
With the new NBA season on the horizon, it’s the perfect time for fantasy basketball managers to start planning. Getting an early look at player rankings can give you a major advantage in your league. This guide provides an early preview of the top 100 players for the 2025-26 season, focusing on points-based leagues where every stat contributes to your final score. From established superstars to exciting young talent, here’s who you should be watching.
The rankings show a clear trend: versatile, multi-category players are the most valuable assets. These are players who don’t just score points but also contribute significantly in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The very top of the list is dominated by MVP-calibre players known for their all-around game, while rising stars who are getting more responsibility on their teams are climbing higher than ever before. This list helps you identify not just the safe top picks, but also potential breakout players who could win you your league.
🏆 The Elite Tier: Consistent Superstars
At the top of the fantasy world are the players you can build a team around. Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo remain the gold standard, as their ability to fill up the stat sheet every night provides a reliable, high-scoring foundation for any fantasy team. They consistently deliver points, rebounds, and assists, making them the safest and most powerful first-round picks. Close behind are modern superstars like Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Dončić, whose incredible individual talent makes them top-tier fantasy options.
🌟 Rising Stars and Future Leaders
The next generation of NBA talent is ready to take over. Players like Cade Cunningham, Paolo Banchero, and Anthony Edwards are expected to take another leap forward. As the primary options on their respective teams, their usage and stats should continue to grow, making them fantastic picks in the early rounds. Keep an eye on Jalen Johnson and Alperen Sengun, who showed huge potential and are quickly becoming key fantasy assets. These younger players offer a mix of high potential and proven performance.
💎 Players to Watch and Potential Surprises
Beyond the obvious stars, this list highlights players who could offer great value. Rookies like Cooper Flagg and Alex Sarr enter the league with high expectations and could make an immediate fantasy impact. Meanwhile, established players on new teams, such as Karl-Anthony Towns with the Knicks or Anthony Davis with the Mavericks, present interesting new scenarios. Their roles may change, which could affect their fantasy output, creating both risks and opportunities for savvy managers.
📋 Full Top 100 Fantasy Rankings for 2025-26
- Nikola Jokić, Nuggets
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
- Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
- Luka Dončić, Lakers
- Cade Cunningham, Pistons
- Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks
- Domantas Sabonis, Kings
- Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
- Trae Young, Hawks
- Paolo Banchero, Magic
- Tyrese Maxey, 76ers
- Anthony Davis, Mavericks
- James Harden, Clippers
- Devin Booker, Suns
- Jalen Johnson, Hawks
- LeBron James, Lakers
- Kevin Durant, Rockets
- Alperen Sengun, Rockets
- LaMelo Ball, Hornets
- De’Aaron Fox, Spurs
- Scottie Barnes, Raptors
- Jalen Williams, Thunder
- Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
- Jalen Brunson, Knicks
- Franz Wagner, Magic
- Zion Williamson, Pelicans
- Joel Embiid, 76ers
- Chet Holmgren, Thunder
- Jaylen Brown, Celtics
- Stephen Curry, Warriors
- Bam Adebayo, Heat
- Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers
- Ivica Zubac, Clippers
- Josh Giddey, Bulls
- Ja Morant, Grizzlies
- Tyler Herro, Heat
- Jamal Murray, Nuggets
- Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
- Pascal Siakam, Pacers
- Josh Hart, Knicks
- Amen Thompson, Rockets
- Trey Murphy III, Pelicans
- Desmond Bane, Magic
- Derrick White, Celtics
- Miles Bridges, Hornets
- Austin Reaves, Lakers
- Walker Kessler, Jazz
- Brandon Ingram, Raptors
- Brandon Miller, Hornets
- Dyson Daniels, Hawks
- Kawhi Leonard, Clippers
- Darius Garland, Cavaliers
- Jarrett Allen, Cavaliers
- RJ Barrett, Raptors
- Nikola Vučević, Bulls
- Paul George, 76ers
- Mark Williams, Suns
- Kristaps Porziņģis, Hawks
- DeMar DeRozan, Kings
- Zach LaVine, Kings
- Jimmy Butler III, Warriors
- Jakob Poeltl, Raptors
- Julius Randle, Timberwolves
- Cam Thomas, Nets
- Jalen Duren, Pistons
- Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers
- Coby White, Bulls
- Myles Turner, Pacers
- Immanuel Quickley, Raptors
- Jalen Green, Suns
- Onyeka Okongwu, Hawks
- Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves
- Isaiah Hartenstein, Thunder
- Alex Sarr, Wizards
- CJ McCollum, Wizards
- OG Anunoby, Knicks
- John Collins, Clippers
- Malik Monk, Kings
- Lauri Markkanen, Jazz
- Jordan Poole, Pelicans
- Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
- Michael Porter Jr., Nets
- Cameron Johnson, Nuggets
- Andrew Wiggins, Heat
- Jalen Suggs, Magic
- Fred VanVleet, Rockets
- Jaden Ivey, Pistons
- Devin Vassell, Spurs
- Anfernee Simons, Celtics
- Naz Reid, Timberwolves
- Deandre Ayton, Lakers
- Donovan Clingan, Trail Blazers
- Keyonte George, Jazz
- Christian Braun, Nuggets
- Shaedon Sharpe, Trail Blazers
- Norman Powell, Heat
- Mikal Bridges, Knicks
- Kel’el Ware, Heat
- Stephon Castle, Spurs





