was a spirited, in-depth discussion that blended advanced analytics, personal philosophy, and real-world fantasy draft tactics, all delivered in a conversational style that listeners have come to expect from this crew.

The trio did not settle for a simple mock-draft walkthrough. Instead, they offered a masterclass in drafting, one that highlighted the thoughtful decision-making, the differences in fantasy-manager temperament, and the importance of adjusting strategies on the fly. Through humor, well-supported arguments, and the occasional friendly jab, Matty, Adam, and D-Mac demonstrated how top-tier managers think about building winning rosters from the ground up.

Setting the Table: Unique Voices, Shared Passion

Adam King is recognized for his methodical and data-driven draft style, always arriving at the table with a spreadsheet and clear projections. D-Mac, on the other hand, brings energy, quick decision-making, and a willingness to challenge fantasy orthodoxy. Matty G links the two: his balanced approach, insight-driven questions, and enthusiasm bring out the best in his guests.

From the beginning, there was a clear sense of mutual respect. Adam’s calm reasoning provided a steady foundation, while D-Mac’s willingness to zig where others zag kept the conversation lively. Matty leveraged both voices, seamlessly guiding the episode from topic to topic. This chemistry is the secret sauce that keeps their listeners coming back.

Round 1: Building a Foundation

The opening discussion centered on the first round. The group agreed that Nikola Jokić is the clear top pick this year. Both Adam and D-Mac noted his consistency across all categories and the way he anchors fantasy teams. The debate truly began with the picks that followed.

Victor Wembanyama’s selection at number four became a flashpoint. D-Mac argued that his defensive stats and expanding offensive role could make him a league winner, while Adam cautioned against placing too much faith in a second-year leap. Matty posed questions around risk tolerance, emphasizing that understanding your league format and competitors’ tendencies can shape your draft plan just as much as raw player projections.

Other stars earned their due: Luka Dončić for his all-around prowess, Giannis Antetokounmpo for category dominance (with Matty noting the importance of punting free throws if you select him), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his unique blend of scoring and playmaking. Each player inspired further debate about which team builds are best suited to their strengths.

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Round 2: Depth and the Guard Race

The second round showcased why roster depth matters as much as top-end talent. Players like Devin Booker, who benefits from improved spacing in Phoenix, and Jaylen Brunson, who provides reliable category production, stood out as prime picks. Adam stressed the value of players who stay healthy and play heavy minutes, pointing out that reliability has become one of the most valuable fantasy attributes in recent seasons.

LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Trae Young each received mention as well, with all three hosts agreeing that balancing injury risk against projected output is essential. Adam argued for grabbing proven veterans early, given the prevalence of load management. D-Mac countered by highlighting the upside of targeting emerging talents who can outperform their ADP, especially in deeper leagues.

Evan Mobley was the subject of particular fascination. Matty described him as a true modern big, capable of stuffing the stat sheet with both defense and playmaking. By the end of the round, a common belief had emerged: successful drafts blend safe category contributors early with higher-risk, higher-reward swings as the rounds progress.

Middle Rounds: Where Leagues Are Won

As the draft moved into the third through fifth rounds, the conversation became even more animated. The hosts highlighted the value of focusing on upside in these rounds. LaMelo Ball came up as an example of a player with immense ceiling if health allows. D-Mac championed Ball’s heliocentric role in Charlotte, while Adam sounded a note of caution regarding injury history and team direction.

Scottie Barnes, Tyler Herro, and Zion Williamson each came under the microscope. Adam praised Barnes’ growth and all-around game, while D-Mac discussed the temptation to gamble on Williamson’s unique skill set, despite the well-known risks. There was discussion of the “center cliff,” with Adam urging managers to grab at least one anchor for rebounds and blocks, while D-Mac stayed flexible, open to streaming for categories rather than reaching for need.

Analytics Meet Instinct

Midway through the episode, Adam introduced his “Weighted Risk Matrix,” a proprietary approach that factors projected games played against a player’s category impact in real time. This system, Adam explained, helps turn subjective instinct into objective value. Matty remarked that tools like this bridge the often-cited gap between gut feeling and pure math. D-Mac, ever the contrarian, argued that at the end of the day, he trusts a sharp eye and willingness to pounce on value over any system. Their exchange illustrated that championship managers can succeed with very different mindsets, as long as there is a process in place.

D-Mac’s Fearless Doctrine

D-Mac’s message to listeners was simple: managers must avoid being paralyzed by fear of injury or public perception. Safe drafting rarely wins leagues. He encouraged listeners to take their shot on players they believe in, not just those supported by consensus rankings. Cooper Flagg emerged as an example of a rookie whose shot-blocking upside could pay huge dividends. Adam agreed that Flagg is a fascinating lottery ticket, but correctly pointed out that patience is still required.

Several other late-round names surfaced, including Josh Green, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Suggs. Each offers the potential for defensive stats or the chance to emerge as the season goes on, a reminder that building depth with potential is critical.

More Than Just Numbers

Throughout the episode, all three analysts made an effort to connect their tactical advice to the broader joy of fantasy sports. Adam described how his models and strategies had evolved over the years, learning to trust a combination of data and lived experience. D-Mac reflected on burning out and rediscovering fun in the game by seeking balance between winning and enjoying the process. Matty concluded that community and camaraderie are as important as any advanced metric or draft chart.

Their candidness resonated with listeners and reviewers alike, who praised the session for blending ESPN-level analysis with the down-to-earth camaraderie of old friends debating basketball in a local pub.

Main Takeaways for the Season Ahead

To close, the panel distilled its advice into practical lessons:

Prioritize players expected to play more games.
Balance roster construction across all categories.
Target reliable contributors early, then swing for upside as the draft develops.
Remain adaptable throughout the draft, shifting strategy when needed.
Play to win, but never lose sight of enjoying the game.

Thanks to Matty G, Adam King, and D-Mac for a rich, thought-provoking conversation. The episode made clear that while draft charts and models offer guidance, true success in fantasy basketball often comes from combining those tools with a willingness to learn, adapt, and have fun along the way.