Fantasy Basketball 2022: Top NBA Player Rankings and Underrated Sleepers

The 2022-23 NBA season tips off Tuesday night, making this crash-course time in the business of fantasy basketball preparation.

If your league hasn't started yet, there's still time to cram information, but the clock is ticking.

Let's not waste any precious seconds then and simply dive right into our top 30 rankings and two of our favorite sleepers.

Top 30 Rankings

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 31: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks plays defense against Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets on March 31, 2022 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

1. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks

3. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers

4. Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors

5. Luka Doncic, PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks

6. Jayson Tatum, SF/PF, Boston Celtics

7. Kevin Durant, SF/PF, Brooklyn Nets

8. Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves

9. Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers

10. James Harden, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers

11. Trae Young, PG, Atlanta Hawks

12. LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets

13. Jimmy Butler, SG/SF, Miami Heat

14. Paul George, SG/SF, Los Angeles Clippers

15. Devin Booker, PG/SG, Phoenix Suns

16. Bam Adebayo, PF/C, Miami Heat

17. Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers

18. LeBron James, PG/SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers

19. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG, Oklahoma City Thunder

20. Ja Morant, PG, Memphis Grizzlies

21. Zion Williamson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans

22. Anthony Davis, PF/C, Los Angeles Lakers

23. Dejounte Murray, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks

24. Anthony Edwards, SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves

25. Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards

26. Kyrie Irving, PG/SG, Brooklyn Nets

27. Fred VanVleet, PG/SG, Toronto Raptors

28. Pascal Siakam, PF/C, Toronto Raptors

29. Kawhi Leonard, SF/PF, Los Angeles Clippers

30. Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers

Tre Jones, PG, San Antonio Spurs

Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 13: Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a preseason game on October 13, 2022 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Spurs have gone self-demolition mode on their roster, either recognizing the previous nucleus had peaked or perhaps hoping their next core will be led by one of the crown jewels of the loaded 2023 draft class.

Either way, there are myriad offensive opportunities available in the Alamo City, and Jones, the lone floor general on the roster, should be ready to soak a lot of them up.

Like his older brother, Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones, Tre Jones has a penchant for passing, takes excellent care of the basketball and is a pesky (if undersized) perimeter defender. What that means is Jones has more than four times as many career assists (272) as turnovers (59), posts solid shooting rates from the field (48.7) and the line (80.0) and could deliver a fantasy-relevant amount of thefts (career 1.3 steals per 36 minutes, per Basketball Reference).

Jones has secured a spot in San Antonio's starting lineup, which could skyrocket his stats. In 11 starts last season, he averaged 13.5 points (on 48.8 percent shooting), 7.5 assists (against 1.1 turnovers), 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals.

P.J. Washington, Charlotte Hornets

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GREENSBORO, NC - OCTOBER 7: P.J. Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket during the game against the Boston Celtics on October 7, 2022 at Greensboro Coliseum Complex in Greensboro, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

The fantasy forecast calls for a breakout season by Washington.

With Miles Bridges off the roster and LaMelo Ball dealing with a sprained ankle, Charlotte's offense needs scoring, table-setting and outside shooting. Washington checks all of those boxes, plus he adds rebounds, steals and blocks to the mix.

While he's never been a standout in any single category, it's the versatility of his box scores that have driven up his appeal. He usually puts his fingerprints all over the stat sheet, but they should become even more apparent given the Hornets' need for production.

Throw in the fact Washington could have tens of millions at stake after failing to reach a contract extension, and he should be both motivated and positioned to produce. Last season, he scored 15 or more points 15 times and had 10 outings with five or more assists. He should significantly raise those numbers this time around.