Key Highlights
- Tyler Herro could become Milwaukee's clear No. 1 option with increased scoring and playmaking opportunities.
- Julius Randle is positioned for a return to a high-volume offensive role with Brooklyn.
- Kel’el Ware could earn a starting role and see a major increase in minutes with the Bucks.
- Walker Kessler and Norman Powell both land in situations that could boost their fantasy value.
Tyler Herro – Milwaukee Bucks
We've already seen Tyler Herro make an All-Star team, but his move to Milwaukee could set the stage for his best statistical season yet. Herro is positioned to become the No. 1 option for the rebuilding Bucks, giving him plenty of opportunities to increase his offensive production. He has averaged more than 20 points per game in each of the last five seasons, and a jump toward 25 points per game is certainly within reach if his shot volume increases.
There are other incentives working in Herro's favour, too. He is entering the final year of his contract and will be a free agent after the 2026-27 season, while the move also represents a homecoming for the Milwaukee native.
A career high in assists and three-pointers could also be on the cards. That makes Herro particularly appealing in category leagues, although he should remain valuable in High Score and standard points leagues as well.
Julius Randle – Brooklyn Nets
Julius Randle could be heading back to a familiar role after spending the last two seasons sharing the offensive workload with Anthony Edwards in Minnesota.
Randle averaged just 14.5 shot attempts per game during that stretch, but his workload was considerably heavier during his final four seasons with the Knicks. He averaged 23.3 points per game on 18.2 shot attempts during that period and made the All-Star team three times.
A similar opportunity could await him in Brooklyn. With Michael Porter Jr. alongside him, Randle should have a clear path to becoming one of the team's primary offensive options. His ability to contribute across points, rebounds and assists gives him plenty of fantasy appeal, while his tendency to commit turnovers makes him particularly well suited to High Score formats.
Kel’el Ware – Milwaukee Bucks
Kel’el Ware enters the new season with an opportunity to take another major step forward. Ware averaged 12.8 points and 10.7 rebounds over 34 games as a starter for the Heat last season. With Milwaukee evaluating its younger players, he could challenge Kyle Kuzma for the starting power forward role.
Even if Ware doesn't open the season as a starter, his playing time should increase. He averaged 22.2 minutes per game across his first two NBA seasons, but the 2026-27 campaign could bring a career-high workload. Ware is also eligible for a contract extension after the season, adding another reason to watch his development closely during his third NBA season.
Walker Kessler – Los Angeles Lakers
Walker Kessler was showing early signs of a breakout in Utah last season before a shoulder injury ended his campaign after just five games. His move to Los Angeles presents a fresh opportunity. Kessler has little competition for frontcourt minutes and arrives with a new long-term contract extension, with the Lakers believing he can produce an All-Star-caliber season.
The fit alongside Luka Dončić could make the move even more intriguing from a fantasy perspective. Kessler is precisely the type of athletic center who can benefit from Dončić's ability to create lob opportunities. At 25 years old, Kessler could be entering a pivotal season with the Lakers.
Norman Powell – Chicago Bulls
Norman Powell has produced two of his best fantasy seasons over the last two years with the Clippers and Heat, and his move to Chicago could give him another opportunity to thrive. Now 33, Powell joins a rebuilding Bulls team where plenty of offensive opportunities should be available. He is expected to take on a major role in the young offense, potentially making him the team's No. 1 option.
With Josh Giddey running the point, Powell should also have plenty of chances to knock down open three-pointers. His efficiency has been one of his biggest strengths over the last couple of seasons, making him an especially interesting target for category leagues.
5 Fantasy Players to Watch in 2026-27
The common thread among these five players is opportunity. Herro, Randle, Ware, Kessler and Powell are all entering new situations where increased responsibility could translate into significantly better fantasy production. For managers preparing their 2026-27 fantasy basketball drafts, these are five names worth keeping firmly on the radar.
