Five forward sleepers for the 2025-26 season stand out as shrewd late-round targets: Matas Buzelis, Michael Porter Jr., Santi Aldama, Aaron Nesmith, and Cam Whitmore. Each is positioned to benefit from expanded roles or favorable roster situations, offering upside beyond their draft-day price.

Chicago’s rising wing Buzelis could surge if the Bulls lean on youth and push past early-season pecking orders. Porter Jr. lands in Brooklyn with extra scoring opportunities, while Aldama foresees minutes with Grizzlies’ rotation shuffles. Nesmith may inherit a larger backcourt share in Indiana, and Whitmore could carve out a meaningful role in Washington amid developmental depth. All present compelling value bets for fantasy rosters.

The Boston Celtics have seen a vast array of players don their jerseys over the decades, with a total of 68 numbers utilized since the team's inception. Among these is the number 26, worn by Aaron Nesmith from 2020 to 2022. Drafted 14th overall from Vanderbilt, Nesmith contributed an average of 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds during his two seasons in Boston. He became known not only for his versatility as a forward but also for his potential as a budding star. Following his stint with the Celtics, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers, continuing his career in the NBA and adding to the legacy of the number 26 jersey.

The Indiana Pacers are entering a transformative summer after a surprising run to the 2025 NBA Finals, where they showcased a balanced offensive strategy led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Despite their offensive prowess, they faced a heartbreaking loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, compounded by Haliburton's Achilles injury. General Manager Kevin Pritchard addressed the media, discussing Haliburton's recovery timeline, the departure of center Myles Turner, and contract extensions for young players Bennedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith, hinting at the future direction of the team.

While Haliburton's injury looms large, the Pacers are also navigating the aftermath of Turner's exit. Pritchard's cautious remarks about extending Mathurin, a higher-profile draft pick, contrasted with his more favorable comments on Nesmith, whose defensive versatility has proven crucial. This strategic pivot could shape the team's roster decisions moving forward, as they look to maintain momentum in the Eastern Conference.

The Los Angeles Lakers' Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns in the 2010 West Finals was a battle of momentum, highlighted by a critical moment involving Sasha Vujacic. The Lakers, once leading by 17 points, found themselves in jeopardy after Vujacic's flagrant foul on Goran Dragic sparked a Suns resurgence. Despite the scare, Kobe Bryant delivered a masterclass performance, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter and ensuring the Lakers' victory. Even in a game where he missed several shots, Bryant's presence was pivotal, showcasing his ability to step up when it mattered most.

Vujacic's controversial foul drew ire from Bryant, who humorously expressed his frustration post-game. Although Vujacic downplayed the incident, claiming he was merely trying to exploit the opposition's weaknesses, it was clear that his missteps almost jeopardized their win. Meanwhile, Dragic's late-game heroics nearly shifted the game's tide, proving that in high-stakes playoff matchups, even a single lapse can alter fortunes.