NBA Fantasy Basketball Sleepers: Not-So-Obvious Gems for the 2025-2026 Season

Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Jul 15, 2025

In the ever-evolving world of fantasy basketball, finding value beyond the top-ranked players can be the key to championship success. Using ESPN's "Fantasy basketball: Way-too-early roto and category league player rankings for 2025-26" by André Snellings as our baseline, I've identified four sleeper candidates who are primed to outperform their current rankings.

Dyson Daniels (Ranked 92): The Defensive Dynamo

It seems absurd to consider Daniels to be a “hidden gem” or a “sleeper” but having him ranked at 92 overall feels like there may be people within the fantasy basketball community who are yet to be sold on his value. I’m here to clear up any confusion: Dyson Daniels is much more than a nice defensive addition to your roster. He was a weekly staple in my lineup last season en route to a fantasy championship and there’s no reason to think he can’t make another stride. Dubbed "The Great Barrier Thief," Daniels is a defensive marvel who's rapidly becoming an all-around fantasy asset. At 22 years old, he led the league in steals while also posting 14.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 4.4 APG in 76 games. His consistent minutes and defensive prowess provide a reliable floor for fantasy managers seeking a versatile player. If you’re looking to win the steals category on a weekly basis without ignoring other important categories, Daniels is your guy.

Ausar Thompson (Ranked 96): The Stat Sheet Stuffer

Thompson is the epitome of a high-upside sleeper. When given 30 minutes per game, he becomes a fantasy basketball dream. His April performance (12.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.2 APG) hints at his potential. At 22 years old, Thompson's ability to fill multiple statistical categories makes him an intriguing late-round pick. He’ll need to continue to improve his offensive game, but after going from 48.3% from the field his rookie season to 53.5% his sophomore season, there’s reason to believe he can do just that if the Pistons give him the opportunity. Word from those close to the team is that Ausar needed to get stronger and he has done just that. President of basketball operations for the Pistons, Trajan Langdon said, “You’re going to see a different Ausar. He’s gotten bigger.” Undoubtedly their go-to perimeter defender, the top-tier athlete will be given an opportunity to prove he’s their wing of the future on a Pistons team with big plans this coming season.

Deni Avdija (Ranked 107): The Breakout Candidate?

Maybe one of the more divisive players in fantasy basketball circles, Avdija has a segment of fantasy basketball nerds who believe he’s ready to be a perennial top-50 player. While others believe he’s a headache to roster and play consistently throughout the season. Count me in the first camp! Avdija's late-season surge is impossible to ignore. Averaging 24.9 PPG, 10.6 RPG, and 5.5 APG over 16 games in March and April, I believe he's on the cusp of a breakout. With potential for increased minutes beyond his 30.0 MPG last season, Avdija should easily become a top-75 fantasy asset. Regardless, it’s tough to find a player with his upside if you see Avdija available as your draft approaches pick 100.

Dylan Harper (Ranked 111): The Rookie Wild Card

While rookies typically struggle in fantasy basketball, Harper represents an intriguing long-term investment as his rookie campaign progresses. As the #2 overall pick by the Spurs, he's expected to contribute immediately. His defensive potential and ability to improve month-over-month make him a speculative late-round add for patient fantasy managers that could easily produce mid-round return. The future of the Spurs are in Wemby’s hands first, but Harper can be considered a close second and should be an immediate upgrade over Stephon Castle.

Conclusion:

In the unpredictable landscape of fantasy basketball, finding value in the later rounds can be the difference between a good and great fantasy season. Dyson Daniels, Ausar Thompson, Deni Avdija, and Dylan Harper represent more than just statistical possibilities, they are potential game-changers for savvy fantasy managers willing to look beyond conventional rankings.

These four players embody the essence of fantasy basketball sleepers: young talent with untapped potential, consistent improvement trajectories, and the ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories. Whether it's Daniels' defensive prowess, Thompson's versatility, Avdija's late-season surge, or Harper's rookie promise, each player offers a unique value proposition that could provide significant returns at a minimal draft cost.

As you prepare for your fantasy draft, remember that championships are often won by managers who can identify these hidden gems before they become mainstream picks. Trust your research, stay informed about player developments, and don't be afraid to take calculated risks on these promising young talents.