Which SLEEPER Picks Hit For Fantasy Basketball Drafts | KD, Deni & More

Locked On Fantasy Basketball – Daily NBA Fantasy Basketball Podcast30mApril 17, 2026

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Which SLEEPER Picks Hit For Fantasy Basketball Drafts | KD, Deni & More” inside PodZeus.

AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast, host Ross Jackson reviews his fantasy basketball draft picks from the 2025-2026 season, focusing on players he ranked higher than their ADP (Average Draft Position) and who ultimately delivered strong results. He highlights several 'sleeper' hits, including Kevin Durant, whom he ranked 8th despite an ADP of 17, praising his elite production and high minutes under coach Ime Udoka. Other standout performers include Brandon Miller (ranked 33rd, finished 43rd), Jamal Murray (ranked 27th, finished 17th), Deni Avdija (ranked 36th, finished 28th), Kevin Porter Jr. (ranked 89th, finished 24th), and Keishon George (ranked 95th, finished 81st). Jackson emphasizes the importance of draft process over final rankings, noting that injuries and team dynamics impacted some players, but the value was still clear. He also discusses the challenges of projecting rookies and injured players, and reflects on the volatility of fantasy success. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to join The Everydayer Club and support the show.

Key Takeaways
1

Ranking players above their ADP can yield strong returns if the process is sound, even if final rankings aren't perfect.

2

Kevin Durant’s high minutes and elite production made him a top-tier fantasy asset despite ADP concerns.

3

Players like Jamal Murray and Deni Avdija thrived due to team injuries and role expansion, proving value in the third round.

4

Injury risks are inherent in fantasy, but drafting players with upside and favorable roles can still lead to wins.

5

Rookies and breakout players like Keishon George can deliver value even if they don’t finish in the top 10, especially in head-to-head formats.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Sponsor: State Farm Insurance

Introductory ad for State Farm, emphasizing their role as a trusted financial partner for car, home, and life protection.

1:55
2 min

Introducing The Everydayer Club

Ross Jackson promotes The Everydayer Club, a members-only community offering ad-free podcasts, exclusive chat access, and premium content.

3:50
3 min

Honorable Mentions: Drew Holiday, Austin Reeves, Namesh Keita, Jalen Johnson, Cooper Flagg

Ross reviews five players he ranked higher than ADP who delivered solid results despite injuries or inconsistent play, emphasizing the strength of the draft process.

6:45
10 min

Kevin Durant: The Top Hit of the Season

I was happy to take Durant in the first round of a couple of head-to-head drafts that I took. Worked out pretty well for me. Very happy with how that one ended up overall.

Highlight
17:05
7 min

Brandon Miller & Jamal Murray: High-Risk, High-Reward Picks

He averaged 25 points with four rebounds and playing on the same team as Nikola Jokic, averaged seven assists per game. That's a remarkable number.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I was happy to take Durant in the first round of a couple of head-to-head drafts that I took. Worked out pretty well for me. Very happy with how that one ended up overall.
Ross Jackson10:21
Viral: 85.0
He averaged 25 points with four rebounds and playing on the same team as Nikola Jokic, averaged seven assists per game. That's a remarkable number.
Ross Jackson17:23
Viral: 80.0
We're trying to win based on the process of this stuff. even though we did know that he was likely going to have some issues with tanking.
Ross Jackson30:03
Viral: 78.0
Speakers

Hosts

Ross JacksonJosh Lloyd
Topics Discussed
Fantasy Basketball Draft Strategy95%Process Over Outcome in Fantasy92%Player Value vs ADP90%Sleeper Picks and Breakout Players88%Role Expansion and Team Context87%Injury Impact on Fantasy Performance85%Team Dysfunction and Fantasy Value80%Rookie Performance and Expectations75%
People & Brands

Ross Jackson

person

15xPositive

Kevin Durant

person

12xPositive

Brandon Miller

person

8xPositive

Jamal Murray

person

7xPositive

Deni Avdija

person

6xPositive

Kevin Porter Jr.

person

5xPositive

Keishon George

person

5xPositive

Austin Reeves

person

4xPositive

Cooper Flagg

person

4xPositive

Namesh Keita

person

3xNeutral

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Which SLEEPER Picks Hit For Fantasy Basketball Drafts | KD, Deni & More” inside PodZeus.

Start discovering podcast insights today

Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.

No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime