Just go get the ball. That’s it, just take it. So much of the current state of the NBA is based on offense. Fly up and down the court, make things happen, and play a limited amount of defense. However, steals are still a category, and it’s not something we have the luxury to overlook. The best offense starts with defense, so let’s take a look at three interesting options for steals to target for the 2026-27 fantasy basketball season.
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Best Players to Target for Steals for 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball
Cason Wallace, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
One of the downsides to being as good, young, and talented as the Thunder are, is that nothing lasts forever. At some point, players have to get paid. There’s simply not enough room in the salary cap and rotation to retain everyone each year. However, from a fantasy perspective, there are also some benefits and value to that. As we enter the 2026-2027 NBA season and look for steals, that brings us right to Wallace.
Drafted 10th overall in 2023, the 22-year-old guard is entering his fourth NBA season. The last two have looked pretty identical, as Wallace has played about 27 minutes per game. In a true supporting role, Wallace averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Nothing about that stands out, as Wallace was good for a little over one three-pointer per game.
Now that he moves into the starting lineup this season and likely takes on a larger role, there’s the opportunity for some production, especially scoring, from Wallace. If he can get into double figures, and especially with another three-pointer, things could look a lot better for Wallace. And then, you have to factor in the two steals per game we can expect from him.
Jalen Suggs, G, Orlando Magic
First, we need Suggs to stay healthy. He played just 57 games last season, and availability is important for the starting point guard. As the Magic look to see if they can take the next steps, Suggs is critical. In 28 minutes per game last season, Suggs averaged 13.8 points and 5.5 assists per game. The assists were a career high, as were his 1.8 steals per game.
While Suggs is entering his sixth NBA season, it’s hard to believe that he’s still just 25 years old. That’s not to say that we can expect him to still take a few more steps forward, but there might be a little upside left. Even if there isn’t, Suggs checks a few boxes while being a true asset from the steals perspective.
This might be the last chance for the current iteration of the Magic before changes happen. Maybe they lean on Suggs a little more? But regardless, a repeat of last season does the job.
Scotty Pippen, G, Memphis Grizzlies
Following the trade of Ja Morant, it’s easy to point to the Grizzlies backcourt as being the land of opportunity. The focus is on Ty Jerome, and that’s fair. However, things should go beyond that. Yes, Pippen played in just 10 games last year due to injury. But now he’s fully healthy and ready to reclaim his 25 minutes or so per game.
Two years ago, Pippen averaged 1.7 steals per game, and in the small sample size last season, that jumped to 1.9. His career highs per game are 12.9 points and 4.7 assists, which at least at this point, doesn’t exactly distinguish him. However, if you need steals at the back end of your roster, Pippen shouldn’t be overlooked. And perhaps there’s a little upside there if the role increases. Just don’t pay for it initially.
When you get done here, make sure to check out our full 2026 Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit!
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