To succeed in fantasy basketball, it is crucial to work the waiver wire. To maximize fantasy rosters, we will need stats from free agency because of the many injuries, games and shifts in rotations.
It can be rewarding to allow competition for the final few spots in your fantasy hoops roster. This fluid collection of statistical contributors can be a rewarding experience. It helps to think about your end-of bench players as if they are competing with the free-age talent.
This weekly series seeks to identify players in each position that are available in free agency for around a quarter (25%) of ESPN leagues. Some nominations have specialists who can assist in only one or two categories while others offer more extensive and vital statistical data. Below are the breakdowns of players. I have ranked them according to priority rather than ESPN league roster percentage.
Point Guard
Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings(Rostered at 18.3% ESPN leagues) Mitchell is now a statistical powerhouse after he was injured. Mitchell has gained traction and is now one of the most-added player of the week. Domantas Sabonis De’Aaron Fox. Mitchell’s league-winning upside is evident for the last weeks of the season. Mitchell scored at least 22 points in his three previous outings and collected seven dimes.
Kevin Porter Jr., Houston Rockets (70.3%):You should acquire “KPJ” for the stretch run if you have him available as a free agent in your format. Even though his scoring has dropped recently, his stellar assist rate allows for immense fantasy impact for USC products.
Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls (26.0%):Sometimes, we have to see the whole of statistical contributions and not just focus on small scoring results. To get Porter’s strong assist, rebounding, and defensive rates, you will need to accept Caruso’s modest scoring.
Shooting Guard
Bruce Brown, Brooklyn Nets (32.6%):Brown, the Nets’ resident “glue man”, does a bit of everything. Brown is the guard version to a Swiss army knife. He has a unique mix of steals and blocks as well as boards, boards, and dimes.
Donte DiVincenzo, Sacramento Kings (37.9%):DiVincenzo, Sacramento’s sixth man, has contributed a variety of skills to the Villanova team by posting at least eight rebounds in his last four games.
Alec Burks, New York Knicks (21.3%):For fantasy purposes, Tom Thibodeau’s trust is very valuable. Burks often tops 30 minutes per game as a key backcourt contributor to the Knicks. This role can support solid shooting and scoring results. However, it is best to roster. Immanuel Quickley(16.1%) since he was recently empowered to close the games.
Small Forward
Will Barton, Denver Nuggets (58.2%):As a key complement to Nikola JokicBarton’s lack of backcourt depth is an advantage. Barton may be warming up in the final weeks of fantasy campaign, according to some solid lines.
Terance Mann, LA Clippers (21.9%): His role and minutes may fluctuate on a Clippers roster, which remains deep even after a wave perimeter injuries. However, Mann has increased his scoring production and passed enough to be worthy of trusting the occasional dip.
Power Forward
Marvin Bagley III, Detroit Pistons (53.3%):His value will depend on how many times the team plays. Jerami GrantBagley is proving to be an excellent option when Grant rests, especially down the stretch. Bagley is warming up, having already won two high-scoring games in the last week.
Robert CovingtonLA Clippers (59.9%).Covington has made seven blocks in his last three games, proving just how valuable he is even when his shot doesn’t fall. Covington has just enough firepower to back his elite defensive rates and is a great addition for anyone looking for defensive pop in category or roto formats.
Lauri Markkanen, Cleveland Cavaliers (54.9%):While he isn’t a great defensive player, Markkanen’s shooting and scoring volumes are enough to be worth attention. This is particularly true when Markkanen plays heavy minutes for a team that chases wins. In these last weeks, such certainty can be difficult to come by.
Center
Isaiah StewartDetroit Pistons (62.1%):“Beefstew” has been given the ability to shoot corner 3-pointers. He did this on Sunday, sinking a career high of two shots from deep in a loss against the Knicks. He is highly valued for his rebounding rate, but his profile also includes respectable rim protection.
Steven Adams, Memphis Grizzlies (54.5%):Adams is a key player in the Grizzlies’ recent success. He has improved his rim protection rate and is still a top rebounder.