It’s time to start prepping for fantasy basketball drafts as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches. To help guide managers, this five-part series sorts players into draft tiers based on their position, ending with the centers.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Note that a player\u2019s position can vary across fantasy sites,<\/a> so other eligibility is listed in brackets. The good, average, and bad categories are based on a player\u2019s latest season stats and Hashtag Basketball<\/a>. Tiers don’t necessarily\u00a0correlate to rounds.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read more: <\/em><\/strong>point guards<\/em><\/a>, shooting guards<\/a>, small forwards<\/a>, power forwards<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Good: REB, AST, FG%, PTS, STL, FT% | Average: 3PM, BLK | Bad: TO<\/em><\/p>\n The clear first overall pick in fantasy drafts is none other than Nikola Jokic<\/a>. The three-time MVP is a model of consistency, versatility and availability. His consistency rate was 81.4% last season, he only lacks in turnovers, and has played under 70 games just once in his 10-year career. Three-pointers used to be another weak spot of his, but he set a new career high in them by averaging two. Ultimately, there’s no doubt that ol’ reliable won’t deliver another stellar campaign.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, PTS, REB, 3PM, FT% | Average: AST, STL, FG% | Bad: TO<\/em><\/p>\n In July, Victor Wembanyama<\/a> was medically cleared after dealing with deep vein thrombosis. Following an offseason of intense training, the Frenchman is ready to return to the court. He’s a generational talent and one of the most exciting fantasy players. Wembanyama’s already made huge improvements to his game and is continuing to grow. Last year, he significantly improved his three-point shooting and became more efficient. The alien is an elite shot-blocker who can do it all, with the only hole in his game being turnovers.<\/p>\n Good: REB, PTS, FG%, FT% | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM | Bad: TO<\/em><\/p>\n Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a> enjoyed a resurgence in his first season with the Knicks after ranking outside the top 25 in category leagues for the past two years. Despite New York’s star-studded lineup, their lack of big men allowed Towns to increase his production. He’s not a big shot-blocker for a center, but he is a double-double threat and very well-rounded. The 29-year-old’s worst flaw is turnovers. Little is expected to change for the former first-overall pick, and he could return first-round value again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: REB, FG%, AST, PTS | Average: BLK | Bad: TO, STL, 3PM, FT%<\/em><\/p>\n Domantas Sabonis<\/a> once again put together an excellent campaign. The 29-year-old was the league leader in rebounds and was fantastic at crashing the glass on both ends of the floor. Most of his stats remained relatively similar to those of previous years, except that his assists \u2014 which were still good \u2014 dropped. Turnovers, threes and free-throw percentage have always been his downfall. Sabonis also suffered a hamstring injury in preseason and will miss the start of 2025-26.<\/p>\n Good: REB, PTS, AST, BLK, FG% | Average: STL | Bad: 3PM, FT%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Mini-Jokic Alperen Sengun<\/a> saw his ranking drastically decline despite still posting a solid production. His poor free-throw shooting and lack of threes have been significant limitations to his game. It also didn’t help that his efficiency dropped below 50% from the floor and that he’s not a big shot blocker. On the bright side, he averaged a double-double for the first time and was an active playmaker. The 23-year-old will have to help out more offensively with Fred VanVleet<\/a> injured.<\/p>\n Bam Adebayo (PF)<\/b><\/p>\n Good: REB, PTS, AST, STL | Average: BLK, FG% | Bad: 3PM, FT%, TO<\/i><\/i><\/p>\n Some of Bam Adebayo’s<\/a> numbers took a small hit last year as his category ranking was one of his lowest. His points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage were the most notable drops. The emergence of Kel’el Ware<\/a> is likely a reason for that, but he may not always be starting alongside Adebayo. Still, he\u2019ll be relied on more offensively with Jimmy Butler<\/a> gone and Tyler Herro<\/a> injured. The 28-year-old is a double-double threat with great durability.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, REB | Average: PTS, STL, 3PM, FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: AST<\/i><\/p>\n Over the offseason, Myles Turner<\/a> decided to sign with the Bucks. The long-time Pacer replaces Brook Lopez<\/a> and figures to take on an expanded role offensively with Damian Lillard<\/a> gone. He is a solid scorer who can hit the three-ball. Turner’s also an excellent shot blocker and solid rebounder. The 29-year-old has managed to stay healthy over the last two years, but has struggled with injuries in the past.<\/p>\n Good: REB, FG%, PTS | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, FT%, TO<\/i><\/p>\n It was a magical run for Nikola Vucevic<\/a> in 2024-25. He continued his streak of averaging a double-double for seven consecutive years. There wasn’t one category that the 14-year veteran negatively impacted, although he doesn’t offer many stocks. The 34-year-old still figures to play a prominent role on the Bulls, even with their youth movement. Although he is a trade candidate. His durability is also fantastic, having played at least 70 matches over the past five seasons.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, PTS, REB, 3PM, FT% | Average: FG%, TO | Bad: AST, STL<\/i><\/p>\n The Hawks acquired Kristaps Porzingis<\/a> from the Celtics over the offseason. He expects to fill in as the starting center and sometimes share the court with Onyeka Okongwu<\/a>. The Latvian has a very appealing fantasy skillset. He’s an excellent two-way producer, with shot-blocking being his strongest ability, and he only lacks assists and steals. The problem is his durability. In the past seven years, the 30-year-old suited up for more than 60 games just once.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: REB, FG%, PTS, BLK | Average: AST, TO | Bad: 3PM, FT%, STL<\/i><\/p>\n Ivica Zubac<\/a> enjoyed a breakout season, stepping up due to team injuries. He won’t be able to replicate that production again, given the Clippers’ added depth and Brook Lopez<\/a> backing him up. The 28-year-old will remain a steady presence in the points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage categories even if his minutes are slightly dialled back.<\/p>\n Good: FG%, REB, BLK | Average: PTS, AST, TO | Bad: 3PM, FT%, STL<\/i><\/p>\n Jalen Duren<\/a> took a step back from his breakout sophomore year. The main culprit was the significant drop in free-throw percentage, as he went back to converting under 70% of his attempts. Also concerning was his playing time dipping to 26.1 MPG, especially as he’s yet to eclipse 30. The 21-year-old still holds a lot of promise. Duren posted a double-double for two consecutive seasons and averaged over one block for the first time in 2024-25.<\/p>\n Good: REB, BLK, FG% | Average: TO | Bad: 3PM, FT%, PTS, AST, STL<\/i><\/p>\n Walker Kessler’s<\/a> elite production in rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage is enough to carry his fantasy value. The big man also made some improvements to his offensive game by increasing his output in points and assists. However, managers must determine if they are prepared for Kessler to miss time during silly season. Last year, the 24-year-old only appeared in 58 games, with the majority of those absences coming after the All-Star break.<\/p>\n Good: FG%, REB, BLK, TO | Average: PTS, STL | Bad: 3PM, AST, FT%<\/i><\/p>\n Slight setbacks in numbers across the board were enough to knock Jarrett Allen<\/a> down the rankings. His points and rebounds were the most notable drops. For the first time in his career, he also averaged under one block. The 27-year-old is playing alongside the 2024-25 DPOY, which caps his defensive upside and affects his usage. Allen’s minutes dropped below 30 for the first time in three years. The former Net is still a double-double threat, but he’s not as appealing as the other tower in the frontcourt.<\/p>\n Good: REB, FG%, BLK | Average: PTS, STL, TO | Bad: 3PM, AST, FT%<\/i><\/p>\n The Lakers added Deandre Ayton<\/a> over the offseason in a much-needed move. He hasn\u2019t been the most exciting or reliable player, but he has the opportunity to redeem himself. He has plenty of incentive to play, given that this is a contract year and he\u2019s no longer on a tanking team. The 27-year-old has averaged a double-double every season of his career and is an efficient shooter. He doesn\u2019t average many blocks for a center, and durability is still a concern.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: FG%, REB, BLK, TO | Average: PTS, STL | Bad: 3PM, FT%, AST<\/i><\/p>\n It was an underwhelming season for Rudy Gobert<\/a>. His usually elite numbers in rebounds and blocks decreased, albeit to still good levels. This was also surprising, given Towns\u2019 absence. The only other category he had good production in was field goal percentage, which is why the dips in his other strengths were so detrimental. Managers shouldn’t get their hopes up that the 33-year-old will return to his former DPOY level.<\/p>\n Good: FG%, REB, BLK, STL | Average: PTS, AST, TO | Bad: 3PM, FT%<\/i><\/p>\n 2024-25 was a career season for Jakob Poeltl<\/a>. He was a defensive stud and became much more disruptive with steals.\u00a0The 30-year-old also stepped up his game on the offensive end by setting a new personal best in points and making a decent impact in assists. He even raised his free-throw efficiency to nearly 70%, but it was still a weak point. Injuries have been another long-standing issue.<\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, REB, AST, BLK | Bad: TO, STL, 3PM, FG%<\/i><\/p>\n One of the riskiest players of 2025-26 is Joel Embiid<\/a>. Not long ago, he was the first-ranked fantasy player, and now injuries have significantly changed him. The 31-year-old only suited up for 19 contests last season and looked like a shell of himself. The seven-time All-Star will likely never play back-to-backs again, and the 76ers will handle him with kid gloves as needed. Embiid is such a dominant two-way force and an MVP-level player, but managers have to be prepared for the health risks.<\/p>\n Good: REB, FG%, BLK | Average: AST, STL, TO | Bad: 3PM, PTS, FT%<\/i><\/p>\n After breaking out with the Knicks, Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a> took his talents to the Thunder. He managed to rank even higher in 2024-25 and increased some of his numbers. However, that should be taken with a grain of salt, considering Chet Holmgren<\/a> was sidelined for most of the season. It would be reasonable to expect a dip in production. The 27-year-old offers great defensive stats.<\/p>\n Good: FG%, REB, BLK | Average: PTS, FT%, TO | Bad: 3PM, AST, STL<\/i><\/p>\n After an eventful three seasons with the Hornets, Mark Williams<\/a> has a fresh start with the Suns. Managers have been hungry for his production since breaking onto the scene in 2023-24. However, injuries have been a roadblock.\u00a0Over the past two years, the 23-year-old has missed 101 matches. When he’s healthy, Williams is a walking double-double who also provides blocks and a high field goal percentage.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, REB | Average: PTS, TO | Bad: FG%, FT%, AST, STL, 3PM<\/i><\/p>\n Alex Sarr<\/a> strung together a solid rookie season. He showcased his defensive prowess through his shot blocking and rebounding, while also flashing his ability to score and knock down threes. He would’ve ranked much higher if it weren’t for his poor shooting splits. That will be the biggest need for improvement in 2025-26. The 20-year-old should get a heavier workload as the Wizards prepare to tank again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: BLK, REB, FG%, TO | Bad: PTS, AST, 3PM, FT%, STL<\/i><\/p>\n The Trail Blazers still have a three-headed monster at center, but Donovan Clingan<\/a> is at the top of the pecking order. While the 21-year-old had opportunities to start in his rookie season and didn’t always impress, having a consistent role with the first unit offers more promise. The UConn product is an excellent shot-blocker and rebounder, and he’s developing his scoring. While Clingan’s free-throw percentage is horrid, he’s got tremendous upside.<\/p>\n Good: BLK | Average: PTS, REB, 3PM, FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: AST, STL<\/i><\/p>\n Naz Reid<\/a> is coming off a career season. However, his upside is capped as long as he’s in a bench role. The 26-year-old was a 6MOTY candidate for his all-around contributions and only lacked in assists and steals. Reid’s value skyrockets when Gobert or Julius Randle<\/a> miss time.<\/p>\n Good: REB, FG%, BLK, TO | Average: PTS, STL | Bad: 3PM, AST, FT%<\/i><\/p>\n Managers got excited after Clint Capela<\/a> was traded because that meant it was finally Onyeka Okongwu’s<\/a> time to shine. However, that was short-lived as the Hawks quickly acquired Porzingis. The vet is expected to start most games at center, but it’s also likely the two will share the frontcourt at the same time. Regardless, that puts a damper on Okongwu’s upside. He showed tremendous potential in points, rebounds and blocks.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, REB, FG% | Average: TO | Bad: AST, 3PM, PTS, STL, FT%<\/i><\/p>\n The Grizzlies are without Zach Edey<\/a> for the first few weeks of the season as he finishes rehabbing from ankle surgery. The 23-year-old finished as the highest-ranked rookie in category formats, thanks to his near double-double average, strong blocks, and high field goal percentage. The Canadian can build off that with a more consistent role.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, FG%, REB, TO | Bad: 3PM, FT%, PTS, AST, STL<\/i><\/p>\n Injuries and depth have significantly limited Dereck Lively II<\/a> across his two years in the league. He’s only appeared in 91 of 164 career games and has had a minutes split with Daniel Gafford<\/a>. The addition of Anthony Davis<\/a> also doesn’t help. Still, the Mavericks should prioritize the 21-year-old as the starting center. His best categories are blocks, field goal percentage and rebounds.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, REB, FG%, TO | Average: STL | Bad: 3PM, FT%, PTS, AST<\/i><\/p>\n Nic Claxton<\/a> was one of the biggest disappointments of 2024-25. The drops in rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage were enough to knock his ranking to almost 150.\u00a0His abysmal free-throw percentage also didn’t help. Claxton has a very limited offensive game, but if he can get his numbers on the other end back up, that’ll raise his value.<\/p>\n Good: TO, FG% | Average: BLK, FT% | Bad: PTS, AST, STL, 3PM, REB<\/i><\/p>\n The loss of Al Horford<\/a> leaves a gaping hole at center that Neemias Queta<\/a> is expected to fill. He\u2019s only started a handful of games throughout his four-year career. He’s got some potential in points, rebounds, stocks and field goal percentage.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, FG%, TO | Average: REB | Bad: AST, 3PM, FT%, PTS, STL<\/i><\/p>\n Isaiah Jackson<\/a> is still working his way back from his Achilles injury. Once the 23-year-old is fully healthy, he could challenge for the starting spot from Jay Huff<\/a>.\u00a0He’s a great per-minute producer in blocks and rebounds and has a lot of upside.<\/p>\n Good: REB, BLK, FG%, TO | Bad: AST, 3PM, PTS, STL, FT%<\/i><\/p>\n In January, Kel’el Ware<\/a> emerged onto the fantasy scene. The 21-year-old can score, rebound, block shots, and contribute a bit elsewhere. He’s a fascinating player who, given the minutes, can be very impactful in fantasy. The final spot with the first unit will be a battle between Ware and Nikola Jovic<\/a>.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, FG%, REB, TO | Average: PTS | Bad: STL, 3PM, FT%, AST<\/i><\/p>\n Since being traded to Dallas in 2023-24, Daniel Gafford’s<\/a> ranking has regressed. His ceiling is capped while serving as the second-string center behind Lively. Still, he’s been able to provide good big man stats. The 27-year-old should see minutes in the low 20s.<\/p>\n Good: REB, TO | Average: PTS, BLK, FG%, FT% | Bad: AST, STL, 3PM<\/i><\/p>\n Not much will change for Bobby Portis<\/a> this season. He still figures to be the Bucks’ sixth man following the replacement of Brook Lopez<\/a> with Turner. The 30-year-old has repeatedly proven to be impactful when put into the starting lineup. He’s good for points, rebounds and some blocks on decent splits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: TO, BLK | Average: FG%, FT% | Bad: REB, AST, STL, PTS, 3PM<\/i><\/p>\n Jay Huff<\/a> burst onto the scene with the Grizzlies last season. He\u2019s an excellent shot-blocker in limited minutes, and can also compile rebounds and points. It\u2019s unclear who will start between him and Jackson once the latter is healthy.<\/p>\n Good: FG%, TO | Average: REB, BLK | Bad: PTS, AST, 3PM, FT%, STL<\/i><\/p>\n The Hornets’ trading Williams freed up a starting spot. Rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner<\/a> will challenge Moussa Diabate<\/a> for minutes, and it’s unclear who will start initially. The sophomore has a slight edge and has flashed upside in points, rebounds and blocks.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, REB, FG%, TO | Bad: 3PM, FT%, PTS, AST, STL<\/i><\/p>\n Yves Missi<\/a> served as the injury-riddled Pelicans’ starting center. The 21-year-old was inconsistent, but nearly averaged a double-double and was good for blocks. New Orleans added Derik Queen<\/a> in the 2025 draft, which could take away some minutes from Missi.<\/p>\n Rookie<\/em><\/p>\n Yang Hansen<\/a> is a promising and enticing defensive rookie for the Trail Blazers. Clingan slots ahead of him in the depth chart, but the 16th overall pick will have a sizeable role as a reserve.<\/p>\n Rookie<\/em><\/p>\n 2025 second-round pick Ryan Kalkbrenner<\/a> showcased great shot-blocking and scoring abilities at Creighton. He should get some chances to start and will play decent minutes even if he comes off the bench.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: BLK, FG%, TO | Average: PTS, REB, 3PM, FT% | Bad: AST, STL<\/i><\/p>\n Lopez will go from being the starting center for the Bucks to the backup on the Clippers. The 37-year-old’s production will take a hit, which hurts his draft stock. Expect a drop-off in minutes, but he should hover around the low-20s. Lopez’s best asset is his blocks, and he also provides decent points, rebounds and threes.<\/p>\n Good: REB, TO | Average: STL, BLK, FG% | Bad: 3PM, PTS, AST, FT%<\/i><\/p>\n Wendell Carter Jr.<\/a> still expects to be the Magic\u2019s starting center despite his declining minutes and role. He\u2019s very up and down and is hard to roster consistently in standard formats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Al Horford (PF)<\/p>\n Luke Kornet<\/a><\/p>\n Adem Bona<\/a><\/p>\n Khaman Maluach<\/a><\/p>\n Jalen Smith<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Trayce Jackson-Davis<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Moritz Wagner<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Goga Bitadze<\/a><\/p>\n Isaiah Stewart<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Mitchell Robinson<\/a><\/p>\n Day’Ron Sharpe<\/a><\/p>\n Karlo Matkovic<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Derik Queen<\/p>\n Robert Williams<\/a><\/p>\n Jonas Valanciunas<\/a><\/p>\n Larry Nance Jr.<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Nick Richards<\/a><\/p>\n Andre Drummond<\/a><\/p>\n Kelly Olynyk<\/a> (PF)<\/p>\n Jaxson Hayes<\/a><\/p>\n Jusuf Nurkic<\/a><\/p>\nFantasy Basketball Center Tiers 2025-26<\/h2>\n
Tier 1<\/h3>\n
Nikola Jokic<\/h4>\n
Victor Wembanyama<\/h4>\n
Tier 2<\/h3>\n
Karl-Anthony Towns (PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 3<\/h3>\n
Domantas Sabonis (PF)<\/h4>\n
Alperen Sengun<\/h4>\n
Tier 4<\/h3>\n
Myles Turner<\/h4>\n
Nikola Vucevic<\/h4>\n
Kristaps Porzingis (PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 5<\/h3>\n
Ivica Zubac<\/h4>\n
Jalen Duren<\/h4>\n
Walker Kessler<\/h4>\n
Jarrett Allen<\/h4>\n
Deandre Ayton<\/h4>\n
Tier 6<\/h3>\n
Rudy Gobert<\/h4>\n
Jakob Poeltl<\/h4>\n
Joel Embiid<\/h4>\n
Isaiah Hartenstein<\/h4>\n
Mark Williams<\/h4>\n
Alex Sarr<\/h4>\n
Tier 7<\/h3>\n
Donovan Clingan<\/h4>\n
Naz Reid (PF)<\/h4>\n
Onyeka Okongwu<\/h4>\n
Zach Edey<\/h4>\n
Dereck Lively II<\/h4>\n
Nic Claxton<\/h4>\n
Tier 8<\/h3>\n
Neemias Queta (PF)<\/h4>\n
Isaiah Jackson (PF)<\/h4>\n
Kel’el Ware (PF)<\/h4>\n
Daniel Gafford<\/h4>\n
Bobby Portis (PF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 9<\/h3>\n
Jay Huff<\/h4>\n
Moussa Diabate (PF)<\/h4>\n
Yves Missi<\/h4>\n
Yang Hansen<\/h4>\n
Ryan Kalkbrenner<\/h4>\n
Brook Lopez<\/h4>\n
Wendell Carter Jr.<\/h4>\n
Tier 10<\/h3>\n
Tier 11<\/h3>\n