Evaluating the NBA Coaching Changes from a Fantasy Basketball Perspective

NBA Fantasy Basketball

Jul 28, 2025

One aspect of fantasy basketball that occasionally gets overlooked is heading coaching changes. New head coaches can have a huge impact on different teams as they can change the overall pace, shot selection, rotations, and playing style for their new respective teams. It’ll definitely be interesting to see how the four newest head coaches pan out in the 2025-26 season. Below is a description of how each of these coaching changes could have an effect for various fantasy players.

Under former head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks had their five starters in the top 20 for minutes per game. That will likely change in this upcoming season as New York’s front office focused on improving the team’s bench unit. Valuable role players Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele were added via free agency. Also, Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti are three second year pros looking to crack the rotation this season. With new additions and rising youth players for New York, the Knicks hired coach Mike Brown to play a deeper rotation. In the 2025 playoffs, New York struggled to keep up with Indiana’s pace, which was ultimately their downfall. With Brown, the Knicks are hoping to be 9-11 players deep for the 2026 playoffs. The starters for New York will struggle to maintain their value this season as they’ll be playing less time, which equals fewer opportunities. Look for McBride to potentially benefit from this coaching chang,e as he has shown that in the past, he can be a viable streaming option with limited playing time.

PHX- Jordan Ott:

After a disastrous season, former Suns head coach Mike Budenzholzer was shown the door. They then retooled the roster (KD to Houston) and hired Jordan Ott, a former assistant from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ott is known for his player development skillset, which is why this hire ultimately makes sense for a now younger Suns squad. Devin Booker will still run the show for Phoenix as he’ll assume full PG responsibilities. Newly acquired guard Jalen Green is a proven scorer and will operate as the second offensive option for the Sun. Phoenix also has some intriguing rookies that they’ll look to develop this season, including Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and Koby Brea. Maluach has to play behind Williams but should see higher minutes if Mark is ever ruled out. Fleming is a bigger wing with 3 and D potential who has a lot of potential with KD’s recent departure. Brea was an elite shooter in college who could pair very well with Booker long term. Ryan Dunn, a second year 3 and D wing, is another name to monitor as Ott’s hire will hopefully allow him to continue progressing. If the Suns struggle to begin the season, look for Ott to actively try to get valuable playing time for the younger players on this roster.

DEN- David Adelman:

The Nuggets made a surprise move near the end of last season as they let go of head coach Mike Malone with only three games left in the regular season. Assistant coach David Adelman was promoted, and despite not seeing a ton of games with him under the helm, it’s evident that the Nuggets hired him to utilize their bench unit more frequently. Bruce Brown, the former 6th man for the 2022-23 championship squad, has a chance to benefit the most from this coaching change. Watson, Holmes, and Pickett could also be more involved off the bench. This change will lower the fantasy values of the Denver starters a little, but overall, they should sustain similar appeal to last season as the Nuggets will be looking to compete in a loaded Western Conference.

MEM- Tuomas Iisalo:

Memphis opted to part ways with Taylor Jenkins despite a 44-29 record to begin the 2024-25 campaign. Tuomis Iisalo took over for Jenkins and will continue to serve as the Grizzlies head coach moving forward. Iisalo’s coaching style emphasizes fast pacing and high scoring offense with a ton of pick and roll action. The Memphis starters should all benefit from hopefully seeing improved offensive efficiency and volume. The Grizzlies have some intriguing bench options in Ty Jerome, GG Jackson, Cedric Coward, and Vince Williams, who should all see decent reserve minutes. It’ll be interesting to see who steps up with the departure of Desmond Bane. With Bane gone, the starters should see a decent improvement on their scoring averages, while Pippen Jr., Wells, and Coward will compete for the vacated minutes. Overall, Memphis’ scheme from last year won’t change too much, so most of the Grizzlies primary players should see a boost in fantasy value.

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