Fantasy Basketball 2023: Top NBA Player Rankings and Underrated Sleepers

The most optimistic time on the NBA—and fantasy basketball—calendar is right now.

It's opening night of the 2023-24 season, meaning everyone has a blank slate and a bevvy of big dreams. To echo the iconic words of Kevin Garnett, anything is possible, or it feels that way at least with everyone on equal footing.

Of course, the aim is to not be on equal ground but rather a step ahead of the competition, so let's try to get you that leg up by laying out our top 30 player rankings and spotlighting two sleepers capable of providing big returns on your fantasy investment.

Top 30

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center on January 28, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

1. Nikola Jokić, C, Denver Nuggets

2. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers

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

4. Jayson Tatum, SF/PF, Boston Celtics

5. Luka Dončić, PG, Dallas Mavericks

6. Tyrese Haliburton, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers

7. Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors

8. Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks

9. Kevin Durant, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns

10. Damian Lillard, PG, Milwaukee Bucks

11. LaMelo Ball, PG/SG, Charlotte Hornets

12. Anthony Edwards, SG/SF, Milwaukee Bucks

13. Trae Young, PG, Atlanta Hawks

14. Devin Booker, SG/SF, Phoenix Suns

15. Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Sacramento Kings

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

17. Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers

18. Jimmy Butler, SF/PF, Miami Heat

19. Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Brooklyn Nets

20. Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C, Minnesota Timberwolves

21. Kyrie Irving, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers

22. Lauri Markkanen, SF/PF, Utah Jazz

23. Desmond Bane, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies

24. Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Memphis Grizzlies

25. Dejounte Murray, PG/SG, Atlanta Hawks

26. Cade Cunningham, PG/SG, Detroit Pistons

27. Victor Wembanyama, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs

28. Paul George, SG/SF/PF, Los Angeles Clippers

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

30. Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat

Sleeper: Shaedon Sharpe, SG/SF, Portland Trail Blazers

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 14: Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket during the game at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2023 NBAE (Photo by Chris Nicoll/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Blazers are in the infancy stage of their post-Damian Lillard rebuild, which should place a massive priority on their young players. Since Shaedon Sharpe is arguably as important as anyone to this project—Scoot Henderson might have a slight edge, but it's close—he should see as many touches and shots as possible in an attempt to accelerate his development.

If Portland agrees with that assessment, then Sharpe should feast on opportunities like he's plowing through an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet.

The Blazers gave him a neon-green light late last season, and he used it to showcase his star potential. Over his final 10 outings, he used his nightly allotment of 35.9 minutes to average 23.7 points on 46/37.8/77.3 shooting, plus 6.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 stocks (steals plus blocks).

He may not see that much floor time out of the gate, but whenever he hits the hardwood, the Blazers should be funneling the ball toward him. If everything breaks just right, he could be special.

Sleeper: Zach Collins, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 9: Zach Collins #23 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 9, 2023 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, OK. 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 2023 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Spurs understandably are looking to limit the physical wear and tear on super-prospect Victor Wembanyama by playing him at the 4, which freed up the starting 5 spot for Zach Collins.

It also means Collins could be suiting up alongside a star, meaning he should have easier matchups on the offensive end and might wind up with a lot of open space to attack.

So long as he stays healthy—which, it's worth noting, is never a guarantee—he could stuff the stat sheet with all kinds of fantasy goodies. Last season, when he didn't start 37 of the 63 games he played and averaged only 22.9 minutes, he still found his way to 11.6 points on 51.8 percent shooting, 6.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 stocks.

He may not have a standout skill, but he has plenty of above-average-to-good ones, so if you're in the market for across-the-board production, you should give him a long look.