Utilizing the waiver wire is crucial for success in fantasy basketball. Throughout the long season, with numerous games, injuries, and constant rotation changes, acquiring stats from free agency is essential to maximize your fantasy rosters.
Being open to considering competition for the final roster spots in your fantasy basketball team can be beneficial. When managing this dynamic group of statistical contributors, it`s helpful to evaluate your bench players against the available talent in free agency.
This weekly series aims to identify players at each position who are widely available in free agency in ESPN leagues. Some suggested players are specialists who can contribute in one or two categories, while others offer more diverse and significant statistical contributions. In the analysis below, players at each position are listed in order of acquisition priority, rather than their roster percentage in ESPN men`s basketball leagues.
Point Guard
Spencer Dinwiddie, SG, Dallas Mavericks (38.9% rostered in ESPN leagues): While adding young, rising talent to your fantasy roster is appealing, there`s value in the predictable output of a proven veteran. Dinwiddie may still have scoring fluctuations this late in the season, but he remains the primary playmaker and facilitator for the Dallas offense in the final week of games. With consistent shot opportunities and usage, Dinwiddie can help you finish strong.
Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz (13.8%): Collier has had one of the most understated breakout seasons recently. He took over the lead point guard role mid-season and hasn`t looked back. Initially, his statistical impact was driven by assists, but now he`s adding scoring and shooting for a rebuilding team that is committed to him for the remainder of the season.
Bub Carrington, SG, Washington Wizards (15.4%): Carrington, a rookie guard drafted in the first round, played against the Celtics on Sunday, recording 14 points, three rebounds, and six assists. Carrington is a versatile player across the court. He even achieved a career-high of 32 points in last Thursday`s game against the Orlando Magic. With four games remaining, Carrington is a player to keep an eye on.
Shooting Guard
Brandin Podziemski, PG, Golden State Warriors (42.7%): Podziemski has been a popular addition in ESPN leagues over the past week. This resilient combo guard has become even more valuable for fantasy since the arrival of Jimmy Butler III. Butler`s low-usage style allows Podziemski to handle a significant workload, and this synergy has been crucial to the team`s improvement. Even when his scoring isn`t high, he provides plenty of assists and rebounds, raising his overall value.
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks (4.7%): Similar to Butler, Rollins has recently added passing to his skillset, making him less reliant on just scoring to be valuable. A recent near triple-double performance suggests Rollins could have a significant role down the stretch as the veteran Bucks rest players before the playoffs.
Jared Butler, Philadelphia 76ers (10.6%): Due to injuries on the Sixers, Butler is likely to have significant playing time in the remaining games. The 76ers` final four opponents are the Heat, Wizards, Hawks, and Bulls, all teams with losing records and weaker defenses. Averaging six assists with the Sixers, Butler can contribute with both scoring and passing, a combination highly valued by fantasy managers.
Small Forward
Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers (6.4%): Nesmith established himself as a valuable 3-and-D player for the Pacers last season. This year, injuries have been a recurring issue. Now back in the starting lineup and more involved offensively, Nesmith could be a key player this week as the team aims to build his momentum for the playoffs.
Matas Buzelis, PF, Chicago Bulls (20.3%): Growing up in Illinois, it’s fitting that Buzelis is now playing for his hometown Bulls. Buzelis, averaging 8.2 PPG this season, has scored in double figures in seven of his last eight games. Beyond his impressive dunks, Buzelis consistently plays strong defense. He demonstrates versatility, making him a worthwhile addition to your team.
Power Forward
Jabari Smith Jr., C, Houston Rockets (51.2%): For those who value wings who can block shots, Smith is a natural fit for fantasy rosters. He could be valuable for you too, especially given his recent surge in rebounding. His eligibility at center further increases his appeal.
Toumani Camara, SF, Portland Trail Blazers (38.9%): Camara has been a waiver wire standout this season, although he recently missed some games due to injury. He`s back and disrupting opponents with his high energy. He`s the kind of versatile player who can significantly contribute in category-based leagues.
Jonathan Mogbo, Toronto Raptors (0.9%): For deeper leagues, Mogbo recently impressed with strong stats against Brooklyn. His passing from the post was notable in his near triple-double, suggesting Toronto may have found another versatile forward.
Center
Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers (23.0%): Foul trouble can limit Bona’s minutes, this rookie rim protector. When he gets consistent starting minutes, Bona has been a revelation for the 76ers and fantasy teams. Blocks are scarce on the waiver wire, making Bona a valuable pickup.
Special Teams
This section highlights specialists, players who excel in a specific category and can provide targeted value in category and roto formats. Recommendations are based on their category strengths and will change throughout the season.
3-pointers: Podziemski and Carrington are ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, in added value from 3-point production over the last seven days.
Steals: Jamal Shead of the Raptors has been a strong source of steals, ranking ninth in added value for this statistic in the Player Rater over the past week.
Blocks: Bona is the top add if you need blocks, but Buzelis is also contributing significantly; he ranks second only to Myles Turner in added value via blocks on the Player Rater in the last week.
Rebounds: Zach Edey is significantly improving his rebounding under the new coaching approach in Memphis. Smith has also been rebounding effectively for Houston. Kel`el Ware is still playing enough in Miami to be relevant.
Assists: Collier is a skilled passer, and Shead of Toronto is also providing valuable pure point guard assist numbers.
