Kyshawn George is shooting better lately. (Lucas Peltier-USA Today Sports)
We’re finally back (don’t ask) with more NBA content, with the second half heating up and the trade deadline now done. Milk the wire, peeps.
This week, Jimmy Butler finally got his wish and was traded; Klay Thompson scored 25 points to lead Dallas to an upset win over Boston; and the Spurs are still trying to find their groove in the De’Aaron Fox era.
So while you await the next Mavs-Lakers matchup (the Lakers are currently favoured by four points as per FanDuel), let’s get to this week’s…
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Picks
Kyshawn George, SG/SF, Washington Wizards (ESPN: 1.7 per cent; CBS: 14 per cent): George is now starting for Washington. That’s the good news. The bad news is he’s been highly inconsistent with his production, scoring 17 points on Wednesday (see video below) and then again on Friday, but managing just six in two of three games before that. Still, George is sinking threes, pulling down boards and getting a sprinkling of blocks and steals. Plus, he ranks in the 65th percentile for wings in assists-to-usage ratio. George’s shooting has been better over the last few weeks and has been truly worth attention early in February, and it looks like this rookie is going to see plenty of burn down the stretch, so give him a long look. He’s got great size for a wing, but is somewhat limited by a lack of quickness.
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers (ESPN: 19.4 per cent; CBS: 51 per cent): Two seasons ago, we offered up Nembhard as a waiver wire option and it was a stellar choice as he finished strong. His sophomore effort was a bit of a letdown as he didn’t see quite as much PT, but he’s taken a step forward this season as a full-time starter who deserves your attention. Nembhard had a rough game Thursday, but before that he had rhymed off four straight double-digit scoring efforts, and he’s actually doing more with less PT this month, even though he’s playing more than ever this season. Given his recent productivity, he’s sure to be a very popular pickup this week, so move quick. Just keep him away from Bobby Portis.
Moussa Diabate, PF, Charlotte Hornets (ESPN: 6.3 per cent; CBS: 28 per cent): In early November, we dropped Diabate’s name, and while his ownership has risen, he’s still widely available. The forward has been doing a bit better at the line recently, and on Friday just missed his third double-double in five games. Diabate is still not playing a ton (although 33 minutes Friday was a very promising sign), but we love his rebounding potential (15 on Friday!) should he start regularly getting 25 minutes per game.
Keon Johnson, SG, Brooklyn Nets (ESPN: 10.4 per cent; CBS: 40 per cent): Have you noticed what Johnson has been doing the last few games? With 25 points on Wednesday, he’s now topped 20 in four of the last eight games, while pitching in nearly across the board with other stats. The Knicks’ first rounder in 2021 is suddenly averaging three treys this month and his touches are way up this season, leading to his first campaign averaging double digit points.
Carlton Carrington, PG/SG, Washington Wizards (ESPN: 4.3 per cent; CBS: 38 per cent): Carrington has been a nice source of treys as a rookie and looked great on Wednesday, posting a double-double with four treys and four boards before adding 13 points on Friday. Still, his touches have dropped in recent weeks and he may just have short-term value until Khris Middleton (ankles) is ready to suit up for the Wizards. But at the very least, you need to keep an eye on Carrington, especially if he’s starting.
Matas Buzelis, SF, Chicago Bulls (ESPN: 8 per cent; CBS: 37 per cent): The 11th overall pick from last year’s draft is starting to come into his own. With a 14-point, five-board, three-block and two-steal showing on Wednesday, Buzelis has now scored at least a dozen points in five straight games. His shooting (including a 10-for-10 performance on Tuesday) has been off the charts this month and we love how he’s starting to get more touches. Consider this soon-to-be Slam Dunk competition participant a second half sleeper.
Caris LeVert, SG/SF, Atlanta Hawks (ESPN: 39.8 per cent; CBS: 32 per cent): It’s been nearly three years since LeVert looked pretty damned good after donning Cleveland duds, and now he’s packing up again, headed to Atlanta in the De’Andre Hunter deal. LeVert is still waiting for the trade to be finalized before he makes his Hawk debut, but chances are he’ll get more burn in Hotlanta. He’s currently in a horrific offensive slump, failing to top even 10 points in any of the last seven games, including two straight scoreless outings, and his touches have been in decline for months. But, LeVert is enjoying his best season from beyond the arc, so if the minutes and touches increase, he could provide nice value down the stretch.
RotoRob Tune of the Day
Known simply as Bjork, the Icelandic superstar was born Björk Guðmundsdóttir, but that’s a bit of a mouthful for marketing purposes. In 2000, she teamed up with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke to record “I’ve Seen It All,” an Academy Award nominated song for the Dancer in the Dark soundtrack.