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In the realm of fantasy basketball, achieving success frequently hinges not on acquiring the most prominent stars, but rather on discovering hidden gems who can exceed expectations based on where they are drafted. This is especially true for sleeper guards, who provide unique prospects: they often make significant contributions across several statistical categories, see a boost in usage as their roles evolve, or benefit from changes in the roster and coaching staff. While mainstream rankings focus on the well-established elite players in the league, it’s in the narrow margins where savvy managers can secure an edge.
This article highlights the top sleeper guards for the upcoming season, emphasizing athletes with tangible potential, beneficial team dynamics, and the capacity to consistently deliver value that far surpasses their average draft position.
### Payton Pritchard, Celtics
**Yahoo Fantasy Ranking: 33rd**
There’s plenty to be excited about here. With Jayson Tatum (Achilles) expected to sit out the entire season, Pritchard is poised to take on a substantial share of the workload. During the 2024-25 season, his usage rate was nearly 3% higher when Tatum was off the floor. Additionally, the Celtics have significantly reduced their depth due to salary-cap issues, losing both Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday. They did acquire Anfernee Simons as a potential sixth man, but he’s already been linked to trade rumors. It’s evident that the backcourt primarily belongs to Pritchard and Derrick White, with Pritchard previously showcasing his capabilities as a starter. In three games where he started last season, he averaged 21.7 points, 7.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 3.0 three-pointers.
### Jaden Ivey, Pistons
**Yahoo Fantasy Ranking: 164th**
Since his injury on January 1, which resulted in a broken left fibula, Ivey has been somewhat overlooked in Detroit. Prior to this setback, he was on track for a breakout season, averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 29.9 minutes over 30 games. His three-point shooting made a significant leap, as he hit 40.9% from long range after struggling below 34% in his first two years. Additionally, he exhibited his finest defensive performance with a steal rate of 1.5%. The Pistons remained relatively quiet in the offseason, leaving room for Ivey to resume his trajectory, which is promising. In the last five games of the 2024-25 season, he recorded an impressive average of 19.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers, shooting at a remarkable 59.7% from the field.
### Kevin Porter Jr., Bucks
**Yahoo Fantasy Ranking: 152nd**
Milwaukee made significant roster changes in the offseason, letting go of the injured Damian Lillard while acquiring Myles Turner. After a summer filled with speculation, Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to return, leaving the rest of the roster looking familiar. Porter Jr. inked a two-year, $11 million contract to rejoin the Bucks and is likely to earn the starting point guard role, with Cole Anthony and Ryan Rollins in supporting positions. In the 2024-25 season, Porter Jr. boasted a 26.2% usage rate when Lillard was off the court, indicating he will be heavily involved in gameplay. Over 30 appearances, he averaged career highs of 21.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per 36 minutes, achieving an impressive shooting percentage of 49.4% from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc. His early Average Draft Position suggests he could deliver excellent value this season.
### Keyonte George, Jazz
**Yahoo Fantasy Ranking: 163rd**
The Jazz made major changes to their veteran backcourt this offseason, parting ways with Jordan Clarkson and trading Collin Sexton. With one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, they may find themselves struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference yet again. This means younger players will have ample playing time from the get-go. George’s efficiency raises concerns, as he shot just 39.1% from the floor for the second consecutive season in 2024-25. He also averaged 2.7 turnovers per game, and his steal/block rates leave room for improvement. However, George is considered a late-round sleeper for good reason, and his usage potential is among the highest in his draft tier. When both Clarkson and Sexton were absent in 2024-25, George’s usage rate nearly reached 28%. For perspective, Damian Lillard’s usage rate last season was at 27%. Despite his potential, he faces competition from Isaiah Collier, who took over as a starter towards the season’s end.
### Stephon Castle, Spurs
**Yahoo Fantasy Ranking: 114th**
The fourth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Castle is the reigning Kia Rookie of the Year but has received little recognition in fantasy circles. His rookie statistics weren’t particularly eye-catching, but it’s important to note the steep learning curve for point guards in the NBA, and Castle demonstrated significant potential. Although Chris Paul is no longer around to mentor him, Castle is now set to partner in the backcourt with De’Aaron Fox, while No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper will take on a role off the bench. Castle ended the regular season starting in the Spurs’ last 18 games, averaging 19.1 points, 6.2 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.8 steals over 30.8 minutes per game during that stretch. In the past, I’ve found value in targeting players in their second and third years, and Castle stands out as a promising option at his current draft position.
### Jrue Holiday, Trail Blazers
**Yahoo Fantasy Ranking: 169th**
Why have I included a 35-year-old point guard who just completed one of his least impressive NBA seasons? The answer is straightforward. Holiday struggled in Boston, often finding himself as the fifth or sixth option in an offense filled with heavy hitters. His usage rate was a mere 15.8%, and he averaged just 9.2 shots per game. However, the scenario in Portland seems different. With Scoot Henderson not yet trusted to be the starter, Holiday is likely to assume the role in the backcourt. He has expressed enthusiasm about exploring various positions on the court as he aims to guide Henderson. It seems highly probable that Holiday’s usage will increase in Portland, enhancing his potential for points, assists, and three-pointers. Defensively, he’s consistently been reliable, showcasing elite steal rates and contributing some blocks from the guard position. Given where he stands in drafts, he represents an excellent value, particularly as fantasy managers seek out players with untapped potential.
