The key to winning your fantasy basketball league is not how well you draft, but the players you add off waivers. This is extremely important because securing hidden talent could replace those late-round selections that aren’t having the best season. As always, both opportunity and performance are taken into consideration for these players. Learn to think like a NERD!
Guards
Jose Alvarado, PG, New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have done a phenomenal job with developing talent including Herbert Jones as a second-round pick. But Jose Alvarado has been just as impressive recently. He’s provided a big spark off the bench for the Pelicans. In his last 10 games, Alvarado has averaged 10 points, three rebounds, five assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He could improve on his outside shooting but it’s not a major concern considering his role with the team. He’s a great option to roll within the fantasy championships as he rides with the momentum.
Alec Burks, PG/SG, New York Knicks
Even with all the issues the New York Knicks have had to deal with this season, Alec Burks never fails to still catch fire and go on decent scoring runs. He’s now back in the starting lineup and continues to be a strong scoring option for NYK. In his last 10 games, Burks has averaged 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He’s also shot a fine 41 percent from beyond the arc. If the Knicks choose to shift some players around, Burks could be one to end up with a contender in the offseason.
Payton Prichard, PG, Boston Celtics
After an incredible career at the University of Oregon, Payton Prichard unleashed scoring and deep threes have carried over to the NBA. He’s been on a hot streak, earning consistent minutes off the bench. IN his last 10 games, Prichard has been averaging 10 points, two assists, and nearly a steal per game. He’s also shot an absurd 56 percent on over four attempts a game from three. He’s averaging all this in about only 17 minutes per game. Improvement like this could see Prichard earning more minutes for the rest of this season and beyond.
Forwards
Drew Eubanks, PF, Portland Trail Blazers
Now on his 4th 10-day contract, Drew Eubanks is looking like another young player Portland can add to their mix as they now look to the rebuilding phase. In his last 10 games, Eubanks has averaged 15 points, nine rebounds, and has shot over 60 percent from the field. It would be foolish for the front office not to sign him to a long term deal. Injuries have also given him the opportunity for more averages like for the rest of the season. He’s a perfect player to add for the fantasy championships.
Marvin Bagley III, PF, Detroit Pistons
After never developing into the superstar he was supposed to be with the Sacramento Kings, Marvin Bagley III has seemed to realign his path with the Detroit Pistons. In his last 10 games. Bagley has averaged 16 points, seven rebounds, and nearly a steal per game. He’s also shot an impressive 56 percent from the field. He could improve on his three-point shooting. But Bagley looks to have finally found a new home where he could develop into a quality player for the Piston’s future.
Deni Avdija, SF, Washington Wizards
After a slow start to his rookie year, Deni Avdija still looks to be a ways away from the star that many projected him to be coming into the 2020 NBA Draft. With Kyle Kuzma dealing with an injury, Avdija has been given more minutes to show his improvement. In his last 10 games, Avdija has averaged 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game. He could use some improvement on his efficiency and shooting percentages. But he still has some solid potential heading into what’ll be his second off-season as a professional.
Trey Lyles, PF, Sacramento Kings
With Domantas Sabonis expected to miss some games with a knee injury, Trey Lyles has seen an uptick in minutes as a power forward for the Kings. He was also a member of the trade that sent Bagley to the Pistons. In his last 10 games, Lyles has averaged 12 points and eight rebounds while shooting over 40 percent from beyond the arc and nearly 50 percent from the field. Lyles seems to fit well with Alvin Gentry’s system and should be a great option for the rest of the season while Sabonis remains out.
Centers
Nic Claxton, C/PF, Brooklyn Nets
Nic Claxton has been a great young player for the Brooklyn Nets through his development. He’s been a complementary player to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant as an interior defender and rim runner. In his last 10 games, Claxton has averaged 10 points, six rebounds, and around 1.4 blocks per game in only about 20 minutes a game. He’s also shot an efficient 75 percent form the field in those same games. If Andre Drummond ends up signing with a new team next season, Claxton should be looked at as a legitimate sleeper in drafts next season.
Ethan Hartley 