FANTASY BASKETBALL WAIVER WIRE (WEEK 8 – WEEK 9)

FANTASY BASKETBALL WAIVER WIRE (WEEK 8 – WEEK 9) 2012

By Muntradamus

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Update: 12/21/12

*Isaiah Thomas- With another dominant performance in Tuesdays game I am going to put him in the must-add category before knowing what he does Wednesday night.  He is ready to be as big of a fantasy impact as Jeremy Lin.  MUST ADD.

Update: 12/20/12

*Carlos Delfino– He has been playing well throughout the week.   He is a solid source of 3PTM, and steals.  Chances are he will not be on your waiver wire for long.  BUMPED TO PICK UP THIS WEEK.

*Isaiah Thomas– Thomas has started the last two games for the Kings.  After racking up (23 Points, 11 Assists, 8 Rebounds, 3 3PTM) Sunday night, Thomas becomes close to must-add material.  Granted the Kings lost both games, finding fantasy guards with this potential this late in the season is rate.  You can either jump now, or wait to see if the Kings come out with this rotation out of the All-Star Break.  If he has a big week leading to the Break, he needs to be picked up.  PLAYERS I AM WATCHING CLOSELY.

(READ AN EARLIER ARTICLE ABOUT ISAIAH THOMAS)

*Bismack Biyombo– Centers do not come often in fantasy basketball that have much worth.  Biyombo consistently is getting starts (8 in a row) and is proving he can fill up the stat sheet.  He is only going to get better with more experience and eventually will become a must-start option.  BUMPED TO PICK UP THIS WEEK.

*Wilson Chandler– Could sign with the Nuggets this Monday.  He should not be a Free Agent in any league that has more than 9 teams.

*All other players remain where I originally put them.

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It’s that time of the week.  The time you look at your roster and think.  How can I make my team better?  Hopefully you caught last week’s article and picked up all of the players I suggested.  Because by now a majority of those players are gone.

If you want to see how all players have been doing and my thoughts, check out the Daily Show.

Recap of Players I Told you to pick up from Previous Articles.   

(Previous Waiver Wire Articles)

PLAYERS THAT SHOULD NOT BE FREE AGENTS

Nikola Pekovic (C) Minnesota- If he is still on you waiver wire pick him up now.
Jeremy Lin (G) Knicks- No way he is available in any league.
Greivis Vasquez (G) Hornets- His value got a nice jump with Eric Gordon out another 6 more weeks.
Channing Frye (F/C) Phoenix- Took his game to the next level and is no doubt the starter.
J.R. Smith (G) Knicks- Despite landing in NY where playing time and shots will be scarce.  J.R. is an explosive beast.
Jerryd Bayless (G) Raptors- Ankle injury slowed down his process, he will be back soon.

PLAYERS THAT WILL BE PICKED UP SOON ENOUGH

Evan Turner (G) 76ers- If Jrue Holiday continues to struggle he will be, Must-Add material.
Jordan Crawford (G) Washington- Still would pick him as he is clearly the #3 scorer on the team.
Austin Daye (F) Pistons- His potential down the stretch is too good to be on waiver wires.

PLAYERS THAT CAN STILL BE ON YOUR WAIVER WIRE

Mike Dunleavy (G/F) Bucks- A fantasy reserve at best for now.
Tyrus Thomas (F) Bobcats- If Charlotte gives up hope, the NBA will give him another chance.
James Johnson (F) Raptors- Gerald Wallace 2.0 now has a lot of competition for PT.

Now onto Week 9…

This section will be updated throughout the week:

2/16/2012

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Free Agents that Should be Picked up this Week.

Tony Allen (G) Grizzlies

 

Last 6 Games Started: (15.6 Points. 2.4 Steals. 3 3PTM. 0.8 Blocks. 33.2 Minutes)

Clearly the Grizz are a much a better team when they have defensive stopper Tony Allent on the court.  Giving him 39 Minutes compared to O.J. Mayo’s 19 last night, means the team is ready to play their better player.  It could help that he scored 21 Points while O.J. was struggling to find his shot, but the truth is Tony Allen is a threat for big steal numbers, and a block every game.  Tony Allen makes as an excellent Fantasy Basketball role player, getting 30+ Minutes often.

 

Wilson Chandler (F) Nuggets

 

Wilson’s CBA team is struggling heading into the playoffs.  Their season can go anywhere from late February to late March, but the good news is the transition back to the NBA will be quickly.  George Karl knows what Chandler can do, and has already said he can play 30 Minutes a game when he is back.  Trust me..you do not want someone else to pick this guy up.

Ben Gordon (G) Pistons

Last 5 Games: (11 Shot Attempts. 20 Minutes. (+2:1 Ratio).  13 Points/Game. 0.65 Points/Per Minute)

Ben Gordon is an offensive weapon.  Maybe one of the top shooters in the NBA, but nobody will ever tell you that.  The Pistons are desperate for an offensive weapon as they lean on Greg Monroe every night to score 20+, while the other role players combine for hopefully 60 Points.  The Pistons know that Ben Gordon can bring them 20+ every night, and after seeing him shoot the ball with a Michael Beasley ratio, of a more than a shot per two minutes played.  The Pistons are ready to make the move to get this guy more involved in their game plan.  He looks 100% after the shoulder injury, and it could mean back to the bench for Brandon Knight very soon.

 

Carlos Delfino (F) Bucks

 

Last 5 Games: (15.4 Points. 30 Minutes. 3.4 3PTM. 2 Steals)

Delfino has been a corner stone of inconsistency all season long. If Stephen Jackson was not on coach Skiles bad side, or if Mike Dunleavy got his fair opportunity to be a big player on this team, Delfino would be on the bench.  I like Carlos as a fantasy basketball player, as I was a beneficiary of his huge steals, and 3PTM a season ago.  This year you just don’t know what Carlos you are going to get, and you have to wonder how much longer is this going to last?

 

Earl Watson (G) Jazz

 

Month of February: (6.85 Assists. 24.85 Minutes)

Earl was quietly outplaying Devn Harris on most nights.  Now it is obvious.  The Jazz need Watson to be their PG as they are falling in a huge slump.  Watson is already getting 20+ Minutes a night, and when that number crawls to 29+, he becomes a must-add player.  If you need assists, Earl Watson is the next best thing to Ramon Sessions.  Maybe better.

Question of the Week: from January 26^th about Earl Watson.

 

Bismack Biyombo (C) Bobcats

 

Last 6 Games: (6 Starts. 7.33 Rebounds. 1 Block. 0.5 Steals. 6 Points)

Bismack is a young raw talent.  The good news is the Bobcats are running him as a starter consistently.  The bad news is, he is not being consistent.  The double-double with blocks could be relevant starting in Mid-March.  But for now you can leave him on the waiver wire if you do not have anyone to drop.  Just make sure they continue to roll him as their starter.

 

Markieff Morris (F) Suns

 

Last 4 Games: (19.25 Points. 5.25 Rebounds. 5 3PTM. 1.5 Steals. 1.75 Blocks. 24 Minutes)

Morris is starting to look really good as he did in the early part of the season.  The Suns do not have room for him is the problem.  Channing Frye finally got his game together, while Marcin Gortat will never see the bench.  Morris is a very talented offensive player, and unless one of the guys in front of him gets hurt.  Morris will always have this potential, but a lot of time remains inconsistent.  You can take a flier on him now if you want to.

Ersan Illysova (F) Bucks

 

Month of February: (12 Points. 1.25 Blocks. 5 3PTM. 9.75 Rebounds. 80% FT)

Ever since the injury to Andrew Bogut, Ersan Illysova has been quietly stepping up with some huge games.  He has the potential to grab 10 Rebounds every night, he has a 3PT shot, and most importantly he will give you a quality game pretty consistently.  His minutes are a bit sporadic, but anything less than 24 per game is a disappointment.

Corey Maggette (F) Bobcats

 

Last 3 Games: (17.33 Points. 2 Steals. 17/21 FT 81%)

Maggette has averaged 20 Points, and 16 shot attempts per game this week alone.  Those numbers should continue all season long as nobody will convince Maggette he can’t score whenever he wants.  The Bobcats are desperate for a big offensive weapon, and Maggette is the most proven thing they have.  The problem with Charlotte is they run deep with mediocre players, but I do not expect Gerald Henderson to get in the way of the team’s leading scorer.

Tiago Splitter (F/C) Spurs

 

Last 7 Games: (12.29 Points. 5.29 Rebounds. 0.86 Blocks. 20 Minutes)

Tiago is probably the most talented big man the Spurs have offensively.  With Tim Duncan showing his age last night, and not being a constant threat for 25+ Minutes every game.  That combined with DeJuan Blair is a joke of a starting center in the NBA.  Splitter is setting himself up for a great second half of the season.  The schedule tightens up in the NBA over the second half, so the DNP’s will rack up for Duncan.  As a starter Splitter has 15 Point, 8 Rebound potential every night.

 

Free Agents that I am Watching.

 

Chandler Parsons (F) Rockets

 

Last 5 Games: (29.4 Minutes. 8.8 Points. 4.6 Rebounds. 1 Steal. 5 3PTM)

The current leader of the group named “Triangle Slash.”  The players refer to Chase Budinger, Courtney Lee, and Chandler Parsons.  Lately it has been a one man show of Chandler Parsons.  If that continues through the weekend then he can be a good short term option until Chase Budinger explodes for 20 off the bench.

Gustavo Ayon (F) Hornets

 

Last 2 Games: (12.5 Points. 10.5 Rebounds. 2 Steals. 1.5 Blocks)

Ayon is what Luis Scola was supposed to be this year.  A hustle PF who will rack up his stats based off of his own energy.  The rebounds and steals have been there all season for Gustavo.  The problem is, now that Chris Kaman is being a big offensive factor, combined with Emeka Okafor needing playing time when he comes back from injury.  Combine all that with Jason Smith and his concussion, and Carl Landry out for a few more weeks.  It is hard to see Ayon having any long term fantasy value.

Chris Wilcox (F) Celtics

 

Last 2 Games: (14 Points. 9 Rebounds. 0.5 Block. 0.5 Steals. 2 Starts)

For those owners who are trying to figure out a replacement for Brandon Bass, Chris Wilcox is your guy.  He is a proven player and the Celtics need big bodies as Jermaine O’Neal is looking old, and Kevin Garnett is starting to break down.  Wilcox may not be worth the long term add now, but for now a great short term option.

 

 

Grant Hill (F) Suns

 

Season: (28 Minutes. 9.3 Points. 3.5 Rebounds. 0.7 Steal. 0.7 Block)

The ageless wonder continues to rack up 30+ Minutes consistently every night.  The Suns do not appear to give Hill any competition for playing time, which will give his fantasy owners some feeling of safety.  He may not light it up every night, but he will occasionally give you a good all-around game that reminds you of an okay Hedo Turkoglu value.  That is not awful considering a lot of people have not considered everyone thought he was done going into the season, after a brief lockout.

Marco Belinelli (G) Hornets

 

Last 5 Games: (13.4 Points. 0.8 Steals. 2.4 3PTM)

As a solid outside shooter, Marco fits the bill.  As a complete NBA player who deserves to be on the court 30+ Minutes a game, Marco does not fit the bill.  He has been consistent lately knocking down a 3PTM and scoring 10+ Points.  With his 22 Point, 6 3PTM outburst last night people will be watching him more closely.  When Jarrett Jack returns at some point before the All-Star Break, I expect Marco to lose a lot of fantasy value as the Hornets figure out a way to get Vasquez at SG.  I know that situation did not pan out when Jack was healthy last time around, but look for a changeup eventually.

 

 

Ekpe Udoh (C) Warriors

 

Month of February: (2.67 Blocks. 20 Minutes. 4.42 Shot Attempts

If you need blocks and only blocks, Udoh is your guy.  His minutes are very scarce right now as some nights he will hover around 20 per game.   Which makes no sense, since he is clearly the best center on their roster.  I expect Ekpe to be a good fantasy asset as the season continues, but for now he is still waiver wire material.  If I had to guess between Bismack or Udoh becoming a better fantasy option.  I would probably put my money on Udoh since this guy has the explosiveness.  Just needs the opportunity.

 

Linas Kleiza (F) Raptors

 

Month of February: (16.14 Points. 5 Rebounds. 14 3PTM)

The James Johnson killer.  Kleiza has been a consistent good player since his 30 Point outburst earlier this month.  Kleiza is an interesting fantasy asset, as he bring some nice 3PTM, along with his high scoring potential.  However the Raptors are a very deep team, and it is going to take a lot to break into that squad.  When Bargnani comes back, minutes will be even more scarce.  Having an ankle injury will always set him back.  You can take a short term flier on him if he returns before Bargs.

Semih Erden (C) Cavaliers

 

Last Game: (18 Points. 8 Rebounds. 32 Minutes. 7/8 FG)

Erden does not impress me as a player.  Was his 18 Point game great on Wednesday Night?  Yes of course it was.  But how often is he going to shoot 7/8 from the field?  Exactly.  Watch him closely, see if he can continue his success.  If anything, he is a one month Zaza Pachulia for your roster.

 

Good Players I am ready to drop.

 

Derrick Williams (F) Timberwolves

 

Last 4 Games: (4.25 Points. 17.25 Minutes)

The other D.Will is on a bad team for him right now.  The T-Wolves already have enough people at his position with; Love, Webster, and Michael Beasley.  But on top of that, Williams isn’t really sure what position he is anyways.  His fantasy value is nice when there is an injury to the other three players, but for now bench material at best.  I have put him in this column before, you can find them by clicking the Waiver Wire Hash tag.

Tyrus Thomas (F) Bobcats

 

Last 3 Games: (13.33 Minutes. 0 Starts. 5 Points. 1.667 Rebounds)

The Bobcats have become stacked at every position.  Tryus Thomas now has to battle Maggette, and Boris Diaw for minutes.  Once Gerald Henderson is healthy, he will be back in the picture.  Derrick Brown is also capable of the position.  Next.

DeJuan Blair (C) Spurs

 

Last 11 Games: (6 Points. 4.81 Rebounds. 17.9 Minutes)

I do not support DeJuan Blair as a fantasy basketball player.  He rarely gets 10 Points, he rarely gets 10 Rebounds, He rarely gets 30 Minutes.  I cannot name one thing Blair brings to the table.  I have put him in this column before, you can find them by clicking the Waiver Wire Hash tag.

Marvin Williams  (F) Hawks

 

Month of February: (Scored in double digits once)

Muff Cabbage!  This guy is at the same bust level of the Kwame Browns.  Expecting 13 Points a game is not a realistic goal.  I would be intrigued by his potential if he got traded to another team with a new start. I have put him in this column before, you can find them by clicking the Waiver Wire Hash tag,.

Reggie Williams (G) Bobcats

 

Last 4 Games: (8 Points. 3.5 Rebounds)

Reggie, Reggie, Reggie.  Almost had a similar Jeremy Lin story, except his never got going after his second game back-to-back 20+ point game.  With D.J. Augustin back, and Gerald Henderson returning soon.  To go along with Kemba Walker, and Corey Maggette as the primary scorers in this offense.  It is going to be tough for Williams to be a big fantasy value.