Fantasy Basketball: Top waiver-wire adds ahead of NBA All-Star

We know how important it is to use the waiver wire to your advantage in fantasy basketball. Yet, so many people don’t realise how many gems are around to be added to their squads. I’m here again to highlight some exciting adds for your squads to lead you to glory, hopefully.

Under 70% Rostered (10 Team League Targets)

Derrick White - You need to long term thinking here. White is currently out due to COVID protocols, and maybe he doesn’t play until after the All-Star break. Now, while that seems like a lot, we have just over a week left of games before the league goes on its short hiatus, so people with a distinct short-term focus will overlook White. I think he can be a clear top 100 fantasy player, and you just don’t leave them on the wire.

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Josh Jackson - Jackson has his issues, sure. But his inefficiency isn’t a problem in Yahoo leagues, and he is woefully under rostered. His role seems secure in Detroit and if anything, it may increase if someone like Wayne Ellington is dealt, but even with how he is playing, he can’t be ignored.

Eric Gordon - Gordon is a tough one. He could be dealt, but he could also see his value increase if Victor Oladipo ends up on a different team to the Rockets. He is already averaging over 26 fantasy points per game, yet he is on over 30% of waiver wires? Make it make sense!

Under 50% Rostered (12 Team League Targets)

Josh Hart - Hart is getting starter’s minutes in New Orleans, basically taking Eric Bledsoe’s role. He is averaging 24 fantasy points already, and I think he can get to 26-27 a game pretty comfortably with his new 30 minutes role, yet he is available in over half of Yahoo leagues.

Jae’Sean Tate - Tate has established himself, coming from the NBL, as an NBA starter. I don’t see that changing in Houston. This season, he is averaging 22 fantasy points, but I think 25 a game is a realistic expectation as we move forward. Anyone who averages 25 fantasy points should not be available in over 50% of leagues.

Saddiq Bey - Blake Griffin won’t play for Detroit again, and even if he traded, Troy Weaver and the Pistons won’t likely be bringing someone in to play ahead of Bey, the rookie first-round pick.

Bey has been a great three-point shooter, who chips in in other areas, and there is no reason he can’t be a top 120 player the rest of the way. In fact, over the last two weeks, he is averaging 28 fantasy points in 30 minutes. Make sure he isn’t on the wire in your league.

Under 30% Rostered (14 Team League Targets)

Cole Anthony - Much like with White, the prospect of Anthony being out until the All-Star break is more terrifying than the reality. Now, perhaps, Anthony isn’t quite back straight away, but I imagine he waltzes back into the starting job and could even be a top 100 player. If you have the ability to forego some games played this week and next, Anthony is an excellent stash.

Jalen Brunson - He is flying under the radar, but Jalen Brunson is playing like one of the best sixth men in the league. He has enough value to be a 12 team streamer but is a clear 14 team add and is available in over 80% of leagues.

Theo Maledon - Maledon is starting at point guard for the Thunder, replacing George Hill, who is injured. I will be shocked if Hill takes back that job when he returns from injury. Maledon may not be the point guard of the future, but Hill sure isn’t. Maledon is averaging 21 fantasy points over the last month, and his growth is probably the biggest reason I would add and hold him.

Short Term Adds

TJ McConnell - McConnell is putting up huge minutes at the moment with Caris LeVert and TJ Warren out. Now, at the moment, he is a great addition and shouldn’t be on any 12 team waiver wire, but his minutes will drop later on when those two starters return.

Doug McDermott - Much like TJ, McDermott is a great short term add as he is currently starting. But those minutes will drop precipitously as we move forward later in the season. Squeeze the value now and drop him later on.

Will Barton - Barton may remain a starter in Denver, but at the moment, his value is increased with Paul Millsap, JaMychal Green, and Gary Harris all out. He is a nice short term streamer whose value will drop soon, probably straight after the break.

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