Building a championship-caliber fantasy basketball team requires more than just nailing your early-round picks. To truly set yourself apart, you need to identify high-upside talent and key complementary options in the middle rounds. Here are the players you should target in Rounds 5 through 9 to elevate your roster.
Nic Claxton, C, Brooklyn Nets (71.5 ADP)
Claxton’s huge contract extension makes him a key building block for the Nets. He averaged 11.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 2.1 BPG last season, and is projected to put up similar numbers this year. As one of the league’s best rim protectors, Claxton is a valuable asset.
Cam Thomas, SG, Brooklyn Nets (76.2 ADP)
Thomas is set for a big role with the Nets, and is projected to score the second-most fantasy points on the team. He averaged 22.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 3.0 APG last season, and showed real growth as a passer. With a massive usage rate coming his way, Thomas is ready for the challenge.
Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers (76.4 ADP)
Garland’s fifth season with the Cavaliers was marred by a broken jaw that kept him out for 19 games. Despite this, he averaged 18.0 PPG, 6.5 APG, and 1.3 SPG. He’s set to be the Cavs’ second-leading playmaker behind Donovan Mitchell, making him a valuable PG value.
Jarrett Allen, C, Cleveland Cavaliers (77.0 ADP)
Allen brings an enchanting blend of points, rebounds, and efficient shooting. He’s one of only two players to average at least 15 PPG on 60% shooting, and is one of my favorite centers to target in this range.
Brandon Miller, SF/SG, Charlotte Hornets (80.3 ADP)
Miller started slow in his rookie season but became only the third player in Hornets history to earn Rookie of the Month honors for three straight months. He averaged 18.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 1.0 SPG in the 55 games LaMelo Ball missed last season. Miller is a talented player who might have generated more Rookie of the Year buzz if he weren’t in the same draft class as Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren.
Jalen Duren, C, Detroit Pistons (97.4 ADP)
Duren is one of the most promising young centers in the league. He’s one of only four players in league history to average 13+ PPG and 11+ RPG before turning 21. With big changes to the Pistons’ front office, coaching staff, and roster, Duren is poised for a breakout season under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
RJ Barrett, SF/SG, Toronto Raptors (101.2 ADP)
Barrett experienced a renaissance after being traded to the Raptors, posting career-high numbers across the board. He averaged 21.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 4.1 APG, and showed he can handle a bigger role and still produce efficiently for fantasy managers. With an effective field goal percentage of.601, Barrett’s development as a versatile scorer makes him a tough matchup for defenders.
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