Kenrich Williams (SF, NOP) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add In 12-Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 20% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Kenrich Williams didn't take the conventional path to the NBA, as he started off his collegiate career for New Mexico Junior College before transferring to Texas Christian University and then finding his way to the New Orleans Pelicans despite going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft. While it would be impressive for a player of Williams's background to simply remain on the roster to this point in the year, he has already surpassed expectations of the Pelicans and spectators alike. So far through 21 games of his rookie campaign with New Orleans, Williams has already been a part of the starting five on four occasions while putting up 5.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 15.9 minutes per game. Not only that, but he has demonstrated impressive competence from long range, as he has been draining 0.8 shots from beyond the arc out of 2.2 three-point attempts per game for a solid conversion rate of 37%.

The New Orleans Pelicans were active at the trade deadline, and as a result, saw Stanley Johnson shipped to the Big Easy to join a slew of players who typically occupy the forward slots including Julius Randle. That being said, Williams has received tremendous playing time lately and has taken fantastic advantage of his newfound opportunity. He has played in 29 minutes or more in each game since the Pelicans January 29th match-up with the Houston Rockets, and over the last four games alone he has touted impressive averages of 12.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. Kenrich Williams has emerged on to fantasy basketball managers' radar as an extreme "diamond in the rough" candidate. With the high-volume playing time and well-rounded stat-stuffing of late, Williams is a very interesting option proceeding forward past the All-Star break for New Orleans.