Rising NBA Players to Watch This Season for Your Fantasy Basketball Team
As I sit down to analyze this season's fantasy basketball prospects, I can't help but feel that electric anticipation that comes every year when new NBA talent begins to emerge. Having played fantasy basketball for over a decade and consistently finishing in the top three of my competitive leagues, I've developed a keen eye for spotting rising talent before they become household names. This season presents some particularly fascinating opportunities that could make or break your fantasy roster.
The landscape of emerging NBA talent this year reminds me somewhat of international competitions like the upcoming SEA V.League, where teams like Alas Pilipinas are preparing with nearly their entire roster available. Just as international teams must evaluate which players will deliver when it matters most, fantasy managers face similar decisions about which rising stars will translate their potential into consistent statistical production. I've noticed that the most successful fantasy managers don't just chase last season's stats—they identify players poised for breakout seasons before their value skyrockets.
Let me start with my personal favorite sleeper pick: Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now entering his third season, Williams has shown remarkable development that many casual observers might have missed. Last season, he averaged 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting over 54% from the field—remarkable efficiency for a wing player. What really excites me about Williams is his projected increase in usage rate with the Thunder's continued development as a team. I'm predicting he'll jump to around 22 points per game this season while maintaining his elite efficiency. His versatility across multiple categories makes him particularly valuable in fantasy, and I've been aggressively targeting him in all my drafts.
Another player I'm incredibly bullish on is Paolo Banchero. The Orlando Magic's cornerstone already put up impressive numbers as a rookie—20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists—but I believe we've only seen the tip of the iceberg. Having watched nearly every Magic game last season, I noticed how the offense increasingly ran through him as the year progressed. His playmaking abilities for a player of his size are exceptional, and with Orlando likely giving him even more responsibility, I wouldn't be surprised to see him average 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists this season. The Magic's gradual improvement as a team should provide more opportunities for Banchero to showcase his complete skill set.
Now, let's talk about a guard who I think is being dramatically undervalued in most drafts: Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers. With Damian Lillard's departure, Simons has the green light like never before. Last season in 62 games, he averaged 21.1 points and 4.1 assists while hitting nearly 38% of his three-point attempts. What many fantasy managers don't realize is that in the 13 games Simons played without Lillard last season, his numbers jumped to 27.0 points and 5.7 assists. I'm convinced he can maintain that level of production over a full season as Portland's primary offensive option. His scoring potential makes him worth reaching for in drafts, and I've been selecting him a full round earlier than his average draft position.
The center position offers some intriguing breakout candidates as well, with Evan Mobley standing out as my top choice. While his offensive numbers don't leap off the page—16.2 points and 9.0 rebounds last season—his defensive impact is where he provides tremendous value. Mobley averaged 1.5 blocks per game while demonstrating the ability to guard multiple positions. In fantasy basketball, defensive stats are often harder to find, making players like Mobley particularly valuable. I'm expecting Cleveland to feature him more prominently in their offense this season, potentially boosting his scoring into the 18-20 point range while maintaining his elite defensive production.
What fascinates me about identifying rising players is how it parallels team preparation for international competitions. When Alas Pilipinas prepares for the 2025 SEA V.League with nearly their entire roster available, their coaches must determine which players will step up in crucial moments—the same calculation fantasy managers make when drafting sleepers. This strategic similarity underscores why being early on emerging talent can provide such a significant advantage in fantasy leagues.
Another guard who has captured my attention is Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons. Despite playing for a struggling team, Ivey showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season, averaging 16.3 points and 5.2 assists. With Cade Cunningham's health concerns and the Pistons' commitment to their young core, Ivey should see increased responsibility in the offense. His athleticism is truly special, and I believe he'll make significant improvements in his efficiency during his second season. The risk with Ivey is higher than with some other prospects, but the potential reward makes him worth targeting in the middle rounds.
As we consider these rising players, it's crucial to remember that not every young talent will pan out as expected. That's why I typically limit my roster to 2-3 breakout candidates rather than filling my team with unproven players. The key is balancing proven production with high-upside youth—much like successful international teams balance veteran leadership with emerging talent.
Looking at the broader landscape, this season appears particularly rich with second and third-year players ready to take the leap. The development timeline for NBA players has accelerated in recent years, with many reaching their peak production earlier than in previous eras. This shift makes identifying second-year breakouts increasingly important for fantasy success. Among this group, I'm highest on Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings, who demonstrated remarkable shooting efficiency while showing signs of expanded playmaking ability.
Ultimately, the thrill of fantasy basketball comes from correctly identifying which rising stars will deliver on their potential. While statistical analysis provides a foundation, there's an art to recognizing which players have that special combination of opportunity, skill development, and mental toughness to excel. As the NBA season approaches, I'm adjusting my draft boards daily based on preseason reports and my own observations from studying game footage. The players I've highlighted represent what I believe are the most promising investments for the coming season—talents who could provide the statistical foundation for a championship fantasy team. Trusting your instincts while maintaining flexibility in your approach remains the most reliable path to fantasy success, whether you're managing a team or following international competitions like the upcoming SEA V.League where teams must make similar evaluations of their available talent.
