Top 7 Sleepers You Must Draft for 2025-26 Fantasy Basketball

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Sep 10, 2025

Top 7 Sleepers You Must Draft for 2025-26 Fantasy Basketball

Fantasy basketball managers keep asking the same question: "Robbin, how can I win my league? What do I need to do?" The answer is simple…you gotta maximize the sleepers. Landing the right late-round or undervalued picks decides who lifts the trophy and who misses the playoffs.

This season, some names are flying under the radar. These seven players could swing your season if you draft wisely.

Kevin Porter Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks)

Kevin Porter Jr. recently signed a two-year, eleven million dollar deal with Milwaukee. Damian Lillard is gone, and Khris Middleton is out of town, so the runway for Porter is wide open. ESPN’s latest depth chart lists him as the starting point guard.

Last season was rough since Porter did not get real minutes. When he plays consistently, his numbers are impressive:

In Houston, 2020-21: 32 minutes, 16.6 points, 6.3 assists per game (26 games).
2021-22: 61 games, 15.6 points, 6.2 assists.
2022-23: 59 games, 19.2 points, 5.7 assists, 5.3 rebounds.

Porter is going undrafted in some mock drafts. If you pick him up and Milwaukee gives him real minutes, he is the type of player who can lead a championship team.

Dylan Jones (Washington Wizards)

Dylan Jones had a disappointing rookie season in OKC, playing just 10.2 minutes per game. He averaged 2.5 points and 2.2 rebounds. This season, Jones is on the Wizards, a team experimenting with different rotations. He has a real chance to carve out a role, and that makes him worth a late-round flyer.

DeAndre Ayton (Los Angeles Lakers)

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Many fantasy managers are letting Ayton slide in drafts…a mistake. Ayton has never averaged fewer than a double-double per season. His career averages are 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and one block per game.

If Ayton partners with Luka Doncic as a lob threat, his upside is enormous. Health is the only risk, but if he stays on the court, Ayton offers steady value every night.

Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans)

This rookie from Oklahoma averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists during his single college season. If those numbers translate, Fierce is a worthwhile draft gamble late, especially on a roster that could use young talent.

Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies)

Coward enters his rookie year after averaging 17.7 points, seven rebounds, and one block as a senior. The Grizzlies want depth and energy. If Coward earns minutes, he can provide both.

Yang Hansen (Portland Trail Blazers)

At just 20 years old, Hansen joins a Portland frontcourt where many expect Donovan Klingan to start. Scouts believe Hansen could leapfrog Klingan. Zach Harper at The Athletic ranks Hansen among the top 25 NBA centers right now due to his skill and size. Do not wait…draft him with confidence.

LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)

LaMelo is not a classic sleeper, but his draft position is much lower than his talent suggests. His ADP is 50.1, mostly because of injury worries, and he has played more than 47 games only once. In 2021-22, Ball played 75 games and delivered elite production. If you snag him in the third or late second round, Ball gives you star upside at a discount.

One strategy tip… avoid pairing Ball with other high-injury risk stars, such as Anthony Davis or Kawhi Leonard, to minimize overall risk.

Final Thoughts

The best sleeper list is the one you actually use. Rely on late-round veterans (Kevin Porter Jr., DeAndre Ayton) and rookies with upside (Yang Hansen, Jeremiah Fierce, Cedric Coward). Stay alert for LaMelo Ball falling too far, and trust your prep. The championship goes to the manager who spots the difference-makers before everyone else.