The clock is ticking on fantasy basketball drafts, and smart managers are already pouncing on these surging talents! As NBA opening night approaches, average draft position (ADP) is a whirlwind, revealing the players whose stock is soaring. Identifying these risers can be the difference between a championship season and a disappointing one.
Key Preseason ADP Movers
- Dejounte Murray is back to full health, driving his value upward.
- Ryan Rollins sees his stock rise amidst speculation of increased responsibility.
- Ausar Thompson is poised for a significant minute increase and defensive dominance.
- Jerami Grant emerges as a surprising late-round target in Memphis.
Dejounte Murray: Back from the Brink
After a frustrating season plagued by injury, Dejounte Murray is roaring back into fantasy relevance. Playing only 14 games last season and 45 over two, his price tag had been depressed, but that’s changing fast. His preseason ADP has jumped from 67.8 to 64.1, reflecting growing confidence in his recovery from a torn Achilles.
This 6-foot-4 point guard has a history of elite all-around production. Over his last six seasons, Murray has averaged an impressive 19 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.7 steals. If he can recapture that form, he’s an absolute steal at his current ADP, offering multi-category contributions that are hard to find outside the early rounds.
Ryan Rollins: Anticipating a Breakthrough Role
Even with the Milwaukee Bucks' roster dynamics in flux, anticipation is building around Ryan Rollins. His impressive 2025-26 season, where he put up 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals as a starting point guard, showcased his potential. Fantasy managers are clearly betting on a significant role expansion for Rollins, fueling his climb up draft boards.
His usage rate notably jumped to 27.3% when their previous superstar was off the court. This suggests Rollins can handle a larger offensive load. Currently, his ADP has moved from 75.2 to 71.5, indicating that the fantasy community sees a strong opportunity for him to deliver top-tier point guard numbers.
Ausar Thompson: Detroit's Defensive Dynamo Set for More Minutes
Positive coach talk often translates directly to ADP bumps, and that’s precisely what’s happening with Ausar Thompson. After signing a long-term deal, Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff has indicated that Thompson is set for a substantial increase from his 26 minutes per game last season.
Targeting a 30-minute role, Thompson becomes an absolute force in fantasy. In the 40 games last year where he played at least 28 minutes, he averaged 11.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks. This mid-round gem offers a rare combination of defensive stats that can single-handedly win categories. His ADP climb from 84.4 to 77.6 is a clear signal that fantasy GMs are buying into his expanded role.
Jerami Grant: A Grizzlies Veteran with Untapped Potential
Jerami Grant's rise in ADP from 116.4 to 105.5 might seem surprising, but a closer look at the Memphis Grizzlies' roster reveals why. With several spots up for grabs in the rotation, Grant stands out as one of the team's few true veterans. His history of commanding usage, having averaged at least 12 shots per game in his four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, suggests he could see significant offensive opportunities.
While his exact role in Memphis remains to be fully defined, Grant is an intriguing late-round flier. He offers a blend of scoring and defensive contributions that could far exceed his draft capital if he secures a prominent role.
