To help fantasy basketball managers prepare for dynasty drafts in 2025-26, here are rankings for the second round.
After spending most of his rookie season on the bench, Amen Thompson moved into the starting lineup halfway through 2024-25. His value skyrocketed in that position, and the 22-year-old is expected to continue playing in that role for years to come. The forward/guard has incredible defensive chops with an evolving offensive game.
Suffering a torn Achilles in the 2025 NBA playoffs put a small dent in Jayson Tatum’s dynasty ranking. The six-time All-Star is expected to miss most, if not all, of 2025-26. Tatum should be able to return to his superstar form, but the injury will loom over him. When healthy, the 27-year-old is a top fantasy player who provides elite two-way numbers.
Tyrese Haliburton was another victim of an Achilles tear in the playoffs. He’ll also likely miss all of next season, but at 25 years old, he has plenty of time to rebound. The guard has already established himself as one of the top playmakers in the league. Despite having some rough stretches, Haliburton rejuvenated his stock in the Indiana Pacers’ magical postseason run.
The injury-plagued Philadelphia 76ers have given Tyrese Maxey many opportunities to develop over the years. As a result, he’s blossomed into a young star. The 24-year-old has improved his ranking each season and recently made a huge leap in steals. Offensively, Maxey stands out in points, threes and assists, but with low efficiency from the field.
There’s no doubt LaMelo Ball is an elite fantasy contributor, but the problem is his health. Over the past three seasons, he’s only played in 105 of 246 games. Being only 23, this is a cause for concern. However, he has superstar potential and finished as a top 20 player in the lone year he suited up for nearly every contest. Ball is an offensive powerhouse who can also provide steals.
Jalen Johnson excited fantasy managers when he broke onto the scene two years ago. However, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy long enough for them to reap all of the benefits. The forward can pile up stocks, record double-doubles and dish out some assists. At 23, he’s an appealing dynasty asset with star potential if he can stay out of street clothes.
The Toronto Raptors are in their rebuilding era, and Scottie Barnes is their franchise cornerstone. The forward/guard gives the gift of multi-position eligibility and excellent contributions in the main categories. While shooting percentages and three-pointers are areas for improvement, the 23-year-old will have opportunities to refine his skills.
2022 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero has yet to crack the top 100 in category league rankings, but he has much higher value in points leagues. The 22-year-old’s main flaws are his shooting splits and high turnovers, which drag down his fantasy worth. The forward posts mostly solid numbers everywhere else and could improve his efficiency over time.
A trade to the New York Knicks is exactly what Karl-Anthony Towns needed to reclaim his spot as a top-10 fantasy player. His production is elite when he’s not sharing the court with another big. Towns is a double-double threat with a three-point shot, good efficiency and can make a defensive impact. Although, doesn’t get the most blocks for a center and is approaching 30.
Jaren Jackson Jr. recently underwent surgery for a turf toe injury but is expected to be ready for the start of 2025-26. The power forward/center is touted for his defensive abilities. While he hasn’t been posting the same block numbers he was a few years ago, that remains his best asset. He also doesn’t grab many boards, but offensively, the 25-year-old can score and shoot the three-ball.
After inking a historic contract extension, Devin Booker is locked in as the Phoenix Suns’ franchise cornerstone. The guard is the team’s main option, and he’s got a lethal offensive arsenal that translates well to fantasy. After spending some time at point guard, he’s also developed into an excellent playmaker. The 28-year-old has plenty of All-Star years left.
At just 23 years old, Alperen Sengun has been dubbed the “mini Jokic.” He resembles the three-time MVP for his ability to post excellent numbers in points, rebounds and assists. Sengun’s lack of efficiency at the charity stripe and from three-point range brings down his ranking, but the young center remains a valuable dynasty asset.
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