The NBA’s 2025‑26 season left several high‑profile players falling short of the fantasy expectations set by their draft positions. As the league heads into the 2026‑27 campaign, seven of those underperformers are being positioned for a comeback that could push them into the top‑100 value bracket.
Pascal Siakam averaged 24.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.7 three‑pointers in 62 games, and while his usage was expected to rise with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined, he failed to meet his Top‑30 ADP, leaving him in a spot to rebound.
Cason Wallace posted 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 43.2% from the field, and his defensive contributions and increased role in Oklahoma City’s rotation make him a strong candidate for fantasy growth.
John Collins, after a 55.2% field‑goal and 40.6% three‑point season with the Clippers, signed with the Detroit Pistons, where he will share the floor with Cade Cunningham, a combination that could lift his production.
Isaiah Hartenstein averaged 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 0.8 blocks in 47 games, down from a fuller 2024‑25, but the prospect of increased minutes could return him to top‑100 value.
Expanded Roles and New Opportunities
Cedric Coward, a fifth‑place finisher in Rookie of the Year voting, averaged 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists, and with the departures of Ja Morant and Santi Aldama his role in Memphis is set to expand.
Nic Claxton, who pulled down 6.9 rebounds per game in 2025‑26, the lowest since 2021‑22, is moving to Chicago where Josh Giddey will be the primary ball handler, a shift that may improve his scoring and rebounding consistency.
Health and a Fresh Start
Coby White averaged 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.3 three‑pointers in 50 games, saw his numbers dip from starter levels, but a healthier roster and the Hornets’ decision to move on from LaMelo Ball could spark a rebound.