Although the season is still relatively young, we are in enough depth for managers to have an idea of where they stand relative to other teams. Examining your depth and knowing if there are any consumable items could open up the opportunity to refine your focus. As always, the waiver wire is the sweet spot, offering managers low-cost players who could be poised to climb the fantasy basketball rankings.
Identifying players who benefit from expanded roles, whether it’s an offensive threat delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player who bolsters your blocks and steals, is essential throughout the season.
Advertisement
Let’s take a look at nine key NBA players whose current stats suggest they are poised for significant value and are currently rostered in less than 40% of Yahoo leagues.
High-scoring Yahoo leagues
Colin GillespiePhoenix Suns (31% registered)
Placed in a significant role this season, Gillespie took advantage of Jalen Green being mostly out due to a nagging hamstring injury. He came off the bench before Wednesday’s game, in which he made his first start of the season, totaling 48 fantasy points. He has scored double-digit points in seven straight games, amassing at least 30 fantasy points in six of those seven appearances. Whether he continues to start or returns to the bench, Gillespie has been a big part of what Phoenix has been able to do and should be included in all formats, including high-scoring leagues.
Advertisement
Noah ClowneyBrooklyn Nets (24% registered)
Another player who is playing the best basketball of his career, Clowney finally seems to have carved out a consistent role for himself in Brooklyn. He’s played at least 30 minutes in five of the last seven games, tallying double-digit points in all seven. He’s averaged 37.3 fantasy points per game over the last three games, giving the Nets a secondary scoring option behind Michael Porter Jr. If his defensive contributions can persist, we could be looking at a player who has value for the rest of the season.
Keldon JohnsonSan Antonio Spurs (19% registered)
Johnson continues to improve in Victor Wembanyama’s absence, having scored in double figures in five straight appearances, while adding 42 rebounds overall. Although he still comes off the bench, he has closed out several games recently. He has at least 28 fantasy points in four of those five games, and while his value likely has a shelf life, he’s certainly worth adding until Wembanyama is back in the fold.
Advertisement
Standard leagues of 9 categories
Dylan HarperSan Antonio Spurs (23% registered)
Harper returned to action Wednesday, back in the lineup after suffering a calf strain earlier in the season. While his playing time was clearly limited upon his return, we’ve seen enough of Harper to begin his rookie campaign to know he’ll be fantasy value at some point. While De’Aaron Fox has also returned to the lineup as of late, Stephon Castle replaced him on the sidelines after succumbing to a hip injury. There is obviously an element of risk associated with Harper, given the very small sample size we have. However, if you can absorb some risk, he makes sense as an addition, just to see if he can get back to 26 minutes per game.
Daniel GaffordDallas Mavericks (22% registered)
It’s been far from smooth sailing for Gafford this season, with an ankle injury costing him five games to start the campaign. However, he has only missed one game since, starting in 12 of his 13 games. He has played at least 25 minutes in seven straight games and should be able to maintain his recent momentum following the news that Dereck Lively would miss 7-10 days with a foot issue. Anthony Davis appears to be closing in on a return, but as we know, he would prefer to play as a striker, alongside Gafford. A top-60 player over the past two weeks, averaging 10.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 2.0 blocks, Gafford simply needs to be rostered everywhere right now.
Advertisement
Peyton WatsonDenver Nuggets (25% registered)
It’s been a roller coaster ride for Watson this season, playing a much larger role than expected following injuries to Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. In six games over the past two weeks, Watson has been a top-60 player, averaging 16.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 three-pointers and 2.0 combined steals and blocks in 34.0 minutes per game. Gordon and Braun will likely be out for at least a month, meaning the starting spot will be Watson’s to lose. Although the scoring can fluctuate, his defensive floor and ability to rebound at a high rate make him a must-play player.
Standard points leagues
Anthony BlackOrlando Magic (21% registered)
Black has seemingly been able to add an element of consistency to their game, scoring in double figures in six straight games. In fact, in seven appearances over the past two weeks, he’s averaged 15.6 points, 3.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 three-pointers in 28.4 minutes per game. The impending return of Paolo Banchero is obviously going to have an impact, although there will likely be some sort of ramp-up period. However, Black was flirting with value even before Banchero went down, making him a viable, but slightly risky, pickup even in point formats.
Advertisement
Brandon WilliamsDallas Mavericks (14% registered)
Williams played on what appeared to be a minor issue, potentially limiting his overall production. That said, he’s still been able to contribute on both ends of the court and appears to have the starting point guard role locked down. The return of Anthony Davis could actually help Williams, with Davis drawing a lot of attention on the offensive end. This could, in turn, see Williams’ assist numbers increase, while his shot selection could improve. The past issue is something we need to keep an eye on, but until we hear otherwise, he makes for a viable points target in the league.
Vince Williams Jr., Memphis Grizzlies (24% on roster)
Memphis continues to deal with multiple injuries in its backcourt, giving Williams an unexpected opportunity to start at point guard. His scoring has been extremely inconsistent and appears to be less of a priority for him moving forward. However, in five games since taking office, Williams has averaged 6.5 rebounds, 10.8 assists and 1.4 steals. His ceiling is somewhat capped due to his lack of scoring potential, but he remains an elite source of assists and rebounds out of position, making him a sneaky asset, at least until Ja Morant returns to the lineup.
