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Daniel Lubofsky looks at some mid-week waiver wire options for fantasy basketball leagues. These players may be free agents to pick up off waivers in Week 4.
In a season that was supposed to be defined by its unpredictability, the main storyline early in the 2019-20 season has been injuries. From star point guards like Kyle Lowry and Stephen Curry to valued wings Gordon Hayward and Khris Middleton, fantasy squads everywhere have been forced to make rapid adjustments to lineups that have seen the early wear and tear of NBA basketball.
As LeBron James showed us last season, not even the most durable athletes are immune to the injury bug. It's an unfortunate reality that requires fantasy owners to keep their eyes out for a potential impact player the moment they're forced to make an addition.
Assuming you're one of the many across the fantasy landscape that have fallen into this boat, taking a look at several potential substitutes certainly couldn't hurt the cause.
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Week 4 Mid-Week Waiver Wire Pickups
Rajon Rondo - PG - Los Angeles Lakers - 29% owned
Rajon Rondo only just made his 2019-20 season debut against Phoenix on Tuesday night after working his way back from injury. In 14 minutes of action, he put up just five points but also chipped in with six rebounds and seven assists in the win.
He was an important piece on last year's disastrous Lakers squad and figures to be in a similar role this season. Outside LeBron James, LA doesn't have any floor generals, creating a hole Frank Vogel can only fill with the former Celtic champion.
Whereas it was difficult for Rondo to produce amid a clunk offense last season, the construction of LA's current roster is far better suited to knock down the 3-point looks Rondo's penetration and IQ create.
Always a good rebounder for his position, those improvements should put Rondo in position to flirt with triple-doubles on a nightly basis once his minutes restriction is lifted.
Kenrich Williams - SF/PF - New Orleans Pelicans - 6% owned
Undrafted out of TCU two years ago, Kenrich Williams has carved out a niche in the Pelicans rotation as a high-energy athlete at both ends of the court. But after consistent minutes early in the season, Williams fell out of favor for a mini two-game stretch. Over his last two, the former G Leaguer has bounced back in an impactful way.
In a win over Charlotte, Williams registered 15 points and five rebounds. In the next against the Rockets, he put up eight points and 11 rebounds. He also drained five 3-pointers across the two outings with five assists as well.
The second-worst defense team, New Orleans desperately needs help at that end, and Williams' effort can certainly help shore up some issues.
Even when Zion Williamson finally makes his NBA debut, Williams should still find himself a valued piece of Alvin Gentry's lineups. He's not the type to offer production in defensive categories, but Williams' role should allow him to contribute even further in the areas that have helped him rise the ranks.
Terrence Ross - SG/SF - Orlando Magic - 38% owned
Terrence Ross has struggled to find his footing in 2019-20. After a career-best season last year, he's averaging just 8.8 points per game while shooting 32.5 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from beyond the arc.
He was Orlando's fourth-leading scorer last year and a solid source of points and 3-pointers. With the second-worst offensive rating in the league, the Magic need the seven-year veteran to rediscover that footing, and with little alternatives, they'll continue to let him shoot through the misses.
Shooters of Ross' ilk always have their hot and cold streaks. Currently amid a brutal stretch, he's bound to get it going sometime shortly. He may already have after a 12-point 5-of-6 outing against Indiana. When that full return comes, the reward will be well worth the patience owners may have to exude during this time.
Coby White - PG - Chicago Bulls - 28% owned
Following a string of five single-digit scoring outings, Coby White has recently emerged in a big way. The most recent seventh overall picked has averaged 16.3 points in just 28.3 minutes a game, highlighted by a scorching hot 27-point seven 3-pointer performance against the Knicks on Tuesday night.
White had started the season strong before his mini-slump and seems to be back on the rise. He has to fight with the likes of Thomas Satoransky and Kris Dunn for minutes at the point guard position, but head coach Jim Boylen seems committed to developing his young rookie.
For every performance against the lowly Knicks, a dud likely isn't too far behind. Still, White is talented enough were the highs should outweigh the lows on a Bulls team looking to build up his confidence.
Markieff Morris - PF/C - 17% owned
In the absence of Blake Griffin, Markieff Morris stepped into the starting power forward spot and contributed 12.0 points on 37.5 percent shooting from distance.
Griffin returned for Detroit's game against Minnesota, but that didn't seem to affect Morris' production much, as he finished with 10 points and six boards along with two 3-point makes.
The Piston's All-Star forward has only suited up against the Timberwolves so far this season and will likely miss more games as the season progresses.
Morris was brought to the Pistons to help shore up their second unit. If Griffin plays, Morris will still bring his signature toughness off the pine. When the slight nicks inevitably keep the fragile Griffin on the bench, Morris should be able to step in and look even better.
