Alex Len (PF/C, ATL) - Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups

Alex Len is a recommended fantasy basketball waiver wire pickup if he's still available as a free agent in your league, heading into Week 2 of the NBA season.

BALLER MOVE: Add In 12-Team Leagues (short term REB + BLK)

OWNED IN: 24% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Alex Len had his best game of the young season on Sunday in the Hawks win over the Cavaliers. He played 32 minutes and scored 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting. He also recorded a double-double with his 11 rebounds, blocked four shots and assisted on four dimes. It was a huge game for Len who is soaking up the playing time with Dewayne Dedmon and John Collins sidelined due to injury. But that’s the issue, these minutes likely won’t last, at least not at this level.

When the aforementioned big men come back, Len will likely see his role reduced, although there is an argument for him remaining as the starting center over Dedmon. Len has also developed a three-point shot over the offseason, and while he’s only taken four shots from beyond the arc this year, that’s already one more than he totaled throughout all of last season. Len provides owners with a safe FG% and is a double-double threat on any night where he gets decent run on the court. He’s also averaging a career high 2.7 assists through the first three games, as well as a 75% mark from the free-throw line.

Len could be in line for a breakout season and he’s worth a short-term stash while the Hawks nurse Collins and Dedmon back to health. His long-term value is still up in the air but if you’re looking for decent production in typical big-men categories (blocks, FG% and rebounds), Len could be the answer for you. Len is owned in just 24% of leagues at the moment.