This is hard to write so I'll do my best. There's a cloud looming over the entire NBA community, and I only wish the impact was that minimal. There's nothing that can be said to make it better and it seems like the more we talk about it, the sadder the whole situation becomes. Through all the jokes, comparisons, knock-downs and hype-ups, everyone in the world felt a certain way about Kobe Bryant, and it revolved around his unwavering focus and dedication to do what mattered to him.
Out of basketball, that motivation and dedication hadn't really gone anywhere. Everyone who gave even the slightest of curiosity or attention to the NBA, would find it hard to miss Kobe Bryant sitting with his daughter at a few NBA games. It doesn't feel real. It feels like we are in the saddest part of a really crappy movie, and to be completely honest, there's nothing that can really heal this wound so freshly after being cut open. So for the time being, care for one another, tell people you love them, and don't wait for things to come to you. I love you Kobe and I'll miss you.
"Enjoy life. Have a good time. Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving, you have to keep going. Put one foot in front of the other. Smile, and just keep on rollin." - K.B.
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Free Agent Waiver Adds for Week 15
Make sure to stay updated on injuries and return times, but as far as I'm concerned, these next three players will see the biggest benefit. As a reminder, for standard (10-12 team) league adds, we use a general rule of thumb of an ownership rate of under 50% on Yahoo. All position eligibility based on Yahoo leagues. If you have any questions find me in the NBA Chat Room or @HalfCourtJester on Twitter.
T.J. McConnell, SG – Indiana Pacers
Ownership: 9%
6.9 PPG / 2.6 RPG / .516 FG% / 5.5 APG
Even though this might seem a bit late, T.J. McConnell wasn't seeing over 20 minutes consistently until mid-way through January. He saw some big nights and did see games where he played over 20-25 minutes, but it was clear that the Pacers were not trying to utilize him in that way just yet. Since he has seemingly passed through that threshold and he is seeing both more minutes and more touches, it should translate to more consistent production. Anyone that needs assists and some immediate help with percentages, look for McConnell to post some quality games versus the Knicks, Mavericks, Bulls, and Raptors.
Kris Dunn, PG, SG, SF – Chicago Bulls
Ownership: 37%
7.4 PPG / 3.7 RPG / .436 FG% / 3.4 APG
Since Kris Dunn is technically listed as a small forward on Yahoo, I'm taking this chance to throw in another guard into this article. There haven't been a ton of low-end guys that have turned it around this season, but as of recently, Dunn has posted his most consistent scoring streak of the season. It's only scoring in double-figures, but with how Dunn normally produces, the points are a pretty generous bonus towards his other counting stats. This upcoming week, he is going to be one of the few Bulls that should be able to generate production and seeing how his minutes have increased this last week compared to the previous month, there is absolutely upside here.
Harry Giles III, PF/C– Sacramento Kings
Ownership 1%
4.5 PPG / .451 FG% / 2.7 RPG / 1.5 APG
Hear me out. Harry Giles III is lacking upside with Richaun Holmes returning, and seeing how he really hasn't posted any big games just yet, this is still a pick that needs to be monitored. With Marvin Bagley also missing time, there is still a need for production from the Sacramento forwards, but none of them are really owning up to the task. One thing I wanted to mention was the upside that Giles has nearly every time he steps on the court. Despite mimicking a baby deer a times, he is very much like a Larry Nance Jr., Maurice Harkless type of player. He won't dominate a category, but he has upside everywhere and can post significant numbers on any night. He will need to hope for another opening in the rotation since he will most likely be the first one out, but if he can continue to be a playmaker from the center position, his minutes are sure to increase quickly.
More Fantasy Basketball Analysis
By popular demand, RotoBaller has aggregated all of our fantasy basketball NBA waiver wire pickups into a running list of NBA waiver options, so bookmark the page and check back often for updates.