Fantasy basketball players benefited from unexpected winners during the 2026 NBA Draft, according to Athlon Sports.
What happened
The 2026 NBA Draft spotlighted rookies; however, established players emerged as the true winners. Players like Kel’el Ware and Josh Giddey gained ground as their teams made strategic selections, avoiding direct competition. The report noted, “Players who won because their team did not draft direct competition…should be on fantasy managers’ radar.”[2]
Kel’el Ware, the 22-year-old center who joined Milwaukee through a trade, found relief as the Bucks did not draft any big men. The team focused instead on a guard and a forward, leaving Ware with an opportunity to secure more playing time alongside Myles Turner.
Similarly, Josh Giddey benefited when the Chicago Bulls opted for forward Caleb Wilson as their fourth overall pick. This choice diminished competition in the backcourt, allowing Giddey to reclaim his role as Chicago’s primary playmaker under new coach Tiago Splitter.
Why it matters
These developments are significant for fantasy basketball managers preparing for the upcoming season. With the addition of complementary players rather than competitors, the playing time and roles for these established athletes have improved. Consequently, their potential fantasy value increases, creating fresh opportunities for managers aiming to enhance their rosters.[3]
Background
On May 20, 2026, the NBA held its annual draft, featuring a strong class of rookies. Teams sought to strengthen their rosters, and many established players faced uncertainty regarding their roles. The outcomes affected how fantasy managers assessed player potential heading into the 2026-27 season.[1]
What’s next
Fantasy managers will continue monitoring player performance and updates as offseason activities take place leading up to the 2026-27 season, specifically evaluating how previous roster changes affect individual player metrics.
