Hope everyone had a Happy New Year! Brew that pot of coffee, get sober, and let’s get down to business. Week 13 starts next week, which means that there are eight more weeks until many fantasy playoffs begin. Eight! Where has the time gone? Start sending out the scouts for trade opportunities and look at playoff schedules. Minutes and games played are gold. With that said, I won’t be focusing on trade scenarios or playoff schedules in this piece. Instead, I will highlight players that you can acquire for free from the waiver wire. As usual, I utilize the Yahoo database and look for players that are owned in less than 50% of leagues.
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Willy Hernangomez (C – CHA): 26% owned
With Cody Zeller sustaining a fracture in his right hand, the time has come to Free Willy. The per-36 offensive monster who is just as offensive on the defensive side of the ball looks to be primed to take over starting center duties for the Hornets. Over his career, his per-36 numbers are 17.2 points, 13.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1 block. Unfortunately, he’s only averaged 14.8 minutes per game over his career and has only received 13 minutes of run this season. The upside is tantalizing, so you have to take a chance, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Coach Borrego goes with Frank Kaminsky or Bizmack Biyombo for extended periods, especially Biyombo is he wants more defense on the court.
D.J. Augustin (PG – ORL): 42% owned
Over the last three games, Augustin has been the #6 player for fantasy! He’s averaged 34.6 minutes, 23.3 points, 3 three-pointers, 1.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.7 steals. He’s also shot 95% from the free throw line on 8 attempts. I know, I know. Small sample size and this level of production will not be maintained, but even if he reverts back to the old D. J., you still have a top 125 player. He’s always going to give you three-pointers and assists. But, but, but….he’s shown the capability of accessing ceiling. If you haven’t noticed, the Magic stink and there’s a chance he gets more than 30 minutes a game and keeps the 21 usage rate, which was languishing in the 15-16 range for most of the season). That’s not bad for someone you can acquire for free.
Luke Kornet (PF/C – NYK): 24% owned
Kornet has started the last three games and the Knicks have…..lost all three! I kid, they were losing regardless. Over those three games, Kornet has been a top 25 player, averaging 29.7 minutes, 18.7 points, 5 three-pointers, 5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 0.7 blocks. At 7′ 1″ and 250 pounds, he’s a big man that can space the floor for Emmanuel Mudiay and Kevin Knox. In addition, I still have no idea why Enes Kanter still gets run, especially since he’s a UFA after the conclusion of this season. Play the young kids and fully embrace the “Tryin’ for Zion.” Now, there’s risk with Kornet, as he could hit a wall, start sucking, or Coach Fizdale could shake up the lineup again. Remember Trey Burke? Exactly. The risk is worth it, though, as there’s upside and finding competent big men is a chore.
Derrick White (PG – SA): 31% owned
When Dejounte Murray was lost in the preseason, White was elevated to Messiah status. Unfortunately, he proved to be a charlatan and was dropped en masse. Recently, though, he’s settled in and been a top 40 player over the past seven games. Ahhhh, the glorious pendulum of fantasy basketball. Now, White is a low usage player and won’t be jacking up over 10 shots most games. He will provide a little something something across the board, though. Over the aforementioned seven-game sample, White has averaged 10.3 points, 1 three-pointer, 3.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 28.7 minutes per game.
Thomas Bryant (C – WAS): 47% owned
Over the past six games, Bryant has been a top 30 player. Big men are a commodity so I’m surprised he’s still owned in less than 50% of leagues. People have moved on to baseball already? Bryant is a points, rebounds, and blocks player. Don’t expect much in the rest of the categories, but he’s young, hustles, and has endeared himself to the coaching staff and teammates. I was always fond of him when he was with the Lakers. Anyways, Dwight Howard is still out for at least a few months and the Wizards suck, plain and simple, so he should get plenty of run. Should being the keyword. Over the past five games, Bryant has played 36, 30, 14, 18, and 36 minutes. In addition, Markieff Morris, who plays some small-ball center, has missed some time, so there’s risk that the minutes could be inconsistent going forward. I’m good with the risk/reward equation, though.
Iman Shumpert (SG/SF – SAC): 14% owned
It’s never fun trusting on the Iman, but the numbers don’t lie. Over the past four games, he’s been a top 60 player, averaging 29.1 minutes, 11.8 points, 2.5 three-pointers, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks. Both the usage rate and field goal percentage are low, but he’s starting and getting significant run for a Kings team that plays at the second-fastest pace in the league.
DeMarre Carroll (SF/PF – BKN): 9% owned
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson injured his groin and could be out for a few games. This should lead to more minutes for Carroll. Over the past three games, he’s averaged 30.4 minutes, 15 points, 2 three-pointers, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. He won’t contribute much in the defensive categories, so he’s a 3-without-the-D player, but he can provide a boost in three-pointers and rebounds. Now, he’s shot 50% from the field, which isn’t sustainable, but the extra attempts should mitigate some of the decrease in efficiency. Next week, the Nets play three games, but one is against the Hawks, who are terrible at defense and play at the fastest pace in the league.
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Stan Son is a featured writer at FantasyPros. To read more from Stan, check out his archive and follow him @Stan_Son.
