:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68515433/usa_today_14694253.0.jpg)
With the 2020-21 NBA regular season surprisingly only two weeks away, it is a great time to discuss some fantasy basketball. Unlike fantasy football, where your first two picks, could make or break your team. In fantasy basketball, you do not need to fret as you can find value up and down the draft board.
The two front court players that we are going to focus on today are Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz and Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns. Both centers are unique in their own way and bring different things to the basketball court. That being said, which one should you take first? We’re going to help you decide.
Fantasy basketball ADP battle: Rudy Gobert vs. Deandre Ayton
Rudy Gobert and Deandre Ayton are both ranked within the top-30 in fantasy basketball and top-10 at the center spot. According to FantasyPros.com, Ayton’s overall ADP is 25, while Gobert’s ADP is 30.5.
It is doesn’t come as a surprise to Ayton ranked higher than Gobert because he’s the better offensive center. The third-year center had a great sophomore season, despite missing a significant amount of games due to a suspension. Ayton averaged 18.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game.
Now heading into this season, Ayton’s game should go to another level with the offseason addition of Chris Paul. Paul brings a veteran presence to the young Suns and floor general, which will help setup Ayton in the front court.
As for Gobert, he had another solid season for the Jazz. Unlike Ayton, he brings a more defensive presence to court. The 28-year-old center averaged a double-double consisting of 15.1 points and 13.5 rebounds in 34.3 minutes per game.
He also averaged 2.0 blocks per game and posted a 104 DRtg (defensive rating). Gobert should once again be in the running for Defensive Player of Year and another All-defensive team as he’s one of the premier shot blockers/rim protectors in the association.
With all that being said, who should you take in your respective fantasy draft? It’s honestly a toss-up. If you are looking for a more offensive center because you missed out on Karl-Anthony Towns or Joel Embiid, then Ayton is your pick. But Gobert brings a lot to fantasy basketball too as he can stuff the stat sheet.