Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Late-Season Lottery Prospects and Development Players
The NBA All-Star break has arrived, marking the halfway point of the season. As the league shifts into the final stretch, some teams are focusing on developing their young talent rather than chasing wins. This is a crucial time for fantasy basketball managers to make strategic moves and secure their playoff rosters.
Here's a comprehensive look at the top waiver wire targets for the second half of Week 17, with a focus on players who offer lottery appeal and development potential.
Priority Adds:
Day'Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets (16% rostered): Sharpe possesses lottery ticket value and has been consistently productive. Adding him early could pay dividends in the final stretch. Over his last 12 games, Sharpe averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 steals in 20.4 minutes. He's behind Nic Claxton in the depth chart but has shown promise in expanded opportunities. With career per-36 averages of 16.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks, Sharpe has tremendous upside.
Nolan Traoré, Brooklyn Nets (13% rostered): Traoré has started eight straight games and has been on a productive streak. In his last four games, he averaged 17.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.8 triples in 31.5 minutes. The rookie's strong performance and potential for increased playing time make him a valuable addition.
Ty Jerome, Memphis Grizzlies (35% rostered): Jerome continues to deliver impressive numbers in limited minutes. His excellent play will likely make him less available in the future. In just 20.2 minutes per game, Jerome averages 19.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.3 triples. He's started all six of his appearances and is a key part of the Grizzlies' rebuilding efforts.
Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz (28% rostered): With Jaren Jackson Jr. out for the season and Utah tanking, Filipowski is poised for significant playing time. He's averaged 12.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 1.1 triples in 19 starts. His role as the future of the Jazz makes him a solid addition.
Nique Clifford, Sacramento Kings (18% rostered): The Kings' struggles have extended their losing streak, and Clifford has been a bright spot. In two games since his impressive performance, he struggled from the field but still managed 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in 37.5 minutes. The team's focus on development post-break bodes well for Clifford's fantasy value.
Brice Sensabaugh, Utah Jazz (18% rostered): Sensabaugh provides solid scoring and triples, making him a valuable option. Over his last 15 games, he averaged 18.7 points, 2.5 triples, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.7 steals. His shooting splits are impressive, with 48.7% from the field and 83.3% from the line.
Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers (18% rostered): Henderson has been a standout in limited playing time, averaging 14.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.8 triples. His playing time could increase post-All-Star break, and his career-best shooting marks make him a strong addition.
Gui Santos, Golden State Warriors (16% rostered): Santos has been a consistent contributor for the struggling Warriors. He's started six of their last eight games, averaging 14.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.6 triples in 27.6 minutes. Santos' strong performance and role in the team's future make him a solid pick-up.
Other Notable Options:
- Devin Carter, Sacramento Kings (4% rostered): Carter could become a permanent starter in Sacramento's backcourt. With the Kings' focus on development, he's likely to get a significant look in the final stretch. He averaged 14.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his last five games.
- Tristan Vukčević, Washington Wizards (4% rostered): Vukčević has been a reliable option for the Wizards, logging 20+ minutes in nine games. He averages 14.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 1.3 triples in those contests.
- Jaden Ivey (26%), Dylan Cardwell (20%), GG Jackson (19%), Dylan Harper (17%), Ryan Kalkbrenner (14%), Jeremiah Fears (14%), Paul Reed (10%), Ousmane Dieng (6%), Jose Alvarado (4%)
Remember, fantasy basketball is a game of opportunity and development. These players offer a mix of lottery appeal and growth potential, making them valuable additions to your playoff roster.
