The weeks before the NBA Draft can be a real doozy, with new rookies suddenly ascending draft boards and projected rankings.
Fantasy managers already know the biggest names in the 2026 draft class.Now, a crop of prospects with less fanfare is entering the chat thanks to impressive combine showings and pro day workouts. Now, owners preparing their 2026-27 fantasy strategy must consider if these dark horses have the usage and category upside to bolster their rosters.
Here are some prospects on the rise, what they bring to the table, and how fantasy managers should react.
Rookie Prospects Climbing Fastest on 2026-27 Draft Boards
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Brayden Burries (shooting guard)
This Arizona Wildcat needs to develop his defensive game, but teams throughout the lottery appear impressed by his drive to grow. Burries shot 49.1% from the field in his solo season of collegiate ball while averaging 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 stocks per game, so the foundation is set for him to be an impactful player.
Mikel Brown Jr. (point guard)
The 2026 point guard class is deep, and Brown dealt with a back injury in college. But his combine workout impressed teams, which explains his current status as a draft-board riser. The Louisville product can fill points, rebounds, assists, and defense categories in fantasy, plus he shot 34.4% from beyond the arc his freshman year.
Yaxel Lendeborg (power forward)
Michigan’s March Madness title win has turned a handful of Wolverines into draft-board risers, even an “old man” like senior Lendeborg. The versatile forward shot 51.5% from the field and 37.2% from beyond the arc last season, and he’s comfortable guarding against any position. There are plenty of teams throughout the lottery who could use his frontcourt expertise.
Karim Lopez (hybrid forward)
The 19-year-old out of Hermosillo, Mexico, didn’t get the same scouting as fellow draftees since he most recently played for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL. His scoring needs to develop, although he shot 49% from the floor and added 6.1 rebounds per game. Lottery teams in need of frontcourt help (ahem, Clippers and Nets) have taken notice.
Sleepers and Late Risers Gaining Draft Steam
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Jayden Quaintance (center)
This big’s sophomore season was brief since he had ACL surgery in 2025. But the small sample size unlocked big potential, with him averaging 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 stocks per game while shooting an insane 57.1% from the field. He also looked healthy at his pro day workout, so his high upside could make him a sneaky first-round selection.
Allen Graves (power forward)
The former redshirted freshman flew under the radar during the 2025-26 season until he won the WCC Sixth Man of the Year award. Graves offers a mixed skill set, ending his lone season for Santa Clara with an average 11.8 points on 51.2% shooting from the field and 41.3% shooting from beyond the arc. He added 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.8 stocks per game.
Meleek Thomas (hybrid guard)
Thomas was behind Darius Acuff Jr. in the Razorbacks’ depth chart, but got to showcase his talents when his Arkansas teammate was sidelined with an ankle injury. The Pittsburgh, PA native excels when he gets more minutes, which was evident in his 30-point regular-season outing against Missouri when he shot 83.3% from three-point range.
Ebuka Okorie (point guard)
His 6-foot-2 frame might have originally given NBA teams pause. But the Stanford product’s elite scoring and efficiency (not to mention his uncanny ability to absorb contact) make him a sleeper ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. He finished eighth in the NCAA his freshman year with 23.2 points per game.
Draft Strategy Adjustments for Rising Rookies
As exciting as these rising stars are, fantasy managers in all leagues need to wait until after the draft to target them. (Yes, even dynasty owners need to hold their horses.) The focus here is on team fit and a realistic timeline toward starting minutes, not just predraft hype. Managers in dynasty leagues should also get a look at these players in summer league before deciding if they are good stash candidates. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues should hold off until training camp to get a better idea of depth charts and starting opportunities.
Questions About Rising NBA Draft Rookies, Answered
Which 2026 NBA Draft rookies are climbing fantasy basketball draft boards fastest?
The prospects highlighted as rising fastest include Brayden Burries, Mikel Brown Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Karim Lopez based on recent momentum from workouts, performance, and growing draft interest.
What factors are causing certain rookies to rise in 2026-27 rankings?
Strong combine performances, pro day workouts, statistical production, versatility, projected team fit, and increased attention from lottery teams are driving these prospects higher on draft boards.
Should I adjust my 2026-27 fantasy basketball draft boards for these risers?
Fantasy managers should monitor these prospects closely, but major adjustments are best made after the NBA Draft, when landing spots and projected roles become clearer.
Are any of these climbing rookies worth drafting in early rounds?
The article notes that some prospects, particularly those generating first-round draft buzz, could become stronger fantasy targets depending on team fit and opportunity.
How do landing spots affect these rising prospects?
Team fit, depth charts, and the path to earning starting minutes can significantly influence a rookie’s fantasy value and long-term outlook.
Which categories will benefit most from these climbing rookies?
The featured prospects offer upside across several categories, including scoring, rebounds, assists, shooting efficiency, three-point production, and defensive statistics.
