The 2018 portion of the fantasy basketball season is behind us as we now look forward to the second half of the year. Week 13 marks a month until the NBA trade deadline, which means teams are getting a sense on whether they’re going to be buyers or sellers. That’s going to open up an opportunity for some players. Perfect timing since leagues are getting close to the home stretch for the playoffs. You know the drill, these players are available in less than 60% of leagues. As usual, I ranked the waiver wire targets based on rest of season value. Meaning the players that have a chance to contribute for longer get ranked higher.
Week 13 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire:
- Thomas Bryant
- Derrick White
- Josh Hart
- Bryn Forbes
- Danuel House Jr.
- Jeff Green
- Derrick Jones Jr.
- Luke Kornet
- Alex Len
- Chandler Hutchison
If you have any fantasy basketball related questions, feel free to ask me on Twitter @JPBalladier or the Fantrax team @Fantrax
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Breakdown:
Thomas Bryant:
I first wrote about Bryant on the Week 11 waiver wire piece and since then he has taken his opportunity and run away with it. Bryant is producing like a top 25 fantasy basketball asset over the past seven days and is quickly flying off waiver wires. He’s becoming a great source of field goal percentage, rebounds, and blocks for fantasy basketball owners who are thin at the center position. Bryant will be showcased as the Wizards will likely prioritize development soon. At this point, Bryant needs to be scooped up off the waiver wire. He won’t be available by the end of Week 13.
Derrick White:
It looks like Derrick White is finally getting acclimated to his role in San Antonio. Over his past four games, he’s shooting an insane 68.6% from the floor and dropping 15.8 points per game. He’s also chipping in with 2.5 steals per and hitting 1.5 threes. White is filling in at shooting guard and got a start at small forward. So his minutes shouldn’t be in jeopardy. White is a nice addition off the waiver wire while he’s hot and has a chance to keep performing at a high level going forward.
Josh Hart:
(From last week’s waiver wire) The Lakers have suffered key injuries to two of their starters in LeBron James and Rajon Rondo. In the meantime, the former Summer League MVP will finally get a shot to prove he deserves to stick in the Lakers lineup. Hart is a must-own player at least until LeBron James returns. He can contribute in multiple categories and will be leaned on much more with the King’s absence. Hart is still available in over 50% of leagues, make sure he isn’t out on the waiver wire.
Bryn Forbes:
Much like White, Bryn Forbes has inherited a starting job in San Antonio this season. His rest of season value will remain the same as will his minutes in the high 20’s. Forbes is a nice source for threes and is shooting a respectable 47% from the floor. His past 10 games have been particularly eye-opening. Forbes is averaging 3 treys on 55% shooting. He’s also adding 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists over that span. Forbes isn’t the most exciting name out there, but still holds value for fantasy basketball owners needing a boost from deep in week 13.
Danuel House Jr.
Danuel House’s emergence is a result of Houston’s midseason roster patchwork. House is knocking down 3 threes per game en route to averaging 16 points and 3.7 boards on a ridiculous 62% shooting. He’s filling the three-point void left by Trevor Ariza and it’s working well for Houston who have won 11 of their last 12 games. The recent success likely means House’s role is safe for the time being, and he should continue to see 25+ minutes per game for the foreseeable future. House is a good option for fantasy basketball owners looking for threes on good percentages.
Jeff Green:
Jeff Green might be one of the most overlooked players this season. Over the past month, he’s putting together a 14/5/2 line on 49% shooting and hitting 1.9 threes per game. Green could be a trade target for a playoff contender since the Wizards don’t seem to be going anywhere this year. Until then, he should keep producing top 75 numbers for fantasy basketball owners. Green is someone to ride while he’s still in Washington and a possible throw in for trades. He’s still available in over 60% of leagues.
Derrick Jones Jr.:
Following an abysmal Week 12 with low usage, Jones is getting back on track in Miami. The fact of the matter is, when Jones gets minutes, he plays well. Coach Spoelstra seems to have noticed, as Jones has usurped Wayne Ellington’s spot in the rotation. But that’s not to say Jones’ minutes are guaranteed now. The Heat just got Dion Waiters back and the team is getting healthier. Jones will keep seeing minutes, but don’t be surprised if they fluctuate game to game. Jones brings boards, steals, blocks and FG% to the table for fantasy basketball owners. There are a few options in those departments entering week 13, so it’s understandable if he remains on the waiver wire for a bit longer.
Luke Kornet:
The Knicks are another team looking towards player development. They’ve already taken some steps towards that goal by cutting Enes Kanter’s minutes. Kornet has played well with the extra minutes, scoring in double digits in three of his last four games. He also chipped in a whopping 16 threes over that span, rare to find in a big man off the waiver wire. Kornet also has some passing ability, dishing out 5 dimes in two straight games. He should keep seeing minutes in the low to high 20’s and will be a nice addition to teams focusing on threes.
Alex Len:
Alex Len has had an impressive four-game stretch, averaging 16.8 points, 7.5 boards, and 1.5 blocks while shooting over 50% from the floor. His rest of season outlook isn’t as bright as the other big men on this week’s waiver wire list, but he’s likely going to keep getting looks going into week 13. Ride him while he’s hot, even if it doesn’t last the whole week.
Chandler Hutchison:
I was very intrigued by Hutchison around the time of the NBA draft, and the Bulls guaranteeing him a selection only sparked my interest some more. Well, the Bulls have now traded Justin Holiday, waived Cam Payne and MarShon Brooks is not long for the Windy City. Hutchison is the likely beneficiary from the whole ordeal. He’s a fluid player in transition and passes the eye test. I wouldn’t recommend an add at this juncture, but he’s someone to keep an eye on in the coming weeks to see if his numbers start warranting an add following week 13.
If you have any fantasy basketball related questions, feel free to ask me on Twitter @JPBalladier or the Fantrax team @Fantrax
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