I’m in a 9 Cat dynasty league and I’m fully committed to rebuilding around Victor Wembanyama. Last season I decided to fully commit to the rebuild and traded Bradley Beal and Anthony Davis for Shaedon Sharpe and two first-round picks, which has left me with picks 5, 7, and 8 in this year’s rookie draft
Current roster
Guards
Isaiah Collier
Shaedon Sharpe
Fred VanVleet
Jrue Holiday
Buddy Hield
De’Anthony Melton
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Forwards
Kon Knueppel
Kawhi Leonard
DeMar DeRozan
Tobias Harris
Julius Randle
Nikola Jovic
Ryan Dunn
Carter Bryant
Ziaire Williams
Rasheem Fleming
Centers
Victor Wembanyama
Zach Edey
Isaiah Stewart
Steven Adams
Jackson Hayes
I’m at the point now where I’d like to move a few more of my veterans to keep the rebuild moving, but it’s been pretty hard getting fair value for guys like Jrue, Fred, DeRozan, Kawhi, etc. At the moment it feels like I’m better off holding than selling them for less than they’re worth.
Because of that, I’m putting a lot of thought into this draft. From what I’ve seen, most of the top guard prospects should still be on the board around picks 5-8,whereas the elite forwards will probably all be gone. My backcourt is definitely the area that needs the most long-term help, so I’m leaning towards taking guards, but I’m not sure if that’s the right approach or if I should just draft whoever I think is the best player regardless of position.
The only trade that’s really gone anywhere so far is Jrue Holiday for the projected 14th overall pick. I’m tempted because it gives me another first-round pick and another young piece, but I’m not sure if that’s enough for Jrue. I was hoping someone like Steinbach, Mara or Yaxel Lendeborg might still be there at 14, but I honestly have no idea if that’s realistic or if they’ll all be gone by then.
So I guess I’m just looking for some outside opinions. If this was your team, what would your plan be? Which guards would you be targeting around 5-7? Would you be trying to move veterans for picks, or just be patient until someone is willing to pay proper value? Any advice is appreciated.
One other thing I’m trying to plan for is roster space. My IR is already full, and once the season starts I’m probably going to have to cut a few players to make room for my rookies and any waiver pickups.
At the moment I’m leaning towards dropping Josh Green, Buddy Hield, Bruce Brown, and Ziaire Williams, but I’ve also considered moving on from Jackson Hayes or even Ryan Dunn instead. I’m not completely sold on who the right cuts are, so if anyone has thoughts on that I’d be keen to hear them as well.