With the NBA season just around the corner, fantasy managers are hunting for that secret ingredient to make their teams a force. Sure, stars like Jokić, Giannis, and Luka are always going to shine, but what separates the winners from the losers is often the players flying under the radar—the sleepers. Among them, Trayce Jackson-Davis stands out as a potential game-changer. Let’s dive into three deep sleepers who might just make all the difference in your fantasy league.
Trayce Jackson-Davis: The Warrior No One’s Talking About, But Should Be
Jackson-Davis has quietly become a key player for the Warriors. In his rookie season, he was more than just a bench warmer—he started 16 games, averaging 11.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. Not bad for a guy who wasn’t expected to outshine Kevon Looney in the center rotation.
With Golden State’s center options slim, Jackson-Davis will see a lot of playing time, especially when Steve Kerr decides to go big. The cherry on top? He’s getting minutes alongside Stephen Curry. That’s a dream scenario for any fantasy manager looking for a hidden gem. He’s still available in 64% of ESPN leagues, so snatch him up before someone else does!
Drafting rookies is always risky. But sometimes, those risks pay off big time. Stephon Castle, the Spurs’ 19-year-old rookie, has already made an impression on Gregg Popovich. And when the legendary Pop praises a young player, you take notice.
Castle averaged 11 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in the preseason—solid numbers for someone not yet in the starting lineup. As the Spurs continue their rebuild, Castle could find himself logging significant minutes, especially if the team falters in the competitive Western Conference. Don’t sleep on this rookie, especially during fantasy playoffs.
The Chicago Bulls have started a youth revolution, and Jalen Smith is part of it. Although Nikola Vučević remains the starter, rumors of a potential trade could open the door for Smith to step into the spotlight.
Smith already flashed his potential with the Indiana Pacers last season and continued to impress in the Bulls’ preseason. In just three games, he averaged nearly a double-double. Available in 97% of ESPN leagues, Smith is a low-risk, high-reward player who could make a real impact in deeper leagues.
These players are risky but offer high rewards. Their low draft positions make them easy to overlook, but that’s exactly why they could tip the balance of your fantasy season. Don’t underestimate the power of sleepers—sometimes the players no one’s paying attention to are the ones that matter most.
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