To win in fantasy basketball, smart waiver wire moves are essential. Throughout a long season with numerous games, injuries, and rotation changes, adding players from free agency is crucial for maximizing your fantasy team`s stats.
Being open to changing the last few spots on your roster can be very beneficial. When managing your team for statistical gains, it`s wise to constantly compare your bench players with the available talent in free agency.
This weekly guide aims to highlight widely available players in ESPN leagues at each position. Some recommendations are specialists who excel in one or two categories, while others offer broader statistical contributions. The players at each position are listed in order of acquisition priority, not by their roster percentage in ESPN leagues.
Point Guard
Spencer Dinwiddie, Dallas Mavericks: Dinwiddie, a seasoned veteran, is currently flourishing in a high-usage role for the Mavericks. Dallas utilizes pick-and-roll plays with Dinwiddie, making his recent success in passing likely to continue.
Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors: With key playmakers like Immanuel Quickley often resting, Shead has emerged as a useful option in deeper leagues. Finding assists on the waiver wire in these leagues is challenging, making Shead a valuable pickup when he gets rotation minutes.
Shooting Guard
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors: It`s encouraging that Podziemski`s standout performances have occurred alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. `Air Podz` provides consistent rebounding and cutting, vital for his team`s energy. In fantasy, Podziemski`s all-around skills are highly valuable.
Jared Butler, Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers are evaluating affordable rotation players for the future, and Butler`s recent strong play increases his chances of being on the roster next season. His ability to create for teammates off the dribble, a skill seen at Baylor, is particularly impressive and promises a strong finish to the season.
Small Forward
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons: Thompson, a strong defender still developing offensively, is valuable in fantasy playoffs due to his potential for significant defensive stats. A recent game with four blocks highlights his high ceiling when he`s performing at his peak.
Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls: The Bulls have become surprisingly watchable, partly due to the significant minutes given to rookie forward Buzelis. His recent strong game against the Mavericks may indicate sustained momentum, making him worth a roster spot to monitor.
Justin Edwards, Philadelphia 76ers: Edwards, a popular recent pickup, is now a solid fantasy option in a crucial 3-and-D role for the 76ers. While Butler is also performing well, Edwards faces less competition for minutes and has secured a key role on both ends of the court for his team.
Power Forward
Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz: The Jazz have found another promising player in Filipowski, who is proving effective even as a rookie. After patiently increasing his minutes, he now plays a major role regularly and has double-double potential each night.
Kai Jones, Dallas Mavericks: Jones`s value might not always be apparent in scoring, but he excels defensively, recently achieving six steals and blocks against the Bulls. Although his floor is low, his defensive impact and Dallas`s trust in him offer real upside.
Center
Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards: Sarr, a unique rookie, might have inconsistent scoring and shooting, but he can deliver exceptional blocks and rebounds. The Wizards are expected to give Sarr significant minutes, suggesting an exciting finish to the season.
Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers: Bona is another young 76er getting increased playing time, potentially as Joel Embiid`s backup next season. With his excellent second jump, Bona could produce impressive block and rebound numbers in the remaining games.
Special Teams
This section focuses on specialist players who excel in a single category, providing targeted value in category and roto leagues. Nominations depend on the category and will change throughout the season.
3-pointers: Malik Beasley remains a top three-point shooter. For a more available specialist, consider Podziemski or Milwaukee`s Gary Trent Jr.
Steals: Sacramento`s Keon Ellis is proving his defensive abilities, with steals as a key stat. Shead is also effective in generating steals.
Blocks: Bona has recorded multiple blocks in several recent games. His freedom to contest shots makes him a valuable option for block-focused strategies.
Rebounds: Utah`s Filipowski has been rebounding at a high level recently. Podziemski and Bona also contribute positively to rebounding.
Assists: Shead is your go-to player for assists. Utah`s Isaiah Collier is also a helpful source for assists.