As much as you'd like to avoid those guys and play safe, there really aren't a whole lot of "safe" picks in the 8-20 range. That's why picking after 7 is the dreaded area this year. So, you could pick Kemba Walker if you want someone super safe, but he's got almost no shot of finishing as a first round value - his ceiling is probably around 15-20. Or you could roll the dice on Embiid, who will miss some games, but if things break right for him, he could be a top 5 player per game. People don't talk about it, but his stat line last year was almost identical to Anthony Davis with about a steal less and a turnover more. In this range, it's tough no matter which route you choose, but I think I'd take the gamble on Embiid here. Kemba as a 1st round pick is safe, but he's probably not winning your league for you even if he plays 82 games.

I've even considered the likes of Vucevic and Westbrook. Embiid will more than likely be gone by my pick I'm assume. And worst part is guys rarely trade in this league as well.

Around pick 19, I think I'd be eyeing Trae Young. He might go earlier, but his default rank is 19, so there's a chance he's still there. Point Guards fall off a cliff this year if you don't grab 2 in the first few rounds. He'll also probably lead the league in assists, so that sets you up nicely in that regard. Plus, say you picked Embiid, Trae's turnovers aren't as much of an issue for you. Going elite big, followed by (hopefully) elite guard is a great start and sets you up to go in almost any direction for round 3. You could take best player available or grab another solid guard.

If you don't get Trae, I really like Devin Booker in this spot. I might be in the minority, but he could easily be in the top 5 scorers in the league (I think he was 6th last year). He'll also get you good assists, so he helps in both points and assists, two categories that dry up very quickly after the first few rounds.

I'd say Jrue and Draymond. As long as Jrue stays heathy he'll be solid all around. It's a bit of a stretch to reach for Draymond that early but he'll get you good value across the board and will almost assuredly be playing for a playoff spot come the end of the season......plus I figure he'll be playing angry all season.

I'm sweetening on Kawhi, though if you're punting FG% and TO then yeah, guys like Kemba get a big bump. Same with Westy. Depends on what you ultimately decide you want to do with your team, but Kawhi and Beal are probably the best players available there if you were opting not to punt.

I’d go with Beal if he fell there. Otherwise I might go Embiid or Drummond then Trae or Westy on the way back.

I've got the 10th pick in a 14-teamer too. Mine is 9-cat roto though not H2H. I'm targeting Beal or Kawhi or Jimmy at #10 and I like the bigs around #19 (Drummond, Vooch, Gobert, Myles).

How much do you trust Beal not to sit in fantasy playoffs or to be traded?

I love Beal. He just signed an extension and he loves to play. Make sure your league ends with 10 days left in the season and you should be in good shape.

Dan, after the top 7 who do you like in what order for pick 10? Embiid, Lebron, Beal, Leonard???

My list rearranges a bit depending on format. In roto I'm more willing to take the chance on the load management guys. In H2H they get bumped back about 3-4 slots in favor of Beal, even Kyrie and/or Butler just because I think those guys will need to play in your h2h playoffs.

I’m leaning Embiid, Beal, Westbrook in that order I think. Maybe Beal over Embiid due to injury concerns/fantasy playoffs