To succeed in fantasy basketball, effectively using the waiver wire is crucial. Throughout the long season, with numerous games, injuries, and rotation changes, finding valuable players in free agency is essential to maximize your team`s performance.
Being open to adding new players from free agency can be very beneficial for your fantasy team. When managing your roster, consider how your current bench players compare to the available talent in free agency.
This weekly guide aims to highlight widely available players in ESPN leagues at each position. Some players are specialists who excel in one or two categories, while others offer broader statistical contributions. The player rankings within each position below are based on acquisition priority, not their roster percentage in ESPN leagues.
Point Guard
Spencer Dinwiddie, Dallas Mavericks (38.6% Rostered): Veteran Dinwiddie is currently thriving in a high-usage role with the Mavericks. Dallas frequently uses pick-and-roll plays with Dinwiddie, suggesting his recent passing success should continue.
Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors (4.7%): With Toronto resting key players like Immanuel Quickley, Shead is a useful option in deeper leagues. Assists can be hard to find on the waiver wire in these leagues, making Shead a valuable pickup when he gets increased playing time.
Shooting Guard
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors (29.0%): It`s encouraging that Podziemski has performed well even when playing alongside stars like Stephen Curry. `Air Podz` provides valuable rebounding and cutting ability, bringing essential energy to the team. In fantasy, Podziemski`s all-around contributions make him valuable.
Jared Butler, Philadelphia 76ers (9.9%): Philadelphia is evaluating players for future roster spots, and Butler`s recent strong play increases his chances of being on the team next season. His ability to create plays off the dribble has been particularly impressive, something seen at Baylor but less so with the Wizards. Butler could finish the season strongly.
Small Forward
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons (41.2%): Thompson is a strong defender still developing offensively. His ability to get defensive stats makes him appealing during crucial fantasy playoff weeks. A recent game with four blocks highlights his high potential when he plays at his best.
Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls (11.0%): The Bulls have become surprisingly watchable, partly due to rookie forward Buzelis getting significant minutes. His recent strong performance against the Mavericks could indicate rising momentum. He`s worth a roster spot to see if this continues.
Justin Edwards, Philadelphia 76ers (28.7%): Edwards has become a valuable fantasy option in recent weeks, taking on a key 3-and-D role for the 76ers. While Butler has also played well, Edwards faces less competition for minutes and has secured a major role on both ends of the court for the team.
Power Forward
Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz (12.6%): The Jazz seem to have found another good player in Filipowski, who has quickly become productive as a rookie. After gradually increasing his minutes, he now plays a significant role and has double-double potential each night.
Kai Jones, Dallas Mavericks (5.8%): While his scoring might vary, Jones offers defensive value. He recently had six steals and blocks against the Bulls. Although his floor is low, his defensive capabilities make him a worthwhile pickup, given Dallas`s trust in him as a defender.
Center
Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards (43.6%): Sarr may have inconsistent scoring and shooting, but he can deliver exceptional block and rebound numbers. The Wizards are expected to give Sarr plenty of playing time, which could lead to exciting fantasy production.
Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers (7.6%): The 76ers are giving young talent like Bona more minutes, possibly as a backup for Joel Embiid next season. Bona`s impressive second jump ability could translate to significant blocks and rebounds in the remaining games.
Special Teams
This section highlights specialist players who excel in a specific category, valuable in category and roto fantasy formats. Nominations depend on the category and will change throughout the season.
3-pointers: Malik Beasley remains a top option for three-pointers. For a less rostered specialist, consider Podziemski or Gary Trent Jr. of Milwaukee.
Steals: Keon Ellis of Sacramento excels in steals, although he`s showing broader skills. Shead is also effective at getting steals.
Blocks: Bona has recorded multiple blocks in several recent games and is a strong option for rim protection.
Rebounds: Filipowski of Utah has been rebounding at a high level recently. Podziemski and Bona also provide good rebounding stats.
Assists: Shead is the go-to player for assists. Isaiah Collier of Utah is also a helpful source of assists.
