Late in fantasy drafts, the useful targets are often players whose minutes could move before their price does. Ajay Mitchell, Collin Murray-Boyles, Quentin Grimes, Khaman Maluach and Rui Hachimura all sit outside the early-round range, yet each carries a plausible route to a larger workload or broader category impact.
Mitchell showed he can produce without a heavy minute load
Oklahoma City guard Ajay Mitchell enters drafts with an average draft position of 118.1 after flashing starter-level production in a reserve-sized role. Some of that opportunity arrived while Jalen Williams was unavailable, but Mitchell’s work was difficult to ignore when he was on the floor.
In 25.8 minutes per game, Mitchell posted 13.6 points, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals while making 48.5% of his field-goal attempts and 87% of his free throws. He also limited mistakes to 1.4 turnovers per game. Injuries slowed that push, but his combination of ballhandling, efficiency and defensive activity made him a strong waiver option when healthy.
The Thunder’s rotation is crowded, so a major minutes guarantee is unlikely. Still, Mitchell has already shown he does not require a 32-minute assignment to matter in standard formats. Any expansion of his role would make his current draft cost look modest.
Toronto’s frontcourt could create room for Murray-Boyles
Collin Murray-Boyles is being selected around pick 111.1 and profiles as a second-year forward with a defensive foundation already in place. His ability to switch across positions gives Toronto lineup flexibility, particularly next to Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard.
Jakob Poeltl’s health remains a factor in the Raptors’ frontcourt equation. If Poeltl misses time, Murray-Boyles could see more work as a small-ball center. His defensive categories, rebounding and efficient finishing have already given him a fantasy floor, and he has spent the offseason working to extend his shooting range.
That perimeter growth would be especially valuable for a Toronto group built around size and length. More credible spacing could lift Murray-Boyles from a category specialist into a more complete late-round forward play.
Grimes brings a familiar fit next to Dončić
Quentin Grimes, carrying a 120.4 ADP with the Los Angeles Lakers, offers a quieter all-category case. He can add points and 3-point shooting while contributing useful rebounding, assists and steals from the wing.
His prior experience alongside Luka Dončić in Dallas is a meaningful part of the projection. With Dončić on the court, Grimes hit 39.4% from beyond the arc and played in lineups that produced a 124.5 offensive rating.
He is not being asked to become a primary Lakers scorer to return value. A stable complementary role, clean spot-up looks and modest contributions across the box score could make him a worthwhile nine-category selection at the end of a draft.
Maluach may be pushed into Phoenix’s center opening
Khaman Maluach’s route is more direct. Mark Williams’ shoulder injury is expected to sideline him for months, opening an earlier-than-expected chance for Maluach in Phoenix. The rookie center’s ADP sits at 118.2.
His early appeal is built on the defensive end: length, rim protection and rebounding. If he holds the presumed starting job, the minutes alone could place him on the fantasy radar before his offensive game fully develops.
Maluach also showed encouraging signs during Summer League. If that production carries over, he has a chance to become one of the more overlooked big-man options in this draft range.
Hachimura has a chance to claim a Clippers starting job
Rui Hachimura rounds out the group as a utility option at an ADP of 116.9 with the Los Angeles Clippers. His profile is less dependent on assists or defensive counting stats and more on efficient scoring, 3-point shooting and rebounding from the forward spots.
Hachimura’s ceiling will hinge on his offensive responsibility, but a potential place in the Clippers’ starting five would give him a clear platform. He has also looked sharp this summer with Japan’s national team.
For managers seeking a low-maintenance forward late in the draft, Hachimura can provide points, spacing and boards without creating obvious damage elsewhere in the stat line.
| Player | Team | ADP | Late-draft case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajay Mitchell | Oklahoma City Thunder | 118.1 | Efficient guard production, assists and steals in limited minutes |
| Collin Murray-Boyles | Toronto Raptors | 111.1 | Defensive versatility, rebounding and possible center minutes |
| Quentin Grimes | Los Angeles Lakers | 120.4 | 3-point shooting and complementary production beside Luka Dončić |
| Khaman Maluach | Phoenix Suns | 118.2 | Potential starting-center minutes after Mark Williams’ injury |
| Rui Hachimura | Los Angeles Clippers | 116.9 | Efficient scoring, shooting and rebounding with a starting opportunity |
