this is a blog about how the GMs of our league molded each roster this season.

Each year different problems and different solutions occur. One problem the league had was adding Mark to the league simply because of how well he has managed his roster. Eric, the lesser Kwiatkowski this season, has 9+ players on his roster currently who he drafted back in October (highest in the league). Eric has failed to squire back any of the draft capital he had and clearly does not value the draft at all. Alec, in a different but similar way failed to reach 20 transactions this season and kept a similar team from the draft. To be fair, Alec dealt with some really annoying long lasting injuries that handcuffed him in some situations. Brent, after starting the season 2-6 transitioned to a full team rebuild where in just 1 month he landed A. Edwards, M. Turner, S Barnes, and many more. Brent did a masterful job with his dynasty rebuild but it did cost him his valuable draft assets. Luke drafted extremely poorly dumping all of his cash into KAT and a couple other mid level stats. He has had to rebuild from there with young talent that hopefully keeps improving and doesn’t wane. Kyle is very consistent each year. Usually Kyle is competitive from the Juno and overvalues everyone on his team when it comes to trade conversations. This has rarely impacted his success though. Colt has been a real surprise with a well drafted team and some key moves to improve his roster. The trade he made most recently puts him in full Chip mode but I’m not sure I would have pulled that trigger, time will tell. Auk has offered you a trade — no words anyone really wants to see but nevertheless he is the Cinderella of the season. Mitch had a really hard mid-season run losing many games in a row likely because he got used to playing back-to-back teams who were in full rebuild and got a bit comfortable with his roster management. But, Mitch does have KD, Giannis, AND. Embiid for the future so he is already a real contender who has multiple 1st’s this off-season to maneuver. Dallas, unreal bro. The fact that he has popped off 7 in a row to make the playoffs and put himself in a spot to maybe be a serious serious contender. This is so impressive.

an article from the commissioner asking for league input.

In baseball teams carry what is called a “taxi squad,” or have in the past we still aren’t sure if baseball is a thing anymore RIP the Astros and Alec’s hopes for another fraudulent World Series. Just kidding!!!!

WHAT IS A TAXI SQUAD?

To be clear this would have to be a league voted rule change that I am merely getting the conversation rolling about. A taxi squad, for our specific dynasty purposes would be 1 to 2 roster spots that ONLY could be filled by 1st or 2nd year players (rookie or sophomores). These roster spots would be correctly filled by either your most recent draft pick(s) or a FA signing from the wire to your team. Ok cool…why is called a taxi squad though? Because these roster spots are filled by 1st or 2nd year players it adds to the dynasty strategy as young players may now have a roster spot and a longer leash, BUT these taxi squad players would only be eligible for the TS roster spot ONE time. If the player who is residing in a taxi squad roster spot was moved into your starting lineup and contributed in ANY way they would immediately lose taxi squad eligibility and would be on the active roster.

Let me make that more clear by way of example. If Chris Duarte was drafted and placed in Lukes Taxi Squad roster spot – Luke would hold the rights to the player but would not be reaping any benefit of his points scored (think of this part as an IR spot in terms of production and location on team roster). But, due to Levert being traded and more opportunity for Duarte Luke decided to cut a player on his roster and promote Duarte to the active roster Luke opened up a Taxi Squad position and activated Duarte who will no longer EVER (even on other teams) be eligible for the Taxi Squad position.

Could a Taxi Squad player be traded to another team and remain TS eligible?

Absolutely. As long as the player receiving the TS player keeps him in that position for his team. A TS player could be traded for a TS player as well. AND a TS player could be traded and immediately promoted to active roster.

WHY WOULD WE DO THIS????

Truly it is beneficially for 3 purposes:

1) The Draft – in a league that holds a 2 round draft each off-season, as we do, TS allows for you to make these picks w/o having to make exact room for them on your active dynasty roster. Some may see this as a good thing or bad thing.

2) The Dynasty – TS allows for a long term look at young players who may not have “right now” impact but could be really good down the road. This closely resembles a real NBA roster.

3) Strategy – TS adds another level of strategy as draft picks become a little more valuable and how you utilize more roster spots adds to trade value, longevity, and a necessary knowledge of young players.

I want your thoughts!

This one is unique in that it only took 16 minutes from negotiating to completion. However, this trade was previously accepted but Luke backed out after getting wise council from Eric. Luke has been working on this habit but nevertheless a deal was made.

Where does this put everyone? Mitch receives a first round pick for each of the next two years. This seems to be an adequate return although he was shopped for 3 1sts earlier on and Mitch gave up B. Simmons and M. Turner for Russ, I. Stewart, & J. Tate. If you add what he received for Russ most recently that trade looks like: 2 1sts, I. Stewart, & J. Tate for B. Simmons & M. Turner. I think he loses on the final deal especially after Sabonis got dealt (opening more FP opportunity for Turner) and Simmons got dealt. Mitch made a move he needed to heading into the off-season.

Mark took advantage of the lowering cost of Russ as he makes his late run to the championship. He ended up giving up D. Bane, 23’ 1st, & J. Tatum for FVV, Russ, & JJJ. This is much more of a real NBA deadline trade in that the championship contender capitalized on the situation the other suitors were in record wise. A deal like this is never done if it weren’t for the dynasty format.

Lastly, Luke received two players he believes correctly fit his timeline and got the 1st and 4th best players in this trade. He gave up FVV, 22’ 1st & JJJ for Bane & Tatum. He doesn’t want to give up any picks but thought the situation allowed for him to land a centerpiece like J. Tatum. Tatum now joins D. Mitchell, Klay, and B. Simmons as the younger core rounds out that roster.

The first year of the dynasty format presents a lot of challenges for GM’s. One of those challenges is draft picks. Do they have value? If so, what kind of value? In this article I will discuss what value you could find in this upcoming draft and how you could leverage your team to acquire picks before the March 3RD trade deadline.

2021 Draft Class 1-20

First Round

1. Pistons draft Cade Cunningham

2. Rockets draft Jalen Green

3. Cavaliers draft Evan Mobley

4. Raptors draft Scottie Barnes

5. Magic draft Jalen Suggs

6. Thunder draft Josh Giddey

7. Warriors draft Jonathan Kuminga

8. Magic draft Franz Wagner

9. Kings draft Davion Mitchell

10. Pelicans draft Ziaire Williams (officially tradedto Grizzlies)

11. Hornets draft James Bouknight

12. Spurs draft Joshua Primo

13. Pacers draft Chris Duarte

14. Warriors draft Moses Moody

15. Wizards draft Corey Kispert

16. Thunder draft Alperen Sengun (officially traded to Rockets)

17. Grizzlies draft Trey Murphy (officially tradedto Pelicans)

18. Thunder draft Tre Mann

19. Knicks draft Kai Jones (officially traded to Hornets)

20. Hawks draft Jalen Johnson

As we are well aware, 1st round picks for us are picks 1-10 and round 2 is 11-20. This draft has some fall off towards the end, as well as some suspect T20 picks. But, look at the talent found in the first 20 picks. Notably; Cunningham (18.20), Mobley (20.40), Barnes (19.65), Wagner (17.20), Giddey (20.70), Duarte (13.40), Davion Mitchell now a solidified role with THB headed to IND.

If the GSW did not draft J. Bouknight we’d be singing a different tune on his fantasy impact, and he may just be super relevant in a Warriors uni anyway.

Notable players outside of the T20:

Ayo Dosunmu (38th pick) 20.25 30 day average

Herbert Jones (35th pick) 16.05 30 day average

Cameron Thomas (27th pick) 19.30 14 day average

The list goes on of talent found in the 2021 draft and some reporters are saying the 23’ draft is one the best in recent years. However, only 5 GM’s hold a first round pick in 23’. Eric, for instance, doesn’t have a 1st round pick until 25’ and is reportedly shopping that as well. So, do these picks hold value? Colt, who sits in 3rd place, sure thinks they do with 3 first round picks in 23’. Alec, Luke, and Mitch sure do who all have at least 2 1st round picks.

If the draft order this year, was last years order this is how it would look:

Pistons draft Cade Cunningham (LUKE)

2. Rockets draft Jalen Green (ALEC)

3. Cavaliers draft Evan Mobley (COLT)

4. Raptors draft Scottie Barnes (MITCH)

5. Magic draft Jalen Suggs (MITCH)

6. Thunder draft Josh Giddey (AUK)

7. Warriors draft Jonathan Kuminga (COLT)

8. Magic draft Franz Wagner (LUKE)

9. Kings draft Davion Mitchell (COLT)

10. Pelicans draft Ziaire Williams (officially tradedto Grizzlies) (ALEC)

11. Hornets draft James Bouknight (KYLE)

12. Spurs draft Joshua Primo (ALEC)

13. Pacers draft Chris Duarte (BRENT)

14. Warriors draft Moses Moody (MITCH)

15. Wizards draft Corey Kispert (DALLAS)

16. Thunder draft Alperen Sengun (officially traded to Rockets) (KYLE)

17. Grizzlies draft Trey Murphy (officially tradedto Pelicans) (ERIC)

18. Thunder draft Tre Mann (LUKE)

19. Knicks draft Kai Jones (officially traded to Hornets) (LUKE)

20. Hawks draft Jalen Johnson (MARK)

Luke walks away with: Cunningham, Franz Wagner, Tre Mann, & Kai Jones

Mitch: Scottie Barnes, Jalen Suggs, Moses Moody

Auk: the second best team on the league adds Josh Giddey

Should I continue? I truly believe the 23’ draft will have a huge impact on the season and who competes and who does not.

At 12:30pm the news leaked that NYC Mayor, Eric Adams, is going to likely revoke the vaccine mandate in the city. This means Kyrie will be able to play home games. At 2:59pm Kyrie was traded to Eric in a deal that would send M. Turner & coveted young PG Cole Anthony to Brent.

The trade

The trade comes as a surprise for two reasons and both are how bright the future is for the two players traded to Brent. Anthony has been only one of two bright spots in ORL (Carter jr.) and there is no indication this will change moving forward. Secondly, the big man in IND is now the lone wolf at the C position in the Pacers starting lineup. Anthony (20.95) and Turner (18.70) are two young studs ready to make long lasting fantasy impact in the dynasty league. Kyrie, however, is 29 and has been synonymous with chaos over the last couple s seasons beginning with his stint in BOS and now in BKN. I think Turner is a 20 point scorer in IND moving forward and I think we will see Anthony grow into a 23/24 point guy next season while Kyrie sits at 25.10 this season (in away games) and could provide even more IF the mandate is lifted. This is clearly a move that GM Eric Kwiatkowski is making to win now.

It was reported that the deal originally was without Jalen Green in it but he was later added in before finalization. Green only averages 11 points and doesn’t fit Eric’s TL whatsoever and I assume he is a drop candidate as EK pushed to win now.

I give the edge to Brent as this completes his team overhaul and rebuild.

Every year we find players on teams that owners refuse to trade, even if the sun, moon, and stars are offered for them. Below is a list of players that are currently in the Area 51 of our Dynasty League. PS: all of this was done in good will and not to be annoying as I went at everyone.

Colt: LeMelo Ball – the world and more would not be enough for Colt to not feel “bamboozled” or at least have to hear backlash from roommate Alec Brown. Ja Morant – copy and paste ^

Alec: Cade Cunningham – this may be for good reason BUT don’t come knocking on Al’s door for Cade or if you do come with 8 Baylor players and Dane Lillards son. One good thing to note about Alec is that it’s been rumored that Dane himself has left Area 51 and has been in some trade negotiations this season.

Mitch: Joel Embiid – to Mitch Embiid is Shaq incarnate. Which actually may be true. But reports around the league (and yes me (luke)) has offered a large chunk of change but Mitch wants to hind onto the Philly big!

Mark: Jason Tatum – Mark believes Tatum is a “top 5 guy” and loves his age and stage of his career. Plus with a team like Mark’s why would he trade anyway!?

Kyle: His entire team (especially if they ever played for UK – you can’t trade for Kyle’s players because that would mean K-Time would have to reply to a trade request 😉

Brent: Anyone under the age of 23 – especially “eddy” or Anthony Edwards who he acquired from Luke earlier this season

Auk: Julius Randle – Auk has a love affair with Julius Randle and has for a very long time. Then again he likely really over values his team and grossly undervalued your players. But don’t worry we are all supposed to “look at the stats.”

Luke: Any Pacer Ever – I either try to acquire ever Pacer or raise the stock for them by 3x when they join my team. I also love to verbally accept trades and then back out in a moments notice on trades I OFFERED. But don’t worry another 2 for 1 is coming your way.

Eric: An even deal – EK loves him uh barg’n … if the deal is even, move on from the EK train.

Luka: Dallas – wait a minute…

Players who need to be rostered by contenders:

Eric Gordon: what are you waiting on? He is averaging 21+ over the last 14 days and with Porter jr. (Left thigh) still out GET HIM ON YOUR ROSTER

Cody Martin: 21+ over the last 14 days and 15 points for the year. Larry Nance Jr., Gallinari, Horton Jr. get the f out the way. Go get him.

Pat Connaughton: do I need to say anymore? Ranked 81 FOR THE SEASON and R.O.S value is all the way there. Guys mentioned above – bye.

Terrence Ross: Ross is a full blown stream option for now. Last 7: 20.25 Last 14: 16.60 — I’d pick him up over anyone named above.

No I’m not saying every trade FAIR or that both teams would DO ITTTT … but just suggestions that may spark a trade talk —

Mark: Trade Idea: LeBron James (30) / 2023 1st & 2nd ➡️ Jarrett Allen (28) & Lonzo Ball (19.50) (colt)

Mark’s team is likely Championship game bound but he could look at getting younger and bigger with this deal. (I already hear Colt saying “what are you insane”) but I actually think this legitimatizes Colts championship push and I don’t see Mark needing these picks in 23’ because his old core will still be the focal point.

Colt: Jerami Grant (18) / Kevin Porter jr. (14) / 23’ 1st➡️ Brandon Ingram (22) (Brent)

Colt doesn’t need any INJ guys sitting out while his top tier guys are playing really well. This week he will fall to Mitch mainly because of these injuries and Grant is now out “ indefinitely.” Grant has one more year on his contract in DET and Brent is primed to make a real push next season with young (hopefully healthy) talent in 23’. Kevin Porter jr. is the question mark of the deal but he averaged 18.5 in the 2020 season and could easily get back to that if he remains in HOU for 23’. I would also look at this package to all teams in the 7-10 range. Ingram is paid through 24-25’ season in NO.

Kyle: Sabonis (29) ➡️ Myles Turner (19) / Ben Simmons (24 in 2020) & Auks 22’ 1st (Luke)

Hear me out. Ik this trade would never happen because KTime never trades. Luke wants stars and Kyle could cash in on the now and the future when Simmons gets back to the court. The future of Indy’s centers is certainly up in the air but both will be fantasy relevant forever. The 22’ 1st gives another tool for Kyle to play the now and the future all at once.

Auk: Butler (28.5) / Harrell (21) & Wiseman (12 in 20’)➡️ Gobert (28.85) / McCollum (19) & a 1st somewhere (Mitch)

Auk could use some (slightly younger) talent and an upgrade at the Center position while Mitch would own the Forward position (which imo is the hardest position to fulfill) resulting in a trio of – KD, Butler, and DeRozan. Trez Harrell is the difference maker in this trade. He could own the C position for the Wizards with little competition and continue to impress or be traded to a contender and lose that island production. Harrell currently is top 10 in production per/minute. Wisemen could be a huge addition to a center needy GSW, but his young talent has yet to amount to real production mainly due to injuries and being on an amazing team. Both Mitch and Auk may say no to this trade but it’s a trade that could slightly improve both teams. The center position is somewhat of a king in our league, hinting at why Auk is sending 3 and Mitch just 2+ a 1st. Butler is 32 and Gobert is 29

Eric: Curry (29.5) & PG (25) ➡️ Simmons (24 in 20’) / Brogdon (25) / Auks 22’ 1st & Turner (19) (Luke)

This trade has been offered by Luke multiple times but Eric wants Luke’s 22’ 1st overall pick. If Simmons gets back to his old self (or even better on a new team) than this trade is extremely lob-sided. the risk of Simmons is the hangup. But, in a dynasty format I’m not sure the risk is as high as some assume.

Mitch: Anunoby (19) & Isaiah Stewart (14)➡️ Alec’s 2022 1st & Monte Morris (15) (Alec)

Simple and easy. Anunoby (INJ) is in a great spot to continue to grow in TOR but Mitch hasn’t and won’t need his production to make the playoffs and to compete as he just beat the 2nd best team this week. Mitch could put into place the Ol’ now and then strategy with a great 22’ pick. This is likely the 3rd overall pick (that was Evan Mobley3, Scottie Barnes4, Jalen Suggs5) range. Alec gets better for the future with two strong youngins for one 1st round pick and Mitch gets the 3rd overall pick + Jamaal Murray’s handcuff for the 22-23 season in Monte Morris who can help with the current playoff push.

Dallas: Jokic (41)➡️Brogdon (25), Turner (19), Simmons (24), Kyle’s 22’ 1st & Colts 22’ 1st (Luke)

The house for the house owner. 2 22’ 1st + Brogdon, Simmons, & Turner is a LOAD. Jokic is the best fantasy player in the league. But, this could set Dallas up for a long prosperous future with 5 total young talented players. Of course the one typing this message wants Jokic so take that into account. But, in full transparency, I want Giannis and Jokic to build around with draft picks to fill other spots and look to 24’ to be a contender.

Alec: Damien Lillard (24), D. Green (22), & Aaron Gordon (17) ➡️ E. Mobley (21) & Halliburton (19) (Kyle)

Out with the old in with the younger. Mobley is set to be a star in CLE and Halliburton has shown real promise in SAC over the last two seasons and is also the perfect compliment to Fox. This gives Kyle a run at the ship with the addition of Lillard, but the looming question with Lillard is how much the new foul rules still effect him. As shocking as it is, the new rule may have impacted him the most (even more than Young, Harden, and others).

Brent is set

Luke needs a million trades.

Brent v Mark

Brent, who has scored almost 200 less points than Mark is looking set to eclipse the league leader. This is heavily due to Poeltle, Harris, LBJ, Holiday ALL dealing with injury. Brent is currently up 41 and I believe he will win this weeks matchup

Auk’s unbelievable undefeated run may be coming to an end in week 3 which if Mark loses would end all undefeated seasons. Mitch, who I predicted to win, is currently leading 498 to 431. BUT Gobert, Markkenen, & Donovan Mitchell are all dealing with injuries which could land Auk a small chance to eclipse Mitch and remain undefeated.

Eric v Dal

Could Eric finally get his first win with his loaded roster? He is leading 513 to 512, so this will likely end up as the closest matchup of the weekend. Eric is predicted to score 890 opposed to Dal who is only predicted 806. AD is GTD and Siakem and Porzingis have been dead all year so track this one heading into Saturday with AD’s status and Dallas’ surge to Sunday.

Auk v Mitch

Auk’s unbelievable undefeated run may be coming to an end in week 3 which if Mark loses would end all undefeated seasons. Mitch, who I predicted to win, is currently leading 498 to 431. BUT Gobert, Markkenen, & Donovan Mitchell are all dealing with injuries which could land Auk a small chance to eclipse Mitch and remain undefeated.

I went 4/5 now 6-4 overall but the one game I missed happened late Sunday night in a thriller. Mitch bested Brent by 8 after trailing all week. Despite Giannis (163) and Westbrook (23) going for big numbers Brent’s team came up just short with 901 points scored which would have beaten 5 other teams.

The shocking performance of Auk’s team continues to shock the league. He has now finished 1 or 2 in final totals through two weeks amd that is mainly due to the play of Butler, Murray, FVV, and a host of other contributors. Auk said he had an “awful draft” and that he needs “picks for next year already” directly after this years draft. I’m not sure that’s going to be the case.

The newest member of the Dynasty League has proven to have more fantasy competency than both Zach and Colt Duke had combined. Mark (or Branden) is leading the league (2-0) with 1,675 points.

Week 3 predictions

Kyle v Luke

This one goes to Kyle by 55. Kyle has outscored Luke by a total of 81 points so far so the matchup could close especially if Luke uses all 7 waiver wire players ( which I will 😉 ). Kyle’s team is 1-1 but KAT, Sabonis, and shocking okay bu Herro have led the way!!

Auk v Mitch

I should take Auk. I should take Auk. I should take Auk. I’ve got Mitch by 50-60 in this one. Mitchs team has proved to be deep and his stars just need to be available for him to be very competitive this week.

Eric v Dal

Man. I didn’t think Eric was going to start 0-3 after the draft he had. But I really think the injury concern is going to have to be addressed sooner rather than later via trade. I am taking Dal by a hair. It is looking like EK will be the healthiest he has been all year in this one though.

Colt v Alec

Colt. Colt. Colt. I like his team and he has boom or bust potentially and I’m taking boom this week. Melo ball has favorable matchups this week with CLE, GSW, & SAC. ALec’s team will still be suffering for World Series heartbreak so look to next week for Alec’s team to be fully engaged.

Mark v Brent

I think Mark stays undefeated and Brent falls to 1-2. Cunningham’s production was not impressive in anyway so that’s something to watch alongside Brent’s team having 3 more games than Mark currently has displayed. Brent sees Auk the following week and those teams are currently 1 & 2 in the standings.