Players to Avoid at Current ADPs in Fantasy Basketball Drafts

Creating a successful fantasy basketball team involves identifying undervalued players and avoiding those whose current average draft positions (ADPs) are inflated. Here are ten players you might want to reconsider drafting this season, starting with a three-time NBA rebounding leader.

1. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

ADP: 10.9

Sabonis’s production remains strong—averaging nearly 20 points and close to 14 rebounds last season. However, his ADP is likely too high given recent team changes. The Kings traded away De’Aaron Fox mid-season and brought in additional playmakers like Dennis Schröder, which could decrease Sabonis’s assist and scoring opportunities. His output from February onward dipped slightly, raising questions about his per-game consistency this season.

2. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

ADP: 16.9

While Banchero showed promise with career-highs in points, rebounds, and three-pointers, expecting him to be a top-20 player might be unrealistic. He has yet to finish a season inside the top 100 in fantasy points. Despite roster improvements, whether he can replicate or surpass his previous performance levels remains uncertain.

3. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

ADP: 18.3

LeBron remains effective, but at nearly 41 years old, his workload and durability could decline. Last season, he played over 70 games—his first time doing so recently—yet expecting him to produce last year’s top-20 numbers consistently may be optimistic, especially with new Lakers talents entering the fold.

4. De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs

ADP: 26.8

Fox’s first season with the Spurs has started with injury concerns, including a hamstring issue. His scoring and assists showed some decline last season, and with a stronger, healthier roster featuring Victor Wembanyama, further improvements are necessary for him to reach top-tier value this year.

5. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

ADP: 30.5

Brown’s value has increased due to roster changes and his improved role, but he faces tougher defensive attention and a new coaching staff that could limit his playing time. His past top-50 seasons are few, and injury considerations—such as recent knee surgery—add caution for those drafting expecting top-tier production.

6. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

ADP: 36.2

Zubac’s best season raised expectations, but with the Clippers adding new big men like John Collins and Brook Lopez, his playing time may decrease. He might not duplicate his previous season’s volume, limiting his potential upside.

7. Josh Hart, New York Knicks

ADP: 49.8

Hart was highly productive last season, but team changes and coaching shifts—plus an injury diagnosis—could cap his ceiling. His role and minutes could be reduced, diminishing his fantasy value.

8. RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors

ADP: 77.4

Despite optimism from some managers, Barrett’s historical performance and competition within the Raptors suggest his ADP is too high. He hasn’t shown consistent top-150 output and will face a crowded roster of contenders for touches.

9. Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat

ADP: 83.7

Ware posted a solid rookie season and has potential, but competition for starting minutes and Miami’s depth at center could limit his opportunities. Betting on him to secure a top-100 finish is risky.

10. Keyonte George, Utah Jazz

ADP: 113.0

George showed improvement but lost his starting role to Isaiah Collier and other prospects. If he remains a backup, reaching top-100 value would be unlikely given Utah’s crowded backcourt.