With how closely fantasy basketball managers and analysts are watching every player and roster role, it's easy get lost in all of the information available. But beyond that, everyone has that one opinion they may be a little stubborn on.
You know, that one player you are certain will break out to join the league's elite. Or maybe a player everyone around is high on, but you're feeling the "meh."
That's why we asked our fantasy basketball experts André Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick, Michael F. Florio and Steve Alexander to identify a player they feel differently about for this season and their bold prediction why.
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Fred VanVleet is a steal at his current spot
VanVleet going outside the top 100 picks is one of the easiest clicks of the draft button for me. I understand that he missed last season, but any risk is already baked into his ADP. He's back as the starting point guard for a very talented Rockets team. VanVleet is a season removed from averaging eight assists per game. He averaged over 17 fantasy PPG in five of his last six seasons. You can take Desmond Bane in the top 50 picks, or wait and get similar production with VanVleet. -- Florio
LaMelo Ball could have the best season of his career
I am higher than most on LaMelo Ball. Ball played in 72 games last season, his most since the 2021-22 campaign, but he also played a career-low 28.0 MPG with associated lesser volume. But in the three previous, injury-shortened seasons, Ball averaged much higher volume at 24.1 PPG, 7.9 APG and 5.5 RPG. With Ball moving to the Timberwolves, a team that has desperately needed a playmaker, and playing as one of two elite offensive options next to Anthony Edwards, I could see Ball having the best season of his career. I remember Ball was a preseason top-10 player entering the 2022-23 campaign before the ankle injuries slowed him down, and if he stays healthy I could see him return to that range this season. -- Snellings
Jaren Jackson Jr.'s days as a top-100 option could be over
After years of investing in JJJ, I am out, especially in points formats. Jackson blocks shots and shoots well, but we cannot count on Jackson averaging 20 PPG again, and he has never been much of a rebounder or passer, routinely piling on more turnovers than assists. Considering his size and talent, there is no reason for Jackson to average fewer than eight RPG. He's not even getting six RPG! Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey are Utah's future. Jackson's role may be reduced even further, enough that he may no longer be a top-100 fantasy option at all. -- Karabell
Take Kyrie Irving in the fourth or fifth round
I seem to be of a different mindset on Kyrie Irving, who hasn't played meaningful basketball since March of 2025. But he looks healthy to me, is nearly guaranteed to have second-round value if he can stay healthy, and might be the best point guard value-pick in the draft. I like drafting him in Round 4 or Round 5 and cannot wait to watch him play a full season with Cooper Flagg. Irving has the best handle, is an offensive force and should be an excellent source of point guard numbers in fantasy. I don't see how he doesn't at least hit value and I'm all in. -- Alexander
Brandon Miller could make the leap to stardom
While there is some growing optimism around Brandon Miller and his potential to grow in the wake of LaMelo Ball's departure, more on-ball work, initiating and curating the offense for Charlotte could result in career bests across the board for this ascendant wing. I am willing to draft Miller well above his current draft position (59th in ESPN ADP) given his real candidacy to lead the league in 3-point volume. Growth isn't linear, as this could be an exponential leap to prime Paul George production from Miller. -- McCormick
Darius Garland has top-30 potential
I'm all in on Garland. Kawhi Leonard is gone, Brandon Ingram is sidelined, so Garland should be the focal point of the Clippers' offense. He averaged 19.9 PPG, 6.4 APG and 1.2 SPG in 19 games with the Clippers last season despite battling toe injuries. Now healthy, Garland has a chance to return to the form that saw him average 21.7 PPG and 8.6 APG in 2021-22. His usage should be among the highest of his career, and at his average draft position, I wouldn't be surprised if Garland finishes inside the top 30. -- Moody
