TITLE: Fantasy analyst Eric Karabell pinpoints best draft-day bargains for 2025-26 NBA season
SLUG: fantasy-basketball-draft-bargains-2025-26
CONTENT:
ESPN senior fantasy writer Eric Karabell released his annual “Do Draft” list on Sept. 26, spotlighting players he believes are being selected too late in 2025-26 NBA fantasy drafts.
Why it matters
Karabell urges managers to chase value by grabbing productive, multi-category contributors who are slipping in Average Draft Position (ADP). He is willing to reach a round or more when he expects elite numbers.
Early-round targets
Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks, PF – After posting top-20 numbers before a January shoulder injury, Johnson carries a fifth-round ADP that Karabell calls a bargain.
James Harden, LA Clippers, PG (ADP 20.2) – Last season’s No. 3 finisher on ESPN’s player rater turns 36 but still profiles as a roster cornerstone.
Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets, C (ADP 26.9) – The big man narrowly missed 20-10-5 averages in each of the past two campaigns, and Kevin Durant’s arrival is not expected to dent his production.
Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, C (ADP 32.3) – Set for what would be his 12th straight double-double season as he approaches age 35.
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers, PF (ADP 34.3) – Karabell predicts the fourth-year forward finally reaches 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies, C (ADP 46.7) – Limited boards aside, his mix of steals, blocks and threes remains rare.
Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers, SG (ADP 54.2) – Finished 24th on last season’s player rater and saw numbers climb after Luka Doncic joined the roster.
Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves, PF (ADP 70.2) – Production dipped post-Knicks, yet Karabell views the veteran as underrated at this cost.
Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers, PG (ADP 79) – Recovering from off-season toe surgery but offers scoring and efficiency rarely found this late.
Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors, C (ADP 86.6) – Coming off career highs in points and rebounds plus improved free-throw shooting.
Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets, SF (ADP 98.4) – Second-year wing averaged 21 points before a wrist injury ended his season in January.
Anfernee Simons, Boston Celtics, SG (ADP 99.6) – Expected to shoulder ample shot volume in a revamped Boston lineup.
Late-round fliers
Mark Williams, Phoenix Suns, C (ADP 103.5) – Health remains the question, not production when active.
T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers, PG (ADP 113) – Could post career-best totals while Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) is out.
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs, PG (ADP 114.9) – Reigning Rookie of the Year offers upside in drives and defense.
Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks, PF (ADP 120.2) – Reliable scoring and rebounding with potential for an expanded role.
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies, C (ADP 130.2) – Expected to deliver double-double potential once he returns from ankle surgery.
Dennis Schroder, Sacramento Kings, PG (ADP 131.6) – Journeyman guard should provide enough points and assists to justify a final-round pick.
Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat, C (ADP 132.7) – Averaged a rookie double-double next to Bam Adebayo; shot-blocking is an added bonus.
Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee Bucks, PF (ADP 134.9) – Scoring roughly 16 points per game is considered solid value this deep in drafts.
Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls, SF (ADP 136.1) – Posted 13-4.5-1.1 as a rookie and is projected for increased minutes.
Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz, PG (ADP 139.4) – Second-year floor general worth a last pick if he secures the starting job.
Karabell’s list, built on durability, versatility and suppressed ADPs, provides managers with a blueprint for uncovering cost-effective talent in every phase of fantasy drafts.
Source: ESPN
