Drafting Strategy
How to build a roster that wins
Big scoring averages catch the eye, but they don’t win matches on their own. The best 5 Picks rosters are balanced, two‑way, and built to fit together. Here’s how to think about your picks.
Balance your positions
A lineup of five high‑usage scorers tends to trip over itself — someone has to defend, rebound, and create. Aim for a real spine: a primary creator, shooting on the wings, and size up front. Filling every position well beats stacking one spot.
Weigh efficiency against volume
A 28‑points‑per‑game scorer on poor shooting splits can be worth less than a 20‑point scorer who is ruthlessly efficient. Check the shooting percentages on each card, not just the points. Efficient scoring travels; empty volume doesn’t.
Don’t skip defense and rebounding
Stops and second chances swing close games. Rim protection, steals, and rebounding don’t show up in a points total, but the engine rewards them. At least one or two of your picks should earn their minutes on the defensive end.
Read the era
Pools are organized by decade, and the game eras play differently — the spacing‑and‑shooting 2010s versus the bruising, mid‑range 1990s. A roster of elite shooters leans into a modern, perimeter style; a frontcourt‑heavy team wants to win the paint. Browse the era and team guides to know a pool before you draft from it.
Know the snake
Because the pick order reverses each round, an early first‑round pick means a late second‑round one. Plan two picks ahead: if you take a superstar first, expect a longer wait before your next turn, so have a fallback in mind rather than reaching.
New to the game? Start with the how‑to‑play guide, then put it into practice from the lobby.