With fantasy basketball drafts on the horizon, ESPN analyst Eric Moody has pinpointed several players projected to be selected outside the early rounds who could deliver outsized returns during the 2025-26 NBA season.
Kevin Porter Jr., SG, Milwaukee Bucks — 87.2 ADP
Porter re-signed with Milwaukee on a two-year contract and will vie for the starting point-guard slot vacated by Damian Lillard. The 24-year-old logged 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 19.9 minutes last year, shooting 49.4% from the floor and 40.8% beyond the arc. His combination of scoring, playmaking and three-point efficiency positions him as a cost-effective fantasy option.
Onyeka Okongwu, C, Atlanta Hawks — 92.9 ADP
After taking over as Atlanta’s starting center last season, Okongwu averaged 13.4 points on 56.2% shooting, 8.9 boards, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks in fewer than 28 minutes. With Clint Capela no longer on the roster, the fourth-year big man should see increased playing time, bolstering his value in efficiency and defensive categories.
Payton Pritchard, PG, Boston Celtics — 97.2 ADP
The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is expected to move into Boston’s starting backcourt alongside Jaylen Brown and Derrick White following Jrue Holiday’s trade and Jayson Tatum’s injury. Pritchard produced 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists while hitting 40.7% of his threes last season, and an expanded playmaking role could lift his assist totals.
Brandon Miller, SF/SG, Charlotte Hornets — 103.0 ADP
Miller was limited by a wrist injury a year ago but still averaged 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals. Fully cleared for training camp, the second-year wing is expected to be a focal point of Charlotte’s perimeter-oriented attack, giving him clear breakout potential.
Ausar Thompson, SF/PF, Detroit Pistons — 108.4 ADP
Thompson appeared in 59 games last season, contributing 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff plans to increase the 22-year-old’s offensive responsibilities, granting him more pick-and-roll and rim-attacking opportunities to complement his elite defense.
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers — 111.6 ADP
With Tyrese Haliburton ruled out for the year, Nembhard steps in as Indiana’s primary floor general. In eight games without Haliburton last season, he delivered 11.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists, and his workload is projected to rise into the mid-30-minute range.
Kel’el Ware, C, Miami Heat — 128.8 ADP
Ware closed his rookie campaign strongly, averaging 11.0 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks over his final 49 contests. He started 36 times alongside Bam Adebayo and frequently posted double-doubles, making him a reliable source of rebounds and rim protection as a projected full-time starter.
Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls — 132.1 ADP
The 2024 first-round pick is favored to start at power forward ahead of Patrick Williams. Buzelis put up 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 blocks in 31 starts last year, then averaged 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 2.3 made threes across his final 16 games. His blend of perimeter scoring and shot-blocking offers high-ceiling upside late in drafts.
All eight players carry average draft positions outside the top 85, giving fantasy managers multiple avenues to add upside and depth in the middle rounds of 2025-26 drafts.
Source: ESPN
