Working the waiver wire is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Throughout the long season with numerous games, injuries, and rotation changes, utilizing free agency to acquire valuable stats is essential for maximizing your fantasy rosters.
Being open to changes and competition for the final spots on your roster can be beneficial. When managing your player pool, consider how your end-of-bench players compare to the available talent in free agency.
This weekly series aims to identify 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 roster percentage in ESPN leagues.
Point guard
Spencer Dinwiddie, SG, Dallas Mavericks (rostered in 38.9% of ESPN leagues): While adding young, emerging talent is appealing, experienced veterans offer reliable value. Dinwiddie`s scoring can be inconsistent, but he is the primary playmaker for Dallas in the final week of games. His consistent shot attempts and usage rate make him a valuable addition to help you finish strong.
Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz (13.8%): Collier has had a quietly impressive breakout season. He took over as the lead point guard earlier in the season and has excelled. Initially known for his passing, he is now contributing with scoring and shooting for a rebuilding team committed to his development.
Bub Carrington, SG, Washington Wizards (15.4%): Carrington, a first-round rookie guard, recently played against the Celtics, scoring 14 points, grabbing three rebounds, and dishing out six assists. Carrington is a versatile player, highlighted by his career-high 32 points against the Orlando Magic last Thursday. With four games remaining, Carrington is a player to watch.
Shooting guard
Brandin Podziemski, PG, Golden State Warriors (42.7%): Podziemski has become a popular pickup in ESPN leagues recently. This versatile guard has increased his fantasy value, particularly since Jimmy Butler III joined the team. Butler`s low-usage style allows Podziemski to take on a significant workload, creating positive synergy. Even without high scoring games, his assists and rebounds provide consistent value.
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks (4.7%): Similar to Butler, Rollins has expanded his game to include passing, making him less reliant on just scoring to be valuable. A recent near triple-double performance indicates Rollins could see increased playing time as the veteran Bucks rest players before the playoffs.
Jared Butler, Philadelphia 76ers (10.6%): Injuries on the Sixers will likely keep Butler busy for the remaining games. The 76ers` upcoming opponents (Heat, Wizards, Hawks, and Bulls) are all teams with losing records and weaker defenses. Butler is averaging six assists for the Sixers and can contribute in both scoring and passing, making him a desirable fantasy option.
Small forward
Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers (6.4%): Nesmith established himself as a valuable 3-and-D player for the Pacers last season. After battling injuries this year, he`s back in the starting lineup and more involved offensively. Nesmith could be a key contributor this week as the Pacers prepare him for the playoffs.
Matas Buzelis, PF, Chicago Bulls (20.3%): Buzelis, who grew up in Illinois, is now playing for his hometown Bulls. He`s averaging 8.2 PPG this season and has scored in double figures in seven of his last eight games. Beyond his impressive dunks, Buzelis is a consistent defender and contributes across multiple categories, making him a worthwhile addition to your team.
Power forward
Jabari Smith Jr., C, Houston Rockets (51.2%): Smith is valuable for fantasy rosters, especially for those who value wings who can block shots. His rebounding has significantly improved recently, and his center eligibility further increases his appeal.
Toumani Camara, SF, Portland Trail Blazers (38.9%): Camara has been a consistent waiver wire option this season. After a recent injury absence, he`s back and disrupting opponents with his high energy. He`s a glue guy who can be very helpful in category leagues.
Jonathan Mogbo, Toronto Raptors (0.9%): For deeper leagues, Mogbo recently had a standout performance against Brooklyn, nearly achieving a triple-double. His impressive post passing suggests Toronto may have found another versatile forward.
Center
Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers (23.0%): Foul trouble can limit Bona`s minutes, but when he plays a full workload, this rookie rim protector is impactful for both the 76ers and fantasy teams. Blocks are a scarce commodity in free agency, making Bona a valuable pickup.
Special teams
This section highlights specialists, players who excel in a specific category and offer targeted value in category and roto formats. Nominations are based on the player`s category strength and will vary throughout the season.
3-pointers: Podziemski and Carrington are ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, in 3-point production value over the last week.
Steals: Jamal Shead of the Raptors is a strong source of steals, ranking ninth in value in this category recently.
Blocks: Bona is the top choice for blocks, but Buzelis is also contributing significantly, ranking second in block value recently.
Rebounds: Zach Edey is improving his rebounding in Memphis. Smith is also rebounding well for Houston. Kel`el Ware is still getting enough playing time in Miami to be relevant.
Assists: Collier is an excellent passer, and Shead of Toronto is also providing valuable assist numbers.
