Fantasy Basketball Guards: Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

Before we take a look at some new names this week, lets take a gander at how last week’s waiver wire selections worked out:

• Al-Farouq Aminu - New Orleans Pelicans, PF/SF: 15.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 11.5 points
• Derrick Williams - Sacramento Kings, PF/SF: 59 FG%, 1.0 3-pointers, 6.0 rebounds, 16.0 points
• Patrick Beverley - Houston Rockets, PG: 1.3 3-pointers, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 9.0 points
• Michael Beasley - Miami Heat, PF/SF: 54 FG%, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 15.0 points
• Jared Sullinger - Boston Celtics, PF: 45 FG%, 1.3 3-pointers, 4.4 rebounds, 14.7 points
• Marco Belinelli - San Antonio Spurs, SG: 67 FG%, 1.5 3-pointers, 1.5 steals, 10.5 points

Those that took my advice on Aminu, Williams, and Beasley witnessed it pay major dividends on their fantasy teams. Sullinger and Belinelli were able to hold their own, as they too had above average NBA performances throughout the week. As for the Beverley experiment, if you have a roster spot open, hold on to him for a little while longer to see if he finally gets it going.

This week we have a few new guards that fantasy owners might be interested in adding to their squad off the waiver wire:

Waiver Wire Pickups at the Guard Position

Nate Robinson - Denver Nuggets, PG/SG

As a Ty Lawson owner over the last few years, I have come to expect a few injuries throughout the NBA season. Lawson, now dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, has been out of the lineup since December 6. Since then, Robinson has averaged 18.0 points per game, and also managed to record 4 steals last time out. This could be a plug-and-play option throughout the season, so scoop him off the waiver wire and stash him at the very least.

Reggie Jackson - Oklahoma City Thunder, PG

When Russell Westbrook went down in last year’s NBA playoffs, the world got introduced to Reggie Jackson. Filling in admirably for Westbrook, Jackson opened many eyes entering the 2013-14 season. Even though Westbrook came back from injury earlier than expected, Jackson is still having a very productive year. Since December started, Jackson is averaging 14.3 PPG, 3.8 REBS, 52 FG%, 100 FT%. His minutes per game are rising as each week progresses - and he's definitely a talent to keep an eye on (especially in dynasty leagues) and consider on the waiver wire.

Jodie Meeks - Los Angeles Lakers, SG

“Oh no the return of Kobe Bryant” yelled every Meeks owner. Even though Bryant has returned to the court, Meeks' numbers and minutes have yet to take a hit. Meeks is averaging 17.7 points and 2.7 rebounds to go along with more than two 3-pointers per game over his last four contests. Kobe or no Kobe, Meeks will get his chances, and should be considered as a pickup off the waiver wire.

Alec Burks - Utah Jazz, PG/SG

So what has this young man done since being moved to the shooting guard position? Oh, just averaging 18.3 points per game on nearly 50% shooting. Burks missed some valuable time earlier this year, throwing his game off just a bit. But since he began getting steady playing time, the team chemistry has really improved on the court. Playing for such a young team that is not in any position to compete this year will only boost Burks' fantasy value. He should be considered as a solid option off the waiver wire for your fantasy teams.