Excelling in fantasy basketball hinges on effectively navigating the waiver wire. Throughout the season, with its numerous games, injuries, and constantly changing rotations, leveraging free agency to bolster your roster is crucial for maximizing your team`s potential.
Being open to competition for the final roster spots in your fantasy basketball team can yield significant rewards. When building this dynamic group of statistical contributors, it`s beneficial to evaluate your bench players against the available talent in free agency.
This weekly series aims to pinpoint widely available free agent players in ESPN leagues across various positions. Some highlighted players are specialists who excel in one or two statistical categories, while others offer a broader range of valuable stats. The player rankings within each position below are ordered by acquisition priority, rather than their roster percentage in ESPN men`s basketball leagues.
Point Guard
Spencer Dinwiddie, Dallas Mavericks (38.9% rostered): While adding rising young talents is appealing, the reliable production of a seasoned veteran holds significant value. Dinwiddie, though still a somewhat inconsistent scorer late in the season, serves as the primary playmaker and offensive initiator for Dallas in the crucial final stretch of games. His consistent shot attempts and usage rate make him a valuable asset to help you finish strong.
Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz (13.8%): Collier has quietly had a breakout season. He took over the lead point guard role mid-season and hasn`t relinquished it. Initially driven by his passing skills, his game now includes scoring and shooting, making him a focal point for a rebuilding team committed to his development.
Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards (15.4%): Carrington, a first-round rookie guard, showcased his all-around game against the Celtics, recording 14 points, three rebounds, and six assists. He recently achieved a career-high of 32 points against the Orlando Magic. With several games remaining, Carrington is a player to watch.
Shooting Guard
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors (42.7%): Podziemski has become a popular waiver wire target recently. This versatile guard has increased his fantasy value, especially with the arrival of Jimmy Butler III. Butler`s low-usage style complements Podziemski, allowing him to take on a significant workload, contributing to the team`s improved performance. Even without high scoring outputs, his assists and rebounds provide a solid floor.
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks (4.7%): Rollins, similar to Butler, has expanded his game to include passing, reducing his reliance on scoring for fantasy value. A recent near triple-double performance suggests Rollins could see increased playing time as the veteran Bucks prepare for the playoffs.
Jared Butler, Philadelphia 76ers (10.6%): Due to injuries within the 76ers, Butler is expected to play significant minutes in the remaining games. The 76ers face teams with weaker records and defenses in their final stretch, presenting favorable matchups for Butler, who is averaging six assists with the team and can contribute in both scoring and passing.
Small Forward
Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers (6.4%): Nesmith established himself as a valuable 3-and-D player for the Pacers last season. After injury challenges this year, he`s back in the starting lineup and increasingly involved offensively. Nesmith could be a key player this week as the Pacers build momentum for the playoffs.
Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls (20.3%): Playing for his hometown Bulls, Buzelis has been performing well, averaging 8.2 points per game and scoring in double figures in seven of his last eight games. Beyond his highlight-reel dunks, Buzelis`s consistent defensive effort and versatile skillset make him a worthwhile addition to your team.
Power Forward
Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets (51.2%): Smith`s ability to block shots and his recent surge in rebounding make him a strong fantasy option. His center eligibility further enhances his appeal.
Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers (38.9%): Camara, a waiver wire standout this season, is back from injury and brings relentless energy to the court. He`s a glue guy who can significantly contribute in category leagues.
Jonathan Mogbo, Toronto Raptors (0.9%): A deeper league option, Mogbo recently impressed with a near triple-double against Brooklyn. His post passing ability highlights his versatility and potential within the Raptors system.
Center
Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers (23.0%): Foul trouble can limit Bona`s minutes, but when he plays a full workload, this rookie rim protector has been impactful for both the 76ers and fantasy teams. His shot-blocking ability is a rare and valuable asset available in free agency.
Special Teams
This section highlights specialists, players excelling in specific categories, providing targeted value for category and roto leagues. Nominations focus on their standout category and will vary throughout the season.
3-Pointers: Podziemski and Carrington are top performers in 3-point production over the past week.
Steals: Jamal Shead of the Raptors is a strong source of steals, ranking high in steal value recently.
Blocks: Bona is the prime target for blocks, while Buzelis is also a significant block contributor.
Rebounds: Zach Edey, Jabari Smith Jr., and Kel`el Ware are notable rebounders to consider.
Assists: Collier and Shead are delivering strong assist numbers as point guards.