In any fantasy sport, those first few picks are key to a team’s success. Not hitting on those early picks can cause headaches and make the season that much more complicated. Despite not hitting on those early picks or dealing with injuries, there is one way to save the season, and that is late-round targets. Late-round targets can turn into fantasy superstars, great trade pieces, and a valuable piece in capturing a fantasy basketball championship. I consider a player a late-round target after round 12. Here are my three late-round targets you need to be thinking of drafting this season.
2024 Fantasy Basketball: Late-Round Targets
Jonas Valanciunas, Washington Wizards, ADP 151.2
Jonas Valanciunas has found himself on the Washington Wizards now. He, along with Malcolm Brogden, are the veterans of a very young team. Valanciunas was the fourth option on the New Orleans Pelicans. Now, it looks like he will be the second option behind Brogden and option number one on some nights. You can draft Valanciunas in the 13th round and enjoy 25 or more points every night. He is a center who is not flashy, nor is he strong in one specific department. In the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Valanciunas averaged 14.5 ppg and 11 rebounds per game in four games. With an average of 25.73 fantasy ppg in that series, Valancuinas is a perfect candidate to draft as a starting center in round 13. If you cannot draft Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, Victory Wembenyama, or Alperen Sengun, focus on guards and forwards until round 13.
Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors, ADP 159.2
Andrew Wiggins had a down season last year. He went from finishing as the 12th-ranked small forward in the 2022-2023 season to finishing as the 27th small forward last season. Wiggins saw three consecutive seasons of being 14th or better in the small forward rankings. Now, he is being drafted in the 14th round and as the 24th small forward. I expect a major bounce-back from Wiggins. With the departure of Klay Thompson, others must step up to make it easier for Stephen Curry. Wiggins is a player who can create his shot and cut when need be. Despite a down year last season, no need to give up on Wiggins. Draft him to add to your bench and enjoy the 20-plus ppg he outs up this season.
Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat, ADP 159.3
This is a player you can draft right next to Andrew Wiggins. My favorite late-round target is none other than Miami Heat rookie Kel’el Ware. Ware had a strong summer league showing with averages of 18.3 ppg, 8.4 rebounds per game, 1.9 blocks per game, and 1.1 steals per game, all on 26.7 minutes. Ware was also selected to the All-Summer League first team. This is the perfect team for someone like Ware to go to. I fully believe the Miami Heat need to slowly start transitioning Bam Adebayo to the power forward position. In turn, this will leave Ware to eventually start at the center position. Ware was drafted for size and to help Adebayo out down low against a big team. Ware is one of the few rookies that can produce elite fantasy numbers. With an organization like the Miami Heat, Ware could not have gone to a better spot. Kel’el Ware is my favorite late-round target to draft across all positions this season.