Utilizing the waiver wire is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Throughout the long season, with numerous games, injuries, and rotation changes, acquiring talent from free agency is essential to maximize your fantasy team`s potential.
Being open to roster adjustments and considering players available in free agency can be beneficial. Evaluate your end-of-bench players and compare them to the talent pool in free agency to continuously improve your team.
This weekly series aims to highlight widely available players at each position in ESPN leagues. Some players may specialize in specific categories, while others offer broader statistical contributions. The player rankings within each position below prioritize acquisition value rather than ESPN roster percentages.
Point guard
Stephon Castle, SG, San Antonio Spurs (53.9% rostered in ESPN leagues): Despite the setbacks of injuries to Victor Wembanyama and De`Aaron Fox, the Spurs are witnessing Castle`s development, potentially leading to another Rookie of the Year award. The team has experimented with Castle in various roles, both on and off the ball, and in different defensive schemes. While adapting to these changes has resulted in some inconsistent performances, it has also yielded impressive outcomes, such as a career-high 14 assists recently. It`s advisable to endure occasional poor shooting nights to capitalize on his overall potential.
Spencer Dinwiddie, SG, Dallas Mavericks (26.9%): After experimenting with different backcourt combinations, Dallas seems to have solidified Dinwiddie`s role as a primary playmaker. Expect significant scoring performances from him, as he is known for his high usage rate.
Jeff Dowtin Jr., Philadelphia 76ers (1.5%): Dowtin`s role will be limited when Tyrese Maxey is playing, but those instances are becoming less frequent. When he starts, Dowtin provides a good combination of defensive contributions and playmaking. This highlights the value of monitoring similar situations league-wide: players like Tre Jones in Chicago, Miles McBride with the Knicks, or young Jazz guards who gain fantasy relevance when elevated to starting or prominent roles as the season concludes.
Shooting guard
Kyshawn George, SF, Washington Wizards (14.4%): A strong draft class can transform a franchise. The Wizards` three first-round picks last year included George, who is thriving as the team prioritizes playing time for him and other young players. George, a versatile two-way wing, is a unique rookie capable of delivering valuable fantasy stats even without high scoring.
Shaedon Sharpe, SF, Portland Trail Blazers (47.2%): While defensive consistency is still developing, Sharpe`s offensive growth in the NBA is notable. His primary contributions will be three-pointers and scoring bursts, but specialists are valuable for fantasy success.
Kevin Huerter, SF, Chicago Bulls (19.0%): Huerter also relies heavily on scoring and shooting for fantasy value, but he occasionally contributes with assists and steals. The Bulls` lack of perimeter scoring options elevates Huerter to a significant role on most nights.
Small forward
Naji Marshall, PF, Dallas Mavericks (46.1%): Marshall continues to produce consistently, demonstrating his ability to be a major contributor when given substantial playing time. The Mavericks seem unlikely to change their rotation soon, suggesting Marshall`s impactful run could extend into the fantasy playoffs.
Justin Edwards, Philadelphia 76ers (11.3%): Edwards, a former top recruit who had a quiet freshman year at Kentucky and went undrafted in 2024, is now flourishing with the 76ers. As a local player thriving in their evolving rotation, Edwards has the opportunity to solidify his place in the league as a reliable wing.
Power forward
Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets (62.7%): Gordon is a strong recommendation for shallower leagues. He excels as a versatile player alongside Nikola Jokic and performs well even when Jokic is absent. With Jokic currently recovering, Gordon could be a key fantasy asset this week.
Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz (8.7%): Despite the Jazz rebuilding phase, Filipowski (“Flip”) has emerged as a valuable asset for the franchise. His fantasy value is conditional, peaking when John Collins or Lauri Markkanen are unavailable. However, this occurs frequently, making him a viable addition for regular use.
Center
Alex Sarr, PF, Washington Wizards (41.5%): While his progress is less consistent than teammate George, Sarr has shown promising flashes this spring, indicating a bright future. His immediate fantasy appeal lies in his potential for high block games, alongside improving scoring and rebounding numbers.
Kel`el Ware, Miami Heat (19.6%): Although the Heat initially moved away from larger lineups earlier in the month, they have recently returned to them, with Ware receiving significant minutes even with Bam Adebayo starting. With renewed trust and playing time, Ware is a valuable pickup at a position lacking depth.
Special teams
This section highlights specialists, players excelling in a specific category, offering targeted value in category and roto leagues. Nominations are based on their category strengths and will rotate throughout the season.
3-pointers: Malik Beasley continues his strong shooting season, ranking fourth in three-point value over the past two weeks. Brice Sensabaugh and Gary Trent Jr. have also been productive perimeter shooters recently.
Steals: Scotty Pippen Jr. has been active in generating steals. Washington`s George ranks 11th in steal value in the past two weeks.
Blocks: Sarr is fifth in block value over the last two weeks, solidifying his role on the young Wizards team. Peyton Watson has potential to become a fantasy star next season if he develops his offensive game to complement his strong defensive stats.
Rebounds: Ware is the top widely available rebounder, while Utah`s Filipowski has also been a positive rebounding contributor in the past two weeks.
Assists: Dowtin and Pippen are useful passing options. Isaiah Collier of Utah also offers assist potential.
