Tier 7
Jaden McDaniels (PF)
Good: STL, BLK, TO | Average: PTS, REB, FG%, FT% | Bad: AST, 3PM
Jaden McDaniels is coming off his strongest campaign yet as he ranked inside the top 100 in category formats for the first time. That was thanks to his ability to compile stocks, rebounds and points on decent splits. While his numbers don’t jump off the page, he’s continuously improved. The most frustrating aspect of McDaniel’s game is his inconsistency.
Toumani Camara (PF)
Good: STL, BLK, TO | Average: PTS, REB, FG%, FT% | Bad: AST, 3PM
Last season, Toumani Camara became a permanent member of the first unit. That promotion and his production in stocks, rebounds and threes allowed the 25-year-old to make a massive leap from his rookie to sophomore year. Camara is expected to have a similar role in 2025-26, and his defence is his calling card.
Bilal Coulibaly (SG)
Good: STL | Average: PTS, REB, AST, BLK | Bad: 3PM, FG%, FT%, TO
Bilal Coulibaly took his numbers up a notch in his sophomore year. The Frenchman has always been a defensive stud, but he has also flashed his developing scoring and playmaking skills. Although shooting more efficiently would raise his ranking even more. Coulibaly will miss the first few weeks of the season as he recovers from thumb surgery.
Andrew Wiggins (SG, PF)
Good: PTS, BLK | Average: REB, STL, 3PM, TO | Bad: AST, FG%, FT%
Andrew Wiggins is entering his first full season with the Heat. While he had good value last year after being traded there, his usage could dip due to the addition of Norman Powell and the team prioritizing their young guns. The 30-year-old can still be counted on to provide some two-way numbers.
Jaylen Wells (SG)
Good: TO | Average: 3PM, FT% | Bad: PTS, REB, AST, STL, BLK, FG%
Moving Bane over the offseason provides Jaylen Wells with an opportunity to get more involved offensively. As a supporting scorer, he can increase his points and threes, which are some of the 22-year-old’s best attributes. Watch out for Wells, as he’s due for a sophomore leap.
Ace Bailey (PF)
Rookie
There was a lot of drama around Ace Bailey in June, but hopefully that’s a thing of the past. The Rutgers product slots in as the starting small forward and should get plenty of run time, especially in silly season. The 19-year-old has strong skills in scoring, rebounding, and in stocks, while his main weaknesses are playmaking and shooting efficiency.
Tier 8
Herbert Jones (PF)
Good: STL | Average: AST, BLK, FT%, TO | Bad: PTS, REB, 3PM, FG%
The injury-riddled 76ers relied on Herbert Jones more, but his own health issues limited him to just 20 games. He stands out most on the defensive end and should have a hefty workload this year.
Aaron Nesmith (PF)
Good: FG%, FT%, TO | Average: PTS, STL, BLK, 3PM | Bad: AST, REB
Injuries held back Aaron Nesmith last year, but if he can stay on the court this season, he can bump up his production while Tyrese Haliburton is out. He’s flashed his ability to score, knock down threes, crash the boards and grab steals.
Ayo Dosunmu (SG)
Good: AST | Average: PTS, STL, BLK, FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: REB, 3PM
Following his shoulder surgery in March, Ayo Dosunmu is now ready for the 2025-26 season. There are plenty of mouths to feed on the Bulls, but the 25-year-old is a solid, versatile contributor who will work to carve out a role for himself.
Quentin Grimes (SG)
Average: PTS, AST, STL, 3PM, FG%, TO | Bad: REB, BLK, FT%
The stalemate between Quentin Grimes and the 76ers is finally over, and he’ll return to the team. He was a popular silly season pickup last year for his versatile contributions. However, he probably won’t return to that form as Philadelphia will have Jared McCain back in a few weeks and added VJ Edgecombe in the draft, creating a logjam at shooting guard.
Zaccharie Risacher (SG, PF)
Good: TO | Average: PTS, BLK, 3PM, FG% | Bad: AST, REB, STL, FT%
2024 first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher was inconsistent for most of his rookie campaign, but started to find his footing near the end of the season. His fantasy value stemmed from points, but he needs to expand his game beyond his scoring. That may be difficult, given the Hawks’ offseason additions and the fact that they are fully healthy.
De’Andre Hunter (PF)
Good: PTS, 3PM, FT% | Average: STL, FG%, TO | Bad: REB, AST, BLK
A trade to the Cavaliers at last season’s trade deadline tanked his fantasy relevance as he was demoted to a bench role. However, that could change this season, given team injuries and Max Strus’ poor performance. Hunter is good in the scoring and rebound categories.
Dillon Brooks (SG, PF)
Good: 3PM, TO | Average: PTS, STL, FT% | Bad: REB, AST, BLK, FG%
Dillon Brooks was shipped to the Suns as part of the Durant trade. He doesn’t offer much fantasy value, except that he can provide points and threes. He’ll have the chance to contribute that with Phoenix needing more offensive firepower.
