The 2026-27 NBA season is approaching, and fantasy managers looking for an edge should target players capable of outperforming their Average Draft Position (ADP). From expanded roles to new teams, several overlooked names have the opportunity to deliver much bigger fantasy numbers than their draft position suggests.
Your Draft Day Edge: Key Undervalued Picks
Josh Hart's expanded role in the Knicks' lineup promises significant all-around production.
Jaden McDaniels is primed for a scoring and defensive surge with the evolving Timberwolves.
Cason Wallace could see a larger role in Oklahoma City, giving him greater opportunities to rack up valuable defensive stats.
Kel'el Ware's move to the Bucks opens the door for major frontcourt minutes and stat-stuffing potential.
Naz Reid lands in an ideal situation with the Hornets, giving him the opportunity for a career-high usage rate and output.
Unlocking Value: The New York Workhorse
Josh Hart, New York Knicks
It's time to recognize Josh Hart as more than just a bench spark plug. Following the departure of Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks are set to deploy a smaller, more versatile lineup, firmly entrenching Hart in the starting five. His consistent all-around production makes his ADP of 96 look like a steal.
Last season, in 52 starts, Hart was a fantasy Swiss Army knife, averaging 12.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.6 three-pointers, while shooting an efficient 51.5% from the field. Expect those numbers to stabilize, if not climb, with a full season of starter's minutes. Don't overthink this one — Hart is a safe bet for meaningful contributions across multiple categories.
Minnesota's Rising Two-Way Star
Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves' roster shake-up, including the exits of Naz Reid and Julius Randle, signals a pivotal moment for Jaden McDaniels. Already coming off a career-best season, he's poised to elevate his game further as a critical component of Minnesota's new identity, even with new additions like LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga.
McDaniels delivered 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks, and 1.4 three-pointers last year, while shooting an impressive 51.5% from the field and 41.2% from beyond the arc. His versatile defense and improved offensive assertiveness make his ADP of 89 incredibly appealing. He offers a high floor with significant upside, making him a potential cornerstone for fantasy success.
Thunder's Steal Specialist
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder are trimming their roster, creating a prime opportunity for Cason Wallace to carve out an expanded role. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren lead the charge, the departures of Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe open up crucial minutes and responsibilities for the young guard.
In just 27 minutes per game last season, Wallace flashed elite defensive potential, averaging an impressive 1.9 steals, following 1.8 steals in the 2024-25 season. He also posted 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers, while shooting 37.4% from deep for his career. Even with a modest 14.5% usage rate, increased playing time should boost these valuable peripheral stats, making his ADP of 118 an absolute steal for managers targeting defensive production.
Milwaukee's Frontcourt Future
Kel'el Ware, Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks made a splash by acquiring Kel'el Ware as part of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, and the move is a game-changer for his fantasy outlook. Freed from Bam Adebayo's shadow in Miami, Ware steps into a foundational role in Milwaukee's frontcourt, where significant minutes could be available.
His per-minute production in Miami was tantalizing: 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 0.8 steals, and 1.2 three-pointers in just 22 minutes per night. When given 30 or more minutes on 10 occasions, those averages exploded to 18.1 points, 14.0 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers. His improved 3-point shooting (39.5%) last season further strengthens his all-around potential.
Despite Myles Turner's presence, Ware is set for significant minutes, with the ceiling to become a fantasy monster, making him a premier target.
Charlotte's New Anchor in the Paint
Naz Reid, Charlotte Hornets
Naz Reid's trade to the Charlotte Hornets is a match made in fantasy heaven. The Hornets desperately needed size and interior presence, and Reid delivers. Critically, the departure of Miles Bridges liberates a significant volume of offensive touches, opening the door for Reid to command a career-high usage rate and minutes.
In Minnesota, Reid was often restricted by the presence of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, never playing more than 28 minutes per game. Yet, his production as a starter shines: over 77 career starts, he averaged an impressive 15.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 three-pointers, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals.
With the Hornets, Reid is finally unleashed, making his Yahoo ADP of 62.1 an exceptional value for a player ready to deliver across all nine categories.
Lakers' Power Forward Solution
Sandro Mamukelashvili, Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers made a shrewd offseason move by securing Sandro Mamukelashvili on a four-year, $52 million deal to address their need for size and floor spacing. The void left by LeBron James' departure at power forward creates an undeniable pathway for Mamukelashvili to seize a significant role, even with Jake LaRavia still on the roster.
Mamukelashvili enjoyed a breakout season in Toronto, stepping up to 22 minutes per night over 80 appearances and delivering 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 three-pointers, while shooting an impressive 52.3% from the field and 38.9% from deep.
His ability to stretch the floor and contribute across multiple categories makes him an intriguing late-round target. Expect another career-high in minutes for Mamu in LA, making his ADP of 120.3 excellent value with clear upside.