With the star-studded 2026 NBA Draft officially complete, it's time to start looking at how to value these players in your dynasty leagues.
There are multiple future stars at the top, but there are also some talented players that went later in this draft that will one day make an impact for your fantasy team. For the redraft managers, you may not hear some of these names for a few seasons, but in dynasty leagues, you can't wait that long.
At this point, there have only been a handful of two-way deals handed out to undrafted players. There are some players that will likely be more than just additions to the bottom of the list once they get a deal, but until then, it's difficult to place them. A few players to keep an eye on include Tamin Lipsey, Nate Bittle and Aaron Nkrumah, among others.
For now, here's how I rank the 2026 rookie class for dynasty leagues. These are tailored towards category leagues, so I'll be sure to highlight the players that should go earlier in points leagues.
1. Forward, Cameron Boozer, MEM, 18.9
For the second year in a row, a Duke forward leads the rankings following a historic freshman season. Boozer should immediately be seen as a top-15 dynasty asset, though it may not be long before he enters earlier conversations. Take him first regardless of format.
2. Guard, Darryn Peterson, UTA, 19.4
Peterson was my top prospect in this class, just not for fantasy basketball. That speaks more to just how special Boozer is. Peterson has a chance to be one of the best scorers in the league while still making an impact on defense. He was also a better playmaker in high school when he was in a higher volume role because he was healthier. He's a special talent.
3. Forward, Caleb Wilson, CHI, 19.9
The lack of shooting is concerning, but there is a lot to like about Wilson's fantasy game. He may not be an elite defender, but the defensive production as a result of his athleticism plays well in fantasy basketball. He's going to be a star.
4. Wing, AJ Dybantsa, WAS, 19.4
I'd take him second in points leagues, but there is some concern about his production in category formats. The lack of defensive production in college knocks him down a touch, plus he's an average free throw shooter with a high free throw rate and a low three-point rate. Still, he should be considered a top-40 asset in dynasty leagues, and he is certainly talented enough to answer some of the questions that are there in year one and soar up rankings.
5. Guard, Kingston Flemings, ATL, 19.5
Atlanta has a new point guard of the future after Trae Young's departure. Flemings should be more efficient than the other guards at the top and provide more defensively.
6. Guard, Mikel Brown Jr., BKN, 20.2
For all the inefficiencies Brown had at Louisville, there is still a lot to like about his game in fantasy hoops. He took a ton of tough, deep threes and got to the free throw line at a high rate. Like many star guards, you'll have to account for a low field goal percentage and a bunch of turnovers, but he's abundantly talented.
7. Guard, Darius Acuff Jr., SAC, 19.6
Acuff is another incredible offensive talent, and he'll provide plenty of buckets and assists. He wasn't able to provide much defensively in college, but if he's able to contribute more on that end in the NBA, he can be a superstar.
8. Guard, Keaton Wagler, LAC, 19.4
I'm probably more skeptical on Wagler than others are. He's a crafty guard that can get to his spots and create for others. I don't love the fit next to Darius Garland; not because it can't work, but because it limits the output of both guards. Still, all these guards at the top have star upside.
9. Big, Morez Johnson Jr., DAL, 20.4
Johnson has all the traits of a star fantasy post player, and now he's reunited with his college coach. He should fit in well next to Cooper Flagg, though it's fair to start questioning what this means for Dereck Lively II.
10. Guard, Brayden Burries, MIL, 20.8
He wasn't the volume scorer that some of the other freshman guards were in college, but he was efficient, played defense and did a lot of winning. Burries has a high floor, but that doesn't mean he has a low ceiling. He's going to be productive for a long time, which is a great way for the Bucks to start their rebuild.
11. Forward, Yaxel Lendeborg, GSW, 23.7
It's fair to be hesitant about Lendeborg at his age, so if you're rebuilding, it makes sense to choose someone else. But if you're contending, there's an argument to take him even earlier than this. There's not much he can't do, and he should play big minutes for a good team immediately.
12. Forward, Dailyn Swain, CHI, 20.9
If you haven't already, just go compare Swain's stats during his final collegiate season to Jimmy Butler's final season at Marquette. Not saying Swain is going to be that level of player, but it's intriguing. There's a lot to like about him as a prospect, especially if he continues to improve as a shooter.
13. Big, Hannes Steinbach, CHA, 20.1
One of the best rebounders in the draft landed with one of the best rebounding teams in the league. He'll compete for center minutes early on, and even if he wasn't a great defender, he was able to collect some stocks.
14. Big, Aday Mara, OKC, 21.2
I would've been higher on Mara in a different landing spot. He's going to be good, but it seems like he's going to be in a minutes jam at center. He's a high-level shot blocker and passer, but if he's only playing 18-20 minutes per game, his impact will be limited.
15. Guard, Bennett Stirtz, OKC, 22.7
If the Thunder like a guard, it seems smart to listen. They're looking for cost-controlled contributors, and Stirtz should be ready to go from day one. He profiles as a special offensive talent, which is something OKC could've used more of in the playoffs when Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell were hurt.
16. Guard, Ebuka Okorie, DET, 19.2
Another player I would've liked more in a different situation. He is going to make a big impact for the Pistons immediately as a creator when Cade Cunningham isn't on the floor, or when they want to get Cade off-ball reps. However, I'm just not confident he gets enough usage to be a fantasy start, unless you're willing to wait for him to be on a different team than Cunningham.
17. Forward, Allen Graves, TOR, 19.9
Graves profiles as a statistical star, and there is am argument for him to go much earlier than this. However, one year after we questioned why Toronto would pair Collin Murray-Boyles with Scottie Barnes, they've doubled down. I don't see how all three can coexist, and there is a chance Graves' production at Santa Clara doesn't translate to the NBA. Still, I'd have no qualms about having Graves ranked higher than this.
18. Guard, Labaron Philon, PHI, 20.6
There's a lot to like about Philon as a talent, but being stuck behind Maxey to start your career isn't ideal. Still, he's a crafty scorer and creator.
19. Forward, Zuby Ejiofor, ATL, 22.2
A do-it-all forward, Ejiofor should have a role from day one, but he may struggle to carve out enough minutes to truly make an impact for fantasy managers. However, if he does, the statistical profile is enticing.
20. Wing, Cameron Carr, LAL, 21.6
Carr is going to be a better fantasy player than NBA player. He hits threes and gets defensive stats, plus he was a star at the combine.
21. Guard, Bruce Thornton, HOU, 22.8
I'm really excited about Thornton landing in Houston. Fred VanVleet only has one year left on his contract, and there were so many problems for the Rockets last season that would've been solved by having better point guard play.
22. Forward, Karim López, MEM, 19.2
He scored. He got boards. He got stocks. There is plenty to like here from López, and he lands with a young squad where he'll have an opportunity to earn minutes quickly.
23. Guard, Christian Anderson, CHA, 20.2
Arguably the best shooter in the draft, Anderson could see a bump up the rankings if the LaMelo Ball trade rumors end up becoming a real deal.
24. Forward, Baba Miller, LAC, 22.4
Miller can't provide much as a shooter, but his success on defense and as a rebounder is enough for me to take him much earlier than his draft slot.
25. Forward, Nate Ament, MIL, 19.5
I'd take Ament earlier in points leagues, but the lack of efficiency as a scorer was concerning. Hoping for the best here, but I just can't spend an earlier pick on the idea that he turns into the next Kevin Durant.
26. Big, Jayden Quaintance, SAS, 18.9
If it weren't for medical concerns, Quaintance would be a top-five pick. He's that type of fantasy prospect. If you're willing to be patient, he can be a steal. However, reports currently indicate he may not be ready for training camp, which is concerning.
27. Big, Tarris Reed Jr., SAS, 22.9
San Antonio wanted to add depth down low. They took a risk with Quaintance and made their safe pick with Reed. He may be the backup center for them next season.
28. Guard, Sergio de Larrea, DAL, 20.5
There is a chance de Larrea ends up remaining overseas for another season, but he's talented enough that I'm willing to take him in the first 30 picks until that's confirmed. I'd bump him up a few spots if he ends up in Dallas and down a few if he stays in Spain.
29. Forward, Joshua Jefferson, BKN, 22.6
A big player that can pass is always intriguing. He's an older prospect that can impact the game in various ways, and he should carve out a role early on for a rebuilding Nets squad.
30. Big, Henri Veesaar, ATL, 22.2
Veesaar slid far, but there were reports that he didn't want to be on a two-way contract. He could fill in as the backup center in Atlanta from day one.
31. Forward, Trevon Brazile, DEN, 23.5
32. Guard, Richie Saunders, MEM, 24.8
33. Wing, Isaiah Evans, MIN, 20.5
34. Big, Chris Cenac Jr., BOS, 19.4
35. Big, Ugonna Onyenso, DET, 21.7
36. Guard, Meleek Thomas, CLE, 19.9
37. Guard, Ja'Kobi Gillespie, SAS, 22.3
38. Forward, Koa Peat, PHX, 19.4
39. Guard, Quadir Copeland, HOU, 22.8 (UDFA)
40. Guard, Jaden Bradley, TOR, 22.8
41. Big, Rafael Castro, MIL, 23.2 (UDFA)
42. Big, Felix Okpara, WAS, 22.2
43. Guard, Braden Smith, IND, 22.9
44. Guard, Emanuel Sharp, SAC, 22.3
45. Big, Izaiyah Nelson, ORL, 22.7
46. Forward, Tobi Lawal, DAL, 23.1
47. Guard, Ryan Conwell, MIA, 22
48. Guard, Lajae Jones, GSW, 22.1
49. Wing, Dillon Mitchell, BOS, 22.7
50. Forward, Maliq Brown, SAS, 22.6
51. Forward, Alex Karaban, SAC, 23.6
52. Big, Tobe Awaka, CHI, 22.4 (UDFA)
53. Guard, Jack Kayil, NYK, 20.4
54. Guard, Tre Donaldson, MIA, 22.5 (UDFA)
55. Guard, Bryce Hopkins, DEN, 23.8
56. Guard, Otega Oweh, OKC, 23
57. Wing, Malique Lewis, MIL, 21.6
58. Guard, Tyler Nickel, NYK, 22.8
59. Forward, Tyler Bilodeau, BKN, 22.2
60. Forward, AK Okereke, LAL, 23 (UDFA)
61. Big, Trey Kaufman-Renn, MIN, 23.8
62. Guard, Peter Suder, LAL, 22.9 (UDFA)
63. Wing, Nick Martinelli, LAC, 22.2
64. Big, Narcisse Ngoy, LAC, 22
65. Wing, Vsevolod Ishchenko, DAL, 21.4
66. Guard, Josh Dix, OKC, 22 (UDFA)
67. Guard, Jaron Pierre Jr., NOR, 23.9
68. Guard, Sam Hoiberg, PHX, 23.3 (UDFA)
