In deep fantasy basketball leagues, finding valuable targets can be more challenging since player options are limited. Whether you need bankable starters in 14-plus team leagues or you want some flier picks at the end of a 12-team draft, don’t sleep on players who may be buried in your platform’s ADP. Today we’ll try and identify those deep league targets that will turn into the hidden gems of your 2023 fantasy basketball drafts.
What to Look for in the Late Rounds
Here are 10 things to look for when trying to find useful fantasy pieces late in your drafts:
- Role Players on Bad Team
- Young and Talented Players
- Veteran Role Players
- Injury Returnees
- Rookies
- Underrated Guards
- High-Volume Shooters
- Defensive Specialists
- Players with Positional Versatility
- Players with Playoff-Related Schedules
10 Deep League Targets for 2023 Fantasy Basketball Drafts
Without further ado, here are my Top 10 Deep League Targets to consider for your fantasy basketball team:
1. Jonathan Isaac, PF/SF, Orlando Magic
Before his injury, Jonathan Isaac was considered one of the rising stars in the NBA. Before tearing his ACL during the 2019-20 season, the 26-year-old was averaging an ELITE 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 1.6 steals, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 three-pointers. He has the potential for significant improvement in his offensive game, which could lead to increased scoring and efficiency if he can stay healthy. The Florida State product could return serious value if he returns to form.
2. Gabe Vincent, PG, Los Angeles Lakers
It wasn’t too long ago Gabe Vincent was a relatively lesser-known player in the NBA. Vincent burst onto the scenes during the 2023 NBA playoffs, where he posted 12.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers across 22 games. The 27-year-old signed a 3 year/$33 million with the Los Angeles Lakers where he should get plenty of minutes as the sixth or seventh man off the bench.
3. Rui Hachimura, PF, Los Angeles Lakers
Rui Hachimura provided a much-needed scoring spark for the Los Angeles Lakers after being traded from the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline last season. Hachimura is an elite scorer and rebounder who will help your fantasy team’s field goal percentage. The 25-year-old has shown that he can be a key rotation player for his team, which bodes well for his fantasy value.
4. Christian Braun, SG/SF, Denver Nuggets
While Christian Braun’s rookie season didn’t yield insane fantasy stats, the Nuggets showed their faith in him in the playoffs, where he averaged 18.4 minutes a game. With Bruce Brown leaving for the Indiana Pacers, Braun should be thrusted into heavy minutes off the bench this season. The 22-year-old has potential 3-and-D potential with solid points and field-goal percentage.
5. Grayson Allen, SF, Phoenix Suns
I was high on Grayson Allen before he was shipped to the Phoenix Suns. Now that he is a Sun, I believe he will be a valuable 3-and-D asset for your fantasy team. Allen averaged 10.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 three-pointers, and 0.9 steals for the Bucks last season, and I expect similar-to-better numbers in Phoenix this season.
6. David Roddy, PF, Memphis Grizzlies
David Roddy showed serious growth over his rookie season from an eye-test point of view and statistically. From March 11 through April 9 regular-season finale, Roddy averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 36.4 percent shooting from deep. The 22-year-old should have plenty of opportunity to take a giant leap heading into his sophomore year.
7. Bilal Coulibaly, SF, Washington Wizards
The Indiana Pacers selected Bilal Coulibaly with the seventh pick and immediately traded to the Washington Wizards. Coulibaly has all the opportunity to prove himself as one of the first players off the bench. The only player standing in front of him is Corey Kispert. The 19-year-old averaged 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.3 blocks and 30.5 minutes. As long as he’s getting minutes on a rebuilding Washington team, the sky’s the limit.
8. Josh Richardson, SG/SF, Miami Heat
Josh Richardson is headed back to where it all started with the Miami Heat. The veteran spent the first four years of his career with the Heat and returns four years later. The Heat lost Max Strus and Gabe Vincent to free agency over the summer, so the 30-year-old will be relied upon off the bench to produce his patented 3-and-D stat lines. The Tennessee product averaged 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.6 three-pointers, and 1.1 steals across 65 games last season, and those numbers should continue this season.
9. Patrick Beverley, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers
For those of you in super deep leagues and need low-end 3-and-D stats, look no further. Beverley is as consistent as they come in providing three-pointers and steals whether he starts or comes off the bench. The 35-year-old is averaging 1.4 three-pointers and 1.0 steals over the past three seasons to go along with 7.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
10. Dyson Daniels, SG/SF, New Orleans Pelicans
This is a complete shot in the dark. Daniels was taken with the 8th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft where he sparsely played for a loaded New Orleans Pelicans squad. In the 23 games where the 20-year-old played 20-plus minutes, he averaged 6.3 points 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 three-pointers. With Trey Murphy III set to miss the start of the NBA season after undergoing meniscus surgery over the offseason, Daniels has the early-season opportunity to prove his worth and provide decent stats across the board.
Remember to stay updated on the latest news, injuries, and rotations throughout the season. In deep leagues, monitoring the waiver wire and being proactive in making moves can be the key to success. Additionally, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks on players with high upside, as they can pay off in a big way in deep leagues.
Got a beef with one of Jacob’s deep league targets? Let him hear about it in the comments below! In the meantime check out all the great analysis in our 2023 Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit!