Fantasy Faceoff: Kobe Bryant vs. Deron Williams
Who should you draft first: Kobe Bryant or Deron Williams?
Kobe is the safer and more well-rounded fantasy player, but choosing Williams is also a solid way to go. Their fantasy ADPs (average draft positions) are both around picks five through eight.
Case for Kobe
Kobe played in all 82 regular season games last year, averaging 26.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.4 3pt FGs per game.
However, he elevated his game in the playoffs, averaging 34 points in the conference finals and 32.4 points with 7.4 assists in the NBA Finals.
Kobe contributes in almost every category and isย a safe top-five pick. Even though he is getting older, his skills are not diminishing and his fantasy numbers remain great as he evolves into better a teammate.
Case for Williams
Williams is the second point guard taken in most leagues after Chris Paul. Williams only played in 68 games last season due to a sprained ankle he suffered early in the year.
He averaged 19.4 points, 10.7 assists (second in the NBA), 1.3 steals and one 3pt FG. In his last eight games, he averaged 23 points with 11 assists and shot 48 percent from the field and 87 percent from the foul line.
With the same team and ankle injury behind him, heย should average 20 points and 11 assists this season. Williams has the potential to finish ahead of Bryant this year in the fantasy rankings.
