Yahoo Finance Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups: Last call on Josh Jackson
Alex Len, Washington Wizards (11% rostered)
Len’s been inconsistent throughout his career and his playing time often fluctuates, but he has enough upside to be added in deeper leagues now that he’s seen 20+ minutes in four of the past five games, when he’s averaged 2.0 blocks (while even attempting a three per game). With Thomas Bryant sidelined for the season, Len has replaced Robin Lopez as the Wizards’ starting center each of the last three games, and the former No. 5 pick has decent fantasy upside (it helps playing on a team running the league’s fastest Pace) for someone available in 89% of Yahoo leagues.
Hamidou Diallo, Oklahoma City Thunder (53% rostered)
Diallo is getting an extended opportunity while OKC deals with multiple injuries (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a knee sprain, while Theo Maledon and George Hill are also both sidelined), and he’s taking full advantage by playing the best basketball of his career. Diallo has double-doubled in three of the past four games (once with assists, another two with boards) and has averaged 1.5 steals per-36 minutes this season; he’s quickly getting scooped off fantasy waiver wires. Diallo is a must-add in the short term and could continue to see more run even after a thin Thunder team gets healthier.
Josh Jackson, Detroit Pistons (49% rostered)
Jackson has averaged 17.5 points with 2.3 threes, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks over the last four games. The former No. 4 pick has mostly come off the bench this year but surprisingly ranks top-55 in the league in Usage Rate, and that’s going to rise even further after Derrick Rose was traded to the Knicks. Jackson is a better option in points formats but is also second among guards with 1.0 block per game this season, and his minutes are about to increase. He looks better than ever and well worth your fantasy attention.
Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls (31% rostered)
The rookie has averaged 13.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block over the last four games and is set to see a boost in Usage Rate with Lauri Markkanen out the next 2-4 weeks with a shoulder sprain, joining Wendell Carter Jr. and Otto Porter on Chicago’s sidelines. The Bulls run the league’s third-highest Pace, and Williams is only going to get better with more experience. Williams is rostered in just 31% of Yahoo leagues, but that number figures to climb soon.
T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers (29% rostered)
McConnell remains widely available but could be a big help for those in need of a point guard, as he’s averaged 8.5 assists and 1.7 steals this month while seeing 27 mpg off the bench. He’s remarkably made just two free throws all season, but McConnell ranks top-15 in the NBA in assists per game this season despite seeing a modest 22:10 mpg. Aside from Draymond Green (28:23), all others in the top-15 have averaged at least a full 10 minutes more per game than McConnell, who’s been a top-100 fantasy player per-36 this season and is seeing more playing time recently.
Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers (57% rostered)
Williams was dropped in many fantasy leagues while in the middle of a poor season at age 34, but he’s looked much better recently and is well worth adding now. Paul George remains out with bone edema in his foot, an injury that doesn’t have a timeline for his return, and Williams will be leaned on far more heavily in the meantime. He’s averaged 20.8 points, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 threes over the last four games, so Williams won’t be available to add in any fantasy leagues for much longer.
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