Forget safe picks! The 2026-27 fantasy basketball season is ripe for grabbing league-winning talent far beyond the traditional first round. This year, savvy managers will find incredible value, with stars poised to explode and deliver elite production at a discount. Don't let your rivals snatch these high-upside players!
Key Draft Targets for 2026-27:
- Injury Returnees: Capitalize on discounted ADPs for players coming back strong.
- New Situations: Target stars poised for bigger roles or rejuvenated careers on new teams.
- Underrated Consistency: Spot veterans who consistently outperform their draft position.
- Breakout Potential: Identify young talents ready to make the leap to superstar status.
The Uncut Diamonds: Top Tier Talent Poised for a Resurgence
These players possess first-round talent but are falling due to perceived risks or recent performance. Smart drafters will pounce.
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers (Yahoo ADP: 13.3)
After missing all of last season, Tyrese Haliburton is cleared and ready to reclaim his spot as one of the NBA's most dynamic point guards. His all-around game and elite assists make him a potential first-round lock if healthy. Don't let draft-day hesitations scare you off; the payoff is immense.
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets (Yahoo ADP: 20.8)
Jamal Murray consistently delivers first-round fantasy value, often flying under the radar next to Nikola Jokić. His clutch scoring and playmaking are undeniable. Despite past injury concerns, he's a proven performer who can elevate your team.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (Yahoo ADP: 22.9)
At 38, Stephen Curry might seem like a risky pick, but his scoring prowess and elite three-point shooting remain. Coming off an injury-hit 2025-26, he still showed flashes of brilliance. There's plenty left in the tank for a vintage Curry season.
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls (Yahoo ADP: 23)
Since becoming a starter, Josh Giddey has been a legitimate stat-sheet stuffer. Leading a revamped, young Bulls squad, expect him to continue to fill up the box score across multiple categories. He's a triple-double threat waiting to happen.
Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers (Yahoo ADP: 23.6)
Austin Reaves has emerged as a highly impactful scorer and facilitator for the Lakers. His ability to contribute across the board, including efficient shooting and steals, makes him a dark horse for first-round value. He's more than just a complementary piece.
Trae Young, Washington Wizards (Yahoo ADP: 24.1)
Limited to just 15 games last season, Trae Young is a forgotten gem. Before that, he was a league-leader in assists, averaging over 10 dimes for three consecutive seasons. Now with a talent-filled, new-look Wizards squad, he's primed for a massive statistical resurgence.
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (Yahoo ADP: 25.3)
Devin Booker remains the undisputed first option for the Suns' offense. Expected to retain his point guard duties, he'll supplement his high-level scoring with a significant assist output. He's a guaranteed points and assists anchor for your roster.
LaMelo Ball, Minnesota Timberwolves (Yahoo ADP: 25.6)
When healthy, LaMelo Ball is a fantasy superstar. His only real drawback has been availability. A fresh start with the Timberwolves could be the catalyst for a consistent, healthy season, unlocking his full, first-round ceiling at a discounted price.
Dominators in the Paint & Beyond: Big Men with Big Upside
Frontcourt players who can impact multiple categories are gold. These centers and power forwards offer immense return on investment.
Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat (Yahoo ADP: 26.5)
Bam Adebayo remains one of the league's most well-rounded big men. Despite a dip in field goal percentage last season due to increased three-point attempts, his overall contributions across points, rebounds, assists, and defensive stats make him a strong pick. He could easily bounce back with higher efficiency.
Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings (Yahoo ADP: 28.9)
Domantas Sabonis was limited to just 19 games and faced trade rumors, causing his ADP to slide. However, he's one of the few centers who is a legitimate triple-double threat every night. Don't overlook his unique fantasy profile and potential for massive numbers if he stays with the Kings.
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers (Yahoo ADP: 29.3)
Evan Mobley is a steady, reliable big with a broad skill set, including developing his range. While his free-throw shooting isn't stellar, his defensive prowess, rebounding, and consistent scoring make him a top-tier option at his position. Expect continued growth.
Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder (Yahoo ADP: 30.8)
Chet Holmgren is an elite shot-blocker, a reliable scorer, and strong on the glass. Crucially, his ability to knock down the three-ball elevates his fantasy value significantly. He's a rare big man who impacts multiple key categories and is set for a monster season.
Walker Kessler, Los Angeles Lakers (Yahoo ADP: 41.9)
After almost an entire season sidelined, Walker Kessler is healthy and poised to explode. Playing alongside Luka Dončić with the Lakers, he could become one of the league's most effective big men. Expect significant blocks, rebounds, and efficient scoring.
Anthony Davis, Washington Wizards (Yahoo ADP: 42.7)
When healthy, Anthony Davis is easily a first-round talent. His injury history is well-documented, but if he can stay on the court with the Wizards, his ability to dominate points, rebounds, and blocks makes him an unbelievable value at this ADP. It's a calculated risk with monumental reward.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz (Yahoo ADP: 47.5)
Jaren Jackson Jr. faced an inconsistent 2025-26 with the Grizzlies due to injuries and roster changes. Now, in his first full season with the Jazz, he's in a prime situation to thrive. His blocks and three-point shooting make him a unique fantasy weapon, poised for a rebound.
Ivica Zubac, Indiana Pacers (Yahoo ADP: 61.4)
Don't let the low ADP fool you! Ivica Zubac is an under-the-radar center who excels at the essentials. He's a strong rebounder, efficient scorer, and can rack up surprising numbers when given the opportunity. He's a fantastic depth piece with starter potential.
Elite Wing Scorers & Playmakers: Steals on the Perimeter
These versatile forwards and guards offer high scoring and valuable secondary stats, making them steals in the middle rounds.
Jaylen Brown, Philadelphia 76ers (Yahoo ADP: 31.9)
Jaylen Brown is coming off a career-best 28.7 points per game last season. With a new beginning with the Philadelphia 76ers, he's set to remain a leader on both ends of the floor. Expect continued high-level scoring and solid all-around contributions.
Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors (Yahoo ADP: 34.2)
Kawhi Leonard played 65 games last season, setting a career-high 27.9 points per game. Now with a well-balanced Toronto Raptors lineup, he's likely to thrive. His efficiency and defensive impact make him a potential steal if he maintains his health.
James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers (Yahoo ADP: 35.3)
At 37, James Harden isn't the primary offensive option he once was, but he can still deliver highly favorable fantasy numbers. His elite passing and scoring touch remain potent. Don't underestimate his ability to fill the stat sheet, even in a secondary role with the Cavaliers.
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic (Yahoo ADP: 35.8)
Entering his fifth NBA season, Paolo Banchero is a stat-sheet stuffer even on an off-night. While efficiency could improve, his immense upside in points, rebounds, and assists makes him a compelling pick. He's a budding star ready to take another leap.
Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans (Yahoo ADP: 36.3)
Trey Murphy III has quietly become one of the league's most proficient long-range shooters. Combined with his solid rebounding, assists, and steals, he offers impressive all-around value. He's a high-floor, high-ceiling pick.
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz (Yahoo ADP: 36.4)
Lauri Markkanen has battled injuries but consistently shown top-tier scoring potential. Now surrounded by a bolstered Jazz squad, he's set up to prosper. When healthy, he's an efficient scorer and rebounder with a sweet shooting stroke.
LeBron James, Philadelphia 76ers (Yahoo ADP: 38)
At 41, LeBron James is defying age. He remains one of the league's most well-rounded fantasy producers. While he won't play 82 games, his ability to contribute across every category while maintaining a strong field goal percentage makes him an incredible value. He's a guaranteed impact player.
Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers (Yahoo ADP: 40.1)
Deni Avdija is coming off a breakout season in which he impressed with his all-around production. Heading into his seventh NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers, expect him to continue delivering impressive numbers across the box score. He's a versatile fantasy asset.
Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks (Yahoo ADP: 49)
Kyrie Irving missed the entire 2025–26 season, but a clean bill of health and a new-look Mavericks squad could mean a return to his top-tier scoring and playmaking form. His talent is undeniable; if he stays healthy, he's a tremendous steal at this ADP.
