Fantasy sleepers. These are the picks that can elevate your fantasy basketball drafts. It’s important to mine upside late in drafts in the form of these fantasy basketball sleepers. Here are a few of our favorite fantasy basketball sleepers to draft in 2024.
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Fantasy Basketball Sleepers to Draft
To capitalize on great bounce-back opportunities — or any opportunities, really — you have to be awake and alert. This week, our goal is to keep you from falling asleep at the wheel and missing your chance to position yourself for immediate and long-term surprises through strategic maneuvering in your draft. But First…
Key Takeaways From Last Week: 8 Bounce-Back Players to Draft (2024 Fantasy Basketball)
- Deciding who to give a chance or another chance can be challenging, especially when their past shortcomings are still fresh in mind.
- While past performance can indicate future outcomes, staying present and seeing the field for what it is today can lead to game-changing decisions and championship-winning outcomes.
- Distinguish and qualify players by bounce-back types. Step-Back to Bounce-Back Player vs. Bounce-Back Player.
- Step-Back to Bounce-Back Player: Is the player bouncing back from a poor season after failing to meet expectations?
- Bounce-Back Player: Did the player play well but not well enough to remain high on your radar? They deserve to bounce back onto your radar and priority list.
Now, let’s get to it.
Fantasy Basketball Sleepers
Mastering the ‘Art of the Sleeper Pick’ is key to success in any campaign. It’s a persistent requirement before and during the season to ensure you can remain responsive and competitive week to week, no matter the obstacles. Don’t sleep on your opportunity; let’s focus on those picks that can give you that back-end value when you most need it.
Fantasy Format
Scoring Type:
Head-to-Head (Most Categories)
Player Stat Categories:
- Points Scored (PTS)
- Total Rebounds (REB)
- Assists (AST)
- Steals (ST)
- Block Shots (BLK)
- 3-Point Shots Made (3PTM)
- Field Goal Percentage (FG%)
- Free Throw Percentage (FT%)
Roster Positions:
- Point Guard (PG)
- Shooting Guard (SG)
- Guard (G)
- Small Forward (SF)
- Power Forward (PF)
- Center (C) x 2
- Utility (UTIL) x 2
- Bench (BN) x 2
- Injured List (IL) x 3
Data Sources
- NBA Player Stats: NBA.com – 2023-2024
- NBA Player Rankings: FantasyPros – 2023-2024
- Average Draft Position (ADP): FantasyPros – 2023-2024
Term Guide
| PLAYER CATEGORY TERMS | |
| TERM | DEFINITION |
| Sleeper-Traditional (ST) | A player who is undervalued due to variables relating to their on-court performance but has the potential to exceed value. |
| Sleeper-Nuanced (SN) | A player who is undervalued due to variables outside of their on-court performance but has the potential to exceed value. |
| Singular-Realist | These player assets are more “Singular” in their category production.
|
| Synergy-Realist | These player assets are more “Synergy” aligned in their category production.
|
| ROSTER BUILD FRAME TERMS | |
| A simple framework to conceptualize our general manager traits when constructing our rosters. Assists you in identifying and choosing a starting point from which you can create or confirm your self-understanding of your managerial style and approach. Defined along two spectrums. Specialist vs. Generalist (X-Axis) and Hold vs. Stream (Y-Axis). Read on for more details on Roster Build Frame. | |
| TERM | DEFINITION |
| Generalist (G) | Are we looking to draft players who are category “Generalists” to win as many categories each week as we can based on the strength and consistency of our roster core? This aligns with a more “Hold” based approach to roster construction and management. |
| Specialist (Sp) | Are we looking to draft players who are category “Specialists” to win specific categories each week in response to opponent weaknesses? This aligns with a more “Stream” based approach to roster construction and management. |
| Hold (H) | Are we drafting players to build a long-term team core through the season by “Holding” our assets? (Volatility is minimal from week to week.) |
| Stream (St) | Are we drafting players to build a short-term, responsive, agile and pragmatic team core through the season by “Streaming” our assets? (Volatility is maximum week to week.) |
| Build Frame Code (BFC) | The general classification of a player within the roster build framework (e.g., GsHs – Generalist, Hold – Player is ideal for a manager practicing a Generalist approach and is a Hold asset). If the capitalized descriptor is followed by a lower-cased descriptor, it means that this player can also flex into that category if you need to diversify your strategy for the week. The capitalization or non-capitalization of each descriptor infers how strong that player is in the descriptor category. |
A visual, you ask? Of course, friend…
Early Season Sleepers to Draft in 2024 Fantasy Basketball
Points
Cam Thomas (SG, SF – BKN) | 18.0 PPG – Rank: 129th
| CATEGORY | RANK |
| ADP | 213th |
| 2023-2024 Rank | 110th |
| Position Rank | 55th |
| BFC | gSpH |
| Player Category | Singular-Realist |
Long-Time Play, Mass Capital Gains
The Nets are in a phenomenal position to advance their rebuild. They have masterfully navigated changes in the front office and on the court to ensure success while giving their fans something to believe in year after year.
The organization has tested the limits of its current team and strategically added and moved critical assets to establish a strong foundation for the future. They have a great core group of players, providing flexibility to develop their new-look roster dynamically in the years to come without losing the momentum built since initiating their rebuild in 2022.
The team has acquired massive capital, especially from this summer’s trade of Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. The departure of the franchise’s intermediate face signifies a new chapter in which the team begins to identify, build and solidify its new identity, creating the stage for the formal ushering of the team into the Cam Thomas era.
Flash of Proof
Since entering the league in 2021, Thomas has consistently flashed signs of elite offensive athleticism, proving himself an invaluable and trusted asset. With consistency being his primary obstacle, he silenced critiques last season by doubling his production across major performance categories, most notably scoring, going from 10.6 points in 2022 to an impressive 22.5 points per game last season.
Remarkably, he did this alongside offensive juggernaut Bridges, who had a “blank check” to do whatever he saw fit on offense. With Bridges’ volume now up for grabs, one can safely conclude Thomas has positioned himself well to receive the lion’s share of the usage as the team’s primary offensive playmaker.
The team recently addressed their need for a primary floor general by acquiring Killian Hayes. While the optics may not look attractive, the team is strategically addressing their needs to scale positional assignments, either through smaller trades or by leveraging their stock of draft capital for bigger stars.
Patiently Committed
The Nets were patient with Thomas and showed signs of remaining committed and smartly paced in their decision-making. If they continue to unlock Thomas’ offensive repertoire, the team could see significant returns.
Thomas isn’t much of a multi-categorical contributor. While he has shown promise, his health and the team’s question marks will likely see him land at the lower end of his potential ADP. Managers need to determine how they address their points production, understanding their tendencies for generalist vs. specialist and hold vs. stream strategies.
Deciding and committing to a course of action will enable you to see ahead, increasing your ability to know when and how to take a chance on his league-winning potential.
Sleepers to Consider
Anfernee Simons (PG, SG – POR) | 22.6 PPG – Rank: 30th
- BFC: gSpH
- Player Category: Singular-Realist
Assists
Chris Paul (PG – SAS) | 6.8 APG – Rank: 15th
| CATEGORY | RANK |
| ADP | 87th |
| 2023-2024 Rank | 146th |
| Position Rank | 59th |
| BFC | gSpH |
| Player Category | Synergy-Realist |
Popular Losers
The Spurs had an improved season last year, believe it or not. While most of the spotlight was on Victor Wembanyama, the team embraced its transition into the Wembanyama era with complete transparency. There were times when the team looked competitive. And other times we questioned what coach Gregg Popovich was doing.
In the end, the Spurs became one of the most popular non-winnin g teams in the league, setting themselves up nicely for a significant bounce-back season more aligned with the franchise’s winning legacy.
Concerning Back-n-Forth
The backcourt was a concern last season as both the multi-talented Jeremy Sochan and proven facilitator Tre Jones alternated roles for most of the season. Both showed signs of handling the job, but with the arrival of veteran Chris Paul, their roles will shift.
However, their exposure to the role wasn’t for nothing; it might provide more opportunities for them to be viable parts of the coach’s long-term vision.
While their fantasy value will undoubtedly shift, Paul is in a great position to have an extraordinary season reminiscent of his elite facilitator days. Paul was underutilized as a component of the facilitating team rather than the main facilitator driving the script.
The Forgotten Elite
Along with the cultural challenges in the Warriors’ organization, many may have forgotten just how elite his pedigree is. While his health will be a concern, his skill with the ball, mental competitiveness, leadership and experience should be a perfect match for a young Spurs team looking to make a statement next season.
With a chance to play for a legendary coach and alongside potentially one of the best players the league has ever seen, Paul has enough incentive to reignite his thirst for a final push to claim that elusive championship for his Hall of Fame career.
Utilized Momentum
Paul isn’t going to top the scoring category, but his efficiency, utility on both ends of the floor and ability to facilitate with all those weapons in the frontcourt make way for him to have a star-level impact as he approaches the end of his career.
This kind of momentum can be just what you need to justify banking on his upside in later rounds to round out your assist needs. While there is a risk of taking him too early, having him as a priority value acquisition for early-late rounds is the right approach to win early in your drafts.
Sleepers to Consider
Dennis Schroder (PG – BKN) | 6.1 APG – Rank: 25th
- BFC: gSpHs
- Player Category: Singular-Realist
Rebounds
Isaiah Hartenstein (C – OKC) | 8.3 RPG – Rank: 28th
| CATEGORY | RANK |
| ADP | N/A |
| 2023-2024 Rank | N/A |
| Position Rank | 34th(C) |
| BFC | gSpH |
| Player Category | Synergy-Realist |
A Gap Analysis
The Thunder have added some key pieces this offseason, and boy, did they do a good job. Their new assets immediately and smartly addressed gaps that showed themselves as the team played through their postseason campaign.
Not only are they meeting those needs, but they have also set themselves up to exceed their original expectations. With Chet Holmgren holding it down in the frontcourt, the addition of Isaiah Hartenstein adds an extra level of defensive stinginess, making it even more difficult for teams to control any aspect of the tempo and flow of the game.
Hartenstein was an understated asset on a competitive New York Knicks team but proved to be an elite player, helping bolster that stingy New York defense.
No More Limits
Last season, Hartenstein averaged a career-high 8.3 rebounds, with 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game, playing only 25.3 minutes in a stringent and conservative role. With the promise of an expanded role on a more explosive Thunder team, we will see just how much higher his ceiling can get.
He has a history of producing in limited opportunities; this kind of consistency should bode well for his value should he be able to own a role in which he is seen as a core cog of the team rotation instead of just a piece.
If this is the case, Hartenstein could be an invaluable mid-round acquisition, offering you some much-needed room to go after another elite asset in your earlier rounds.
Sleepers to Consider
Jalen Johnson (SF, PF – ATL) | 8.7 RPG – Rank: 24th
- BFC: GspH
- Player Category: Synergy-Realist
Steals
Ben Simmons (PG, SG, PF – BKN) | 0.8 SPG – Rank: 167th
| CATEGORY | RANK |
| ADP | 97th |
| 2023-2024 Rank | 367th |
| Position Rank | N/A |
| BFC | GspH |
| Player Category | Synergy-realist |
Elite From, Elite Return
Brooklyn is coming, and so is Ben Simmons. The word is he is in elite form — the best of his career — and if this is true, we have something to be excited about. I can’t stress enough how valuable Simmons can be as a utility player. He produces in ancillary categories as much as Luka Doncic does across major categories, and that kind of value is rare.
After leaving Philly, his health and star narrative took a nosedive, making it hard for him to regain his status. This combination has led many to sleep on him, but the truth is, his production has never really fallen off. He had one lousy playoff series, which seemed to erase all the contributions he made to ‘The Process’ in Philadelphia.
The “OMG, I Was About to Take Him” Chat Message
While it’s understandable, history, in this case, is being heavily leveraged as an indicator of future performance, specifically his health history. This is always tricky with players. You don’t want to miss out on him, but you also don’t want to reach too early. Remember your approach and strategy and read the field.
If you find that people are getting experimental, you can make Simmons more of a priority, banking on recouping that forgone, safer value in other plays. However, if you see people picking as usual, you should be able to scoop him up comfortably right before someone else does, leading to those passive-aggressive “Omg, I was about to take him” chat messages.
A Sick Ride
Last season, my league mates were sick of seeing him dominate cross-categorically. While it didn’t last the entire season, it was worth the ride. He is an elite player on the court when his health allows; don’t fall asleep at the wheel on this one.
Sleepers to Consider
Marcus Smart (PG, SG – MEM) | 2.1 SPG – Rank: 1st
- BFC: gSpH
- Player Category: Singular-realist
Blocks
Trayce Jackson-Davis (PF, C – GSW) | 1.2 BPG – Rank: 21st
| CATEGORY | RANK |
| ADP | 234th |
| 2023-2024 Rank | 187th |
| Position Rank | 152th(F) |
| BFC | gSpH |
| Player Category | Synergy-Realist |
New Faces in New Places
The Warriors are entering a period of transition. While the nature of this transition is still mostly unknown, several opportunities exist for new faces to find their place on this talented squad. The frontcourt is Draymond Green‘s and Kevon Looney‘s world; however, the rise of Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis threatens to change that.
Jackson-Davis is an elite talent waiting to erupt, but what could hinder his progress likely has little to do with his play on the court and more with how coach Steve Kerr leverages his assets to stabilize and rebuild his team’s culture, core and promise.
If Jackson-Davis wins Kerr’s trust and demonstrates consistent production within the team’s script, he could be given a “blank check” to play his game and make his mark enough to become one of the team’s premier stars.
Monstrous Opportunity
He can score, rebound and block, as he successfully demonstrated last season. Davis averaged 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 7.9 points per game in just 16.6 minutes per contest. These numbers, within the context of his performance at Indiana, align well with his monstrous college production.
Having demonstrated his potential last year, Jackson-Davis is making a strong case for increased playing time heading into next season. If he doesn’t get more opportunities, it might be because Kerr isn’t capitalizing on his younger players’ explosive talents.
Aggressive Dismissal
This could ultimately lead to Kerr’s dismissal if the organization pushes for more aggressive deployment. Davis can be a game-changer for those seeking stable production in nuanced categories such as field-goal percentage, blocks and steals, along with his ability to crash the boards.
Hopefully, his ADP comes down, allowing you to scoop him up at a great value later in your drafts; the returns could be substantial.