Fantasy Basketball Rookie Report: Post-Fantasy Deadline Pickups

The trade deadline has passed in most fantasy basketball leagues and we are getting into the dog days of the season. Teams are competing for playoff positions, often while playing teams that have given up already. Or, if you are like me, you play the hardest part of your fantasy schedule down the stretch. Even so, since trades are no longer allowed, the waiver wire is incredibly important.

These next few weeks are going to be meant for analyzing under-rostered rookies. Then, we’ll evaluate their short-term (one week), mid-term (rest of the season), or long-term viability. For example, if Amen Thompson is having a great week, it may be because Fred VanVleet or Dillon Brooks is out. This is not the case, but telling signs would be increased play from injured veterans. If they are vastly outperforming said veterans, then there’s a likelihood they are a good pickup for the rest of the year.

Fantasy Basketball Rookie Report: Post-Fantasy Deadline Pickups

Amen Thompson (UTIL, Houston Rockets, 21)

• Last Week: 27.3 MPG, 14.3 PPG/7.0 RPG/2.3 APG/3.7 Steals+Blocks on 50.0 FG%/14.3 3P%/61.5 FT%.
• Rostered %: 30.8%
• Short Term: Fred VanVleet is back, and he has gotten even more productive. This may be here to stay so pick him up now.
• Mid-Term: Based on the previous statement, it will be worth hanging on to him for the rest of the season.
• Long Term: Amen has proved himself and getting better because of it. He’s still not a shooter but in deeper fantasy keeper leagues or dynasty leagues he is well worth a keeper based on his profile.

Kris Murray (PF/C, Portland Trailblazers, 23)

• Last Week: 34.0 MPG, 7.5 PPG/8.5 RPG/3.0 APG/1.5 Stocks on 31.6%/0.0%/50%.
• Rostered%: 0.3%
• Short Term: 7.5 points and 8.5 rebounds is great value for a player that is not shooting well. Murray is better than this, so production may improve.
• Mid-Term: It does not look like he is getting the benefit of the injury. Toumani Camara is playing less so Murray may be a value pick here.
• Long Term: In a deep keepers league, certainly a good idea. But for anything else don’t waste your time.

Ausar Thompson (UTIL, Detroit Pistons, 21)

• Last Week: 30.5 MPG, 8.7 PPG/43 RPG/2.7 APG/2.7 Stocks on 63.2%/20%/16.7%.
• Rostered %: 45.2%
• Short Term: A good pickup, but be wary of Monty Williams. He could turn on Ausar again in a minute.
• Mid-Term: As long as the above statement is valid, there is no reason to bet on consistency. Drop him at the sign of trouble.
• Long Term: Not as valuable as Amen currently, but certainly a good prospect to dream on.

Keyonte George (PG/SG, Utah Jazz, 20)

• Last Week: 30.7 MPG,11.5 PPG/3.0 RPG/5.5 APG/1.0 Stocks on 37.0%/25.0%/0%.
• Rostered %: 10.4%
• Short Term: *sighs* At this point you should know that I have a love/hate relationship with the Jazz. Is he good? Is he not worth playing? Please just be consistent.
• Mid-Term: I guess if you are in a deeper league, take a chance!
• Long Term: This is different. Playing based on performance is good for development. Sneakily pick him up and keep him.

Gradey Dick (SG/SF, Toronto Raptors, 20)

• Last Week: 20.3 MPG, 14.3 PPG/3.7 RPG/1.0 APG/0.3 Stocks on 64.3%/58.3%/0%.
• Rostered%: 2.4
• Short Term: Dick is becoming the shooter he was drafted for as time continues to move. Bet on that.
• Mid-Term: As he shoots more and more, he gets more efficient. Hard to argue with that. Pick him up.
• Long Term: I believe he is in the Raptors’ long-term starting plans.

Taylor Hendricks (SF/PF, Utah Jazz, 20)

• Last Week: 25.8 MPG, 10.5 PPG/6.0 RPG/0.5 APG/0.5 Stocks on 52.9%/20%/100%.
• Rostered%: 1.2%
• Short Term: Hendricks is getting points and rebounds without being the shooter he was drafted for. That’s something worthwhile to think about.
• Mid-Term: He’s not getting that much time, but I think if you are in a position to gamble, do it.
• Long Term: Getting more and more minutes despite not being a shooter is a good thing. That Olynyk trade was great for him!