It’s easy to get swept up in the circus. That’s why every basketball writer, podcast, and Discord server was talking about the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and the first three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft non-stop since June 22.
Don’t get us wrong, those are the right discussions to be having. They just aren’t the only discussions this offseason.
In fact, there have been fantasy moves that have already flown under the radar because they were drowned out by the hype train. That makes the calendar turning to July the perfect time to check in on some overlooked and undervalued situations before the rest of your league catches on.
The Free Agent Nobody Is Talking About Right Now: Walker Kessler
Many managers may have missed an Athlon piece that named Kessler as a top free agency target because Giannis had just taken over the news cycle.
The Jazz center missed almost the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn labrum. The season before, however, he had legit starter status and averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Utah has issued him a qualifying offer ahead of the market opening, which restricts his free-agent rights. But other teams in need of a rim-protector are sniffing around, including the center-needing Lakers who will get a frontcourt makeover if LeBron James leaves.
Kessler is expected to be fully healthy for training camp, which could set him up for a full return in 2026-27. This should be a big story, given the number of teams who need a center. Instead, the attention has been gobbled up by the Giannis-to-Miami hype train.
The Return Nobody Is Pricing Correctly: Tyrese Haliburton
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The Pacers were thrown into a weird level of obscurity in 2025-26 while Haliburton recovered from the Achilles injury he sustained in the 2025 NBA Finals. Now Indiana prepares for him to rejoin the rotation, and a healthy return would be one of the most impactful roster corrections in fantasy basketball.
For starters, it makes Haliburton a buy-low candidate. Achilles injuries can be career-ending, so his ADP will be suppressed heading into the season. But since Haliburton’s game doesn’t rely on the explosiveness a damaged Achilles can hinder, he has the opportunity to out-play that lowered ADP early on.
It also creates a sell-high candidate out of Andrew Nembhard. The 26-year-old shooting guard got a healthy minutes boost last season with Haliburton sidelined, and his offensive stats soared. (He ended the season with a career-high 16.9 points and 7.7 assists per game.) It isn’t clear yet how much his minutes will decrease, but Nembhard is already set up for a dip in volume this season.
More Players the Market Is Sleeping On While Watching the Circus
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis in Milwaukee
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Of the other players involved in the Giannis trade, Tyler Herro going to Milwaukee has gotten the most attention. Except that Herro could potentially get flipped once the market opens up, and fantasy managers should be paying more attention to fellow trade pieces Jaquez and Jakucionis.
The fourth-year forward led all NBA players last season with 1,138 points off the bench. He is now getting the opportunity to lock down a starting role, which promises to boost his output across multiple categories. Meanwhile, Jakucionis showcased elite playmaking ability his rookie season despite averaging just 17.8 minutes per night.
Both players are in positions to outplay their ADP. Some managers may have missed that since they aren’t the first names mentioned in the trade.
Keaton Wagler and Morez Johnson Jr. Jump Up the Draft Board
The Round 1 focus has stayed squarely on AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson being, predictably, selected first and second. What’s gone virtually unnoticed is Illinois product Keaton Wagler catapulting up to the No. 5 pick. We’ve mentioned before that the reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year has sleeper potential, and could be lethal if his shooting immediately translates to the pros.
Johnson was another first-round surprise, getting selected by the Mavericks at No. 9. He’s more of a culture fit than a flashy player, which could be why Dallas added him to the ever-growing atmosphere around Cooper Flagg. But Johnson also has the opportunity to play big minutes out the gate if the Mavericks end up trading P.J. Washington. Managers should keep an eye on that frontcourt battle.
Keep the Hype From Ruining Your 2026-27 Fantasy Draft Board
Managers across all formats have to be above the noise this time of year, whether it’s a heavily promoted draft pick or headline-stealing trade. Remember to look at all names involved in big trades, and don’t forget about veteran players returning from injuries (like Kessler and Haliburton).
When it comes to the current draft class, owners need to look down the list at the selections outside of the top five. If free agency opens the door for one of these rookies to inherit a big workload, it could be a fantasy opportunity other managers haven’t realized yet.
It is also a good course of action to pinpoint which moves need immediate attention, and which are hiding under the surface. Athlon’s guide on how to triage offseason decisions can help with that process.
Questions About Overlooked Fantasy Basketball Players, Answered
Who are the most overlooked fantasy basketball players for 2026-27?
Several players have slipped under the radar while attention has centered on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and the NBA Draft. Walker Kessler stands out because of his expected healthy return and center market value, Tyrese Haliburton presents a buy-low opportunity as he returns from an Achilles injury, and Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, Keaton Wagler, and Morez Johnson Jr. all have situations worth monitoring.
Is Walker Kessler a good fantasy basketball pick for 2026-27?
Walker Kessler has the potential to be one of the better value picks if he enters training camp healthy. Before his torn labrum shortened the 2025-26 season, he had already established himself as a productive starter, averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. His eventual role and team situation will be important factors.
What is Tyrese Haliburton's fantasy basketball value after his Achilles injury?
Tyrese Haliburton profiles as a buy-low fantasy target because concerns about his Achilles injury are likely to suppress his draft cost. His game relies more on vision and playmaking than elite explosiveness, giving him a chance to outperform expectations if he returns healthy. His return also reduces Andrew Nembhard's projected fantasy role.
Which additional players deserve attention after the Giannis trade and NBA Draft?
Beyond the headline names, fantasy managers should monitor Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, Keaton Wagler, and Morez Johnson Jr. Each has an opportunity to outperform current expectations because changing team situations and draft outcomes may create larger roles than many managers currently anticipate.
