2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft: Building around Nikola Jokić in a roto league

Rotoworld fantasy basketball writer Raphielle Johnson recently participated in a 12-team, nine-category roto mock draft, building a team with the first pick. Which player is the superior option to start a roster with: Nikola Jokić , Victor Wembanyama , or someone else? How does that choice affect how a manager should build out the rest of their roster? Let's take a look.

While there has been no shortage of managers going the Wembanyama route with the first overall pick, I stuck with the reliable Jokić. He's been the best player in fantasy basketball for years, and even if he doesn't retain that crown this season, his overall skill set means Jokić won't fall far down the rankings if that changes. The Joker led the NBA in rebounds and assists last season and has finished first or second in league MVP voting each of the last six seasons. And with the Nuggets' depth taking a hit via Peyton Watson 's exit, they may need even more from the three-time MVP to remain a contender in the West.

The roto format tends to favor Luka Dončić, as it can minimize the impact of his turnover number. One could argue for him going second in this mock instead of Wembanyama, but the 7-foot-5 phenom can win the blocks category for a manager on his own. If there was a surprise in the first round of this mock, it may be Johnson, even with the strides he's made in Atlanta. That roster has gotten deeper, and having CJ McCollum in the fold from the start could cut into Johnson's usage.