Fear not, the waiver wire is not completely dried up
As it seems to be every year, the waiver wire was a gold mine at the start of the season. If you cashed in on players such as Devonte’ Graham, Luke Kennard and Kendrick Nunn, congratulations. If you were caught snoozing then I’ll help you find the next diamond in the rough.
The Kings
The Sacramento Kings have been plagued with injuries lately. Power forward Marvin Bagley III has missed every game since the opener, and PG De’Aaron Fox is out with a sprained ankle. As a result, the King’s bench has produced promising fantasy options. PF Nemanja Bjelica has been starting and averaging 13 points and nine rebounds over the last three games. Shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic has been the largest beneficiary of Fox’s absence. In his last three games, he’s averaged 20 points, seven assists and two steals over 34 minutes per game.
Thirdly, Richaun Holmes is establishing himself as the number one center on the team. Dewayne Dedmon has been disappointing, to say the least, and Holmes is capitalizing. Over his last three, he’s averaging a 15 point and 11 rebound double-double. Bogdanovic, Bjelica and Holmes are hovering around 30 percent to 40 percent owned, and they should be rostered if they’re not already in your league.
PF – Moritz Wagner
Wagner and Brandon Clarke are the only two players (minimum of 19 mpg) in the NBA averaging 60 percent from the field and 80 percent from the line. However, Washington is only giving Wagner 19 minutes of floor time on the season, which is why he is owned in just 8 percent of leagues. Fortunately, his role has been growing as of late. He’s played at least 20 minutes in each of his last three games. On Nov. 15 he exploded for 30 points and 15 rebounds against the Timberwolves. He needs to take minutes from David Bertans and Troy Brown Jr. to increase his value. If he gains a permanent role or someone gets injured, he’s in line for huge production.
SG – Langston Galloway
Dwayne Casey and the Pistons have been generous to fantasy owners this season. Just eight players on the roster are averaging 20 minutes or more this season, and only six of them have over the last week. Langston Galloway saw his role increase when Tony Snell strained his hip flexor a little over a week ago. In the two games since, Galloway has led the team in minutes (39), points (22.5) and threes (5) per game. Unfortunately, he does not contribute in many other ways, but at least he’s at least useful in volume scoring. I believe he’s earned a larger role in the offense with his play. Tony Snell has been much less productive in the same role this year.
G – Shaquille Harrison
At the time I’m writing this, Harrison has only really played one game this season. On Tuesday, he played 26 minutes and stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block. The Bulls have a deep backcourt with Zach Lavine, Coby White, Tomas Satoransky and Kris Dunn. I think based on that performance, Harrison deserves a larger role in the rotation. He had a strong run with the Bulls last season towards the end of the year, including an eight-game stretch where he played at least 30 minutes and averaged two steals and seven rebounds per game. At 6’7”, Harrison has produced forward-like numbers at the guard position when given ample minutes. He’s worth keeping an eye on moving forward.
PG – Isaiah Thomas
I-T isn’t the same player he was a few years ago. He’s had to adjust to playing with a lingering hip injury that will bother him until he retires. In his role in Washington, as John Wall’s temporary replacement, he’s separated himself as a worthy starter. He’s overtaken Ish Smith for the lead role and has been playing pretty well. He’s averaging 13 points, six assists and just two turnovers per game this season. John Wall won’t be back anytime soon, so Thomas will be starting as long as he can stay healthy.