ESPN Fantasy Sep 22, 2026, 06:35 AM ET We gathered our fantasy basketball experts together and asked each of them which five players they wanted to make sure they drafted this season. The findings give an indication of who some of the most coveted fantasy players and value picks might be in your drafts. Those players you see on numerous lists below? That could be a sign that the demand is high and you might need to go at least a round higher to land them.

Andre Snellings' five guys (actually ... six) Josh Giddey, PG/SG, Chicago Bulls: Giddey improved significantly in each of his first two seasons with the Bulls, and is the only true team-offense creator in the starting lineup. Derrick White, PG/SG, Boston Celtics: White had the worst shooting percentage of his career last season, but still turned in career-bests in points (16.5 PPG), assists (5.4 APG), steals (1.1 SPG), blocks (1.3 BPG) and free throw percentage (90.2 FT%). Stephon Castle, PG/SG, and Dylan Harper, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs: Both are potential steals at their respective draft slots. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks: Alexander-Walker had a breakout campaign in his first with the Hawks last season. Caleb Wilson, SF, Chicago Bulls: Wilson was the most exciting rookie I saw play during the Summer League.

Eric Karabell's five guys James Harden, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers: Now 37, potential investors keep believing he is too old, which is fine with me because he keeps outproducing his ADP. Evan Mobley, PF/C, Cleveland Cavaliers: Perhaps the true statistical breakout is not coming, but these consistent numbers remain well worth it. Darius Garland, PG, LA Clippers: Solid point guard who shoots well and always seems to go too late in drafts. Julius Randle, PF, Brooklyn Nets: Perhaps he is not a winning player in the real world, but in our world, he piles on numbers. Stephon Castle, PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs: He took a big statistical leap in Year 2, and there remains room for more improvement.

Steve Alexander's five guys Luka Doncic, PG, Los Angeles Lakers: Luka still hasn't won either the championship or MVP that I expected him to by now. Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks: Last year's Rookie of the Year campaign gives Flagg a very promising foundation. Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls: Buzelis was my pick to become a breakout star last season and he came through, nearly doubling his production.