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

Bruce Brown, SG, Brooklyn Nets
After being considered a steal when traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Brooklyn Nets, Bruce Brown has been a critical role player for the Nets as they continue to work through injuries to their star players. In his last 10 games, Brown has averaged 10 points, five rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He’s been excellent with his shot selection, hitting around 50 percent from the field. And while not taking many three-pointers, Brown has averaged 53 percent from three. His role will continue to be important if the Nets want to stay alive in the playoff hunt while Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons continue to work towards their return. 

Tre Mann, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
Mentioned on last week’s waiver wire after having a 30 point game against the New York Knicks, Tre Mann has taken a solid jump as he’s been included in the starting lineup. In his last 10 games, Mann has averaged 13 points, three rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He could use some major improvement on his shooting percentages, as he only averaged 36 percent from the field and 31 percent from beyond the arc. But at only 21 years old, he has plenty of room for improvement. It’s important that Mark Daigneault is including him in the rotation. 

Raul Neto, PG, Washington Wizards
Now in his second season with the Washington Wizards, Raul Neto has seen an increased role with Bradley Beal going down for the rest of the season. In his last 10 games where he has started in seven of them, Neto has averaged 11 points, five assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He’s also shot a solid 48 percent from the field in those same games. While the Wizards are still a bubble team in the Eastern Conference, Neto should see a consistent role for the rest of the season.

Forwards

Bogdon Bogdanovic, SG/SF, Atlanta Hawks
After having one of his best seasons last year, Bogdon Bogdanovic has struggled a bit to put on that same kind of production as he’s been in and out of the lineup with injuries. He has improved a little bit of late, averaging 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, and 1.8 steals over his last 10 games. He’s also shot a lethal 43 percent from beyond the arc in those same games. Now looking to be fully healthy, Bogdanovic could be lined up for a productive end-of-the-season run. 

Terance Mann, SF, Los Angeles Clippers
After a stellar playoff run with the Clippers last season, Terance Mann has failed to establish consistent production due to a lot of changes in the team’s lineup. In his last 10 games, Mann has averaged 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He’s also shot a stellar 53 percent from the field. It’s hard to determine what his role is going forward as he has been featured in and out of the starting lineup with fluctuating minutes but he has proven to be productive with whatever role he’s given. 

Oshae Brissett, PF, Indiana Pacers
After Domantas Sabonis was traded to the Sacramento Kings, a lot of rotation changes were made to the frontcourt of the Pacers. With that, Oshae Brissett has benefited a ton from the changes. In his last six games since the trade, Brissett has averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. He’s also shot around 14 field goals a game, hitting about 43 percent of them. He’s been involved a ton in the offense since the trade deadline and that should only continue for the rest of the fantasy season. 

Jalen Smith, PF, Indiana Pacers
Jalen Smith is another player who has benefited well after he was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Indiana Pacers. He’s finally been given the opportunity to show his game after being drafted to a very crowded frontcourt. In his six games with the Pacers, Smith has averaged 12 points and seven rebounds. He’s shot a very impressive 45 percent from beyond the arc, something he never got to showcase with the Suns. He still has a ton of upside as a top-10 draft pick from only a year ago and should have plenty of opportunities to improve with the Pacers going forward. 

Centers

Andre Drummond, C, Brooklyn Nets
After being part of the James Harden deal that shipped him to Philadelphia, Andre Drummond has been given an opportunity to join a new team’s starting lineup after primarily being the backup with the 76ers. In his first five games with the Brooklyn Nets, Drummond has averaged 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He’s also done well shooting 56 percent from the field, his best since his second season in the NBA. He’s a solid pickup if still available as he fills a critical role for the Nets who are looking to stay in the playoff hunt.

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!

With the All-Star Break here, we look at some of the best pickups throughout the first half of this season. Some honorable mentions include Josh Giddey, Will Barton, and Josh Hart. 

Guards

Jalen Brunson, PG/SG, Dallas Mavericks
One of the more underrated players in the NBA, Villanova alumni, Jalen Brunson, continues to play some impressive basketball after being a second-round selection. In his fourth season, Brunson is averaging career bests in points (16.3), rebounds (3.8), assists (5.4), and steals (0.9). His shooting percentages are down but still better compared to his earlier seasons. He’s a well-polished prospect at 25 years old. He’s also been a very consistent and effective pickup off the waiver wire. 

Cole Anthony, PG, Orlando Magic
After a raw rookie season, Cole Anthony exploded into his second season with the Orlando Magic. He became the best guard on the team despite the team spending a top-five selection on Jalen Suggs. Anthony has made a jump this season in points (17.7), rebounds (5.8), assists (5.9), and steals (0.8). He could improve with his deep-ball shooting. But his athleticism and explosiveness make him one of the better prospects at only 21 years old. He’s served well to anyone who was able to scoop him in the first few days of the regular season. 

Tyrese Maxey, SG/PG, Philadelphia 76ers
With Ben Simmons expected to sit out games coming into the regular season, Tyrese Maxey was a prime target who could have a huge second jump in the NBA. He’s done just that as he’s made jumps in points (16.9, nearly double last season), rebounds (3.5), and assists (4.6). He’s also shown massive improvement in his three-point shooting, jumping from 30 to 39 percent. He’s also been one of the better prospects in the NBA and it’ll be interesting what his role becomes with James Harden going forward for the Philadelphia backcourt.

Forwards

Desmond Bane, SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies
Few expected Desmond Bane to make the kind of jump he did this season. After being mainly three and d player off the bench, Bane has now held the role as a primary perimeter scorer with Ja Morant. Averaging 17 points, four rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 41 percent from three, Bane has been huge for the Grizzlies jump as a team this season. He’s also been one of the best players off the waiver wire this season. Proving his consistency and ability to have huge games had been critical for the Most Improved Player of the Year Award contender to show his worth in fantasy. 

Franz Wagner, SF/PF, Orlando Magic
Franz Wagner quickly turned into being the more promising rookie for the Orlando Magic despite not being the higher one drafted. He has yet to miss a game this season and has been stellar and consistent in his play. He’s averaging 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and nearly a steal per game. He’s shooting a solid 37 percent from beyond the arc. He’s a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and has a ton of promise going forward for the Orlando Magic who is looking to turn it around as a franchise. 

Gary Trent Jr., SG/SF, Toronto Raptors
After being traded from the Portland Trail Blazers, Gary Trent Jr. made a massive jump and has only continued that in his first full season with the Toronto Raptors. He’s made a huge improvement defensively, now averaging nearly two steals per game after never averaging more than one in a season. He’s averaging a career-high 19 points per game while also shooting nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc. He’s proven to be another cornerstone in the new-look Raptors who have since moved on from the Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan duo. 

Centers

Evan Mobley, PF/C, Cleveland Cavaliers
Many questioned what kind of impact Evan Mobley could have being partnered alongside another interior big man in Jarrett Allen, who signed an extension in the off-season. That was quickly doubted when Mobley found his craft on defense and in the mid-range game offensively. He’s been more than impressive in his rookie season, averaging 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. He’s done well shooting around 50 percent from the field. While it isn’t necessary, a three-point shot could make Mobley become an elite all-around player. 

Bobby Portis, PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks
After putting on a very strong season with the Milwaukee Bucks in their championship run, it was surprising that Bobby Portis wasn’t being considered a decent draft selection in the leagues the following season. Nonetheless, he is proving again to be a quality producer for the Bucks. Portis is averaging 15 points, nine rebounds, and nearly a steal and a block per game. He continues to be elite from beyond the arc, hitting around 40 percent on almost five attempts per game. Maybe with a second strong season, he’ll be considered a quality fantasy draft selection for years to come.

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. Here at NFS, we provide the best picks for players you should grab off waivers now before it is too late. As always, both opportunity and performance are taken into consideration for these players. Learn to think like a NERD! 

Guards

Cam Thomas, SG, Brooklyn Nets
One of the most underrated freshmen in college basketball last year, Cam Thomas slid to the 27th overall pick for his lack of defensive ability and lack of efficiency offensively. Nonetheless, his scoring has carried over into the pros, giving Brooklyn a much-needed scoring option with Kevin Durant and James Harden out. In his last 10 games, Thomas has averaged 15 points and three rebounds per game. He’s also improved from three compared to his season average at 27 percent. He’s hit 35 percent of his attempts over the same games. He’s a great option while the team continues to recover. 

Coby White, PG, Chicago Bulls
Once a lottery pick for the Chicago Bulls, Coby White has found a specialized role with the team as a scoring sixth man. He’s been more important now with Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball dealing with long-term injuries. In his last 10 games, White has averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists. He’s also improved a ton in his shooting percentages, hitting 44 percent from the field and 42 percent from beyond the arc. One of the biggest flaws in his first two seasons was his shooting percentages so even if White becomes a permanent sixth man, he’s still worth picking up in most formats. 

Tre Mann, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
Selected with the 18th overall pick last summer, Tre Mann has shown some solid promise for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mann carries a lot of length which converts to being a lethal attacker in the paint. He’s also proved to be a decent shooter as well. he recently finished with 30 points and two steals against the New York Knicks. He’s a solid complementary player alongside Josh Giddey and Luguentz Dort as another dynamic scorer.

Forwards

Darius Bazley, SF/PF, Oklahoma City Thunder
After choosing to skip college, Darius Bazley is still trying to prove why that’s a better path to the pros. He continues to show slow growth every season since being drafted. This season has been one of Bazley’s best defensively, becoming a reliable forward on both ends of the floor. In his last 10 games, Bazley has averaged 13 points, eight rebounds, 1.2 steals, and a block per game. He’s also shot 43 percent from beyond the arc during those same games. 

Justice Winslow, SF, Portland Trail Blazers
After being in a fairly lopsided trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, Justice Winslow has actually shown some promise in his first four games with the Blazers. In those four games, he’s averaging 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and nearly two steals per game. He’s also shooting a decent 47 percent from the field, an improvement nonetheless from his time with the Clippers. He still has to prove he can be a consistent producer for the tea, but he’s showing early promise for a rebuilding Blazers team. 

Johnathan Kuminga, SF/PF, Golden State Warriors
Being one of the first players to play for the G-League Ignite team, Johnathan Kuminga has shown some solid skill when playing significant minutes for an already loaded Golden State Warriors team. He’s already shown to be very promising for the future if they were to shuffle some players around in the offseason. In his last 10 games, Kuminga has averaged 13 points, four rebounds, and is shooting 57 percent from the field. And despite the loaded frontcourt, he’s already showing he can be reliable for deeper formatted fantasy leagues. 

Centers

Steven Adams, C, Memphis Grizzlies
After being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans, Steven Adams has been a staple veteran for the Memphis Grizzlies who have made a major jump this season. He’s been a reliable center who doesn’t need a ton of touches, giving more for Ja Morant and Desmon Bane. In his last 10 games, Adams has averaged eight points, 11 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and nearly four assists per game. His passing out of the post has been an underrated aspect of his success this season. He’s a create consistent center off the waivers who generally stays healthy throughout the season. 

JaVale McGee, C, Phoenix Suns
After missing a few games earlier this season, JaVale McGee hasn’t missed a step in proving a critical backup center role for the Phoenix Suns. In only about 16 minutes per game over his 10 games, McGee has been able to average an impressive 10 points, seven rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 65 percent from the field. He’s proved to be even more dangerous when DeAndre Ayton misses games. He’s a perfect unpopular pick off waivers because of his simplistic playstyle and little minutes compared to other players. Yet, he is still able to produce better than some starters per 36 minutes.

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. Here at NFS, we provide the best picks for players you should grab off waivers now before it is too late. As always, both opportunity and performance are taken into consideration for these players. Learn to think like a NERD! Check out the NBA Player Consistency Rankings to see how consistent, good or bad, players are, determined by stats, not hunches or anecdotal evidence!

Guards

Ayo Dosunmu, SG/PG, Chicago Bulls
With the Chicago Bulls dealing with multiple injuries to their backcourt, rookie Ayo Dosunmu has been given an early opportunity to show off his game in the pros. Dosunmu has actually been quite impressive and has already shown he’s ahead of the curve. In his last 10 games, he’s averaged 11 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and a steal per game. He’s also averaged less than two turnovers during that stretch, adding another element to his elite passing skill. He still has a ton of upside as a rookie while the Bulls recover. 

Patty Mills, PG, Brooklyn Nets
After spending 10 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Patty Mills now joins the hopeful contenders in the Brooklyn Nets as an important supporting player. He’s also been able to keep a solid role with Kyrie Irving only being able to play road games and James Harden constantly dealing with injuries. In his last 10 games, Mills has averaged 16 points, two assists, and a steal per game. He’s also been shooting a tremendous 44 percent from beyond the arc. His role should stay consistent based on the history with Brooklyn’s big three, giving Mills great value for the rest of the season.

Davion Mitchell, PG, Sacramento Kings
A questionable draft selection with an already loaded backcourt, Davion Mitchell has been able to carve out a role for himself while De’Aaron Fox deals with an injury. Mitchell has been able to show off his defensive ability that earned the ninth overall selection at Baylor. In his last 10 games, Mitchell has averaged 16 points, five assists, and a steal per game. He’s also shooting right around the league average of 37 percent from the beyond the arc. His fantasy value is limited once Fox returns, but there have been rumors of Fox wanting out. This could drastically improve Mitchell’s outlook for the rest of the season. 

De’Anthony Melton, PG/SG, Memphis Grizzlies
Improving every single season since coming into the league, De’Anthony Melton has worked his way into becoming an important bench piece for the rising Memphis Grizzlies. He’s played a solid role in their ascend to now being a contending team in the Western Conference. In his last 10 games, Melton has averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He’s also shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc. He’s also only averaging around 22 minutes a game but still finding ways to be productive. He’s a consistent and reliable player off the waivers. 

Forwards

Jarred Vanderbilt, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Being on this column multiple, Jarred Vanderbilt has yet to give any reason why he isn’t a weekly candidate for the waiver wire report. He continues to be a productive defensive anchor for the Timberwolves and has been a big reason for their improvement this season. In his last 10 games, Vanderbilt has averaged nine points, eight rebounds, and two steals a game. He’s also shooting 60 percent from the field as well. He’s been very effective with his simplified playstyle. Vanderbilt is still only 22 despite already in his third season and still has plenty of room to grow. 

Reggie Bullock, SF/SG, Dallas Mavericks
A free-agent signing to add more shooting around Luka Doncic, Reggie Bullock has actually had a down season with the Mavericks. But with Tim Hrdaway Jr. out for a few weeks, Bullock has stepped up in a massive way. In his last 10 games, Bullock has averaged 13 points, five rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. He’s also been shooting 43 percent from three which is much higher than his 35 percent average on the season. He’s been averaging as high as 19 points in his last six games. He’s heating up quick, making Bullock a must-grab off waivers. 

Javonte Green, SG/SF, Chicago Bulls
In a similar situation with Ayo Dosunmu, Javonte Green has been asked to fill some big shoes while the Bulls recover from injuries to multiple players in their backcourt. In his last eight games, Green has averaged 12 points, four rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. He’s also been shooting an effective 61 percent from the field. Green is better known for his defensive ability. But it is tough to gauge his fantasy value once the entire roster is healthy. For now, he’s a great pickup in defensive-heavy leagues. 

Centers

Jaxson Hayes, C, New Orleans Pelicans
Even with Jonas Valanciunas being a highly productive and consistent center on the roster, Jaxson Hayes has been able to find an effective role off the bench for the New Orleans Pelicans. In his last 10 games, Hayes has averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and nearly a block per game in only about 22 minutes per game. He’s also shooting an extremely effective 74 percent from the field, giving him great fantasy value off the waiver. It is tough to gauge his value across the rest of the season as a backup center but it’s worth picking him up while he’s hot.

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. Here at NFS, we provide the best picks for players you should grab off waivers now before it is too late. As always, both opportunity and performance are taken into consideration for these players. Learn to think like a NERD! Check out the NBA Player Consistency Rankings to see how consistent, good or bad, players are, determined by stats, not hunches or anecdotal evidence!

Guards

Monte Morris, PG, Denver Nuggets
A reliable player for the Denver Nuggets for years now, Monte Marris has been key in filling the point guard duties while Jamal Murray recovers from a torn ACL. He’s been a consistent backup point guard for the team for years and a decent fantasy target even when Murray is playing. In his last 10 games, Morris has averaged 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and less than a turnover per game. His decision-making and solid efficiency make him a quality target off waivers. His role should stay consistent until there is any sign that Murray could be returning soon.

Gabe Vincent, PG, Miami Heat
Having a strong run earlier in the season, Gabe Vincent is still holding a decent role in the rotation with Kyle Lowry still missing games. Vincent has been one of many undrafted players that the Heat has been able to develop into legitimate rotation players for their roster. In his last 10 games, Vincent has averaged 12 points, four assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He’s also shooting 44 percent from three in those same games. His role during this stretch will be critical for his own fantasy value. He’s a decent pickup-off waivers until Lowry returns from injury. 

Luke Kennard, SG, Los Angeles Clippers
With the Los Angeles Clippers lacking a legitimate number one scorer, Luke Kennard has had a great opportunity for a ton of offensive reps and he’s capitalized. He’s been a great volume scorer for the team after signing him to a decent extension. In his last 10 games, Kennard has averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists. He’s also shooting over 43 percent from three in those same games. As long as Paul Georgecontinues to miss games while recovering from surgery, Kennard is expected to have a sizable role with the offense. He’s a decent contender for the sixth man of the year award.

Forwards

Royce O’Neale, SF/PF, Utah Jazz
With Joe Ingles now expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, Royce O’Neale is now expected to have a much bigger role with the offense of the Utah Jazz. Mainly known for his defensive presence, O’Neale doesn’t bring nearly as much skill when it comes to his offensive abilities. Athleticism and catch-and-shoot threes make up most of his game. In his last 10 games, O’Neale has averaged seven points, six rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. He’s also shooting around 45 percent from beyond the arc. Those numbers could definitely see a small jump with the offensive game plan likely to change a bit. 

Devin Vassell, SG/SF, San Antonio Spurs
A lottery pick last season, Devin Vassell has made a decent jump after being a project player for the San Antonio Spurs. Especially with DeMar DeRozan not with the team anymore, Vassell has seen an increase in minutes to show off his off-season improvement. Recently he’s been on one of the better stretches he’s had this season. In his last 10 games, Vassell has averaged 12 points, five rebounds, and nearly a steal per game. His percentages could use some improvement. But it is important to see that Popovich is trusting him in late-game situations to grow his confidence. He still has a ton of upside as a 21-year-old. 

Isaiah Jackson, PF, Indiana Pacers
Rumors have been circulating for weeks now that either Domantas Sabonis or Myles Turner could be traded at the deadline. This would leave a massive opportunity for rookie Isaiah Jackson to earn significant minutes for the Indiana Pacers. With Sabonis currently dealing with an injury, Jackson has already seen some decent playing time. In his last game, he finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. He also finished with 12 points and three blocks in the game prior. He’s shown some promise and could be a valuable waiver wire pickup in a few weeks. 

Centers

Bismack Biyombo, C, Phoenix Suns
After a decent run with the Charlotte Hornets, Bismack Biyombo signed a midseason deal with the Suns after their centers were dealing with COVID-19 related issues. Biyombo was so impressive in his run that the Suns chose to sign him for the rest of the season. And with DeAndre Ayton still out with an ankle injury, Biyombo has continued to put up solid games. In his last 10 games, he’s averaged 10 points, eight rebounds, and a block per game. He’s also shooting 60 percent from the field. He’s a solid option until Ayton is set to return but that’s currently unknown. 

Mason Plumlee, C, Charlotte Hornets
After signing a massive deal with the Detroit Pistons, Mason Plumlee was moved to the Hornets for better use as they continue to push for playoff aspirations. Coming into the season, Plumlee was the only experienced center on the roster and was expected to receive a ton of minutes. That’s kept his fantasy stock consistent. In his last 10 games, Plumlee has averaged eight points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game while shooting above 70 percent from the field. He’s a reliable option off waivers.

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. Here at NFS, we provide the best picks for players you should grab off waivers now before it is too late. As always, both opportunity and performance are taken into consideration for these players. Learn to think like a NERD! Check out the NBA Player Consistency Rankings to see how consistent, good or bad, players are, determined by stats, not hunches or anecdotal evidence!

Guards

Justin Holiday, SG/SF, Indiana Pacers
An eight-year veteran, Justin Holiday is a proven 3 and D wing player for any team he plays for. His best seasons have come with the Indiana Pacers the last handful of years. Even with constant injuries to the Pacers, Holiday has still proven to be consistent and a decent option off waivers. In his last 10 games, Holiday has averaged 13 points while shooting nearly 40 percent from deep. He could be trade bait in the future if the Pacers choose to tank at the trade deadline. But his role should stay consistent with whatever team he plays for next. 

Ayo Dosunmu, SG, Chicago Bulls
With Lonzo Ball expected to miss multiple weeks after undergoing knee surgery, Ayo Dosunmu is one of Chicago’s many options to fill his role. A first-round rookie, Dosunmu has become a critical player off the bench when the Bulls are fully healthy. In his last 10 games, Dosunmu has averaged 11 points, four assists, and a steal per game. But he’s averaged almost 14 points since moving into the starting lineup. He’s continued to be elite from beyond the arc, hitting 50 percent from three in the starting lineup. Dosunmu is turning into a quality steal in the draft after an excellent college career at Illinois. 

Chris Duarte, SG, Indiana Pacers
Late lottery pick of this year, Oregon’s Chris Duarte has been a pleasant surprise this season. After a hot start, he slowly cooled off his production but has picked it back up since coming back from injury. In the last five games, Duarte has averaged 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals a game. He’s also been lethal from deep, hitting nearly 40 percent of his three-point attempts. Duarte continues to look like a solid steal in the draft for the Pacers who continue to struggle to turn the corner to a championship squad. 

Forwards

Otto Porter Jr., SF, Golden State Warriors
Once the third overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Otto Porter Jr. has seen his role be reduced since he was traded from the Washington Wizards. He’s been a vital bench player for the Golden State Warriors as they return to championship form. In his last 10 games, Porter has averaged nine points, six rebounds, and nearly two steals per game. He’s also been shooting like the third splash brother, making around 41 percent of his threes. His role should be consistent for the rest of the season as long as he can stay healthy, a struggle he’s had throughout the year. 

Aaron Gordon, SF/PF, Denver Nuggets
After signing a controversial extension with the Denver Nuggets, injuries to Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murrayhave forced Aaron Gordon to become a much more important scoring option for the Nuggets to compete as contenders. In his last 10 games, Gordon has averaged 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game. He’s shown some improvement on his three-point shooting, hitting around 36 percent in the same games. But until Murray comes back, Gordon will be a quality player off waivers. And even then, he still may be worth holding onto. 

Chuma Okeke, PF, Orlando Magic
An underrated player for the Orlando Magic, Chuma Okeke has a lot of raw talent after being selected in the middle of the first round in 2019. In his last 10 games, Okeke has averaged eight points, six rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. He’s also shown some good improvement with his three-point shooting, knocking down 39 percent of his attempts. He needs to improve on his consistency but Okeke is still a solid prospect with some great upside to be a key contributor for the Magic in the future. 

Centers

Kevon Looney, PF/C, Golden State Warriors
Once a top recruit out of high school, it’s safe to say Kevon Looney has failed to capitalize on his true potential. However, he’s still been a quality big man for the Golden State Warriors. He’s also seen a boost in minutes since James Wiseman has yet to come back from off-season surgery. In his last 10 games, Looney has averaged seven points, 11 rebounds, and nearly a steal and a block per game. He’s also averaged more than four offensive rebounds a game in that stretch. And he’s shot around 57 percent from the field as well. He could be vital for the rest of the season if Wiseman were to be ruled out for the season.

Goga Bitadze, C, Indiana Pacers
With Domantas Sabonis going with an injury that could force him to miss a few games, prospect Goga Bitadze could finally get his chance to show his potential. He’s been buried in the depth chart since first being drafted by the Pacers in 2019. But in his last four games, Bitadze has averaged 12 points, seven rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He still has a lot of raw ability to polish. But Bitadze could have a successful season if either Sabonis or Myles Turner were to be traded at the trade deadline.