NBA Captaincy Corner - Week 11

The Jokic Injury Twist

I’m excited like Big Kev. Not because I wish injury on anyone, but because the Jokic injury has blown NBASuperCoach wide open. With the clear-cut captaincy option temporarily removed, this week actually requires thought, risk appetite, and strategy.

Let’s get into the best captaincy options on the board.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

There was always going to be at least one obvious pick, and this is it.

SGA currently sits second overall for total points and gets a strong four-game slate against the Hornets, Jazz, Grizzlies and Heat. The week starts soft and finishes tough, but that is nothing new for Shai. He is as close to matchup-proof as it gets in SuperCoach.

If you want safety, consistency, and a high floor with a reliable ceiling, this is your option.

Verdict: The safe captain play.

Paolo Banchero

Paolo reminded everyone last week exactly why he was priced as a premium, finishing as the top scorer after being one of the most traded-out players the week before.

This week he faces three of the worst defensive teams in the league in the Wizards, Nets and Pelicans, plus a free-flowing 76ers matchup. The ceiling is enormous.

However, there is risk here. Paolo has two consecutive two-game weeks after this. If you buy him, understand that this is very much a one-week smash-and-grab play.

Verdict: Massive upside, but buyer beware.

Jalen Johnson

Jalen Johnson is fast becoming an NBASuperCoach cult hero.

Trae Young’s return has not hurt his scoring nearly as much as many expected, and a lot of coaches jumped off last week after an early injury scare combined with a three-game week. That sell-off means he is no longer universal, which is exactly what makes him interesting.

The schedule is not ideal and many planned to bring him back later in the season. That is precisely why he profiles as a strong POD captain this week.

Verdict: Captain with confidence if you want to climb ranks.

Kawhi Leonard

Here’s your smokey.

Kawhi dropped 110 last week on a three-game week, and now finds himself in a rare four-game stretch

Matchups against the Warriors, Knicks, Nets and Pistons give him multiple paths to ceiling games, especially if the Clippers lean into him before workload management kicks back in.

Verdict: High risk, high reward, perfect for aggressive coaches.

Tyrese Maxey

Maxey has been elite all season and continues to reward faith. He put up 132 on a three-game week last round, which tells you everything about his role and usage.

Looking ahead, his schedule over the next six weeks reads beautifully: 4, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5. That makes him a genuine long-term captaincy option, not just a one-week play.

This week he faces an undermanned Nuggets side, plus the Wizards, Magic and Raptors. At this point, Maxey is borderline matchup-proof.

Verdict: Safe now, elite long-term hold.

Mattrix