NBA 2K22: Best Value Picks To Start A Fantasy Draft | Screen Rant
Now that the NBA regular season is finally here, gamers may be more inclined to start putting more time into NBA 2K22. The game has been on the market for nearly 2 months now, so most bugs from launch are gone and players can have a smooth and fun experience. Franchise mode is arguably the game's deepest and most flexible mode with all of the settings that can be customized. One of those options is to start off the franchise with a fantasy draft. A breakdown of good options for franchise cornerstones through the first three rounds of the draft can be found below.
If gamers are playing an offline league in NBA 2K22, it is admittedly difficult to break down AI defenders off the dribble and get around them. With that being the case, the player may want to grab a dominant big man that can score from the post early in the draft and surround them with guards and wings that can defend the perimeter and shoot the three at a high percentage. If playing an online franchise against other users, guards and wings that can score off the dribble are ideal. Someone that can hit pull-up jumpers and has the NBA 2K22 badges to finish strong at the rim is the perfect player to build the team around in that case.
When assembling a roster through a fantasy draft, many things have to be considered. First, the General Manager must decide what kind of team they want to have. They could focus on having slashers, defenders, three-point shooters, or a good mix of all types. It's also important to consider all information about each individual player. The player's current overall, age, contract, the new badges in NBA 2K22, and future potential should all be considered. All of the potential picks below were available in the middle (15th or 16th pick) of their respective rounds.
In the first round, Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns is a great option if the GM wants someone to start building a great team in NBA 2K22. The 25-year old Center is a respectable rebounder and rim protector, but his real value is on the offensive end of the floor. He can score from all three levels, so the user can space the floor with him hitting deep three-pointers or pounding the ball down low in the post. If a star guard is a preferred choice to lead a team, Devin Booker, Trae Young, and Donovan Mitchell are all similar - but great in their own ways.
In the middle of the 2nd round, GMs can surprisingly select the 2021 first overall pick Cade Cunningham. The 6'7 baller from Oklahoma State can play and guard anywhere from Point Guard to Small Forward. He can score at all three levels and is a more than capable defender as well. At 80 overall already and a potential rating of 95, Cunningham would be a good pick even late in the first round. He is only 20 years old and on his rookie contract, so selecting him early leaves room to pick veterans on bigger contracts later in the draft. De'Aaron Fox is also a solid choice here since he is still young, 85 overall, and a ton of fun to play as, with his 97 speed being the highest rated in NBA 2K22.
Depending on what the roster looks like after 2 rounds, there are 4 options that stand out in round 3. Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry are great options for a two-way point guard. Ball is younger and cheaper, but Lowry is better all around and has 50 badges. Mitchell Robinson is limited offensively as a center, but he's young, inexpensive, and an excellent rim protector and rebounder. Orlando Magic forward Jonathon Isaac is one of the best all-around defenders in the league and shoots threes well enough to space the floor on offense. With a strong foundation built through three rounds, it's up to the GM to fill the rest of their roster in a way that helps their stars stand out on the court in NBA 2K22.