November 7, 2016

Kevin Simon looks at NBA players to target as fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups and adds when punting FG%, rebounds, and/or blocks. They can be sleepers.

Last week I recommended Lou Williams, Josh Richardson, and Kelly Olynyk in this space. Lou Williams has averaged 16 points with 1.8 threes and 3.8 assists in the four games since, and I will continue to recommend him as a valuable asset for teams punting FG%, REB, and BLK.

Josh Richardson made his debut on Friday and didn’t do much on limited minutes, but he should get back into a groove soon and is still a recommended pickup. Kelly Olynyk is getting very close to a return, meaning now is the time to pick him up.

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Waiver Wire Guard for Punting Big Stats

Patrick Beverley, PG/SG, HOU (41% owned)

Patrick Beverley would likely be owned in more than 50% already if not for his knee surgery on October 18 which has sidelined him for the start of the season. He’s the unquestioned starting point guard for the Houston Rockets, a better real-life player than for fantasy because of his elite defensive prowess. James Harden has been filling in for the interim, earning himself PG eligibility in Yahoo! Leagues. Beverley should return in a couple of weeks, and work his way back up to the 29-31 minutes per game he’s averaged over the past few years.

Beverley’s field goal shooting has always been his biggest weakness in terms of fantasy production, which is of no concern to us “punt big stats” teams. He’s a steady provider of threes and steals, while chipping in some assists which are usually difficult to find in abundance on the waiver wire. Look for his production to be similar to the last three year’s, which has been good enough for him to be ranked in the top 100 players on a per game basis. He hasn’t been the most durable player over that period, but while he’s on the court he deserves to be owned in standard 10 and 12 team leagues.

Top alternatives at the guard position likely to be available in your league (<50% owned on Y!) are Patty Mills (34% owned), J.J. Barea (42% owned), and Brandon Jennings (17% owned).

Waiver Wire Wing for Punting Big Stats

Nick Young, SG/SF, LAL (12% owned)

This is purely a “play the hot hand” recommendation. Nick Young has been on fire to start the season, averaging 12.3 points with 2.0 threes over six games. Luke Walton seems content on starting him alongside D'Angelo Russell, and while that may not last the entire season, he should be owned on punt FG% teams in standard 12 team leagues. Young is not unfamiliar with fantasy relevance - he put up 18 points per game during the 2013-14 season - but he’s an older player on a young Lakers squad who will be phased on sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, Young should provide solid point totals and a couple of threes per game, while rarely turning the ball over.”Punt Big” teams often have trouble winning the turnovers category, and having someone like Nick Young on the end of your bench could offset some major turnover numbers that your stud players are likely producing. Don’t hesitate to drop Young if he gets replaced in the starting rotation or if he goes on a cold streak, but he’s not a bad option to ride out until then.

Top alternatives at the wing positions (<50% owned on Y!) are Courtney Lee (45% owned), Josh Richardson (31% owned), and Terrence Ross (8% owned).

Waiver Wire Big for Punting Big Stats

Frank Kaminsky, PF/C, CHA (14% owned)

After a season on mediocre play in his rookie year, Frank Kaminsky has made some nice strides early this season. Taking advantage of a hobbled Roy Hibbert, Kaminsky has given us 11 points and 1.7 threes in three games so far. As long as Hibbert is out, Kaminsky and Cody Zeller should continue to dominate the minutes for the Hornets frontcourt.

Kaminsky passing ability also should not be ignored. He’s got nice awareness, and given enough minutes he could average 2.5 assists per game, a nice contribution from a waiver wire center. Keep an eye on his minutes once Hibbert returns from his knee injury, but he’s a worthwhile flier to keep on the end of your bench in the meantime and get some solid out of position 3s, assists, and positive free throw shooting.

Top alternatives at the big positions likely available in your league (<50% owned on Y!) are JaMychal Green (27% owned), Patrick Patterson (8% owned), and Trey Lyles (32% owned).