2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Draft Strategy Mega Guide
· Yahoo Sports
Whether you're a fantasy basketball veteran or a novice, everyone can use a little help with the draft process.
Visit saltysenoritaaz.com for more information.
With that in mind, the Rotoworld Fantasy Basketball crew has put together a mega guide packed with the players we're targeting, the ones we're avoiding, and the potential values worth watching ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Be sure to have this link handy during your upcoming drafts, as well as Rotoworld's FREE 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit! Download it here!
Rotoworld Fantasy Basketball Draft Central 2026: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, and moreYour one-stop-shop for all of Rotoworld’s preseason content leading into fantasy basketball drafts.▶ Who is your favorite pick in each round?
Round 1
C Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Count me among those who believe this season will be the start of the "Wemby Era" regarding the best player in fantasy basketball. He may not offer assists at the level that Nikola Jokić does, but good luck finding a skilled big capable of throwing up a triple-double (with blocks) on any given night. And don't be surprised if Wembanyama has a game in which he approaches a quadruple-double. - Raphielle Johnson
F Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat
Everyone will remember just how good Giannis is this year. I'm not sure exactly how good the Heat will be, but Giannis will be a star. Perhaps it's best to punt free-throw percentage, but he's good enough to make it worth it. - Noah Rubin
C Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
He's always in the running to be fantasy's top overall player, and he's been surprisingly durable throughout his career. Win-win. - Zak Hanshew
Round 2
C Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Getting Towns in the second round of any draft would be a steal. The 7-footer provided top-25 value last season, and the Knicks did not look to feature KAT more offensively until the playoffs. That shift sparked a 13-game win streak and helped the Knicks win their first NBA title since 1973. While Jalen Brunson is now healthy, he's coming off left wrist surgery, which is another reason to expect more of the offense to run through KAT, especially early on. - RJ
G Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
I get the hesitancy with him coming off an Achilles tear, but Haliburton is a fantasy star. He may get back to leading the league in assists immediately, and he has a squad ready to bounce back after a tumultuous season. - NR
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Curry's ADP is the second-to-last pick in the second round of fantasy drafts, but he's finished in the Top 10 in 15 of 17 seasons. That's the definition of upside, baby! - ZH
Round 3
F Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors
Productivity has never been an issue for Leonard; availability has. He's back in Toronto and has the contract extension he desired, which should help the three-time NBA champion hit the ground running. Beyond the offense, sharing the court with Scottie Barnes could help Leonard defensively and raise his fantasy ceiling. - RJ
Leonard has finished inside the Top 10 in eight of the last 11 seasons, and he finished no worse than 33rd in 8-cat formats in each of the last 12 seasons. He can easily outperform his current ADP. - ZH
C Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
An injury-riddled season on a tanking team made us forget how good Sabonis is. He's a potential first-rounder who stuffs the stat sheet. Sacramento's offense should run through him, and he'll be one of the league's best rebounders again. - NR
Round 4
G Derrick White, Boston Celtics
White may not be the most prolific option for fantasy managers, but he has been reliable over the years. Despite shooting a career-low 39.4 percent from the field last season, the Celtics guard provided third-round value in nine-cat formats. Like Tatum, White could benefit from Jaylen Brown's exit, even with Paul George in the fold. - RJ
G/F Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Frankly, I'd take JDub as early as round two. He's healthy now! Williams has been a fantasy star throughout his career, and he should get back to that this season. - NR
F/C Anthony Davis, Washington Wizards
Injury risk is baked into his draft-day price, but AD has first-round upside in spades. - ZH
Round 5
F/C Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz
Jackson only played three games for the Jazz after he was acquired from the Grizzlies, but his performance in those outings was promising. Plus, with Jusuf Nurkić in the fold, JJJ should be able to play his preferred power forward position instead of slotting in at center. For most of his career, playing alongside a physical center has benefited Jackson, especially defensively. I think getting him in the fifth round represents good value. - RJ
The Jazz have the roster to allow Jackson to thrive. He isn't being asked to lead the team in scoring, and he isn't being asked to dominate the glass. He can return to being one of the league's best shot blockers while still contributing elsewhere. - NR
F Cameron Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies
Boozer is the new face of the franchise, and he's got a fantasy-friendly two-way skill set that should help pay off his mid-round asking price. - ZH
Round 6
F OG Anunoby, New York Knicks
As was the case last season, Anunoby feels undervalued in fantasy basketball circles. To get a player of his caliber this late in a draft would be a steal. He was close to a top-25 player in category leagues, and like Towns, OG stands to benefit if the Knicks decide to spread the playmaking workload more evenly, as they did to great effect in the spring. - RJ
G Darius Garland, LA Clippers
The toe is healed! Garland is running the show for the first time since before the Cavaliers traded for Donovan Mitchell. There have been a few rough years, but it's time for Garland to shine. - NR
G Tyler Herro, Milwaukee Bucks
Herro could legitimately lead the NBA in scoring if he stays healthy. The Bucks are in full rebuild after trading away Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Herro should see plenty of usage and a ton of shots. - ZH
Round 7
G/F Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks
Last season wasn't great for Bridges in fantasy basketball. However, availability won't be an issue for a player who hasn't missed a game in his NBA career. Bridges' fantasy ceiling may not be particularly high, but I like his floor. - RJ
G/F Paul George, Boston Celtics
I think I'm buying in on PG in Boston. I'm even more bought in at this price. Health is always a concern, but he should still supply steals, and the Celtics should shoot a ton of threes, which should work well for George. - NR
F Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls
Wilson can be Chicago's go-to offensive option, but he's also an effective defender who can fill out the stat sheet across multiple categories. - ZH
Round 8
G/F Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies
It's a new era in Memphis, and the expectation is that Coward will be one of the leaders. He has the offensive skill set to be a major asset to fantasy managers, especially in category leagues. I'm betting on Coward to be close to a top-50 player this season. - RJ
C Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets
With Nic Claxton in Chicago, the starting center spot in Brooklyn officially belongs to Sharpe. He has been dominant in limited action over the last few years, and he should be in for a breakout season. Expect him to be dominant on the glass and have success as a playmaker. - NR
G Ja Morant, Portland Trail Blazers
There is a ton of risk in taking a guy who just got traded and has played so few games in recent seasons. This late in the draft, however, I'm willing to take a swing on an upside talent like Morant. - ZH
Round 9
G Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors
Limited to 33 games in his first full season with the Raptors, Quickley made 70 appearances last season and was close to a top-50 player. While adding Kawhi Leonard could cut into his usage, Quickley is a good enough shooter to provide excellent value as a three-point threat. Ninth-round value is way too low for him. - RJ
G/F Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings
I'm apparently going to draft a lot of Kings. Similar to Sabonis, LaVine had an injury-riddled year on a tanking team. But he's way too good to go outside the top-100. It feels safe to say he'll outplay this ADP. - NR
Last season was rough for LaVine and Sac-Town, and injuries hampered his overall production. If he can stay healthy, LaVine should far outpace his current ADP, as he's been an early-to-mid-round guy throughout his career. - ZH
Round 10
G Ty Jerome, Memphis Grizzlies
I've had my doubts about Jerome in the past, but he's in a very good position going into the 2026-27 campaign. First, he's healthy after injuries limited him to 15 games last season. Also, Ja Morant was traded to Portland. Someone has to get the ball to guys like Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and Cameron Boozer and Jerome is the Grizzlies point guard best equipped to do it. - RJ
F/C Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors
I'm really excited to see how Toronto uses CMB this season. Perhaps not for long stretches, but I think lineups with Scottie Barnes and CMB at power forward and center could be intriguing. We're in upside-swing territory, and CMB could be a fantasy superstar with enough chances. - NR
C Mitchell Robinson, Boston Celtics
Robinson will no longer be lurking in the shadows as a backup, and he should be the top option in Boston's frontcourt. He's a per-minute monster who's about to see plenty more playing time. - ZH
Sep 28, 2026; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers Tyrese Maxey poses for a photo during media day. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
▶ Who is your least favorite pick in each round?
Round 1
F/C Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat
Antetokounmpo will begin a new chapter in his NBA career when he suits up for the Heat, with the franchise expecting to be contenders in the East. Fantasy-wise, while he certainly has his strengths, I'm not too keen on using a first-round pick on a player who can put you in a position where you're punting multiple categories. - RJ
F Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
I think there's a scenario where Johnson improves this season, but it won't translate to fantasy basketball. He was rough down the stretch last season after they traded for CJ McCollum, but I expect they'll figure that out this summer. His efficiency should return, but he'll have the ball in his hands less. The defense also slipped last season, though I'm hoping he can focus on that end more this year. He still has the ceiling of a first-rounder, but I'm afraid he has the lowest floor of every player with a first-round ADP. - NR
G Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
I just can't see a realistic pathway to first-round value with Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and an improved bench around him. - ZH
Round 2
G/F Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
I get it. With LeBron James gone, Reaves steps up to be the Lakers' second option behind Luka Dončić. That said, selecting him in the second round of standard drafts feels like a reach. Better options are likely on the board; Reaves is a better choice in the third round of 12-team drafts. - RJ
G Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
This has nothing to do with Brunson's talent. This has everything to do with how they'll use him. If they want to repeat, they'll have to manage Brunson's usage and minutes this upcoming season. The points, assists and threes are valuable, but he doesn't excel in other categories. Now, his minutes could drop, which would mean less of everything. I'm way more interested in taking him in round three or four. - NR
F/C Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
He's a mid-round guy, but I'm not taking him in the Top 24. Şengün doesn't rack up enough defensive stats for a big man, and his field-goal percentage is far from elite. His free-throw percentage is dreadful, and he doesn't shoot threes. Where's the second-round upside? - ZH
Round 3
G/F Jaylen Brown, Philadelphia 76ers
Selecting Brown in the third round of a standard draft means you're expecting him to threaten top-25 status in fantasy value. That's something he never did in Boston, even last season with Jayson Tatum recovering from a ruptured Achilles. Are we expecting Brown to do that in Philadelphia with that loaded starting lineup? I don't see it. - RJ
Brown is coming off posting career-best averages in points, rebounds and assists, and he still arguably wasn't worth a third-round pick. Now, he certainly isn't. This team has too much talent for all of them to thrive in the box score. - NR
C Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
I was out on Duren this early in drafts before his messy contract negotiations, and he's now on my "Do Not Draft" list. This is a ridiculously high asking price for a guy who disappeared in the playoffs and now has to compete with John Collins for frontcourt minutes. - ZH
Round 4
F/C Anthony Davis, Washington Wizards
By the grace of the basketball gods, I finished second in a league in which I selected Davis in the second round (and Walker Kessler in the third). The fourth round feels like a much better place to select AD, but his injury history makes him untrustworthy in fantasy basketball. Let someone else take that risk. - RJ
G/F Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
I was lower on Knueppel before, but with him set to miss the preseason with a hamstring injury, I don't see how anyone can take him this early. I'm concerned he won't repeat his rookie success without LaMelo Ball, especially with teams having a more robust scouting report, and the hamstring injury terrifies me. - NR
F/C Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice… You know the rest. He burned me last year with a lukewarm showing, and the Pacers will have Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac back. No thanks. - ZH
Round 5
G Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Castle is a player whose "real" value far outweighs his fantasy value, especially in category leagues. He'll play plenty, but managers should not use a fifth-round pick on Castle, even if they are betting on his upside. - RJ
I like Castle as a player, but I don't think there's much fantasy appeal here. Certainly not this much. His main fantasy appeal is his assists, but Dylan Harper's emergence could eat into that. The percentages are rough, and he's not a high-volume scorer. I just think taking him here eliminates any upside. - NR
Castle had another productive season, but he finished outside the Top 150 in per-game fantasy value because of inefficient shooting, a lack of three-pointers and modest scoring. His situation has not improved enough to warrant a Top-60 pick. - ZH
Round 6
G Tyler Herro, Milwaukee Bucks
This pick has little to do with Herro's skill level and everything to do with the Bucks' crowded backcourt. Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. were re-signed, Ryan Rollins and AJ Green are also back, and Milwaukee used one of its lottery picks on Brayden Burries. Herro, who's going into a contract year, will clearly be motivated to put up big numbers. But this isn't the best situation for him in terms of fantasy potential. - RJ
G Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
I just can't confidently take a 36-year-old coming off an Achilles tear this early, especially when he's sharing minutes with Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson. This feels too early for such a risky pick, even when it's a player as accomplished as Dame. - NR
C Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
His breakout is over, as the Wiz completely retooled their lineup with Anthony Davis, Deandre Ayton, AJ Dybantsa and Trae Young. Expect a drop in counting stats and a finish outside the sixth round. - ZH
Round 7
F/C Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans
Given his defensive issues, I have a hard time believing Queen will be the starting center ahead of Yves Missi if the Pelicans go with a traditional five. They could also go with Zion Williamson at that position, and the tandem of him and Queen was abysmal defensively last season. Queen's long-term outlook is good, especially if the Pelicans clean up that roster, but the short term isn't great for fantasy basketball. - RJ
I like Queen as a prospect for the future, but is everyone aware he may not start this season? Last year, Queen and Zion Williamson didn't work well together on the floor. It didn't work offensively, and it was even worse defensively. I wouldn't take Queen anywhere near the seventh round.
G Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks
Rollins was a great early-season star, but the Bucks added Tyler Herro, drafted Brayden Burries and brought back Kevin Porter Jr. There's no clear pathway to a Round 7 fantasy finish. - ZH
Round 8
C Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets
Sharpe is coming off the most productive season of his NBA career, posting new highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals. However, to expect him to suddenly become a top-100 player feels a bit much, even with Nic Claxton now in Chicago. - RJ
G/F Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
After the Spurs' run, it seems everyone is writing De'Aaron Fox out of the equation. Like the Spurs are going to bench him and play him 18 minutes per game. He's still the starter! Harper will play a significant role off the bench, but this isn't the year he becomes a fantasy star. Plus, Castle is still there too, and he's the one who will have the ball in his hands. - NR
Harper had a tremendous rookie campaign that culminated in a strong showing in the NBA Finals. Still, it will be tough to carry that momentum into big-time fantasy play with De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle still ahead of him on the depth chart. - ZH
Round 9
C Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks
Given where Turner was picked in drafts before last season, the ninth round is far more realistic. However, we're talking about a player whose rebounding woes reached a point where he lost out on minutes to Jericho Sims. With the Bucks adding Kel'el Ware as part of the Giannis trade, Turner's hold on the starting center role may be shaky, even with his hefty contract. - RJ
F Jaime Jaquez Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
I get it. The opportunity that Jaquez and other players on this team will have is enticing. However, that doesn't mean it will translate to fantasy production. There's more appeal in points leagues or in specific category league builds, but is he even locked in as a starter?
F/C Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
JSJ is a poor shooter who doesn't pile up defensive stats and doesn't rebound at a high level. I'm not excited to draft him at his ceiling here. - ZH
Round 10
F/C Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz
People know the Jazz are going to look to compete this season, right? Filipowski certainly has talent, but envisioning a scenario in which he's a must-draft player is extremely challenging. - RJ
Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans
I'm still a believer in Fears. However, he's still so young and is on a team that's probably going to struggle again. Plus, he likely won't start. We'll try again next year, hopefully after they've made some moves. - NR
G Anfernee Simons, Philadelphia 76ers
This team is too deep to consider Simons anything more than a three-point specialist. Higher-upside options are available at this point in the draft. - ZH
Fantasy Basketball Breakout Candidates: Brandon Miller, Dylan Harper among players to watch in 2026-27Brandon Miller has a chance to shine in Charlotte, while Dylan Harper is among several young players looking to make a leap in 2026-27.▶ What is your favorite punt build, and why?
Punt turnovers
Turnovers may be the easiest category to punt, because your available options include the most ball-dominant players in the game. Luka Dončić remains one of the best options in fantasy basketball with this approach, which also raises the ceilings of guards like Stephen Curry and Trae Young.
Punt percentages
You can always punt just one percentage, which lets you maximize certain players considered a liability in that category. However, punting both works even better. It's not about finding players that struggle at both, but about not worrying when players miss shots. Plus, players are far more likely to have a hot shooting night than to luck into extra assists. I'll enjoy the shot-chuckers and Hack-a-Shaq candidates who contribute in multiple ways. - NR
Punt field-goal percentage
Aside from SGA, the league's best guards aren't the most efficient shooters, and punting this category improves their value significantly. Tyrese Maxey, Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry and James Harden are all strong options for this build. - ZH
▶ What is your least favorite punt build, and why?
Punt assists
Guards tend to dominate the top of the fantasy rankings, and you'll see the assist category in just about every league. So why punt it? Ceding this category comes with significant risk, as many of the players most proficient in assists also offer excellent value in other areas. - RJ
Punt points
It's about what I enjoy, right? It's a fine strategy if you execute it, but it can be incredibly risky. Points are one of the more consistent categories, and I prefer to know what I'm getting from as many categories as possible. Plus, I just don't have as much fun! - NR
This build can get a little confusing early in drafts, since all of the first-round and most second-round options are prolific scorers. This build focuses on later rounds, when you can find value in peripheral-category players rather than elite offensive options. Getting this one right can be tricky, and I prefer to stay away. - ZH
▶ How do you identify value in drafts?
Best player available
You can address positional needs via trade or the waiver wire after the draft ends. In the moment, take the best player available. And if you land the right player, another manager's need could boost your asking price. - RJ
Every single team. Don't take a lesser player for positional need. Make trades later to fill out your roster before the playoffs, but maximize the pieces you have early on. - NR
Comparing personal Top 200 to ADP
My favorite exercise is ranking my Top-200 blindly and then comparing it to ADP. When I rank a player higher than ADP, I consider him a value; vice versa if I rank him lower. I also look at a player's fantasy history, injury risk and how their situation has changed heading into the new season to gauge their range of outcomes and peg them as a safe or risky option. - ZH
▶ How do you leverage rankings to your advantage while drafting?
Making sure I understand the connection between the rankings and the rules of the league I'm playing in. Just because a player is high in the default rankings doesn't make them a great fit for your particular league. I also want to make sure I have a solid grasp of the player's situation regarding their team's depth chart. Don't reach for someone who isn't guaranteed to play significant rotation minutes. - RJ
Rankings help me decide when it's worth taking players. If it's a player I'm high on, I'll go earlier than their ranking. If it's a player I'm low on, their ranking helps me decide whether I'm fine with taking them after their ADP. - NR
Rankings vary from platform to platform, so know where you're playing and review the rankings before your draft to spot glaring outliers. Make sure you understand your leaguemates' tendencies. Are you drafting with a bunch of sharps, or are you playing with guys who rely solely on the consensus rankings without paying too much attention to the NBA? Know where you're playing and who you're playing with, and you can leverage rankings to your advantage every time. - ZH
GET YOUR FREE ROTOWORLD FANTASY BASKETBALL DRAFT KIT HERE!
▶ How soon do you reach for your “guys”? Describe your approach to reaching in general.
In snake drafts, I'll consider reaching from the fourth round onward. The first three rounds are where I seek "cornerstones," guys who I'm going to rely on to have a major impact, barring injury. - RJ
After I fill out my starters, I'll reach for anyone. You don't win your league by playing safe. Get the guys you know will be good that still have upside, and then start swinging for the fences. If it doesn't work out, drop them and stream. - NR
I don't like to play it safe in drafts - never have and never will. Fantasy basketball is about having fun, and what better way to have fun than to get your favorite players on your team… within reason. I'm a LeBron fan through and through, but I won't be taking him in the second round. If he's available in the fourth round or later, however, I'm all in. I'm not reaching in the first three rounds, but after that, all bets are off, and I'll happily reach 10-15 spots early to go and get my guys, especially if I don't think they'll make it back to me. - ZH
Sep 28, 2026; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) speaks at media day at FedEx Forum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
▶ Name three players you’re much higher on than the consensus.
Raphielle: F OG Anunoby (New York Knicks), G/F Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies) and G Immanuel Quickley (Toronto Raptors)
As noted above, I'm extremely high on Anunoby. While there were availability concerns in the past, he's played 74 and 67 games in his two full seasons with the Knicks. Given the energy a team spends pursuing a championship, the Knicks will likely have to spread the wealth more this season, which should benefit Anunoby.
Coward is in an excellent spot in Memphis as the franchise rebuilds. He took on a leadership role during Summer League and that will remain the case in the wing's second season. As long as Coward stays healthy, we should see the skill set that made him a lottery pick last summer.
Quickley boasts top-50 fantasy potential, even with Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto. I'm all-in on him this season as the Raptors become a factor in the East.
Noah: G/F Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder), G Darius Garland (LA Clippers), and G/F Zach LaVine (Sacramento Kings)
Again, I think last season really impacted how people view JDub. I'm expecting him to be a top-25 player this season. That may mean it's best to get him closer to his ADP to maximize value, but Williams will bounce back in a big way. - NR
Garland was really good down the stretch for the Clippers, and after spending multiple seasons next to Donovan Mitchell, he'll have his own squad to run. Brandon Ingram is the other ball-dominant star on the team, but Garland will get the ball more and should be in for his best statistical season yet.
LaVine should be back to offensive star status. The Kings will try to be competitive, which means LaVine should have the ball in his hands plenty. I don't view him as a late-round target, but as a middle-round option with upside to be more.
Zak: F Yaxel Lendeborg (Golden State Warriors), C Mitchell Robinson (Boston Celtics) and G Coby White (Charlotte Hornets)
The No. 11 overall pick led the Dubs to a Summer League title with strong, across-the-board production. With Jimmy Butler likely sidelined to open the 2026-27 season, Lendeborg has a path to immediate minutes and production.
I'm bullish on MitchRob because I don't consider Neemias Queta a threat to open as Boston's starting center. Robinson is one of the league's best rebounders, and his field-goal percentage and defensive contributions align with expectations for an elite fantasy center.
White will open the season as Charlotte's starting PG after LaMelo Ball was traded to Minnesota. Recent injuries to Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel could mean more work for White early on, giving him added fantasy upside.
2026-27 Fantasy Basketball: 7 players we’re fading in draftsThe Rotoworld Staff reveals their biggest fades this season, including Jaylen Brown and Derik Queen.▶ Name three players you’re much lower on than the consensus.
Raphielle: G/F Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers), F/C Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets) and G/F Jaylen Brown (Philadelphia 76ers)
Reaves should be an excellent fantasy option this season, but I wonder if fantasy managers are underestimating the impact that LeBron's exit will have on the Lakers. Scoring opportunities won't be an issue for Reaves, but can he take on added playmaking responsibilities without his efficiency taking a hit? That's the question.
Şengün may be called "Baby Jokić" by some, but he has some deficiencies that hurt his fantasy value. The free-throw percentage is in "punt" territory, and turnovers can also be problematic. While the top-50 is a far expectation for Şengün, using a second-round pick on him is too much to pay.
Brown is well-positioned to contend for an NBA title in Philadelphia, but the trade did nothing for his fantasy outlook. LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey will handle a lot of the playmaking, and Joel Embiid will get his touches as well. Can Brown make up for the decreased usage with increased defensive numbers? Sure, but he isn't worth a third-round pick in standard drafts.
Noah: G/F Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets), F Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls) and F/C Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
As mentioned previously, the hamstring injury will drop Knueppel's ADP, but I'm not interested in swinging for him. The Hornets seem to be building a team to shoot a ton of threes, which plays well for Knueppel. However, I'm concerned about how he looks without LaMelo Ball there. He's still really good and one of the league's best shooters, but I'm not confident he's ready to be a first or second option.
The blocks are nice, but I don't understand the appeal of taking Buzelis as early as he goes. He'll have to make a pretty substantial leap to return value at his ADP, and I don't foresee that happening. If you're a Buzelis believer, then I understand why you are banking on a breakout. But I don't see the path for it.
As mentioned previously, Queen will be good in the future, but I'm not interested in taking him before round 10. He has enough fantasy appeal to be worth selecting, but the situation in New Orleans is too messy for me to want a player who might not start.
Zak: C Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons), F Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) and G Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls)
Duren's contract situation has reportedly gotten ugly, and the $200 million man has new competition in John Collins, who can stretch the floor and also play some small-ball five. I’m not spending a third-round pick on him.
Banchero is another third-rounder I'm not high on for his lack of production in multiple categories. He doesn't shoot efficiently or hit threes at a high clip, and he doesn't rack up defensive stats.
Giddey had the best fantasy finish of his career last season, finishing 44th in eight-cat leagues. Can he really improve his fantasy stock with Norm Powell, Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton now on the roster to steal usage and counting stats? His second-round asking price is far too rich for my blood.
▶ Which three players have the largest range of outcomes this season?
Raphielle: F/C Anthony Davis (Washington Wizards), G Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks) and F Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers)
Davis and Irving are returning after missing most (or all) of last season, and their situations have changed significantly. AD is on a roster that has Trae Young and a wealth of young talent, headlined by AJ Dybantsa. Also, can he stay healthy? Regarding Irving, he should lead the way alongside Cooper Flagg, but his availability has been an issue in recent years.
As for Avdija, his best season came before the Trail Blazers acquired Ja Morant, and Damian Lillard is back after missing the entire 2025-26 campaign. His usage is bound to decrease, which may not bode well for Deni's fantasy outlook.
Noah: G/F Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets), G Ja Morant (Portland Trail Blazers) and C Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns)
The Hornets have handed the keys to the franchise to Miller and Knueppel. Will they sink or swim? Miller has a bit more on-ball juice to me, and I could see him thriving as the new top option. However, he could also struggle in his new role and end up disappointing severely.
There's a scenario where Morant gets back to his former self on a new team with a new coach. More likely, he is limited in some capacity, which prevents that from happening. His injury history, regression when he's been on the floor in recent years, and competing with Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson for minutes and touches, to name a few.
The stage is set for Maluach with Mark Williams set to miss an indefinite period of time. Maluach has the skill set to be a fantasy star, but will that happen this year? He could be ready and dominate the glass, swatting shots and even knocking down some deep-range shots. However, he didn't play much as a rookie, and he may not be ready, whereas Oso Ighodaro has much more experience.
Zak: G Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), G Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks) and F LeBron James (Philadelphia 76ers)
A perennial first-rounder in fantasy basketball, Haliburton missed all of last season after tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals. Will he return to form immediately, or will injuries and rust take their toll?
Too many question marks hang over Irving. Like Hali, he missed the 2025-26 season due to injury, but now he joins a new-look team that's building for the future rather than competing for a title. Can he stay on the court? What will be his role?
At this point in his career, LeBron can still make a serious impact on the court, but when does he fall off the inevitable cliff? Even if that doesn't happen this season, Philly has too many mouths to feed, and James' outlook has a wide array of potential outcomes.
2026-27 Fantasy Basketball: 8 players we can’t stop draftingThe Rotoworld Basketball staff unveils their favorite draft picks this season, including Darius Garland and OG Anunoby.▶ Name three late-round fliers you love taking.
Raphielle: G Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City Thunder), G/F Zach LaVine (Sacramento Kings) and F Yaxel Lendeborg (Golden State Warriors)
With the economics of today's NBA leading the Thunder to move Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins this summer, Wallace is in a great position in terms of playing time and fantasy outlook. He was a consistent starter when Oklahoma City was down a man last season; that should be his full-time role in 2026-27.
LaVine remains in Sacramento, and there's no reason to believe he won't start alongside Darius Acuff Jr. come Opening Night. Getting the veteran wing outside the top 100 would be a steal.
As for Lendeborg, he could begin the season as a starter. The first-round pick joins a team that won't have Jimmy Butler III or Moses Moody, as both continue to recover from knee injuries. Lendeborg's ability to facilitate offense makes him a good fit in the Warriors' scheme, and he's also solid defensively.
Noah: G Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder), G Darius Acuff Jr. (Sacramento Kings) and G/F Quentin Grimes (Los Angeles Lakers)
Sam Presti hyped Mitchell up during his preseason press conference, and there are multiple scenarios where he thrives this season. They traded Luguentz Dort this offseason to open a starting spot for Cason Wallace, which also means more minutes for Mitchell.
Talk about an upside swing here. Acuff will probably deal with some efficiency issues, as most rookie guards do. However, he was an offensive stud last season and could succeed as a rookie. Points, assists, and three-pointers will be his main contributions in year one, and if they want to make him the face of the franchise, he'll have the ball early and often.
I imagine Grimes will start, and while his role will mostly be off-ball, he has enough on-ball juice to pop. Grimes has a chance to be the No. 3 scoring option in Los Angeles, and with Luka Doncic facing double teams and dishing the ball around, he could thrive.
Zak: C Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns), G/F Keaton Wagler (LA Clippers) and F/C John Collins (Detroit Pistons)
Mark Williams is injured again, and Maluach will compete for the starting center gig in Phoenix. After an impressive Summer League showing, he could ride that momentum to a solid fantasy campaign.
The Clippers' roster is gutted, and Wagler should be running the show in the backcourt alongside Darius Garland. Garland and Brandon Ingram (who won't be available to start the season) are the only real threats to steal minutes from Wagler, so I expect him to see a ton of time and usage right out of the gate.
I have no faith in Jalen Duren's availability or motivation after an offseason filled with everything but basketball. Collins is a more effective scorer than Duren, and he can stretch the floor. The Pistons love surrounding Cade Cunningham with shooters, so the fit is obvious.
GET YOUR FREE ROTOWORLD FANTASY BASKETBALL DRAFT KIT HERE!
▶ Describe your favorite draft strategy.
Be flexible. Some managers can get so locked into getting their "guys" or what a ranking says about a player's value that they miss great opportunities to strengthen their teams. Being flexible in a draft can ultimately be the difference between winning your league and watching someone else take home the cash.
To use a basketball term, Read and React. It's really the only way to draft. Drafts are entirely unpredictable. If you do 80 mock drafts and then get to your real one, it may not go the way it did in practice. Pay attention to who everyone else is drafting. Don't go in thinking, "I'm going to get this player in round three." They might not be there. Read the draft room and other managers, and then react. - NR
BYOR: Bring your own rankings. I love comparing my personal rankings to the platform's default rankings pre-draft, but I love it even more to keep my rankings with me during the actual draft. With my rankings handy, I can draft appropriately, avoid reaching, identify values, and get "my guys" at the right time. Don't go into a draft with only a general idea of how you value players. Bring the rankings with you. - ZH