NBA Fantasy: 6 waiver wire targets ahead of Week 17
Over his last 14 games, GG Jackson from Memphis has been 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 nursing a back injury, remains without a return date. In his absence, Richards has been confirmed as the Hornets’ starting center. In his 28 games in this role, Richards has averaged 9.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.
Rumors were circulating about the possibility of the Hornets trading Richards at the deadline. However, not only did he remain with the team, but they also traded P.J. Washington to the Mavericks. In exchange, the Hornets got Grant Williams, although it’s doubtful he’ll compete with Richards for court time. Considering that Richards could potentially be the Hornets’ starting center for multiple weeks or even the rest of the season, it’s surprising that he is available in so many leagues.
Marvin Bagley III, Washington Wizards (61% available)
Bagley has already experienced a trade this season, moving from the Pistons to the Wizards. Presently, he’s dealing with a back injury that has caused him to sit out three consecutive games, and he won’t be playing again this Friday. Prior to his injury, Bagley averaged 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds across eight games, playing an average of 24.1 minutes per game.
The Wizards were busy during the deadline, dealing Daniel Gafford to the Mavericks. In return, they received Richaun Holmes, who is expected to serve as a backup at the five position. Once he’s healthy, Bagley has a clear opportunity to become the starting center. Considering the Wizards’ status as the fastest-paced team in the league, Bagley’s potential to play around 30 minutes per game consistently could make him a significant contributor in fantasy basketball.
Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies (74% available)
The Grizzlies are still battling their way through the season, with a team that’s nowhere near what it was at the beginning of the season. Aldama remains one of their few available players who is in good health, although he too has had his share of injuries. He has been in the starting lineup for his last nine games, averaging 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 3-pointers during this period.
Despite their depth problems, the Grizzlies transferred Xavier Tillman Sr. to the Celtics on Wednesday and David Roddy to the Suns on Thursday. Tillman, who was managing an injury, had an average of 26.0 minutes per game in his last nine appearances. Roddy averaged 26.9 minutes per game in his last 15 games. Aldama is expected to secure approximately 30 minutes per game, making him an attractive waiver-wire option.
GG Jackson II, Memphis Grizzlies (83% available)
Jackson has pleasantly surprised the Grizzlies with his performance. Despite not playing extensively, he has managed an average of 23.9 minutes in his last 14 games. Seizing the opportunity, he averaged 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 3-pointers per game. In eight instances, he played for at least 25 minutes, during which he averaged 18.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.9 3-pointers.
Similar to Aldama, Jackson should gain advantages now that Tillman and Roddy are no longer involved. However, unlike Aldama, Jackson hasn’t had to deal with recent injuries. If the Grizzlies choose to rest their players in the coming time, it’s likely that Jackson wouldn’t be among those benched. For those participating in more complex formats, adding him would be a great choice.
Marcus Sasser, Detroit Pistons (89% available)
At the deadline, the Pistons initiated a series of transactions. They had an abundance of guards going into it but came out having dealt Alec Burks and Monte Morris. In addition, they let go of Killian Hayes, who had been a starter averaging 24.0 minutes per game for the majority of the season.
Given the significant cuts to the guard position by the Pistons, Sasser is set to see some playing time. His performance against the Trail Blazers on Thursday was impressive, as he scored 17 points, made 11 assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers in 38 minutes as a substitute. Although it’s unlikely he’ll be playing as much once the recently acquired Quentin Grimes settles in, Sasser should consistently get at least 25 minutes of game time going forward.
Simone Fontecchio, Detroit Pistons (93% available)
Earlier in the week, the Pistons obtained Fontecchio from the Jazz. In his last 20 games for the Jazz, he averaged 9.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers in 26.6 minutes per game. Despite this, the Pistons have considerable depth, with rookie Taylor Hendricks ready to step into a larger role.
Fontecchio has the potential to instantly occupy a substantial role for the Pistons. Besides parting ways with Burks, Morris, and Hayes, they also traded Bojan Bogdanovic. Ausar Thompson is expected to shoulder a broader role, but considering the Pistons’ hesitation to grant him heavy playing time, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Fontecchio clock in at least 25 minutes per night in the future. This could position him as a valuable contributor of three-pointers.
Tre Mann, Charlotte Hornets (96% available)
During his tenure with the Thunder, Mann observed a consistent reduction in his playing time. His efficiency was a struggle during his rookie season, with a field goal percentage of just 39.3%. However, he managed to achieve a 36.0% shooting rate from the 3-point line. On average, he scored 10.4 points, grabbed 2.9 rebounds, made 1.5 assists, and hit 1.6 3-pointers in 22.8 minutes per game.
This season, he’s only played in 13 games before the Thunder transferred him to the Hornets in a trade that brought them Gordon Hayward. LaMelo Ball is currently benched due to an ankle injury and has a track record of being injured. The Hornets are mainly competing for a top draft pick at this point, and it’s unlikely they’ll rush Ball to play despite his injuries. Given the chance that Mann might get approximately 25 minutes per game in the remaining games, it’s advisable to consider adding him in deeper leagues.
