An old proverb states that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and in the case of deep league fantasy basketball this could not be more relatable. In this article (and future editions) I’m going to highlight some players who stand out on the barren wasteland of deep league waiver wires. For this exercise we’re going to use Hashtag Basketball’s blended ADP tool https://hashtagbasketball.com/fantasy-basketball-adp. These cutoffs are kind of arbitrary and not an exact science, but we’re going with it. In future editions we’ll use roster % once we’re in season.
A Small Hole (blended ADP 150-175)
Kevin Porter Jr. (ADP 150.1)
Depending on where you draft KPJ might have been snagged in the last 2 rounds already. However, if he’s available in a deeper league he’d be my first pickup. With no Kawhi to start the season and no indication of when he’ll be back KPJ has a real shot at a 25+ minute role right out of the gate. KPJs efficiency will probably be gross, but he’s your best bet for volume stats at this level.
Christian Braun (ADP 151)
With KCP in Orlando the starting SG role on the Nuggets belongs to Christian Braun. He’s never going to be a huge volume stats guy, but he can make 3s, not kill your percentages, and hopefully get some decent stocks and rebounds with more minutes coming this year.
Nick Richards (ADP 158)
You know what’s the most scary thing this October? Mark Williams health updates. I love Williams as a player and a prospect, but I am getting very concerned with his health. Being humongous and having foot and back injuries the past 2 years is a very bad combo. I’d be shocked if Williams is ever an ironman, and whenever he’s out Nick Richards becomes a borderline 12 team add.
The Deep End (blended ADP 175 – 210)
Lu Dort (ADP 171.8) & Terance Mann (177.9)
I understand that neither of these guys are great for fantasy, but they also shouldn’t be as low as they are with the guaranteed roles they have. With early injuries to Hartenstein and Kawhi both of these guys should play around 30 minutes and be similar to Christian Braun above. Lu Dort is a FG% killer, but gives enough value in other areas to roster as your last guy in a deeper league. Mann will always be a very low usage player, but there is such a void on the Clippers with no Kawhi that I could see him getting back up over 10ppg this season.
Brandon Clarke (ADP 191.7)
Zach Edey is getting all of the buzz, but Edey is still unlikely to play more than 25 minutes per game his rookie year. JJJ will play the 5 for small stretches, but the Grizzlies really prefer him at the 4. Brandon Clarke has become a forgotten man after an achilles tear sidelined him for most of last year. Now back and healthy Clarke can do enough in 18-20 minutes per game to be relevant in deeper leagues, especially in defensive categories.
Duncan Robinson (ADP 202.3)
If you need points, 3s, and absolutely nothing else then Robinson is your man.
Daniel Theis (ADP 209)
Do you believe the Pelicans are going to start Herb Jones at center consistently night in night out? Yeah me neither. Theis is a boring unsexy player, but if he can play 20ish minutes a night he’ll be worth rostering in deeper leagues. Watch the rotation between him and Yves Missi early and roster whichever one wins the timeshare. My bet is on Theis early on.
The Mariana Trench (blended ADP 210-250)
Yves Missi (ADP 216)
See Theis, Daniel
Tim Hardaway Jr. (ADP 222.1) & Dillon Brooks (216)
Neither of these guys are good at fantasy basketball and are both FG% killers. However, this far down they are the best bet for points and consistent minutes you’re going to find.
Ron Holland (ADP 241)
This is a points league only recommendation because if he gets any decent run he’s going to kill you in both % categories and TOs. However, the Pistons are bad and might want to give their new rookie a chance in the 2nd half of the season.
Miles McBride (ADP 248.6)
Biased Knicks fan here, but I was surprised to see Deuce this low down. He’s the teams clear cut 6th man and should see around 25 minutes is a very tight Tom Thibodeau rotation.
The Literal Center of the Earth (ADP 250+)
Delon Wright (ADP 251.4)
A steals streamer and you could do worse this far down.
Derrick Jones Jr. (ADP 260.9)
With no Kawhi is a lock for 25+ minutes. He won’t do a lot with those minutes, but a safe floor in this range.
Ryan Dunn (261.2)
Purely speculative add to see how much run he gets early in the season. For people who don’t know who Ryan Dunn is, he was a defensive monster in college who couldn’t shoot or score the basketball in any way whatsoever. Early on his shot looks improved and it looks like he will get some rotation minutes out of the gate. If he gets 15+ minutes he could be a not currently hurt version of Matisse Thybulle.
Josh Green (ADP 266.8)
He is the Hornets starting SG and will be on the court. Not good for fantasy, but we’re looking for pure upside or safe minutes floor in this range. He’s the latter.
Jarace Walker (ADP 297)
Banished to the bench and G-League his rookie year Walker is looking to carve out a role on a deep Pacers team with postseason aspirations. Walker is a theoretical multi-category contributor if he can actually get on the court. I’m a believer in the real life player and this is a bet that talent wins out in year 2 with a bit more experience under his belt.
