Fantasy basketball draft season is approaching, and identifying the right elite players could be the key to building a championship-caliber roster. From Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama to Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham, these are the fantasy anchors managers should target early.
Key Highlights
- Nikola Jokić remains the safest No. 1 fantasy pick across virtually every league format.
- Victor Wembanyama offers game-changing defensive production, especially in category leagues.
- Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham enter the season with significant upside thanks to their offensive roles.
- Several elite players, including Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, carry additional intrigue following Achilles injury recoveries.
Start Your Draft With an Elite Fantasy Anchor
Landing a top-tier player early can give your fantasy basketball team a major advantage. The best first-round selections aren't simply big scorers — they are players capable of consistently producing across multiple statistical categories. For the 2026-27 NBA season, several superstars stand above the rest as reliable fantasy building blocks.
Nikola Jokić Remains the No. 1 Fantasy Pick
It's difficult to argue against Nikola Jokić at the top of the fantasy basketball rankings. The Denver Nuggets superstar continues to offer one of the most complete statistical profiles in the NBA. His combination of points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, along with elite efficiency and remarkable durability, gives fantasy managers production in almost every category.
Jokić's consistent role in Denver's offense also provides another layer of security. Whether you're playing points or category fantasy basketball, he remains the safest player to build your roster around. If you have the No. 1 pick, Jokić is the clear starting point.
Victor Wembanyama Offers Game-Changing Upside
Victor Wembanyama has quickly become one of the most valuable players in fantasy basketball, and his defensive impact makes him particularly dangerous in category leagues.
The San Antonio Spurs star can dominate the blocks category almost by himself while also contributing heavily in rebounds, points and other statistical areas. His offensive efficiency is still developing, but his enormous upside makes him a legitimate challenger for the No. 1 overall fantasy spot.
For managers targeting defensive statistics and category dominance, Wembanyama could be the ultimate fantasy cheat code.
SGA, Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham Lead the Guards
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains a clear top-three fantasy option, particularly in category leagues. His elite efficiency and scoring consistency make him extremely valuable, although his efficiency-driven style can make him slightly less appealing in some points-based formats.
Meanwhile, Luka Dončić could have an even bigger role with LeBron James moving on from the Lakers. With more offensive responsibility potentially falling on Dončić, his already elite usage could rise further.
Cade Cunningham is another young guard firmly established as a first-round fantasy player. At just 24 years old, Cunningham still has room to improve, making him one of the more intriguing upside picks among the early selections.
High-Stakes Picks: Balancing Talent and Risk
Once the safest fantasy anchors are off the board, the draft becomes more complicated. Several elite players have the talent to deliver first-round production but come with questions surrounding injuries, team changes or evolving roles.
Achilles Comebacks Could Shape the Draft
Jayson Tatum enters 2026-27 with plenty of fantasy intrigue after recovering from an Achilles tear. With Jaylen Brown no longer in Boston, Tatum is expected to remain the Celtics' primary offensive option if he returns to full strength. Tyrese Haliburton faces a similar situation. The Indiana Pacers guard remains a first-round fantasy talent, but his Achilles recovery could make some managers hesitant to select him that early.
Then there's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who enters a new chapter with the Miami Heat after leaving Milwaukee. His fantasy production should remain strong despite the change of scenery. However, category-league managers still need to account for his limited three-point production and free-throw efficiency.
Cooper Flagg Could Be the Next Fantasy Superstar
Few young players offer more excitement than Cooper Flagg. After a relatively quiet start to his rookie season, Flagg finished the campaign with an extended stretch of elite production. His combination of scoring, rebounding, playmaking and defensive ability gives him the statistical profile of a future MVP-caliber fantasy player.
Entering his sophomore season with the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg has an opportunity to make another major leap. For fantasy managers willing to prioritize upside, Flagg could be one of the biggest difference-makers on the early draft board.
