Fantasy Basketball Sleepers 2025-26: Late-Round Gems and Breakout Players
Every fantasy season, a handful of late-round picks and waiver wire additions outperform their draft position by a mile. These are the sleepers — the players who were undervalued on draft day and became fantasy stars. Here are the biggest sleepers of 2025-26.
The biggest breakouts
Cooper Flagg (LAL) — ADP: 85, Current rank: 15
Flagg was drafted in the 7th round of most fantasy leagues because rookies are unpredictable. He's been a top-15 fantasy player all season. His 18.4/7.2/3.8/1.4 blocks line is elite, and he's only getting better. If you drafted Flagg, you got a first-round value in the 7th round.
Keyonte George (UTA) — ADP: 120, Current rank: 45
George was barely drafted in most leagues. He's been a top-50 player since January, averaging 19.4 PPG with 2.4 threes and 5.8 assists over the last two months. The Jazz gave him the keys to the offense, and he's thriving.
Amen Thompson (HOU) — ADP: 95, Current rank: 40
Thompson's all-around game has been a fantasy revelation. His 14.2/7.8/4.6/1.8 line fills up every category except threes. He was drafted as a speculative pick, and he's delivered top-40 value.
How to find sleepers
The best sleepers share common traits: they're on teams with opportunity (due to trades, injuries, or rebuilding), they have the talent to produce when given minutes, and they're in a contract year or have something to prove. Look for players who had strong preseason performances, players on teams that traded away starters, and second-year players who showed flashes as rookies.
Sleepers for next season
Start thinking about 2026-27 sleepers now. Players on rebuilding teams who will get more minutes next season, rookies who showed promise in limited action, and players changing teams in free agency are all potential sleepers. The best fantasy managers are always thinking one season ahead.