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The Next Wave Is Quiet Now… But Not For Long
Pelle Larsson, an underrated rookie who performed well at the NBA Summer League. (NBA.com)
Everyone has been watching Bronny James, Bijan Robinson, and Cooper Flagg, but the players who help you win your fantasy league? They are not on the viral highlight reels; they are the undervalued stars.
Every year, there is a Jordan Addison or Jalen Williams who slips under the radar, only to explode when the games matter. Hence, the next wave of undervalued rookies is taking shape quietly right now.
NBA Summer League and NFL camps are filled with late picks and overlooked rookies who are dominating reps, earning trust, and setting up breakout roles. If you blink, you’ll miss them, and someone else will stash them first.
NBA Summer League Risers Worth Watching
Pelle Larsson driving to the basket in Summer League. (NBA.com)
Starting with the NBA, the big names like Flagg, Harper, and Bailey will grab headlines. However, savvy fantasy managers are tracking guys like Pelle Larsson.
Larsson, the 44th pick out of Arizona, has been one of the most efficient guards in Vegas. He’s shooting over 50% from three, playing high-IQ team ball, and logging serious minutes.
Sallis, the 2021 five-star who transferred to Wake Forest, is finally healthy and showing off elite midrange touch and defensive versatility. He just signed a 3-year $5.4 million contract with the Miami Heat.
This type of contract is rare for second-round picks, who usually get two-way contracts or do not even make the NBA roster. Therefore, Larsson is DFS gold waiting to happen.
Even Dillon Jones (Jazz) and Jalen Bridges (Nuggets) are flashing switchable size and fantasy-friendly stat profiles. These are the players to flag now, especially in deep dynasty or best ball.
NFL Rookies Flying Under the Radar
Malik Washington, an upcoming Dolphins WR. (Sun-Sentinel.com)
On the NFL side, the noise is loud for top picks, but the value is buried in the late rounds. Keep an eye on Malik Washington (WR, Dolphins) and Kimani Vidal (RB, Chargers).
Washington has been lighting up Miami’s camp with clean routes and reliable hands. With Hill and Waddle drawing attention, he could feast on soft zone coverage from the slot.
Vidal, a small-school RB out of Troy, is earning praise for his pass-blocking and burst. With Ekeler gone, there’s a real opportunity behind Gus Edwards.
Fantasy managers who grab these names now could be holding onto this year’s version of Jayden Daniels or Puka Nacua. They are undrafted in fantasy, but league winners in the end.
One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure
Kimani Vidal, a young Chargers RB looking to dominate this season. (chargerswire.usatoday.com)
The edge in fantasy doesn’t come from copying top-10 lists. It comes from seeing the next big thing before it becomes massive.
That’s why paying attention to Summer League, beat reporter tweets, and fringe camp reps matters. That’s where breakouts are born.
Whether it’s DFS steals in October or Week 4 waiver-wire wins, the same truth holds: fantasy leagues are won in the margins. And the margins are filled with quiet rookies putting in loud work.
So ask yourself: are you scouting stars, or are you scouting stats?
(SportAI Inc ™)
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Related Reads
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Why are the NBA Playoffs So Unpredicable Read here
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