This article is part of our NBA Waiver Wire series.
We're less than a week away from the NBA Trade Deadline (Feb. 10). Like last week's column, I'll once again be focusing in part on players to consider adding in advance of the looming deadline for deals, since it represents the last opportunity for a significant shakeup (apart from the constant churn of injuries and illness) heading into the playoff rounds of fantasy leagues. Long-time fantasy basketball managers know firsthand that the trade deadline has played a role in turning rotational afterthoughts into statistical standouts, and vice versa.
Without further ado, here are 10 players to pick up heading into Week 17.
Chuma Okeke, Orlando Magic (46% rostered)
Okeke is coming off his most productive month of the campaign, having averaged 9.5 points, 5.4 boards, 2.2 threes, 1.8 dimes, 1.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks across 25.8 minutes in January. The fact that so many of his shot attempts come from beyond the arc helps explain his underwhelming field-goal percentage, but his otherwise well-rounded stat profile and defensive excellence makes him a solid contributor in most fantasy formats. Furthermore, with the trade deadline approaching, he could be in line for an even larger role if the Magic move some of their established veterans.
Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings (45% rostered)
Mitchell poured in a career-high 26 points to go along with eight dimes, three treys, and one steal in 38 minutes during Thursday's game against Golden State. After adding 17 points against the Thunder on Saturday, the rookie is
We're less than a week away from the NBA Trade Deadline (Feb. 10). Like last week's column, I'll once again be focusing in part on players to consider adding in advance of the looming deadline for deals, since it represents the last opportunity for a significant shakeup (apart from the constant churn of injuries and illness) heading into the playoff rounds of fantasy leagues. Long-time fantasy basketball managers know firsthand that the trade deadline has played a role in turning rotational afterthoughts into statistical standouts, and vice versa.
Without further ado, here are 10 players to pick up heading into Week 17.
Chuma Okeke, Orlando Magic (46% rostered)
Okeke is coming off his most productive month of the campaign, having averaged 9.5 points, 5.4 boards, 2.2 threes, 1.8 dimes, 1.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks across 25.8 minutes in January. The fact that so many of his shot attempts come from beyond the arc helps explain his underwhelming field-goal percentage, but his otherwise well-rounded stat profile and defensive excellence makes him a solid contributor in most fantasy formats. Furthermore, with the trade deadline approaching, he could be in line for an even larger role if the Magic move some of their established veterans.
Davion Mitchell, Sacramento Kings (45% rostered)
Mitchell poured in a career-high 26 points to go along with eight dimes, three treys, and one steal in 38 minutes during Thursday's game against Golden State. After adding 17 points against the Thunder on Saturday, the rookie is averaging 19.0 points, 5.0 assists, 2.0 boards and 0.7 steals over his last six games. The recent absence of De'Aaron Fox (ankle), who has been sidelined for the last eight contests, has allowed Mitchell the opportunity to operate on-ball more often lately, and that's when he's most comfortable offensively.
A superb positional defender who has mostly maintained a regular rotation role due to what he brings to the table on that end, Mitchell has been treating us to a taste of what he's capable of accomplishing in a larger role. If Fox is moved before the trade deadline or struggles with injuries going forward, Mitchell clearly has plenty of upside.
De'Anthony Melton, Memphis Grizzlies (39% rostered)
Over the last seven outings, Melton is averaging 12.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.1 threes in 24.0 minutes. With the Grizzlies mostly healthy, playing time remains the primary concern regarding Melton's fantasy value – just as it was during the two previous seasons. Still, Melton is maintaining career highs in scoring (9.9 PPG), rebounding (4.6 RPG), steals (1.6 SPG), and minutes (22.8 MPG). As such, he's worthy of consideration in most formats, at least until Dillon Brooks (ankle) returns.
Maxi Kleber, Dallas Mavericks (25% rostered)
Kleber is currently dealing with a knee injury that will keep him out for a second straight game Sunday, but it doesn't look to be overly serious. Meanwhile, it's unclear how soon Kristaps Porzingis (knee) will be ready to return, and it's possible the Mavericks will err on the side of caution heading into the All-Star break. If that's the case, Kleber should be a strong short-term addition, given that he is averaging 9.6 points, 6.3 boards, 1.9 threes, 1.7 blocks, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steal in 27.7 minutes over the last seven contests.
Derrick Rose, New York Knicks (24% rostered)
Rose (ankle) is reportedly planning to return shortly after the All-Star break, and it's safe to say his ability to create offensively has been missed. Alec Burks and Kemba Walker have been inconsistent, to say the least, and Julius Randle has regressed following last year's breakout. Through 26 appearances, Rose is averaging 12.0 points (44.5% FG, 40.2% 3PT, 96.8% FT), 4.0 dimes, 3.0 boards, 1.4 threes, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 24.5 minutes.
While his three-point and free-throw shooting percentages (both career highs) will likely come back down to earth, it's possible that going forward Rose will be even more involved, and thus even more productive in terms of collecting counting stats.
Grayson Allen, Milwaukee Bucks (23% rostered)
Since serving a (lenient) one-game suspension for the flagrant foul that resulted in a broken wrist for Chicago's Alex Caruso, Allen has earned at least 30 minutes in three of his last four appearances while averaging 11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 threes, and 0.8 steals. Milwaukee has been making a concerted effort to get him involved early on as of late, and if he can rediscover his early-season form, he's a decent pickup—especially in deep leagues.
Reggie Bullock, Dallas Mavericks (20% rostered)
In the first five games since the Mavericks lost Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) for the rest of the season, Bullock has been the biggest beneficiary from a fantasy standpoint—by far. With Dallas in desperate need of someone to fill Hardaway's shoes—in terms of willingness to unconsciously fire away from beyond the arc—Bullock is answering the call, providing 18.2 points, 5.0 boards, 4.4 threes, and 1.4 steals in 30.8 minutes during this recent stretch.
Having knocked down a career-high 2.5 threes per game last season on a Knicks team that didn't have a surplus of outside shooters, Bullock is no stranger to relentlessly firing away from three-point land. Barring a roster shakeup prior the trade deadline, Bullock's ability to space the floor offensively and cover multiple positions defensively makes him a good bet to continue earning plenty of minutes for the remainder of the year.
Garrison Mathews, Houston Rockets (18% rostered)
Prior to a complete dud Friday against the Spurs (two points in 18 minutes), Mathews had averaged 15.0 points, 3.1 threes, 3.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 26.4 minutes across his previous seven games. As things stand, Mathews is best reserved for use in deep leagues. Nevertheless, if Eric Gordon's tenure in Houston is nearing its end, that could mean even more playing time for Mathews, given that Gordon is averaging nearly 30 minutes per game.
Tre Mann, Oklahoma City Thunder (7% rostered)
Mann exploded for 29 points while adding six treys, three dimes, one steal, and one block in 41 minutes during Wednesday's win over the Mavericks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) is out until after the All-Star break, and Aaron Wiggins suffered an ankle injury against Dallas, as well. Those looking for a proven contributor may want to search elsewhere. Still, the talented rookie guard is worthy of consideration, particularly in points leagues. He's coming off of a 16-point, three-rebound, three-assist, one-steal, three-three-pointer effort in Saturday's game against the Kings, which marked his fifth consecutive start.
Recent recommendations still rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues: Amir Coffey, Luke Kennard, Royce O'Neale, Justin Holiday, Kevin Huerter, Matisse Thybulle, Dorian Finney-Smith, Kevon Looney, Isaiah Jackson, Devin Vassell, Otto Porter Jr., Patrick Beverley, Trey Lyles, Onyeka Okongwu, Brandon Clarke, Alperen Sengun, Nicolas Batum, Thaddeus Young, Hamidou Diallo, Cory Joseph, Goran Dragic
