Fantasy Basketball 2026-27: The Pre-Draft Fantasy Winners and Losers
Fantasy managers already know who the big fish are ahead of the 2026-27 season. Victor Wembanyama is the new fantasy king. Nikola Jokic is the reigning 9-cat hero. Luke Doncic is a triple-double threat that other fantasy owners hate to see coming.
But not every player has a secure fantasy status during the offseason, especially with the 2026 NBA draft just weeks away. Some players, both veterans and rookie prospects alike, are getting a boost from the pre-draft hype. Meanwhile, some established players have seen their value take a dip even before the draft can upend rosters.
Managers should know who's on the rise and who's taking a tumble before the late-June festivities get underway.
Pre-Draft Winners: Players Rising Fastest
Tyrese Haliburton
He's finally going to be healthy, and the Pacers are expected to have a relatively quiet offseason. That means Haliburton can return to the high-usage role he played so well before exiting the 2024 NBA Finals. Managers welcome the return of a point guard who possesses his mix of efficient scoring with consistent steals and blocks.
Trae Young
Young is coming off an injury-riddled season where he went to a new team. We only got a glimpse of him with the Wizards, but chances are, he plays huge minutes on a rebuilding (and very so-so) Washington offense. His shooting efficiency was off the charts in the few games he played in D.C. last season.
Brayden Burries
The Arizona Wildcat put himself on the map in the NCAA Tournament, then garnered more attention with a stellar showing at the NBA Combine. He shot 49.11% from the field in his lone season of college ball, and 39.1% from beyond the arc. He added 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 stocks per game, which boosts his fantasy appeal even as a rookie.
Aday Mara
The Michigan product is 7-foot-3 with a 9-foot-9 reach. That sounds like all limbs and less ingenuity until managers find out he was sharp in his agility drills at the combine. Mara is a solid rebounder and shot-blocker, and he shot an insane 66.8% from the field for the Wolverines last season. Fantasy owners on the hunt for a versatile young big should keep this promising center in mind.
Pre-Draft Losers: Players Losing Ground
Anthony Davis
It's highly likely the Wizards draft AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick on June 23, and that the BYU product will play big minutes during his rookie season. That could ultimately take usage away from Davis, who is already a high-risk fantasy asset because he is perpetually injured.
Jalen Duren
The center was one of our waiver-wire heroes following the trade deadline, putting the Pistons on his shoulders when Cade Cunningham was shelved. He veered way off the path in the playoffs, however, and was almost non-existent on the scoresheet. The buzz alone hurts his fantasy stock for next season.
Jordan Poole
Poole's fantasy output is completely contingent on how much he plays. He averaged just 23.9 minutes in his first season with the Pelicans, and his output and efficiency both took dips. New Orleans has been unsuccessfully trying to trade him, making his future role and usage incredibly volatile.
Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton
Both Bulls guards can score efficiently and are decent rebounders. They have also both played seven or more seasons, and Chicago is moving to build around younger pieces. The Bulls need scoring help and are expected to select a guard with the fourth overall pick in the draft. If they select a high-octane talent like Darryn Peterson or Darius Acuff Jr., Simons and Sexton will no doubt lose minutes.
Draft Strategy: Navigating Pre-Draft Winners and Losers
Dynasty managers can start making their moves sooner, even though the draft can cause a lot of roster volatility. Fallers like Sexton and Simons are worth selling at this point of the offseason, while a promising prospect like Burries and Mara are stash candidates for when they get guaranteed playing time.
Redraft requires more of a "hurry up and wait" approach. The draft will ultimately affect pricing and can make future roles less defined. It's best to target players with the most defined path to high usage and check on their status leading into training camp.
Questions About Pre-Draft Winners and Losers, Answered
Who are the biggest pre-draft winners and losers for 2026-27 fantasy basketball?
The players highlighted as rising include Tyrese Haliburton, Trae Young, Brayden Burries, and Aday Mara. The players losing ground include Anthony Davis, Jalen Duren, Jordan Poole, Anfernee Simons, and Collin Sexton.
Why are certain players climbing or dropping in 2026-27 rankings?
Players are rising because of factors such as expected health, projected usage, strong pre-draft evaluations, and potential opportunities. Others are falling because of role uncertainty, competition for minutes, injury concerns, or expected roster changes following the draft.
Should I adjust my draft boards based on current buzz?
Dynasty managers can be more aggressive in targeting rising prospects and moving players whose value may decline. Redraft managers should continue monitoring player situations leading up to training camp before making major adjustments.
Which rookies are generating the most pre-draft fantasy buzz?
Brayden Burries and Aday Mara are identified as prospects whose fantasy stock is climbing because of their college production and pre-draft evaluations.
How will these pre-draft shifts affect redraft versus dynasty leagues?
Dynasty managers can act earlier on long-term value changes, while redraft managers may need to wait for the NBA Draft and offseason developments to clarify player roles and usage.
When will these pre-draft values lock in?
Player values can continue to change as the NBA Draft approaches and teams finalize roles during the offseason and training camp.
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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 5:28 PM.