Dillon Brooks (SG/SF, MEM) - Week 14 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14-Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 47% of leagues

ANALYSIS: It started as a year tailor-made for a Dillon Brooks breakout, but that's not exactly how it worked out. If you drafted Brooks, you found yourself in the hole fast despite his voluminous role in the Grizzlies' rotation, as he put up 13.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 28.1 minutes on average through ten January games. While that's definitely a well-rounded line, it was largely negated by his 34 turnovers and 28 for 89 shooting from three-point range (31.5%) in the 14 games across December and January. Though it appeared to be in danger at times, Brooks' PT is not the issue, nor is his defensive presence (106-118 defensive rating each month and career-high figures for steal rate (2.1%) and block rate (1.3%).

Thus far, the issue has been his three-point accuracy (down from his career rate of 35.8% over 173 games in three seasons) and his turnover totals, which have been amplified by his greater usage this year in conjunction with his 10.7% turnover rate. However, the former second-rounder from Oregon is trending upward at just the right time. Since the start of February, Brooks has averaged 29.4 minutes per game, producing 16.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.25 steals, while hitting 44 of 135 from deep (32.6%), 64 of 73 free throws (87.7%), and stacking consecutive monthly figures of 51.6% and 51.4% for true shooting percentage.

Dillon Brooks stayed on the floor through his slump because of his active defense and well-rounded ability. Desmond Bane, Grayson Allen, Justise Winslow, Sean McDermott, and John Konchar have all had their chances, but Brooks remains a fixture in the lineup for these reasons. Now that he's finding a serviceable rhythm from long-range, he's playing defense at a career-best efficiency, and he's achieved a career-high assist rate (12.6%), Dillon Brooks has earned back the trust of Fantasy Basketball Managers in need of a deep-league combo wing, no matter what categories you're targeting.

More Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups

RotoBaller Writing and Media Team Nominated For 13 FSWA Awards in 2024

It's awards season for the fantasy sports industry, and RotoBaller is honored to be recognized by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) with various award nominations from our writing and media team in 2024. The RotoBaller brand continues to shine among the many talented companies and analysts throughout the fantasy sports industry for their editorial […]

RotoBaller 1 week ago

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 15 (2024-25): February 3 - February 9

If you're like me, you woke up to one of the biggest trades in recent NBA history (Luka for AD) and are still trying to make sense of it. It will likely be the biggest trade of the week, but it won't be the only deal made this week as Thursday's NBA trade deadline looms. […]

Dan Palyo 3 weeks ago

League Winners: Second-Half Trade Targets and Stashes - 2025 Fantasy Basketball

Things have not gone as planned for fantasy basketball managers who drafted players like Joel Embiid or Jimmy Butler. But there's plenty of basketball left to be played and it's time to reassess how we view players going forward. If you want to win that fantasy basketball league championship, worry less about where your players […]

Dan Palyo 3 weeks ago

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 14 (2024-25): January 27 - February 2

We flip the calendar to February this week and edge closer to both the All-Star break and the NBA trade deadline. Some of the moves you can make in the next few weeks could greatly impact your team's ability to compete for a fantasy championship in March or April! Most leagues have a weekly moves […]

Dan Palyo 4 weeks ago

League Winners: Players To Stash For the Stretch Run - 2024 Fantasy Basketball

The All-Star Break is upon us and while it's nice to have some time off from setting lineups, making DFS lineups, and placing bets. It's also a nice time to look ahead and what moves you can make to put your team in the best position possible to win a fantasy basketball title. Remember, the […]

Dan Palyo 1 year ago