Fantasy Basketball 2026-27: Guards, Wings, and Bigs Gaining Value This Offseason
It may feel like your fantasy basketball campaign just ended. But trends are already being set for next season, and there's already a clear view of who the 2026-27 fantasy basketball risers are.
Certain guards, wings, and bigs are being positioned to have increased usage and category gains. Role expansion, injury recovery, and coaching changes can all play a role in boosting fantasy value, even during the offseason. Managers will want to remember these assets, whether they are doing 2026-27 fantasy draft prep or making adjustments to their dynasty leagues.
Guards Gaining the Most Value This Offseason
Trae Young (Wizards)
Young's tenure in D.C. didn't get off to a strong start. A measly five-game start, to be exact.
But now, he's expected to sign a contract extension over the summer. A secure role means the Wizards can build around him, which will send his usage into the stratosphere. Young carries a turnover risk, but should give managers plenty of points, assists, free throws, and three-pointers to make him a worthy fantasy asset.
Jalen Green (Suns)
It wasn't just the 36-point outing he had against the Warriors in the play-in tournament. Green's first season with Phoenix ramped up as the season progressed, and he evolved into a primary scoring option alongside Devin Booker. He is an elite scorer, and his shooting is becoming more efficient. Plus, Green averaged 4.3 rebounds per game in March.
Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)
Managers will be hard-pressed to find a player at any position whose fantasy stock soared quite like Flagg's. It's made even more impressive by Flagg being a forward who got moved to point guard in his rookie season. The first overall pick from last year's NBA Draft is a top-tier asset in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. He adds 46.8% shooting from the field to his fantasy resume, which will make him a hot pick commodity for 2026-27 fantasy basketball draft boards.
Wings Poised for Breakout Seasons
Trey Murphy III (Pelicans)
In the midst of New Orleans' injury issues and underwhelming record, Murphy's offensive role expanded and his production followed suit. His multi-cat arsenal includes points, rebounds, steals, assists, and shooting efficiency, all while playing over 35 minutes per game. Murphy shot 40.4% from beyond the arc in March, which didn't go unnoticed by fantasy owners.
Matas Buzelis (Bulls)
Chicago was very active at the trade deadline, and the space left room for Buzelis to get a massive production boost. In March, he averaged 20.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.6 stocks per game. He also evolved as a three-point shooter, adding another weapon to his fantasy arsenal.
Kon Knueppel (Hornets)
He's a 2026 Rookie of the Year finalist for a reason. The rebuilding Hornets got a huge boost from Knueppel, who became waiver-wire gold late in the season thanks to his offensive output. While his defense could use some fine-tuning, his high-volume shooting, scoring efficiency, and 3-point shooting (42.5%) make him a fantasy must-have.
Bigs Rising Fast in Early 2026-27 Rankings
Jalen Duren (Pistons)
The Pistons don't go on their amazing 2025-26 run without Duren and his stretch abilities. The 22-year-old big shot 65% from the field during the regular season and became a legit double-double threat by averaging 10.5 rebounds. His improved scoring (11.8 PPG in 2025 to 19.5 PPG in 2026) helped turn him into a growing fantasy asset.
Neemias Queta (Celtics)
Queta took full advantage of being made a starter in 2025-26, and set massive career highs in points, rebounds, assists, stocks, and shooting efficiency. His 65.3% field goal rate ranked third in the league during the regular season, while his 8.4 rebounds ranked 18th. It doesn't hurt that he also posted three double-doubles over his last six regular-season tilts.
Maxime Raynaud (Kings)
We've talked about Raynaud a lot, since he went from being a waiver wire pickup to a fantasy playoff savior. He went into the offseason on a high note, posting seven double-doubles as a starter in March and April. There's a strong chance Raynaud will be a starter next season, so managers should keep an eye on news coming out of the Kings' camp.
The Bottom Line on 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Value Risers
Fantasy basketball managers should use the rest of April and into May to monitor these rising fantasy assets. Their elevated usage and production make them strong candidates for next season's fantasy rosters. Add them to your 2026-27 fantasy draft strategy now, or add them in your dynasty league before other managers catch on. Today's rising stars could be tomorrow's fantasy playoff-winners.
2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Value Questions, Answered
Which position groups are gaining the most value for the 2026-27 fantasy basketball season?
Certain guards, wings, and bigs are being positioned to have increased usage and category gains.
Why are certain guards seeing big value jumps this offseason?
Role expansion, injury recovery, and coaching changes can all play a role in boosting fantasy value, even during the offseason.
How should dynasty managers approach these 2026-27 value risers?
Managers will want to remember these assets, whether they are doing 2026-27 fantasy draft prep or making adjustments to their dynasty leagues.
Are there any big men who could see major fantasy gains in 2026-27?
Jalen Duren, Neemias Queta, and Maxime Raynaud are identified as bigs rising fast in early 2026-27 rankings.
When will these projected value gains become clearer?
Fantasy basketball managers should use the rest of April and into May to monitor these rising fantasy assets.
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 7:26 PM.