Emerging Trends in the 2025-26 NBA Season
As we reach the 4.5-week mark of the 2025-26 NBA season, a clearer picture is emerging regarding players whose performances are merely a flash in the pan versus those genuinely experiencing growth. For astute fantasy basketball players, it’s essential to delve deeper than the numbers in box scores, as not every breakout performance is created equal.
Understanding the Improvement Score
To evaluate these players’ advancements, we utilize the Improvement Score, which incorporates three key metrics with varying weights:
- 70% Fantasy Points Per Game (Δ FPPG): This metric directly assesses fantasy output.
- 20% Fantasy Points Per Minute (Δ FPPM): This indicates efficiency improvements, irrespective of minutes played.
- 10% Usage Rate Change (Δ Usage %): This highlights players taking on greater roles offensively.
Inclusion is contingent upon a minimum of 250 minutes played this season, and all statistics are recalibrated according to High Score scoring, which helps identify not just statistical producers, but players becoming well-rounded contributors from the previous season to now. A thank you goes to RotoWire and PbP stats for the invaluable data!
Top Improvers in Fantasy Basketball
- Ryan Rollins – G, Milwaukee Bucks
Rollins stands out as a player who has transitioned from the periphery to a pivotal role. With a striking increase of +22.4 FPPG, averaging 37.4 FPPG along with improved efficiency (+0.18 FPPM), he is now a dependable player in lineups, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to injury. His ascension comes as he succeeds Kevin Porter Jr. at the point guard position, making him one of the most notable, unselected players in the early fantasy drafts. - Jrue Holiday – G, Portland Trail Blazers
The recent revival of Holiday’s career is impressive to witness. Previously ranked lower due to declining stats during his time in Boston, he’s now thriving in Portland, boasting an uptick of +16.4 FPPG and a notable efficiency raise of +0.42 FPPM. His ability to excel within Portland’s fast-paced and well-spaced offensive setup has revitalized his fantasy value, especially given his all-around contributions, making him valuable even though he was drafted outside the top 100. - Ajay Mitchell – G, Oklahoma City Thunder
Mitchell is exemplifying solid player development with a +19.2 FPPG increase and a substantial efficiency improvement (0.86 to 1.19 FPPM). His heightened usage rate of +8.7% reflects his growing role in the team alongside MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, leading to exciting performances that culminate in him becoming a top-80 player in High Score despite going undrafted in all leagues. - Kyshawn George – G/FC, Washington Wizards
George’s development this season is substantial, showcasing a +14.6 FPPG rise, +0.35 FPPM, and a +6.5% increase in usage. From his previous minimal impact, he is evolving into a potential franchise cornerstone, adept at rebounding and creating scoring opportunities while holding top-100 fantasy player status, a remarkable feat for someone drafted around 140. - Lauri Markkanen – FC, Utah Jazz
Originally recognized for his breakout performance a few seasons ago, Markkanen is now hitting new heights. He is achieving career-best numbers in both scoring volume and efficiency, averaging 45.4 FPPG, a +14.3 year-over-year increase. His effective partnership with Keyonte George and a slight surge in usage solidify his status as one of the top 25 players in High Score, demonstrating growth from a solid player to an elite scorer.
What About Other Players?
In the current landscape of High Score, players like Jaylon Tyson and Reed Sheppard haven’t yet cracked 30 fantasy points per game, despite showing improvement from last year. Their value may be better aligned with standard 12-team or 9-category leagues. Injuries to Grayson Allen, Tre Jones, and Stephon Castle complicate matters; Castle’s continued development stands out, making him the most appealing option among them.
Conclusion
The players highlighted here all began the season with an ADP outside the top 50, signaling not only personal growth but also increasing value within fantasy circles. As many traditional volume scorers continue to dominate, this season’s unheralded talents are stepping up as well, and with injuries affecting rosters across the NBA, it’s likely we will see even more players making significant impacts as the season progresses.
