Every year, a handful of fantasy basketball managers spot something others miss or move more quickly than the rest of the league. The term “league-winner” gets tossed around for any player who carries a team deep into the playoffs, but that requires both luck and stability. In a game that lasts upwards of 24 weeks, getting any player off the wire who you’re holding for most of the season is a massive value gain.
Not all waiver wire heroes are created equal — they emerge at different moments in the season and don’t always help in the playoffs. Still, it’s worth evaluating those who primarily came off the wire and became difference-makers in the 2025-26 fantasy season.
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks
Drafted in 13% of leagues
Ryan Rollins wasn’t on many fantasy managers’ radars at the start of the season, failing to break into most analysts’ top-200 preseason rankings. Yet, for the 13% who snagged him, that decision proved to be a pivotal move. His rise can largely be attributed to the unfortunate injury of Kevin Porter Jr. just minutes into the season opener, an event that opened the door for Rollins to step into a more significant role.
Over the course of the season, Rollins not only secured a starting position but delivered impressive numbers that solidified his status as a must-roster player. In high-scoring formats and 9-cat leagues, he substantially outperformed expectations, showing an improvement that places him firmly in the Most Improved Player conversation. This meteoric rise from being undrafted in 87% of leagues to becoming a top-60 player reflects both his talent and the unique opportunity he seized. He ended the season as the sixth-most rostered player in Yahoo Fantasy leagues, a testament to his efficacy and potential.
Collin Gillispie, Phoenix Suns
Undrafted
Collin Gillispie’s journey follows a similar narrative arc as Rollins, born from an unexpected opportunity due to an injury—this time, affecting Jalen Green. This transition propelled Gillispie from a backup to a pivotal starter, marking him as one of the most profitable waiver finds of the season.
Having signed a one-year deal last summer after outplaying his two-way contract, Gillispie’s contributions went beyond just filling space. Over 74 games in his third NBA season, he significantly boosted his production by averaging 13.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, achieving a remarkable 58.1% true shooting. These stats made him an attractive asset in 9-cat leagues, further solidifying his candidacy for the Most Improved Player title. His strong performance not only helped his fantasy managers but also positioned him for a more lucrative contract in the summer, demonstrating how impactful a player can be when seizing the moment.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Drafted in 16% of leagues
Before the season began, fantasy managers held their breath regarding Jayson Tatum’s recovery from a torn Achilles tendon sustained during the 2025 playoffs. Accordingly, many hesitated to draft him, believing he would miss the entire season. However, news broke in early March about a potential return, and for those who had room on their roster to stash him, the reward proved far greater than expected.
Upon making his comeback, Tatum became the third most rostered player in Yahoo’s top-500 leagues, showcasing his immense value. Despite facing difficulties with his field goal percentage, he accumulated substantial stats across various categories. Over the last 11 games, he offered fifth-round value (fourth in High Score leagues), quickly transforming many teams as he bolstered them for the playoff push.
Those managers who recognized the opportunity and held onto him until his return were rewarded with an elite player for the fantasy playoffs, exemplifying the age-old adage of “patience pays off.”
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic
Drafted in 3% of leagues
The narrative of Anthony Black is a classic tale of seizing opportunity amid teammate absences. With Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner sidelined for significant periods, Black found his footing in the starting lineup, delivering what many considered the breakout story of the first half of the season. His early production statistics were nothing short of impressive; during a 12-game stretch in December, he averaged 21.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers per game.
Though he settled into slightly lower averages throughout the season—ending up with 15.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists—his contributions were undeniable. This drastic increase in productivity, particularly from a player undrafted in 97% of leagues, showcases the power of keeping an eye on rising talents. Unfortunately, Black encountered an abdominal strain in early March and marked a significant downturn in availability, but for managers who capitalized on his performance from December to early March, the payoff was considerable.
Saddiq Bey, New Orleans Pelicans
Undrafted
Following a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entirety of the previous season, Saddiq Bey entered the 2025-26 campaign as a low-profile asset, often overlooked due to the Pelicans’ deep roster. Yet, as soon as Bey found his rhythm, he quickly established himself as a strong contributor, offering fantasy managers a wealth of statistics.
By averaging 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists over 61 starts for New Orleans, Bey turned what many considered a gamble into a successful endeavor. His performance throughout the season—paired with a compelling narrative of recovery and redemption—positions him as a candidate for both Comeback Player of the Year and a valuable addition in fantasy formats.
Waiver Wire Hero Honorable Mentions
Regular Season
Although the aforementioned players made significant impacts, several others also showcased the benefits of astute waiver wire moves. These honorable mentions deserve recognition for their unexpected performances:
- Ajay Mitchell – Oklahoma City Thunder
- Tre Jones – Chicago Bulls
- Jarace Walker – Indiana Pacers
- Grayson Allen – Phoenix Suns
- Jaylon Tyson – Cleveland Cavaliers
Late-season/Playoffs
Late-season pickups can often be critical for teams looking for that extra edge in the playoffs. This year’s sleeper hits included:
- Isaiah Collier – Utah Jazz
- Daniss Jenkins – Detroit Pistons
- Maxime Raynaud – Sacramento Kings
- Precious Achiuwa – Sacramento Kings
- Moussa Diabaté – Charlotte Hornets
- Dejounte Murray – New Orleans Pelicans
- Will Riley – Washington Wizards
Conclusion
In the strenuous landscape of fantasy basketball, success often boils down to quick assessment and timely decisions. As we draw our gaze on the 2025-26 fantasy basketball season, it’s evident that those managers who scrutinized the waiver wire and seized opportunities were largely rewarded.
Having an eye for players on the verge of significant impact — like Ryan Rollins or Collin Gillispie — can transform a mediocre season into an exhilarating playoff run. With injuries, coach decisions, and roster changes influencing player performance, remaining active and informed is crucial for any aspiring champion.
When evaluating a player’s potential to succeed, it’s equally important to assess the context of their opportunities. Relying solely on preseason predictions is a misstep in the ever-evolving world of fantasy sports. Instead, the most successful managers bring a balance of foresight and adaptability, embracing the unpredictability of the season.
In the end, it’s about more than just identifying the “league winners” — it’s about building a strategy that leverages the chaos, finding value where others see uncertainty. Additionally, stashing players like Jayson Tatum or Anthony Black and understanding the nuances of their contributions can separate the champions from the rest of the pack, ultimately leading to a coveted fantasy title.