When it comes to NBA fantasy leagues there is no point in the season that is more important to the potential success of a team than the draft. Landing one of the true elites at the top is just as important as knowing who to take in the later rounds in order to shape your team and maximize its overall potential. We took the time to identify a handful of players to keep an eye on that should surpass their average draft positions in fantasy basketball leagues. Here is a look at five potential NBA fantasy sleepers to target in 2016-17.
PF/C: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Turner has immense sleeper potential for this season based on his emergence in Indiana and dual-position eligibility at power forward and center. The center position in particularly is very limited and that will make Turner that much more intriguing as a sleeper pick. Turner led the NBA in blocks per game in the playoffs last season and he showed flashes of his development at the offensive end of the floor when he averaged 10.3 points per game last season. The second-year center will have every opportunity to prove he is ready for more responsibility in the Pacers’ offense and he should be an excellent sleeper pick in NBA fantasy leagues.
SG: Victor Oladipo, Oklahoma City Thunder
There has been a lot of talk about how the Thunder will face after losing Kevin Durant as well as what Russell Westbrook’s potential will be as the unquestioned leader in Oklahoma City moving forward. However, one player that isn’t being talked about as much as he should be is Oladipo. The former All-Star guard should have an outstanding opportunity to develop in to an NBA fantasy star with the Thunder where he will get a chance to play with Westbrook, Steven Adams and Enes Kanter. Oladipo averaged 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists last season so he could see small bumps across the board with Oklahoma City this season. This is a player who has been surrounded by weak casts his entire career and has always been the focus of the opponent’s defense. Now he gets to relax, play off the ball and just take what’s given to him. His life should be much easier in Oklahoma City, which means he should post better numbers for NBA fantasy.
SF/PF: Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls
Mirotic is one of a handful of NBA big man that will be able to contribute a steady dose of three-point shots from the power forward position this season and that will make him that much more important in fantasy basketball leagues. Mirotic has dual-position eligibility at power forward and small forward, and if he can stay healthy then he will be capable at carrying a team in the three-point category. Mirotic will also provide some help in steals and blocks categories so it’s very surprising to see him going undrafted in some leagues. Mirotic should be a strong sleeper pick with the potential to be an absolute stud if he can improving his overall point totals.
PF: Ryan Anderson, Houston Rockets
Anderson is another stretch-four that should be targeted for his ability to consistently hit the three-ball. The Rockets brought in Anderson with the hope that he can help space the floor and open up more room for their shooters while also providing his own punch from beyond the three-point arc. Anderson has the potential to absolutely thrive in head coach Mike D’Antoni’s system so look for him to reemerge as an NBA fantasy stud in Houston this season.
SF: James Ennis, Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis signed Chandler Parsons with the hope that he can also stretch the floor for them with his three-point shooting but he might not be ready for the start of the season and that will make Ennis an even better sleeper pick. Ennis averaged 15.9 points per game in nine games with the injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans last season and he could be even more productive early on this season with a better team around him in Memphis. Ennis’ overall stock will be tempered by Parsons’ eventual return but he could still be a valuable draft day sleeper pick to consider.
