Nicolo Melli (PF, NO): Week 18 Waiver Wire Pickups

New Orleans Pelicans forward Nicolo Melli is a worthy consideration as a fantasy basketball waiver wire pickup heading into Week 18 of the NBA season.

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14-Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 7% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Nicolo Melli, a 29-year-old rookie from Italy, has solidifed his place as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans' rotation. He is averaging 15.8 minutes per contest this season and 24.5 over his last four outings. Melli is receiving consistent playing time for a Pelicans squad competing for the postseason because he is one of the league's most accurate neophyte marksmen. On three attempts nightly, 37.4% of his triples have tickled the twine, and 41.4% in the month of February.

While his per game splits are nothing spectacular (6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists), Melli is a player that fantasy owners can turn to in deeper leagues thanks to his ability to score efficiently from beyond the arc. In the last nine games prior to the All-Star break, the Italian saw his counting stats increase in all areas, an encouraging sign for those looking to add him as a bench scorer. During this span, he tallied 8.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.8 steals and converted on a scorchingly accurate 47.4% of his 3-point attempts in 18.6 minutes of play.

Melli is by no means a game changer, though he is someone who should receive consideration in 14-Team Leagues. The 6'9" forward's recent play indicates he is trending upward, and all signs point to the notion that he will only continue to improve as he becomes more acclimated to the NBA game. Considering he is available in most leagues, Melli is a low-risk, high-reward option to fill out your roster.