RADIO
With NBA All-Star Weekend quickly approaching, the waiver wire has taken its typical place in the weekly/daily routine of fantasy basketball managers. The following forwards, whether of the “sleeper” variety or just cashing in temporarily on an unforeseen opportunity, almost certainly deserve attention across the various formats during Week 16 of the campaign.
Position Eligibility & Ownership Rate Based on Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Player List
Waiver Wire Forwards for Right Now
Spencer Hawes (LAC, PF/C) – 49% Owned
There should really be no explanation needed for Hawes. Scoop him up while you still can for major short term minutes and production. He is even more important to Blake Griffin owners.
Hollis Thompson (PHI, SG/SF) – 21% Owned
The Philadelphia Phlavor of the Week is Thompson, who is quietly putting up some ridiculous numbers over the last week. During that span, the former Georgetown standout is averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 3.3 three pointers per game. Most impressively he is hitting 89% of his free throws and 59% from the field. This is a guy that can add immediate value across the board and should not be too expensive if he is owned in your league. Buyer beware, however. Most of the advanced numbers suggest that his current hot streak is an aberration. Do not bank on him to be a savior for your team in April.
Gerald Henderson (CHA, SG/SF) – 27% Owned
Give Henderson a long look if you need scoring. Henderson does not offer much upside across the board and he takes a rather high percentage of shots, which normally would be a good thing but his shooting percentage is a below-par 43.7%. He has clearly taken over his game with the injuries to Kemba Walker, Bismack Biyombo and (returning soon) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and his production should continue, but his liability shooting the ball should be enough for most owners to stay clear unless they need scoring.
Waiver Wire Forwards for Deeper Leagues
James Johnson (TOR, SF/PF) – 13% Owned
Better scoop up Johnson while you still can. Since his return from injury last week, he scored 16 and 20 points, respectively, with nine total rebounds in 49 total minutes. Although he has been coming off the bench, he will play several minutes at the swing or the four and should take advantage of weak matchups. It is very possible he earns a starting position, maybe as early as Wednesday against the Wizards. If you are looking at Johnson, it would be prudent to pick him up now before his price gets too high.
Jae Crowder (BOS, SF/PF) – 2% Owned
It is true that Crowder did just get demoted to the bench. But it is also true that he hit the 30 minute mark in his last two games, scoring into double digits while adding six rebounds per outing. In deeper leagues, Crowder makes for a solid plug-in option.
Waiver Wire Forward to Keep An Eye On
Amar’e Stoudemire (NY, PF/C) – 31% Owned
With the Knicks looking to unload and begin the rebuilding process, it appears Stoudemire may be bought out of his contract in the next few days or weeks. Two teams that are reportedly interested are the Clippers and the Mavericks. Whichever team beats the other to signing the veteran big man, Stoudemire’s stock will clearly go through the roof. The Clippers need help in the frontcourt and Dallas will have another toy to play with as they look to improve upon their already loaded offense.
Fantasy owners that are interested in Stoudemire will need to be pay attention to the waiver wire non-stop. The kind of attention that Alex had to give during his rehabilitation in A Clockwork Orange- eyes wide open while administering drops every six to eight seconds. Anything less and there is a strong chance you miss out on the Stoudemire sweepstakes.
