Fantasy basketball managers hunting for value beyond pick No. 100 have a fresh batch of options heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. ESPN contributor Jim McCormick outlined several players who could outpace their average draft position despite limited preseason buzz.
Front-court depth worth monitoring
Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies — The 7-foot-4 center is sidelined by a significant ankle injury but is expected to assume a heavy workload once cleared. Last season’s chemistry with Ja Morant and coach Tuomas Iisalo’s system point to two-way fantasy upside. Memphis guard Scotty Pippen Jr. also earns deep-league consideration after flashing potential under Iisalo in the spring.
Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls — A strong finish to his rookie campaign has positioned the 3-and-D forward for an expanded role. Chicago is expected to empower Buzelis, whose shot-blocking adds rare category appeal for a wing.
Tari Eason, SF/PF, Houston Rockets — Houston’s shift to bigger lineups following a major backcourt injury opens the door for Eason, a high-energy defender who could average three combined steals and blocks while filling multiple statistical gaps.
Toumani Camara, PF/SF, Portland Trail Blazers — One of the league’s more versatile wing stoppers, Camara’s defensive “stocks” (steals plus blocks) make him a reliable depth piece, especially in roto formats that reward across-the-board production.
Guards with hidden ceilings
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers — Available in the middle rounds, Nembhard has already handled high-leverage playmaking. Solid contributions in threes, assists, steals and rebounds offset modest scoring totals. Indiana center Jay Huff is a speculative add for any minutes that open behind Myles Turner.
Reed Sheppard, SG, Houston Rockets — Elite collegiate steal rates usually translate, though size concerns linger. Fred VanVleet’s injury could accelerate Sheppard’s development as Houston seeks additional playmaking and perimeter shot creation.
Jaden Ivey, SG/PG, Detroit Pistons — Improved catch-and-shoot accuracy surfaced last season, widening his offensive profile. With Detroit losing supporting scorers, Ivey’s usage is likely to climb during a pivotal third year.
Cam Whitmore, SF, Washington Wizards — The former Villanova scorer is poised to fire away for a team with a fluid forward rotation. High-volume shooting and ample minutes give Whitmore a path to fantasy relevance similar to Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas.
Drafters willing to wait past the first 100 selections may find league-shifting upside in this group, all of whom combine opportunity and skill in situations that could expand quickly once the season begins.
Source: ESPN
