New York Knicks guard/forward Pacome Dadiet has generated some internal optimism entering his third season, though The Athletic's James L. Edwards III still does not see a clear rotation path for him. Some within the organization believe the 21-year-old is making progress behind the scenes, but his shooting has yet to translate consistently at the NBA, G-League, or summer league levels. Dadiet said studying OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges has helped him grasp Mike Brown's system, with cutting and hustle plays looking like his best route to minutes. Anunoby, Bridges, and Josh Hart still sit ahead of him, keeping Dadiet off the fantasy radar.

New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek is a name to watch as a potential trade candidate if the team looks for upgrades, according to The Athletic's James L. Edwards III. New York's February move for Jose Alvarado, followed by his new three-year deal, leaves Kolek with a crowded path to backup point guard minutes behind Alvarado and Jalen Brunson, with Miles McBride also capable of handling that role. Edwards noted that Kolek improved as a shooter and defender in Year 2, though passing remains his best NBA skill. He averaged 4.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in 11.7 minutes across 62 games last season. Kolek needs a trade or injury-created role before he matters for fantasy.

New York Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara could push for a larger rotation role in his second season, with The Athletic's James L. Edwards III writing that he would not be surprised if the 21-year-old becomes a staple by midseason. Diawara averaged 3.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in 9.2 minutes across 69 games as a rookie, but his best stretch came when Miles McBride missed 27 straight games. During that run, Diawara averaged 5.9 points in 14.2 minutes while shooting 40.5 percent from three. OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart still block a clean path to minutes, so Diawara remains off the fantasy radar unless injuries or a trade open the wing rotation.

Miami Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will not play for Greece in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers against Ukraine and Spain, with the Heat requesting that he report to the United States early to continue his preseason integration, according to Eurohoops. The two-time MVP joined Miami this offseason alongside Bobby Portis after an injury-limited 2025-26 season in which he averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across 36 games. The decision does not hurt his fantasy profile. If anything, the extra ramp-up time with Miami is a small plus, though durability remains the only real concern for a first-round fantasy anchor.