In Week 9, we’re opening up presents filled with misfit toys: the toys only a deep league manager could love. So grab your shovel and a sense of humor as we dig up the most obscure, the most unexpected, and the most “Did he seriously just pick him up?” fantasy basketball deep league waiver wire adds to save your fantasy team.
The following players are rostered in < 50% of Fantrax leagues.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Deep League Waiver Wire Adds for Week 9
James Wiseman, C – Detroit Pistons (43% rostered)
It doesn’t take a wise man to figure out why Wiseman is atop this list. The 22-year-old has been on a rampage over his past three games, averaging 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 stocks in 23.3 minutes. With star center Jalen Duren (ankle) to be re-evaluated in a week, Wiseman should soak up all the backup center minutes for at least another week. The Memphis product will be a consistent source of points, boards, field-goal percentage, and stocks for as long as Duren is out.
Donte DiVincenzo, SG – New York Knicks (48% rostered)
DiVincenzo has produced a mixed bag since being inserted into the starting lineup five games ago, posting point totals of 6, 3, 21, 5, and 18. While the points have fluctuated, the 26-year-old is averaging an impressive 2.6 three-pointers and 1.2 steals with 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists. The Villanova should continue to start for New York and produce elite 3-and-D stats.
Taurean Prince, SF/PF – Los Angeles Lakers (32% rostered)
The “Prince That Was Promised” was aggressively mediocre to start the season, but Prince has ramped up his production over the past six games, averaging an ELITE 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 three-pointers, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in 30.7 minutes. The 29-year-old will continue to start for Los Angeles, which gives him a VERY nightly floor that will provide excellent 3-and-D stats with solid points, boards, and dimes.
Malaki Branham, PG/SG/SF – San Antonio Spurs (41% rostered)
Branham has started the past five for the Spurs, averaging 13.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 three-pointers, and 1.0 stocks in 29.7 minutes. As long as the 20-year-old is starting, he should be a consistent producer in points, boards, and treys with occasional stocks.
Dean Wade, PF – Cleveland Cavaliers (13% rostered)
Dwyane Wade has been a fantasy manager’s dream over the past five games, averaging 8.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 three-pointers on 40.0 three-point percentage, and 1.4 steals in 22.4 minutes. The 27-year-old is widely available and would look good at the end of your nine-cat bench.
Ayo Dosunmu, PG/SG – Chicago Bulls (30% rostered)
Since getting GOOSED back on Dec. 11, Dosunmu has been electric over the past three games, averaging 13.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 three-pointers, and 1.7 stocks in 38.0 minutes. The 23-year-old should continue getting all the minutes he can handle while Zach LaVine misses another 2-to-3 weeks with right foot inflammation.
Nick Richards, C – Charlotte Hornets (46% rostered)
Richards has stepped up admirably for the injured Mark Williams over the past five games, averaging 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. With Williams (back) already doubtful to play in Monday’s game against the Raptors, Richards looks like the locked-in starting center for however long Williams is out. Add the Kentucky product if you need points, field-goal percentage, boards, and swats.
Jose Alvarado, PG – New Orleans Pelicans (24% rostered)
“Grand Theft Alvarado” should not be on any nine-category waiver wires. The 25-year-old has a steal in six straight games, averaging 1.5 swipes along with 8.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers. Look no further if your fantasy team needs a steady 3-and-D presence at the end of your bench.
As we wrap up this Deep League Waiver Wire Adds article, remember that in the wild world of fantasy basketball, you’re not just managing a team; you’re practically running a circus.
So, get ready to juggle waiver wire decisions, make slam-dunk moves, and dodge fantasy curveballs. Lace up your virtual shoes and let the games begin.
As for this article? In the famous words of Chick Hearn, “You can put this one in the refrigerator. The door’s closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter’s getting hard and the Jell-O is jiggling.”
Good luck in Week 9!