As the NBA regular season approaches, fantasy basketball managers are deep into draft preparations. While the guard position is often defined by high-profile names, savvy managers can find significant value by looking past recent narratives and focusing on projected roles and historical production. Identifying players who are set for increased usage or those returning to full health is essential for building a competitive roster.
The landscape of the backcourt is shifting, with several established stars and emerging talents positioned to provide elite returns relative to their draft cost. Whether you are prioritizing assist volume, defensive contributions, or scoring efficiency, the current draft board offers a variety of options that could prove decisive in your league standings.
Key Guard Risers Poised for Breakout Seasons
Darius Garland enters a pivotal campaign as the primary playmaker for the Los Angeles Clippers. Following significant roster changes, the offense is expected to flow through him, potentially leading to a career-high usage rate. Garland’s track record, which includes averages of 20.1 points and 7.3 assists over the last five seasons, suggests he is primed for a major statistical leap in his new environment.
Dejounte Murray also presents a compelling case for fantasy managers. After navigating recovery from an Achilles injury, Murray showed flashes of his former self late last season. His ability to contribute across multiple categories—including rebounds, assists, and steals—makes him a high-upside selection, particularly as he settles into a featured role with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet remains a reliable veteran option. Despite being available later in drafts, the Houston Rockets guard is expected to handle heavy minutes. Having fully recovered from a 2025 ACL injury, VanVleet’s consistent production in points, assists, and steals provides a high floor for managers seeking stability at the position.
Targeting Value: Underrated Sleepers and Late-Round Gems
De'Aaron Fox stands out as a potential value play in San Antonio. While his previous season was hampered by an ankle injury, his career baseline of 24.3 points per game indicates that his current draft position may significantly undervalue his scoring potential. His durability, having played at least 72 games in three of the last four seasons, further bolsters his appeal.
In Toronto, Immanuel Quickley is positioned for a consistent role. With a clear path to at least 30 minutes per game, Quickley’s efficiency from the field and the free-throw line, combined with his solid assist numbers, makes him a strong candidate to outperform his draft ranking. Similarly, Scotty Pippen Jr. has emerged as a value target in Memphis. Following the trade of Ja Morant, Pippen Jr. has demonstrated an ability to produce when given starting opportunities, making him an intriguing late-round pick.
Finally, Keon Ellis in Brooklyn is a name to monitor for those looking for defensive production. With a projected increase in playing time, his ability to rack up steals and blocks could provide a unique advantage in specific scoring formats, making him a high-value asset for managers looking to round out their rosters with specialists.
