Rebanse Fantasy Corner is here to share our picks for potential breakout candidates in the upcoming NBA season, players who could deliver strong fantasy value for season-long managers looking to gain an edge.
Shaedon Sharpe
Starting out this list is Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe.
In the final 11 games of the 2024–25 season, he averaged 24.5 points, 2.5 three-pointers on 30.4% shooting from deep, 6.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.5 turnovers, and 1.4 steals per game.
His usage rate is expected to increase following Anfernee Simons’ move to Boston in exchange for Jrue Holiday. Sharpe’s upside lies in his perimeter shooting; if he can improve his efficiency from beyond the arc, he could easily finish inside the top 75 fantasy players this season.
Matas Buzelis
Unsurprisingly, Matas Buzelis also makes the list.
Previously featured among our sleeper picks, the 21-year-old Chicago Bulls forward earned his place here for good reason. From February to April last season, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
While the Bulls aren’t projected to make a deep playoff run, reaching the postseason through the play-in tournament remains possible — and Buzelis is expected to be a major contributor in that effort.
Jay Huff
Jay Huff might be a surprising inclusion, but he presents intriguing upside on the Indiana Pacers.
After re-signing with the Grizzlies last year, Huff joined Indiana on a low-cost deal this offseason and now steps into a significant role following Myles Turner’s move to Milwaukee.
Fantasy managers in search of a do-it-all center with shot-blocking potential should consider Huff from the ninth round onward. His skill set closely mirrors Turner’s, making him an appealing late-round target.
Ryan Dunn
Last but not least is Ryan Dunn, Phoenix’s first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Dunn showed flashes of high upside last season, both with and without Kevin Durant on the floor. Now that Durant has joined Houston, Dunn’s playing time is expected to rise well above the 19.1 minutes per game he logged previously.
While the presence of Dillon Brooks and Royce O’Neale could limit his opportunities, there will be plenty of matchups where Dunn earns extended minutes. His main challenge will be improving his three-point accuracy (31.1% last season) and boosting his overall production as the season progresses.
Each of these players, Sharpe, Buzelis, Huff, and Dunn, has a realistic path to breakout status in 2025. Whether through expanded roles, roster changes, or pure developmental leaps, they all represent potential value picks for fantasy managers ready to invest early.
