As fantasy basketball managers gear up for the 2024-25 season, the key to building a championship-caliber roster lies in identifying undervalued players poised for breakout performances. While superstars like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic dominate the early rounds, it’s the hidden gems found in the later rounds that can propel your team to the top. In this article, we’ll unveil the top sleepers to target in your upcoming draft, giving you the inside scoop on the players your rivals are sleeping on.
The Rise of Jalen Williams: OKC’s Next Superstar
After a stellar sophomore campaign, Jalen Williams is primed to take his game to the next level in the 2024-25 season. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward showcased his versatility last year, stuffing the stat sheet with impressive numbers across the board. With an expanded role and continued development, Williams has the potential to become a top-30 fantasy asset. Don’t hesitate to reach for him in the middle rounds, as his multi-category contributions could be the key to your team’s success.
Alperen Sengun: The Sleeper Center You Need
Flying under the radar in Houston, Alperen Sengun is a sleeper center worth targeting in the later rounds. The skilled big man has shown flashes of brilliance, displaying a unique ability to facilitate offense and contribute in multiple categories. As the Rockets continue to rebuild, Sengun’s role is expected to grow, making him a potential steal for fantasy managers willing to take a chance on his upside.
“Alperen Sengun’s court vision and passing ability are rare for a center. He’s a sleeper pick with the potential to be a nightly triple-double threat.”
– NBA Scout
Gradey Dick: The Sharpshooter Set to Soar
Rookie Gradey Dick landed in an ideal situation with the Toronto Raptors, a team known for developing young talent. The former Kansas standout’s elite shooting ability should translate seamlessly to the NBA, making him an intriguing sleeper pick in the later rounds. With a clear path to minutes and the green light to let it fly from deep, Dick could quickly become a valuable asset for fantasy managers in need of three-pointers and scoring.
- Shot 44.2% from three-point range in his lone season at Kansas
- Projected to start for the Raptors from day one
- Dark horse candidate for Rookie of the Year
Jalen Johnson: Atlanta’s Breakout Candidate
Entering his third season, Jalen Johnson is poised for a breakout year with the Atlanta Hawks. The versatile forward has shown glimpses of his immense potential, and with an increased role in the Hawks’ rotation, he could become a nightly double-double threat with defensive stats to boot. Johnson’s ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him an enticing sleeper pick in the middle to later rounds.
| Season | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals+Blocks |
| 2022-23 | 7.2 | 4.1 | 1.3 | 0.9 |
| 2023-24 | 12.5 | 7.5 | 2.8 | 1.6 |
As you can see from the table above, Johnson made significant strides in his sophomore season, nearly doubling his production in every major statistical category. With continued growth and opportunity, he could be in line for a true breakout campaign in 2024-25.
Coby White: The Sixth Man Sleeper
Don’t sleep on Coby White, the Chicago Bulls’ explosive sixth man. White’s ability to provide instant offense off the bench makes him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, especially those that value scoring and three-pointers. With Lonzo Ball’s future uncertain, White could see an expanded role in the Bulls’ backcourt, further boosting his fantasy stock. Target him in the later rounds as a high-upside sleeper pick.
“Coby White’s scoring ability is undeniable. He’s a sleeper pick who could win you a week with a hot shooting streak.”
– Fantasy Basketball Analyst
Uncovering sleeper picks is the key to gaining an edge in your fantasy basketball league. By targeting undervalued players like Jalen Williams, Alperen Sengun, Gradey Dick, Jalen Johnson, and Coby White, you can build a roster with the depth and upside needed to compete for a championship. Keep these hidden gems in mind as you navigate your draft, and don’t be afraid to take a chance on players your rivals are overlooking. With a keen eye for talent and a willingness to gamble on potential, you can assemble a powerhouse squad that will have your competition scrambling to keep up.
