TOP Experts: Josh Lloyd and More || NBA Fantasy Basketball MOCK Draft

Industry Expert 14-Team 9-CAT Mock Draft Breakdown

Oct 01, 2025

Welcome back to the BLEAV fam. This episode brings you an exclusive look at a highly contested 14-team league mock featuring top-tier analysts like D-Mac, Matty G, Josh Lloyd, Adam King, Dan Titus, Dan Besbris and others. They worked through three sweaty days of drafting, sharing insights, strategy, and expert picks to build league-winning squads. Here is the full breakdown, structured round by round so you know exactly who the experts are targeting.

Round 1 Highlights
-Nikola Jokic went number one consensus and is still unchallenged as the fantasy anchor.
-Victor Wembanyama surprised some by falling to number four due to health concerns but still a top-tier pick.
-Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rounded out the top versatile stars.
-Cade Cunningham emerged as a coveted pick at number six for his multi-category production.
-Other first-rounders included Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis, and Anthony Edwards, all solid bets based on roles and efficiency.

Round 2 Focus
-Devin Booker saw strong demand early in the round due to his scoring and assist growth.
-Veteran players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry were taken, blending experience with production.
-Trae Young stayed in the conversation as a high-usage guard with assist upside.
-Jaylen Brunson drew mixed reviews. Some experts are hesitant due to changing team dynamics under new coaching.
-Evan Mobley was picked early for his defensive stats and usage.

Round 3 and 4 Upside and Value
-LaMelo Ball was a prized pick for ball distribution and scoring, though concerns about injury risk prevailed.
-Scottie Barnes, Tyler Herro, and Jaylen Johnson took spots as young players with breakout potential.
-Zion Williamson slid into the middle rounds, and this surprised many, with debate about health, but huge upside when on the floor.
-Veteran wings like DeMar DeRozan and rising stars like Bam Adebayo were selected here.
-Secondary centers like Jakob Poeltl, Miles Turner, and Jared Allen helped round out front courts.

Mid to Late Rounds Specialists and Sleeper Plays
-Emerging guards Jalen Suggs, Dyson Daniels, and Tyrese Maxey got nods from experts looking for assists and steals.
-Cooper Flagg showed up as a coveted rookie value pick due to his size and shot-blocking ability.
-The experts discussed the pitfalls of “punt builds” and the delicate balance of drafting specialists versus all-around contributors.
-Popular late-round picks included Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, De’Andre Hunter, and Derrick White, each with potential upside or niche roles.
-Notable drops included cautioning against risky veterans with injury histories like Paul George or overhyped rookies with inconsistent roles.

Strategy Insights
-Experts emphasized watching for the league’s build style. Knowing who goes for punt strategies versus balanced builds can inform your pick choices.
-Assists and steals were hot commodities, with players like Josh Giddey driving draft runs on guards.
-Efficiency versus volume debates shaped how many assist-heavy or scoring guards were drafted early, balancing field goal and free throw percentages.
-Injuries, coaching changes, and role uncertainty drove volatility in mid-round picks, highlighting the importance of adaptability mid-draft.
-Throwing caution to the wind with high-upside rookies late can pay big dividends in deep leagues.

Final Thoughts from D-Mac and Matty G
-Neither expert nailed every pick but praised the overall competitive depth of the draft pool.
-Preferring steady veterans for foundation picks balanced by upside lottery tickets late was a shared theme.
-They encouraged continuous mock drafting to keep mental sharpness and adaptability high.
-Finally, they reminded listeners to join and engage with the BLEAV community for access to expert talks, exclusive insights, and top-tier draft assistance all season long.