NBA Fantasy Draft Guide: Top Guard Risers and Sleepers

Fred VanVleet’s Return and Rockets Backcourt Outlook

The Houston Rockets enter the upcoming campaign with their veteran floor general back on the floor, providing much-needed stability after missing his ball-handling and leadership during their previous postseason run, according to league analysis. Throughout his previous six campaigns, VanVleet put up per-game averages of 18.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 3.1 three-pointers. Even his two-year baseline in Houston—featuring 15.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks on solid shooting—offers immense value for managers selecting him outside the early rounds. Securing a locked-in 35-minute starting role at his current draft cost makes him one of the most reliable veteran targets on the board.

Guard Risers: Darius Garland and Dejounte Murray

Darius Garland steps into an expanded role as the primary playmaker for a rebuilding Los Angeles Clippers squad following the departures of James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac, as reported by RotoWire. During his past five seasons, Garland has posted averages of 20.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.6 three-pointers across 33 minutes nightly, while hitting 46 percent of his field goals, 39 percent from beyond the arc, and 87 percent at the free-throw line. When Leonard was off the court last year, his production surged to 27.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per 75 possessions while carrying a 34 percent usage rate.

Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans represents another high-upside riser after missing significant time due to an Achilles tear. According to RotoWire data, Murray appeared in just 45 games over the last two seasons but looked fully like himself down the stretch, averaging 17 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.7 steals across 28 minutes in his final 13 contests. Alongside Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole, Zion Williamson, and Trey Murphy III, Murray holds a clear path back to featured production.

Guard Sleepers: Deep Value on Draft Boards

De’Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs offers immense upside at his current draft price of pick 85, driven down primarily by a sprained ankle and the emergence of Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle during the playoffs. Despite playing through injuries, Fox averaged 18.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.2 steals last year, falling well short of his six-year baseline of 24.3 points and 6.2 assists. In Toronto, Immanuel Quickley offers a comparable profile to Garland, having averaged 16.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.6 three-pointers over two full seasons in just 30.6 minutes per night.

Memphis offers another backcourt opportunity following the trade of Ja Morant, opening the door for Scotty Pippen Jr. to command heavy minutes after averaging 14.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across 21 starts two seasons ago. Deeper down the board, Brooklyn’s Keon Ellis provides elite defensive production, having averaged 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks in limited minutes, making him a prime target outside the top 200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fred VanVleet healthy for the upcoming season?

Yes. According to team reports, Fred VanVleet has looked fully healthy after tearing his ACL in September 2025 and is set to resume his role as the starting point guard for the Houston Rockets.

What makes Darius Garland a fantasy riser?

Darius Garland steps into the primary playmaking role for a rebuilding Los Angeles Clippers team following roster departures, pointing toward a career-high usage rate.

What is Dejounte Murray’s outlook after his injury?

Dejounte Murray recovered from an Achilles tear to close last season strongly, averaging 17 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.7 steals over his final 13 games with the New Orleans Pelicans.