Fantasy Basketball 2026-27: Players One Depth Chart Move Away From Relevance

Sometimes, all it takes is one move. Just one, and then the floodgates will open.

Such is the case in fantasy basketball, where one depth chart move stands in the way of some players gaining meaningful minutes and fantasy relevance. They are bench contributors, glue guys, and up-and-comers on the cusp of high-upside fantasy situations.

Here are some players one depth chart move away from stepping into fantasy-friendly roles, and how to target them ahead of 2026-27 fantasy drafts.

Why These Depth Chart Moves Create Fantasy Winners

The players on our list are already contributors in their own right. They just don't quite log the minutes for elite fantasy production.

Different scenarios can keep players down on the depth chart. Playing on a crowded roster is a common culprit. The decline of veteran stars, combined with adjustment periods for emerging rookies, can also have an impact. The following five players stand apart from the pack because they already have a fantasy impact despite not playing regular starting minutes.

One move, however, can snowball into stable minutes, higher usage, and fantasy gold.

Players One Depth Chart Move From Relevance

Shaedon Sharpe

The young wing is behind Jrue Holiday in the Trail Blazers depth chart. But if Holiday leaves Portland (which is possible this offseason), Sharpe could go from deep league contributor to fantasy breakout. Despite battling injuries during his 2025-26 campaign, Sharpe became an important offensive asset, averaging 20.8, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals. The fantasy breakout potential is there, he just needs a depth chart shift to really shine.

Ty Jerome

Jerome was heavily limited during the 2025-26 season due to injury. When he did play, however, he provided the Grizzlies with 19.7 points per night on 47.4% shooting with 5.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 stocks. Memphis is actively trying to move Ja Morant in the offseason, and Jerome would be the next man up on the depth chart.

De'Anthony Melton

Melton was also on a minutes restriction earlier last season, but later became an important contributor for the injury-plagued Warriors. He's expected to decline his player option and test free agency this summer, so his destination will determine if he has more minutes in 2026-27. He certainly has the potential to be a fantasy breakout after averaging 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.0 stocks while playing just 23.0 minutes per night.

Naz Reid

The big man's skill set was on display for the Timberwolves last season. Now, with Minnesota notably looking to rearrange its front court, Reid has the opportunity to step into a bigger role. He's already a multi-cat asset, contributing 13.6 points on 45.6% shooting, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.0 stocks. If Reid is this effective playing 26.1 minutes per night, just think of how much his usage would increase after the depth chart gets shuffled.

Miles McBride

The Knicks clearly love having McBride in their arsenal. But could one depth chart move turn him into a fantasy juggernaut? He's already reliable for points, assists, and three-pointers, rounding out his 2025-26 regular-season resume with 0.9 steals per game. Even after he missed 28 games due to sports hernia surgery, he played big minutes off the bench and has the scoring to show for it. All that's missing is a depth chart move and more playing time.

Draft and Roster Strategy for Depth-Chart Candidates

These players are all mid-round picks to support the superstars on your fantasy roster, but they can also be good buy-low candidates once their new roles are established early in the season. Fantasy managers who have these players on their radar need to monitor offseason trades and depth chart shifts closely. Owners in redraft leagues need to keep an eye on depth chart shifts into training camp to ensure these players have moved into bigger roles.

Questions and Answers

Which players in 2026-27 fantasy basketball are one depth chart move from relevance?

Shaedon Sharpe, Ty Jerome, De'Anthony Melton, Naz Reid, and Miles McBride are presented as players whose fantasy value could rise significantly if a depth chart change creates more minutes and usage.

What kind of depth chart move creates instant fantasy relevance?

Depth chart changes caused by injuries, roster movement, veteran decline, or coaching decisions can create stable minutes and increased usage.

When should I target these players in drafts or trades?

These players profile as mid-round selections and buy-low candidates once expanded roles become established early in the season.

Are there risks with chasing depth-chart candidates?

These players still depend on role changes occurring, and fantasy managers should monitor offseason movement and team situations closely.

How do I monitor these depth chart situations?

Track offseason trades, roster developments, and training camp depth chart changes to identify when opportunities become available.

Which fantasy formats benefit most from these players?

Redraft managers are specifically encouraged to monitor these situations into training camp to determine whether expanded roles materialize.

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 4:12 PM.