Welcome to the first Waiver Wired of the year. It feels a little redundant since we are all over any possible waiver activity in blurbs and the Daily Dose, but this should be a nice way to tie the week together. As for the upcoming week, keep in mind that the Hawks, Bucks, Thunder and Spurs all play five times in Week 2, while the Clippers play just twice. I’m benching Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan in most leagues this week, and possibly Chris Paul, depending on options. Toronto's James Johnson and the strong early play by Marvin Williams have been exciting, and both players are covered at the start of Page 2 under Small Forwards.
I'm getting a lot of questions about Andrei Kirilenko, who is still not signed with anyone. I get the sense he'll play in the NBA at some point this season, but it's not a guarantee. I stopped holding him in my leagues and if you need an active player, you should probably do the same until we get some concrete information about his plans.
Shallow League: 10 teams or less
Standard League: 12 teams
Deep League: More than 12 teams
The NBA Season Pass and Draft Guide are available, so check them out. We had a fun Season Pass Live Chat on Thursday and will do so again every week.
Point Guards
Jarrett Jack Hornets – Jack served a one-game suspension and doesn’t have a huge name, but should be owned in all leagues as the only true PG option in New Orleans. He’s only played in one game thus far, but had 21 points and nine dimes in his season debut. Update: He struggled a bit on Friday, but don't let that scare you.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Ramon Sessions Cavaliers – Sessions got lost in the shuffle with all the Kyrie Irving hype on draft night, but has been stellar off the bench for his two games, averaging 17 points, six assists and a couple threes. I’m slightly concerned about him tailing off once Irving gets cooking, but for now, Sessions is nearly a must-own player across the board. Update: Sessions was also quiet on Friday, but I still think he's worth owning.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Andre Miller Nuggets – I have no idea how he’s doing it, but in three games off the bench Miller is averaging a ridiculous 13 points, eight assists, two steals and a 3-pointer per game. Ty Lawson finally broke out on Thursday night, but Miller still managed a decent line. I have no idea how long it will last, but for now Miller should be on a roster in all leagues.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Kyrie Irving Cavaliers – Irving was a popular pick on draft night and has one good and one weak performance in his two games. He did have seven dimes in both of them though, and is starting for Cleveland. Once he gets this NBA thing figured out he should explode, and even if you’re not going to start him right now, he should be owned in all leagues as long as he’s starting.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.
Brandon Knight Pistons – He’s only played two games in the NBA and one was fantastic (23 points, 6 assists, three 3-pointers) and the other wasn’t (9 points, 0 assists, three 3-pointers). The common theme is the threes and he is only going to get better from here. Knight could end up starting at PG at any time now, but I’m guessing he’s inconsistent until it happens.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues
Lou Williams Sixers – Jrue Holiday is dinged up and Lou is averaging 19 points and 2.5 threes after two games. Those numbers will come down, but he’s a nice instant-offense option off the Sixers bench, and should offer immediate help to owners in need of threes.
Recommendation: Should be owned in deep leagues
Kemba Walker Bobcats – Walker has been fairly consistent in two games and seems to be fitting in well with D.J. Augustin and Gerald Henderson in Charlotte’s backcourt. It could start to feel more crowded there soon, but right now it looks like there is nice balance between the three players. I think DJA’s job is safe for this season, while Walker will continue to see plenty of minutes off the bench.
Recommendation: Worth a look in all leagues
The Rest
Ricky Rubio Timberwolves – Not going to score much, but worth holding if you are thin at PG. Update: (Huge game on Friday!)
Norris Cole Heat – Cooled down after a hot start, but would become must-own if he takes starting job.
Jimmer Fredette Kings – Playing well and getting run, but I still think he’ll be too inconsistent this year.
Jeremy Pargo Grizzlies – If Mike Conley’s ankle keeps him out for more than two games, this is your guy.
Shooting Guards
Paul George Pacers – George is paying off for those of you who took a flier on him, or reached for him in the eighth round of your draft. He’s at 15 points, three 3-pointers and 5.5 rebounds per game, and is also notching some steals and blocks. The threes have to slow down and it’s very possible now is a great time to sell high on George. I own him in several leagues and am planning on holding him, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Update: Had his first bad game on Friday, but should bounce back.
Recommendation: Should be owned (and starting) in all leagues
Gerald Henderson Bobcats – Henderson is off to a quick start for Charlotte and is playing with a lot of confidence. He’s averaging 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and a 3-pointer per game. Yes, we’re only two games into this thing, but it looks like Henderson’s preseason sleeper tag was accurate. The Bobcats have four games this week and five games in Week 3.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues
Brandon Rush Warriors – Rush was thrown out of Indy like yesterday’s trash after several years of failing to take control of the shooting guard job, but looks like he has new life in Golden State. I think Mark Jackson really likes Rush and am thinking he could be a legit sixth-man candidate this season. His shot comes and goes, but he’s averaging 12 points, four rebounds, 1.3 steals, two blocks, 1.7 threes and 27 minutes in three games thus far.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues
Arron Afflalo Nuggets – Afflalo missed training camp and the preseason while working out his free agent deal and finally got it going on Thursday when he scored 19 points. He’s quietly hit double digits in all three games and while he’s only hit one 3-pointer this season, they should start falling in bunches soon.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues
Nick Young & Jordan Crawford Wizards – Young has been coming off the bench behind Crawford, but that could change after Crawford posted a 0-for-6 disaster against the Hawks in his last game. Crawford’s probably got another week or so to control the job, but Young appears to be the guy with more confidence right now. I still like Crawford quite a bit, but it’s going to be a real roller coaster ride with him at times. Young is coming on, scoring 21 in his last game after going for 16 in the opener, and he looks like the better option of the two for right now. Update: Young started on Friday and was terrible, while Crawford played well off the bench, but Young should be the more consistent player of the two.
Recommendation: Both players should be owned in deep leagues, with edge going to Young.
Richard Hamilton Bulls – Hamilton looked very good in the preseason, got off to a slow start and then bounced back Thursday with 16 points, a three and two steals on Thursday. He’s gotten better in each of his three games and I still think he’s going to have a nice year in Chicago. Hamilton goes four times this week and five times in Week 3.
Recommendation: Not a must-own at this point, but should be owned in deep leagues
Delonte West Mavericks – West replaced Vince Carter in the starting lineup after Game 1 and played very well on Thursday night with 15 points, four boards, six assists, two steals and a 3-pointer. The Mavs are 0-3 and I have no idea how long West can hold onto the starting job, but for now, it’s his.
Recommendation: Should be considered in most leagues
Marco Belinelli Hornets – Eric Gordon will miss his second straight game with a knee injury, but shouldn’t be out too long, at least for now. With Gordon, the next injury always feels like it’s around the corner. And with that being the case, Belinelli is a guy you’ll want to keep an eye on all year. He had 13 points, six boards, a steal and three 3-pointers in Gordon’s absence on Wednesday and will start again on Friday.
Recommendation: Monitor the status of Gordon before moving on Belinelli.
Have a great weekend and I hope your teams rally for a Week 1 win. Follow me on Twitter by clicking here.
Welcome to the first Waiver Wired of the year. It feels a little redundant since we are all over any possible waiver activity in blurbs and the Daily Dose, but this should be a nice way to tie the week together. As for the upcoming week, keep in mind that the Hawks, Bucks, Thunder and Spurs all play five times in Week 2, while the Clippers play just twice. I’m benching Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan in most leagues this week, and possibly Chris Paul, depending on options. Toronto's James Johnson and the strong early play by Marvin Williams have been exciting, and both players are covered at the start of Page 2 under Small Forwards.
I'm getting a lot of questions about Andrei Kirilenko, who is still not signed with anyone. I get the sense he'll play in the NBA at some point this season, but it's not a guarantee. I stopped holding him in my leagues and if you need an active player, you should probably do the same until we get some concrete information about his plans.
Shallow League: 10 teams or less
Standard League: 12 teams
Deep League: More than 12 teams
The NBA Season Pass and Draft Guide are available, so check them out. We had a fun Season Pass Live Chat on Thursday and will do so again every week.
Point Guards
Jarrett Jack Hornets – Jack served a one-game suspension and doesn’t have a huge name, but should be owned in all leagues as the only true PG option in New Orleans. He’s only played in one game thus far, but had 21 points and nine dimes in his season debut. Update: He struggled a bit on Friday, but don't let that scare you.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Ramon Sessions Cavaliers – Sessions got lost in the shuffle with all the Kyrie Irving hype on draft night, but has been stellar off the bench for his two games, averaging 17 points, six assists and a couple threes. I’m slightly concerned about him tailing off once Irving gets cooking, but for now, Sessions is nearly a must-own player across the board. Update: Sessions was also quiet on Friday, but I still think he's worth owning.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Andre Miller Nuggets – I have no idea how he’s doing it, but in three games off the bench Miller is averaging a ridiculous 13 points, eight assists, two steals and a 3-pointer per game. Ty Lawson finally broke out on Thursday night, but Miller still managed a decent line. I have no idea how long it will last, but for now Miller should be on a roster in all leagues.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Kyrie Irving Cavaliers – Irving was a popular pick on draft night and has one good and one weak performance in his two games. He did have seven dimes in both of them though, and is starting for Cleveland. Once he gets this NBA thing figured out he should explode, and even if you’re not going to start him right now, he should be owned in all leagues as long as he’s starting.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.
Brandon Knight Pistons – He’s only played two games in the NBA and one was fantastic (23 points, 6 assists, three 3-pointers) and the other wasn’t (9 points, 0 assists, three 3-pointers). The common theme is the threes and he is only going to get better from here. Knight could end up starting at PG at any time now, but I’m guessing he’s inconsistent until it happens.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues
Lou Williams Sixers – Jrue Holiday is dinged up and Lou is averaging 19 points and 2.5 threes after two games. Those numbers will come down, but he’s a nice instant-offense option off the Sixers bench, and should offer immediate help to owners in need of threes.
Recommendation: Should be owned in deep leagues
Kemba Walker Bobcats – Walker has been fairly consistent in two games and seems to be fitting in well with D.J. Augustin and Gerald Henderson in Charlotte’s backcourt. It could start to feel more crowded there soon, but right now it looks like there is nice balance between the three players. I think DJA’s job is safe for this season, while Walker will continue to see plenty of minutes off the bench.
Recommendation: Worth a look in all leagues
The Rest
Ricky Rubio Timberwolves – Not going to score much, but worth holding if you are thin at PG. Update: (Huge game on Friday!)
Norris Cole Heat – Cooled down after a hot start, but would become must-own if he takes starting job.
Jimmer Fredette Kings – Playing well and getting run, but I still think he’ll be too inconsistent this year.
Jeremy Pargo Grizzlies – If Mike Conley’s ankle keeps him out for more than two games, this is your guy.
Shooting Guards
Paul George Pacers – George is paying off for those of you who took a flier on him, or reached for him in the eighth round of your draft. He’s at 15 points, three 3-pointers and 5.5 rebounds per game, and is also notching some steals and blocks. The threes have to slow down and it’s very possible now is a great time to sell high on George. I own him in several leagues and am planning on holding him, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Update: Had his first bad game on Friday, but should bounce back.
Recommendation: Should be owned (and starting) in all leagues
Gerald Henderson Bobcats – Henderson is off to a quick start for Charlotte and is playing with a lot of confidence. He’s averaging 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and a 3-pointer per game. Yes, we’re only two games into this thing, but it looks like Henderson’s preseason sleeper tag was accurate. The Bobcats have four games this week and five games in Week 3.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues
Brandon Rush Warriors – Rush was thrown out of Indy like yesterday’s trash after several years of failing to take control of the shooting guard job, but looks like he has new life in Golden State. I think Mark Jackson really likes Rush and am thinking he could be a legit sixth-man candidate this season. His shot comes and goes, but he’s averaging 12 points, four rebounds, 1.3 steals, two blocks, 1.7 threes and 27 minutes in three games thus far.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues
Arron Afflalo Nuggets – Afflalo missed training camp and the preseason while working out his free agent deal and finally got it going on Thursday when he scored 19 points. He’s quietly hit double digits in all three games and while he’s only hit one 3-pointer this season, they should start falling in bunches soon.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues
Nick Young & Jordan Crawford Wizards – Young has been coming off the bench behind Crawford, but that could change after Crawford posted a 0-for-6 disaster against the Hawks in his last game. Crawford’s probably got another week or so to control the job, but Young appears to be the guy with more confidence right now. I still like Crawford quite a bit, but it’s going to be a real roller coaster ride with him at times. Young is coming on, scoring 21 in his last game after going for 16 in the opener, and he looks like the better option of the two for right now. Update: Young started on Friday and was terrible, while Crawford played well off the bench, but Young should be the more consistent player of the two.
Recommendation: Both players should be owned in deep leagues, with edge going to Young.
Richard Hamilton Bulls – Hamilton looked very good in the preseason, got off to a slow start and then bounced back Thursday with 16 points, a three and two steals on Thursday. He’s gotten better in each of his three games and I still think he’s going to have a nice year in Chicago. Hamilton goes four times this week and five times in Week 3.
Recommendation: Not a must-own at this point, but should be owned in deep leagues
Delonte West Mavericks – West replaced Vince Carter in the starting lineup after Game 1 and played very well on Thursday night with 15 points, four boards, six assists, two steals and a 3-pointer. The Mavs are 0-3 and I have no idea how long West can hold onto the starting job, but for now, it’s his.
Recommendation: Should be considered in most leagues
Marco Belinelli Hornets – Eric Gordon will miss his second straight game with a knee injury, but shouldn’t be out too long, at least for now. With Gordon, the next injury always feels like it’s around the corner. And with that being the case, Belinelli is a guy you’ll want to keep an eye on all year. He had 13 points, six boards, a steal and three 3-pointers in Gordon’s absence on Wednesday and will start again on Friday.
Recommendation: Monitor the status of Gordon before moving on Belinelli.
Have a great weekend and I hope your teams rally for a Week 1 win. Follow me on Twitter by clicking here.
Small Forwards
James Johnson Raptors – I don’t recall getting as many questions about one player as I have this week with Johnson. The numbers after just two games are sick: 5.5 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 4 steals, 2.5 blocks and 0.5 3-pointers. I don’t know if he can keep this pace up, but I do know he could easily replace Rasual Butler in the starting five at any time, and is already leading the Raps in minutes played despite not even starting. We had him tagged as a sleeper in the preseason and he’s clearly lived up to the hype. Scoring will always be an issue, but his ability to rack up steals, blocks and the occasional three make him valuable even without the offense. Now let’s just hope he can keep it up. The Raps play four times this week and five games in Week 3. Update: Johnson disappeared on Friday. Hopefully it was a fluke, as he had been leading the team in minutes played.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Marvin Williams Hawks – The Hawks play five games next week, giving Marvin a boost. He’s averaging 15.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2 steals, 0.5 blocks and two 3-pointers per game thus far, and he looks like a different player this year. I have no problem picking him up and using him for the upcoming week, and also feel like he might be worth keeping all season.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Richard Jefferson Spurs – Jefferson got off to a hot start and then cooled off on Thursday. But the Spurs play five times next week and RJ is going to hit threes, if nothing else. He’s averaging nearly 13 points, four boards and two 3-pointers per game, and looks like a nice add for the upcoming scoring period.
Recommendation: Should be owned in standard and deep leagues
Carlos Delfino Bucks – Delfino’s been sidelined with a wrist injury but is set to make his debut on Friday. The Bucks are deep and Delfino could be in a dog fight for minutes, but could also hit 2.5 threes per game, or more. Health is a bit of a concern with him, but I think he’s worth a flier with five games this week. See how he looks on Friday and then make a decision on whether you want to roll the dice on him in Week 2. Update: Looked fantastic in Friday's debut.
Recommendation: Should be monitored in all leagues
John Salmons Kings – The Kings are a deep and confusing team, but Salmons is off to a good start, averaging nine points and 1.7 threes in three games. If you toss out his two-point effort in a blowout loss to the Blazers, the numbers look much better.
Recommendation: Should be owned in deep leagues
Nicolas Batum Blazers – Batum is struggling with his confidence after not getting a starting gig but is still a highly talented and underrated player. He’s only shooting 32%, but is averaging 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 3-pointers per game. He’s currently not stealing the ball, but they should be coming. He’s got the potential to do what James Johnson has done early and I still think he is worth owning in most leagues.
Recommendation: Should be held in standard and deep leagues
Marshon Brooks Nets – Brooks has scored 17 points in two of the three Nets games this season and looks like he can score at will. Damion James was benched on Thursday, while Anthony Morrow was demoted to a reserve role behind Sundiata Gaines. Brooks could and should be the big winner here, making him worth a look in all leagues. We’ll need to see what he does in the next couple before declaring him a must-own player, but he should be near the top of your ‘watch list’ right now. Update: Had another big game on Friday and it's time to move on him.
Recommendation: Should be monitored closely in all leagues, and picked up in deep ones
The Rest
C.J. Miles Jazz – Could retake starting job from Raja Bell at any time. Keep an eye on him.
Metta World Peace Lakers – Lakers need a SF and Metta can play there. Should be on rise.
Terrence Williams Rockets – Budinger’s been terrible and T-Will is getting run. Watch closely.
Power Forwards
Ryan Anderson Magic – Anderson was nice again on Thursday and is averaging 18 points, six boards and nearly four 3-pointers per game. As long as he’s starting over Glen Davis, he looks like a must-own player. Update: Especially after another big game on Friday.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Andray Blatche Wizards – Blatche shouldn’t be on waiver wires just yet, but desperate owners could be ready to cut bait. He’s shooting just 27 percent and has looked bad in two straight, but is still averaging 7.5 points and 7 rebounds. The steals and blocks aren’t there yet, but if this dude is dropped in your league, pick him up. Update: Bounced back on Friday, just hang in there.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Tim Duncan Spurs – Duncan was benched on Thursday after shooting 1-of-6 in a blowout and owners could grow impatient with him quickly. He’s got bust written all over him by those owners who drafted Duncan, but getting him for free off waivers could pay dividends.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Carl Landry Hornets – Landry would be a lot more lovable if he blocked shots, but he’s starting at PF for the Hornets and averaging 17 points, nine rebounds and a steal after two games. Chris Kaman is going to eat into some of his potential, but so far, Landry looks like a nice add in any league.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues
Tyler Hansbrough Pacers – Hansbrough is coming off the bench and dealing with the arrival of David West, but still playing well enough to be owned in most leagues. He’s averaging 11.5 points and 10.5 rebounds, and while he won’t block many shots, not many guys average a double-double in the NBA. I’m not saying he’ll keep this up all year, but he’s worth a look in any league.
Recommendation: Should be owned in deep leagues, and considered in all.
Al Harrington Nuggets – Harrington cooled off on Thursday but is still averaging 15 points, six boards, two steals and a 3-pointer per game off the Nuggets bench. He’ll be streaky, but has big-game potential and should be able to help owners in most leagues.
Recommendation: Should be owned in deep leagues
The Rest
Paul Millsap Jazz – Shouldn’t be available, but if he was dropped, pick him up. He's starting Friday.
Derrick Williams Timberwolves – Averaging 8 points, 5.5 boards and should only get better.
Derrick Favors Jazz – Lost job to Millsap already and struggling, but might be better off bench. (update: Worth keeping while Al Jefferson is hurt).
Ed Davis Raptors – Amir Johnson is playing well, limiting Davis’ minutes. Monitor closely.
Jonas Jerebko Pistons – Return of Villanueva hurts, but could hold starting job anyway.
Centers
Samuel Dalembert Rockets – Dalembert has been coming off the bench behind Jordan Hill, but that should change quickly. He’s averaging seven points, six rebounds, 1.5 steals and 3.5 blocks off the bench and those numbers are going to rise once he takes over the starting center job.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues
Spencer Hawes Sixers – Hawes is off to a ridiculous start and Doug Collins says he’s in fantastic shape. He’s averaging 9.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, six assists, two steals and 1.5 blocks, and while I doubt he keeps up that pace, he’s going to be a serviceable center all year. Hawes and the Sixers only have three games this week, but play five times in Week 3. Update: Another big line on Friday.
Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues for now
DeJuan Blair Spurs – Blair is likely to be up and down all year, depending on Gregg Popovich’s mood swings and playing time allocations, but is averaging 21 points and nine boards in his last two after an opening-night dud. He’s yet to block a shot, but they should be coming. His playing time will always likely be a mystery, but he’s young and should be able to handle all the minutes he can get. I dropped him after Game 1, which was probably a mistake. Maybe someone in your league made the same error.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues.
Anderson Varejao Cavaliers – Varejao is going to get plenty of minutes and opportunity for a bad Cleveland team and is averaging 12 points, 8.5 rebounds and a steal, but has yet to block a shot. That should change soon and he is a guy I’d like to have in almost any league.
Recommendation: Should be owned in standard and deep leagues.
Marcin Gortat Suns – Shouldn’t be available in your league, but could be after a slow start. Everyone on the Suns looks sluggish, and Gortat will be pushed by Robin Lopez. Gortat is the better player and I expect him to get it figured out and improve on his current averages of 8.5 points, 6.5 boards and 0.5 blocks.
Recommendation: Should be owned in deep leagues
Chris Kaman Hornets – Kaman is coming off the bench behind Emeka Okafor and Carl Landry, but still averaging 11 points, seven boards, 1.5 steals and a block per game. He’s an injury risk, but a guy worth owning if you’re hurting in boards and blocks.
Recommendation: Should be owned in most leagues.
Amir Johnson Raptors – Amir is off to a nice start, averaging 7.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. The emergence of James Johnson could slow him down, while he’ll also have Ed Davis nipping at his heels going forward. But for now, he’s worth consideration in all leagues. Keep in mind that the Raps also play five times in Week 3, and four times in the upcoming week.
Recommendation: Should be owned in deep leagues, considered in all
Chuck Hayes Kings – Hayes is starting and averaging six points, 10 rebounds and a block, but I’d like him more if he didn’t have to contend with DeMarcus Cousins, J.J. Hickson and Jason Thompson for playing time. I doubt he matches last season’s stellar production, but he looks like a serviceable center as long as he’s starting for the Kings.
Recommendation: Should be owned in deep leagues, considered in all
The Rest
Robin Lopez Suns – Pushing Marcin Gortat in PHO, but not a must-own player by any stretch.
Mehmet Okur Nets – Off to a slow start, but started on Thursday. Watch him closely. Update: Looked better on Friday.
Marcus Camby Blazers – Rebounding and blocking shots, but very risky injury history.
Tiago Splitter Spurs – Has potential to do well in San Antonio, but minutes sporadic.
Andris Biedrins Warriors – Cooled off after a hot start, you can probably do better.