Separating yourself in fantasy basketball takes a strong draft, savvy waiver moves and some foresight. ESPN asked its fantasy hoops experts for their boldest predictions for the 2026-27 NBA season, and several could swing leagues in a big way.
Michael F. Florio expects Julius Randle to return to being a top-25 player in points leagues. Randle is back as the top option on an offense, as he was in his early days with the New York Knicks. Twice in a three-year span he averaged over 24 points per game, and he could attempt more threes with the Brooklyn Nets.
Jim McCormick believes Kel'el Ware will finish in the top 30 on the Player Rater. Ware represents a key frontcourt building block for the Milwaukee Bucks, although he overlaps with Myles Turner. McCormick is betting on talent and playing time to meet in Milwaukee.
André Snellings argues that someone other than Nikola Jokic could lead the league in fantasy points. Jokic has led for six straight seasons, but Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo all have a reasonable chance to overtake him this year.
Eric Moody sees Walker Kessler having a career season with the Los Angeles Lakers after shoulder surgery limited him to five games last season. Playing alongside Doncic should lead to more easy baskets, and if Kessler plays 30+ minutes per game, he could crack the top 20 in nine-category leagues.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing