Mastering the waiver wire is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Throughout the long season, with numerous games, injuries, and rotation changes, leveraging free agency to bolster your roster is essential for maximizing your fantasy potential.
Being open to adding new players to the end of your fantasy basketball roster can be highly beneficial. When managing your team of statistical contributors, it`s wise to constantly evaluate your bench players against the available talent in free agency.
This weekly guide aims to highlight readily available free agents in ESPN leagues across different positions. Some recommendations are specialists who excel in specific categories, while others offer broader statistical contributions. The player rankings within each position below are prioritized by acquisition urgency, rather than their ESPN roster percentage.
Point Guard
Spencer Dinwiddie, SG, Dallas Mavericks (38.6% Rostered in ESPN Leagues): Experience trumps youth as veteran Dinwiddie flourishes in a high-usage role for the Mavericks. Dallas`s reliance on pick-and-roll plays with Dinwiddie suggests his recent playmaking surge is sustainable.
Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors (4.7%): With Toronto frequently resting key players like Immanuel Quickley, Shead emerges as a viable option in deeper leagues. Finding assists on the waiver wire can be challenging in these leagues, making Shead a worthwhile pickup when he sees increased playing time.
Shooting Guard
Brandin Podziemski, PF, Golden State Warriors (29.0%): Podziemski`s impactful performances alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler are encouraging. `Air Podz` delivers consistent rebounding and smart offensive plays, valuable `glue guy` traits for his team. His all-around contributions make Podziemski a valuable fantasy asset.
Jared Butler, Philadelphia 76ers (9.9%): As Philadelphia evaluates rotation players for the future, Butler has impressed, increasing his chances of a long-term roster spot. His improved playmaking off the dribble, reminiscent of his Baylor days, is a key development. Butler could be a strong finisher this season.
Small Forward
Ausar Thompson, PF, Detroit Pistons (41.2%): Thompson, a strong defender developing offensively, gains fantasy appeal in crucial playoff weeks due to his high defensive stat potential. A recent four-block game highlights his ceiling when he`s performing at his peak.
Matas Buzelis, PF, Chicago Bulls (11.0%): The Chicago Bulls` unexpected competitiveness includes significant minutes for rookie forward Buzelis. His recent strong showing against the Mavericks might signal ongoing momentum, making him a player to consider adding to your roster to see if it continues.
Justin Edwards, Philadelphia 76ers (28.7%): Edwards, a consistent waiver wire suggestion, is a valuable fantasy option in a 3-and-D role for the 76ers. While Butler is also performing well, Edwards faces less competition for minutes and has solidified a key role on both ends of the court for Philadelphia.
Power Forward
Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz (12.6%): The Jazz have found another promising frontcourt player in rookie `Flip,` who has quickly become productive at the NBA level. After a patient build-up, Filipowski now consistently plays significant minutes with double-double potential.
Kai Jones, Dallas Mavericks (5.8%): Jones`s fantasy value may not always be reflected in scoring, but his defensive prowess is significant, as shown by a recent six steal-and-block game against the Bulls. While his scoring floor might be low, his defensive upside is considerable given Dallas`s trust in him.
Center
Alex Sarr, PF, Washington Wizards (43.6%): Rookie Sarr may have inconsistent scoring and shooting performances, but he offers significant block and rebound potential. Washington will give Sarr ample playing time to develop, which could lead to exciting fantasy production.
Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers (7.6%): The 76ers are actively evaluating young talent, including Bona, who is getting extended minutes as a potential backup to Joel Embiid. Bona`s exceptional second jump ability could translate to impressive block and rebound numbers in the remaining games.
Special Teams
This section highlights specialists, players who excel in a particular statistical category, offering targeted value in category and roto leagues. Recommendations will vary throughout the season based on category needs.
3-pointers: Malik Beasley remains a top three-point specialist. For a more widely available option, consider Podziemski or Milwaukee`s Gary Trent Jr.
Steals: Keon Ellis of Sacramento is proving to be more than just a defender, but steals remain his key contribution. Shead is also showing strong steal potential.
Blocks: Bona has recorded multiple blocks in several recent games. His shot-blocking freedom makes him a potentially league-winning rim protector.
Rebounds: Filipowski of Utah has been rebounding at an elite level recently. Podziemski and Bona also offer solid rebounding numbers.
Assists: Shead is your go-to player for assists. Isaiah Collier of Utah also provides assist value.
