The NBA regular season looms, and serious fantasy basketball players know that now is the time to uncover those game-changing guard values. This year, the backcourt battleground is ripe with opportunity, offering immense production for managers willing to look beyond conventional wisdom and capitalize on shifting team dynamics.
- Darius Garland is set to explode as the undisputed primary playmaker for the new-look Los Angeles Clippers.
- Dejounte Murray is a high-reward pick, looking fully recovered and ready to dominate for the New Orleans Pelicans.
- Veteran Fred VanVleet offers incredible stability and high minutes for the Houston Rockets at a surprisingly low draft cost.
- Keep a close eye on De'Aaron Fox and Immanuel Quickley, two proven talents who could significantly outperform their average draft positions.
Unlocking Backcourt Brilliance: Your NBA Fantasy Guard Playbook
The guard position often separates contenders from pretenders in NBA fantasy drafts. While superstar forwards and centers grab headlines, it's the consistent production and multi-category impact from your backcourt that provides the foundation for a championship run. Don't fall into the trap of drafting on reputation alone; understand the critical team changes that elevate these players.
Rising Stars: Guards Poised for Explosive Seasons
These players aren't just good; their current team situations and recent performance arcs suggest they are primed for career-best fantasy output. Securing them at their current value could be the steal of your draft.
Darius Garland: The New Maestro in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Clippers are undergoing a significant transformation, placing Darius Garland firmly in the driver's seat. With key veterans like James Harden and Ivica Zubac having moved on, and Kawhi Leonard potentially following suit, Garland is poised to command an elite usage rate, making him a must-draft target.
Historically, Garland has delivered a stellar 9-category fantasy line, averaging 20.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.6 three-pointers per game over the last five seasons. His proven ability to elevate his game when Leonard is off the court – posting 27.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per 75 possessions with a 34% usage rate – strongly supports projections for his highest-usage season yet.
Dejounte Murray: Reclaiming Elite Status in New Orleans
After a challenging couple of seasons marred by an Achilles tear, Dejounte Murray showed undeniable flashes of his former Top-25 fantasy self down the stretch. His final 13 games last season were a strong indicator, where he averaged 17 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.7 steals in reduced minutes. This efficiency points to a full return to form.
Now with the New Orleans Pelicans, Murray is set to reclaim a featured role. His career averages of 20.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.9 three-pointers since the 2021-22 season underscore his multi-faceted production. His defensive prowess, particularly steals, offers significant scoring upside in formats like High Score.
Fred VanVleet: Houston's Veteran Anchor Returns
Despite tearing his ACL in September 2025, reports indicate Fred VanVleet is now fully healthy and ready to resume his critical role for the Houston Rockets. He’s consistently been a Top-50 fantasy contributor throughout his career, yet his draft stock remains surprisingly low, making him a phenomenal value pick.
The Rockets desperately missed VanVleet's leadership and ball-handling during their postseason run, highlighting his indispensable presence. Averaging 18.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 3.1 three-pointers over the last six seasons, he brings a complete stat line to a team eager for his veteran guidance. Expect 35+ minutes and consistent production.
Hidden Gems: Sleepers Who Will Win Your League
These guards might not be on everyone's radar, but their potential for breakout seasons or exceptional value at their current draft position makes them critical additions to any fantasy roster.
De'Aaron Fox: San Antonio's Underrated Engine
De'Aaron Fox's draft price doesn't reflect his true potential, largely due to a busy offseason in San Antonio and his own ankle injury. However, he remains an elite talent whose game thrives on speed and athleticism. Don't let a "down year" where he still posted 18.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.2 steals mislead you.
His previous six-year baseline of 24.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.5 steals showcases his incredibly high ceiling. With consistent health, Fox is poised to deliver explosive nights that can single-handedly swing matchups, especially in weekly formats like High Score.
Immanuel Quickley: Toronto's Emerging Floor General
Immanuel Quickley presents a value proposition remarkably similar to Darius Garland, yet he’s often drafted 40 picks later. The Toronto Raptors' deeper rotation is a factor, but Quickley has proven his ability to thrive. Crucially, players like Scottie Barnes can significantly elevate a starting point guard’s performance.
In his two full seasons with the Raptors, Quickley has averaged an impressive 16.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.6 three-pointers in just 30.6 minutes per night. With only Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter behind him, expect his minutes floor to be at least 30 per game, promising even greater fantasy returns.
Scotty Pippen Jr.: Memphis' Next Playmaking Threat
The Memphis Grizzlies have a wide-open competition for the point guard role following the Ja Morant trade, and Scotty Pippen Jr. has consistently delivered whenever given the keys. This is a prime opportunity for him to seize a significant role.
In his three seasons with the Grizzlies, Pippen Jr. has averaged 10.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 three-pointers in just 22 minutes. As a starter two seasons ago, filling in for Morant, he averaged 14.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists over 21 games. His past production, coupled with a high ADP of 155, makes him an exceptional value pick.
Keon Ellis: Brooklyn's Defensive Dynamo
For those deep-league managers or those looking for late-round lottery tickets, Keon Ellis for the Brooklyn Nets is an intriguing name. Known for his defensive prowess, Brooklyn's wide-open guard rotation offers Ellis his clearest path yet to a 30-minute role.
Even in limited minutes, Ellis has consistently produced impressive defensive stats, averaging 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game for his career. With an expected increase in playing time, these defensive numbers alone could make him a viable fantasy asset, especially in leagues like High Score where steals and blocks are heavily weighted. Don't sleep on his potential impact!
