Kristian Ferrell
Auction fantasy basketball is a popular format for fantasy basketball leagues. Each team owner is given a fixed budget (usually $200) and a set number of roster spots to fill. The players to be auctioned are ranked by their predicted dollar value, which is based on past performance. Team owners then take turns nominating players for the auction block, and bidding on nominated players. Bidding continues until there is a single remaining high bid, and the player is awarded to the highest bidder. This process repeats until every team's roster is filled. Auction drafts require each team owner to balance player talent considerations, competitive bidding strategy, and accounting to ensure their roster is filled without exceeding their budget.
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the rules of auction drafting
Auction drafting is a popular format for fantasy basketball leagues. It differs from standard drafts in that it is based on a bidding format. Each team starts with a fixed budget, usually $200, and must fill a set number of roster spots, typically 13, including 10 active players and 3 bench players. The players to be auctioned are ranked by their predicted dollar value, based on past performance or projected performance, and this value can be customized by team owners before the draft.
During the draft, each team owner takes turns nominating players for auction. Once a player is nominated, bidding begins, and owners are free to bid whatever they feel the player is worth. Bidding continues until there is a single remaining high bid, and the player is awarded to the highest bidder, with the bid amount deducted from their budget. This process repeats until every team's roster is filled.
A key strategy in auction drafting is the "stars and scrubs" approach, where owners invest a large portion of their budget in acquiring top-tier players and fill the rest of their roster with cheaper options. Owners must also consider player talent, bidding strategy, and budget management to ensure a well-rounded team.
Auction drafts can be more complex and time-consuming than traditional snake drafts, but they offer more flexibility in team composition and require a deeper understanding of player values and auction strategies.
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Creating a strategy
Auction fantasy basketball is a fun and challenging format that requires a good strategy and a bit of maths. Each team owner has a fixed budget (usually $200) and a set number of players to draft (13 roster players, including 10 active players and 3 bench players). The nominated player's name is displayed, and each team owner can bid or pass. Once the highest bidder acquires the player, the system moves on to the next player on the list.
- Know the rules: Understand the rules of the game and the specific settings of your league. For example, figure out the inflation rate in keeper leagues.
- Make a plan: Decide on an investment strategy and create a list of players you want and can afford, as well as players you want to avoid.
- Stars and Scrubs (or Studs and Duds): This is a common strategy where you spend big on a few superstar players and fill the rest of your roster with cheaper players. This can be risky, as there is little room for error, and it can be difficult to recover if one of your stars underperforms.
- Pay for consistency and health: When investing in superstars, consider players who are consistently available and healthy, even if they may not have the highest upside.
- Category Upside: Look for players who can produce in multiple categories, especially if they are available at a lower cost.
- Don't wait until the last second: While it may be tempting to try to "snipe" a player by bidding at the last second, this can backfire due to internet latency. Bid for players you want, but don't wait too long.
- Be flexible and adapt: Even with a strategy in place, be prepared to adapt based on the actions of other owners. Look for trades, cut bait with underperforming players, and pounce on mistakes made by others in your league.
- Experiment: If you always use the same strategy, try something new. Drafting differently can be a fun way to mix up your season and may even lead to better results.
- Keep an eye on free agency and the waiver wire: Stay up to date with all free agency moves, waiver wire claims, and available trade pieces. You may be able to pick up valuable players at a lower cost.
- Consider league settings: The value of certain players can change depending on your league settings. For example, shooting guards may lose value in leagues with more positional flexibility, while Joel Embiid gains value in leagues with an IR spot.
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Bidding on players
The bidding process starts with each team owner nominating players for the auction. Once a player is nominated, the bidding begins, and team owners can bid any amount they feel the player is worth. Bidding continues until there is a single remaining high bid, and the player is awarded to the highest bidder. The bid amount is then deducted from the team owner's funds, and the process repeats until all teams' rosters are filled. It's important to note that the bidding can be intense for top-quality players, so team owners must carefully consider player talent, bidding strategy, and budget management.
A common strategy in auction draft basketball is the "stars and scrubs" approach. This involves investing heavily in acquiring two or three top-tier players at the start of the draft and then filling the remaining roster spots with inexpensive players. This strategy recognises that stars are a necessity in fantasy basketball, and their consistent performance over an 82-game season can make a significant impact. However, it's important not to overspend on players with a history of injuries.
Another strategy is the "studs and duds" approach, where team owners spend big on acquiring multiple elite players and then fill the rest of the roster with very cheap players. This strategy comes with the risk of injuries to top players, but it also offers the opportunity to pick up emerging players during the season. It's essential to have a plan and use tools like a calculator to manage your budget effectively during the auction.
Additionally, it's important to be mindful of your budget throughout the auction. Most host sites will require you to keep at least $1 per remaining roster spot, so don't leave too much money on the table. At the same time, be cautious not to overspend on a few players early in the auction, as this may limit your options later on. Finding a balance between acquiring top players and managing your budget is key to a successful auction draft.
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Managing your budget
Know the Rules and Plan Ahead
Understanding the rules of the auction draft is essential. Familiarise yourself with the format, the bidding process, and any specific requirements or restrictions. Knowing the rules will help you make informed decisions during the draft. It is also important to define your priorities and set limits beforehand. Identify the players you want and the tiers they fall into. Having a comprehensive list will help you avoid getting too attached to specific players, which can lead to overspending.
Be Patient and Strategic
One common mistake is to spend big early on. It is generally advisable to hold your money and let others spend theirs first. This way, you can gauge the market and avoid overpaying for players. Managers often overbid for their favourite players or stars, so waiting for others to spend their larger budgets first can work to your advantage. Consider focusing on acquiring strong mid-tier players at discounted prices once others have depleted their funds.
Calculate Player Value
To ensure you don't overspend, it's important to calculate a player's value. Tools like Basketball Monster can help you assign a dollar value to players based on projections. You can then determine the dollar-per-value factor by dividing the total value of the top players by the total amount of money available. This will guide you in estimating how much to spend on each player.
Avoid Bidding Wars
Bidding wars can quickly deplete your budget. Be cautious when entering a bidding war and try to stay within a set limit, such as the Average Auction Value (AAV) plus 10%. If you can, avoid manual bidding, as it can lead to overpaying. Instead, consider using features like Auto Bid, which will bid for you up to a defined target.
Consider Budget Constraints
Keep in mind that most host sites will require you to keep a minimum amount per remaining roster spot, usually $1. Additionally, be mindful of the roster requirements and the number of players you need to fill your roster. Calculate your maximum bid by considering your remaining budget, roster vacancies, and the draft's minimum bid.
By following these strategies and staying adaptable, you can effectively manage your budget during an auction draft and build a competitive basketball team.
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Filling your roster
In an auction draft, each team owner has a fixed budget, usually $200, to fill their roster. The roster typically consists of 13 players, including 10 active players and 3 bench players. The players to be auctioned are ranked from highest to lowest by their predicted dollar value, which is based on past performance.
Team owners take turns nominating players for the auction block, and the nominated player is "sold" to the highest bidder. Bidding continues until there is a single remaining high bid, at which point the player is awarded to the highest bidder, and the bid amount is deducted from their budget. This process repeats until every team's roster is filled.
To ensure a successful draft, it is recommended to create two lists. The first list should include players you want as long as the price stays reasonable. The second list should be shorter and include players you want to avoid, regardless of price. This will help you avoid overpaying for players and ensure you have roster spots available for those you truly want.
When it comes to bidding, it is important to set limits for yourself to avoid getting stuck with a player you don't want. Only bid on players you are confident will be outbid, and don't price enforce for players on your "do not draft" list. Keep in mind that most host sites will require you to keep at least $1 per remaining roster spot, so manage your budget accordingly.
There are various investment strategies you can consider when filling your roster. One common strategy is "Studs and Duds," where you spend big on several elite players and fill the rest of your roster with very cheap players. Another strategy is "Stars and Scrubs," where you focus on acquiring three to four top players and then fill the remaining spots with inexpensive role players. However, this strategy is high-risk as it makes your team more injury-prone.
Additionally, it is crucial to be well-versed in your league's scoring and roster settings and familiar with your opponents. Understand the rules and requirements of your league to make informed decisions during the auction draft.
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