NBA Fantasy: 6 waiver wire targets ahead of Week 17
Over his last 14 games, GG Jackson of Memphis is averaging 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 3-pointers.
We saw a flurry of moves Thursday ahead of the 2024 NBA trade deadline. With many players changing teams, there are plenty of fantasy basketball implications. Let’s discuss some players to consider adding off the waiver wire because of the trades.
Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets (55% available)
Mark Williams, who is suffering from a back injury, remains without a return date. In his absence, Richards has secured the starting center position for the Hornets. During his 28 games in this role, Richards has managed to average 9.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.
Rumors circulated about the Hornets potentially transferring Richards at the deadline. However, not only did he remain, but P.J. Washington was also traded to the Mavericks. In return, the Hornets received Grant Williams, although it’s unlikely he’ll challenge Richards for playtime. Given Richards’ potential to remain the Hornets’ starting center for several weeks or even the entire season, it’s surprising that he’s available in so many leagues.
Marvin Bagley III, Washington Wizards (61% available)
Bagley has already been traded this season, moving from the Pistons to the Wizards. He’s presently dealing with a back injury that has caused him to miss three consecutive games and he is set to miss Friday’s game as well. Prior to his injury, he was averaging 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds in eight games, with an average playing time of 24.1 minutes per game.
The Wizards made moves at the deadline, sending Daniel Gafford to the Mavericks and welcoming Richaun Holmes in return. Holmes is expected to be the backup at the five position. Once Bagley recovers from his health issues, he will have an unobstructed opportunity to become the starting center. Considering that the Wizards have the fastest game pace in the league, Bagley could play about 30 minutes in each game, which could make him a significant contributor in fantasy basketball.
Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies (74% available)
The Grizzlies are persisting through the season with a roster that’s a mere shadow of what it was at the beginning. Aldama remains as one of their few healthy options, despite dealing with injuries occasionally. He has been in the starting lineup for his last nine games, recording an average of 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 3-pointers during this period.
Despite their depth issues, the Grizzlies traded Xavier Tillman Sr. to the Celtics on Wednesday and David Roddy to the Suns the following day. Despite battling an injury, Tillman averaged 26.0 minutes per game in his last nine appearances while Roddy averaged 26.9 minutes per game in his final 15 games. This should ensure Aldama around 30 minutes of playtime each night, making him an attractive option on the waiver wire.
GG Jackson II, Memphis Grizzlies (83% available)
Jackson’s performance for the Grizzlies has been pleasantly surprising. Despite not getting a lot of playtime, he has averaged 23.9 minutes in each of his last 14 games. Seizing his opportunity, he has managed an average of 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 3-pointers per game. He has spent at least 25 minutes on the court in eight games, during which he averaged 18.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 3-pointers.
Jackson, like Aldama, should profit from the absence of Tillman and Roddy. However, unlike Aldama, Jackson hasn’t faced any recent injuries. If the Grizzlies choose to give some players a break, Jackson probably won’t be one of them. He is a fantastic pick for those in more complex formats.
Marcus Sasser, Detroit Pistons (89% available)
At the deadline, the Pistons were active, making numerous changes. Initially, they had significant depth at the guard position. However, post-deadline, both Alec Burks and Monte Morris were traded. In addition, Killian Hayes, who had been a starter averaging 24.0 minutes per game for most of the season, was released.
In light of numerous guard departures from the Pistons, Sasser is poised to receive playing opportunities. He gave an impressive performance against the Trail Blazers on Thursday, notching 17 points, 11 assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers in 38 minutes as a substitute. While it’s unlikely he’ll be clocking such extensive playtime consistently once Quentin Grimes, the recent acquisition, is incorporated into the team, Sasser is nonetheless expected to play at least 25 minutes a game going forward.
Simone Fontecchio, Detroit Pistons (93% available)
Earlier in the week, the Pistons traded for Fontecchio from the Jazz. In his last 20 games for the Jazz, he was a starter and averaged 9.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 3-pointers over 26.6 minutes per game. However, the Pistons have a good depth in their front line, with rookie Taylor Hendricks prepared to step into a larger role.
Fontecchio has the potential to immediately play an important role for the Pistons. They’ve moved on from Burks, Morris and Hayes and have also traded Bojan Bogdanovic. Ausar Thompson is anticipated to have a greater part as well, but due to the Pistons’ hesitation to provide him with extensive playtime, there’s a possibility that Fontecchio might play at least 25 minutes per game moving forward. This could turn him into a valuable contributor of three-pointers.
Tre Mann, Charlotte Hornets (96% available)
During his tenure with the Thunder, Mann’s playing time gradually decreased. His efficiency posed a challenge in his rookie season, with only 39.3% shooting accuracy from the field. Nevertheless, he managed a 36.0% shooting rate from behind the arc. On average, he scored 10.4 points, secured 2.9 rebounds, made 1.5 assists, and hit 1.6 three-pointers in 22.8 minutes per game.
This season, he has only played in 13 games before being traded from the Thunder to the Hornets in exchange for Gordon Hayward. LaMelo Ball, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, has a history of health issues. As the Hornets are primarily vying for a higher draft pick at this point, it is unlikely that they will pressure Ball to play despite his injuries. Considering the possibility of Mann receiving approximately 25 minutes of play per game moving forward, he may be a valuable addition in deeper leagues.
