To kick off this edition of Waiver Wired, we’ll start with a piece about the Spurs I posted in Season Pass on Thursday, as I’m sure guys like Gary Neal, Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green are flying under the radar in most leagues. Then we’ll take a look at some five-game week pickups throughout the playoff run, and finally at the rest of the guys who should be given a look simply because they’re playing well or in a good situation, regardless of the schedule.
San Antonio, We Have A Problem
The Spurs have a crazy schedule the rest of the way, as they play five games in six nights starting on Friday, and then venture into April, when they have six sets of back-to-back games, and play 16 times in 26 nights. The only consecutive days off in April come on the 1st and 2nd and the remaining schedule is 3-4-4-5-3. Gregg Popovich watched Tony Parker go down on Wednesday night with a hamstring injury, and probably immediately had visions of the same thing happening to Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.
Pop is already famous for benching guys randomly and has said his goal is to get to the playoffs with everyone healthy, regardless of how much time off his old guys are going to need. They already utilize young players as much as any team in the league and those numbers could soon be on the rise given the brutal schedule facing the Spurs.
Gary Neal G
Neal had a nice line on Wednesday, as he filled in for Parker, who didn't return from the injury. Neal finished with 16 points, three assists, four steals and two 3-pointers, hitting 7-of-15 shots in 28 minutes. A lot of this depends on the severity of Parker's injury, which has been called "mild" in the early diagnosis, but there's a decent chance that he's sidelined for the five games in six days stretch. And if it happens, Neal and Manu Ginobili would both take over point guard duties. And when Parker is healthy enough to play again, he might still see limited minutes, which should mean good things for Neal. There's no telling how reliable Neal will be going forward, but given Parker's injury, I think he should be grabbed by any owner in need of a point guard, or any owner who has a player on the roster they've been wanting to cut.
MarShon Brooks and a suddenly cold (and with a bad schedule) Evan Turner seem like guys I would enjoy cutting to pick up Neal right now.
Kawhi Leonard SF
Leonard had 16 points, nine boards, a steal, a block and a 3-pointer in 38 minutes on Wednesday and is averaging 11 points, six boards, two steals and more than a 3-pointer per game in 33 minutes over his last five. Stephen Jackson played well too, also scoring 16 points in 22 minutes, but he's old (34) and Leonard is a rookie. Jackson's arrival is a bit of a concern for Leonard’s value, as is the way the Spurs like to spread the minutes around, but if you crawl into the head of Popovich for a minute, it makes sense for him to run Leonard into the ground the rest of the way, while picking his spots with Jackson from night to night. Leonard's minutes have been steady and should be even more so going forward, unless Pop decides to also start giving his young guys random nights off, too. Stranger things have happened.
Danny Green SG
Green played 29 minutes and had 14 points, seven rebounds and a block Wednesday, and is averaging 13 points, a steal and two 3-pointers over his last five games in 24 minutes. Again, Green is 25 years old and healthy, while Manu Ginobili is almost 35, constantly banged up and got a precautionary game off on Friday, with more likely to come. The Spurs may still not be comfortable with Manu playing in back-to-back games, which means Manu could get every other night off for the foreseeable future. Yes, I would consider dropping Manu, but I also think it makes sense to give Green a close look if you can use the numbers he's averaged over his last five.
Tiago Splitter and DeJuan Blair F/C
Splitter had 11 points, seven boards and five assists on Wednesday, while Blair managed just four points, six rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes. Tim Duncan had a huge night with 21 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, which means he'll be due for a night off soon. Duncan is almost 36, and has averaged 18 points, 12 boards and two blocks over his last five games, despite playing just 29 minutes per. But he's just as susceptible to a day off as any of his teammates, although Popovich did say recently that Duncan is healthy and in great shape. It doesn't matter, as he's going to get some nights off. I don't trust Splitter or Blair nearly as much as the other young guns mentioned earlier, but if you need a center, both should see pretty solid minutes from here on in.
Maybe I'm reading too much into the Spurs' schedule and overestimating Pop's need to keep the old guys healthy, but it sure looks like Neal, Leonard and Green are guys who should be picked up right now. The Spurs have the second best record in the West, and I'm betting that Pop will take a chance on dropping a few spots in order to keep his guys healthy, rather than go all out and try to get the No. 1 seed.
Five Is the Magic Number?
Deciding what to call each week has become a guessing game in many leagues. Some sites combined All-Star Week with another, while others just use their own random week numbers, based on when the season should have started vs. when it did start, etc. But around these parts, the upcoming week is Week 14 and the playoffs in a majority of leagues run from Weeks 14-16. So let’s take a look at those three and see which teams have five-game schedules, and who the pickups might be. Outside of a couple players, the news isn't all that great.
Week 14 (upcoming)
5-Games:
Indiana:
Must Starts: Darren Collison, Paul George, Danny Granger, David West, Roy Hibbert
For Your Consideration
George Hill PG – Hill disappeared in Thursday’s amazing comeback win over the Wizards, but I’m not deterred. He was 0-for-5 and played just 18 minutes, and also struggled on Saturday, when he played 28 minutes, but hit just 1-of-7 shots. In his other three previous games he’s averaging nearly 15 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal and two 3-pointers in 28 minutes. It’s become obvious that Frank Vogel is going to ride the hot hand between Hill and Darren Collison, but I’m still prepared to run Hill out there for five games and see what happens in some of my deeper leagues.
Tyler Hansbrough PF – If 10 points and four rebounds over his last five games float your boat, go for it. But David West survived his dislocated pinkie on Thursday night, or Hansbrough would be more of a must-add player than a mystery man.
Leandro Barbosa SG – Barbosa has played 18 and 15 minutes in his two games with the Pacers, scoring 12 and two points. He might still be worth a roll of the dice in a very deep league, but needs more games under his belt for Vogel to be used in most leagues.
New Orleans:
Must Starts: Jarrett Jack, Trevor Ariza, Chris Kaman
For Your Consideration
Marco Belinelli SG- Bello has been alternating good games with bad ones, averaging nearly 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and 1.6 3-pointers per game over his last five. Spread that out over five games and he could be a better play than many guys who only go three times. Just be careful not to bench a four-game stud for what Belinelli may or may not get you in the extra game.
Greivis Vasquez G – Vasquez is coming off the bench and averaging nine points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.8 3-pointers over his last five games, which should hold up going forward.
Jason Smith & Associates PF – I have been holding onto Gustavo Ayon in anticipation of this week, but a series of unfortunate events has happened, making Ayon nearly impossible to play. First of all, Smith has come out of nowhere in his return from a concussion to average 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds on 13-of-22 shooting over his last two games. Secondly, he surprisingly started over Ayon on Thursday, limiting Ayon to just 11 minutes and zero points. And lastly, Carl Landry is due back this weekend, creating a three-headed monster at power forward for the Hornets. I was all set to roll with Ayon here a couple weeks ago, but now I don’t think any of the PFs in New Orleans are worth the risk, despite the five games.
Week 15 (week after next)
5 Games
Memphis:
Must Starts: Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol
For Your Consideration
Tony Allen SG- Allen, who starts at shooting guard, is heating up at the right time, scoring between 14 & 18 points in three of his last five games, and is averaging 11 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.0 steals in 25 minutes over those five. His scoring has really picked up and if he stays hot for his three games in Week 14, he’ll enter must-start territory for Week 15.
O.J. Mayo SG – Mayo has cooled off, scoring just six points in each of his last two games, but I’m fine with that, as he played 29 and 17 minutes in those two. Over his last five, he’s at 9 points, 4 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals in 25 minutes, but has just two 3-pointers over that stretch. I plan on using him in Week 15 despite the recent struggles, if he plays well this week.
Marreese Speights is another guy worth a look, but with Zach Randolph back, he’s a longshot. Just keep in mind that Randolph could be held out for a game or two in a five-game week.
Sacramento
Must Starts: Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Thornton, Tyreke Evans, Jason Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins
For Your Consideration
Jason Thompson PF – Thompson is still unowned in many leagues, but is on a major roll, double-doubling in five straight games and averaging an astounding 17.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks over that stretch. He sprained his left ankle at the end of Thursday night’s game, but says he’s going to play on Saturday. I’m going to bench him for three games this week, in hopes that he’s at full strength and still rolling for the five games in Week 15. In my mind, he’s a must-own player at this point.
John Salmons SF – Salmons has been starting over Tyreke Evans, but is averaging just seven points, three boards and four assists over his last five. And given that Evans should be starting again by the time Week 15 rolls around, I’d ignore Salmons.
Week 16 (2 weeks from now)
5 Games
Boston
Must Starts: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Brandon Bass, Kevin Garnett
Brandon Bass PF – Bass is still not owned in a lot of leagues but is averaging 13 points, six boards, a steal and a block over his last five games. The Celtics go 4-4-5 over the next three weeks, making him a solid player to own in all leagues right now.
Charlotte
Must Starts: D.J. Augustin, Gerald Henderson, Bismack Biyombo
For Your Consideration
Kemba Walker G – Walker is averaging 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists over his last five and should see an increase in minutes as the season winds down, and I’m guessing he’ll be an automatic start in most leagues by the time Week 16 gets here.
Reggie Williams SF – If Corey Maggette remains in shutdown mode with his bad back, Williams will be a sneaky play in Week 16. He started their last game and had 13 points, six boards, two assists and a 3-pointer. If Maggette is back by then, he should be in most lineups that week, instead of Williams, but he’s always an injury risk.
Tyrus Thomas & D.J. White PF – These two show moments of potential all the time, but would need to get hot between now and Week 16 before I’d consider them. Put them on your watch list.
Cleveland
Must Starts: Kyrie Irving, Alonzo Gee, Antawn Jamison, Tristan Thompson
For Your Consideration
Gee and Thompson may not be owned in your league, but will likely be scooped up in all leagues very soon, if not by the end of the weekend. The Cavs go 4-4-5-4-3 to finish things out, meaning I would be happy to own both players the rest of the way.
Daniel Gibson G – Gibson is out with a sprained ankle right now, but could be rolling by the time Week 16 gets here, and should be a better option than starter Anthony Parker. Keep a close eye on Gibson.
Memphis
See Above
The Rest
Point Guards
Goran Dragic Rockets – Dragic is averaging 15 points, 11 assists, two steals and a 3-pointer over his last five and there are no signs that Kyle Lowry is going to return anytime soon. The Rockets finish 4-3-4-5-1.
Ramon Sessions Lakers – He’s still not starting, but is averaging 16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.5 3-pointers in his last two, and should only get better. The Lakers finish 4-4-4-4-1.
C.J. Watson Bulls – Derrick Rose is “week-to-week” with his groin injury and Watson looks like a strong play until further notice, but the Bulls go 4-3-3-4-2 to finish out, which isn’t ideal.
Nate Robinson Warriors – Robinson is near 13 points, two rebounds, six assists, two steals and 1.6 3-pointers per game over his last five, and should be owned with Stephen Curry likely done for the year.
Jose Juan Barea Timberwolves - Barea blew up for 18 points, 11 assists and two 3-pointers on Wednesday, a night when Luke Ridnour disappeared, and should be in for a nice run to the finish. The Wolves go 4-3-4-4-1.
Shooting Guards
Jordan Crawford Wizards – Crawford is averaging 18 points, two steals and nearly 1.5 threes per game over his last five, and those numbers could actually go up. The Wiz finish 4-4-4-3-3 and he should not be available in any leagues.
Klay Thompson Warriors – Thompson is averaging 18 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.4 3-pointers over his last five and is another must-own player. The Warriors finish 4-4-4-5-2.
Arron Afflalo Nuggets – Afflalo is finally hot, averaging over 20 points, three boards, three assists and more than a three per game over his last five. The Nuggets finish 4-3-4-4-2.
Gordon Hayward Jazz – Hayward is heating up again, averaging 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal over his last five, which includes a zero-point effort on Sunday. The Jazz finish up 4-4-4-3-2 and Hayward looks like a must-add player again.
Carlos Delfino Bucks – Delfino’s slump is finally over and he’s at 16 points, seven boards, two steals and three 3-pointers over his last four games. I have no idea if he’ll keep it going, but he’s worth a shot as the Bucks finish 4-4-4-3-3.
Mike Dunleavy Bucks – Ditto for Dunleavy, who is averaging 17 points, two boards, three assists and two 3-pointers per game over his last five.
Ben Gordon Pistons – Gordon exploded for 45 points and hit 9-of-9 3-pointers to go along with eight assists on Wednesday. We’ll have to see what he does on Friday, as he has scored in double figures in just three of his last nine games, and keep in mind that Rodney Stuckey was out for Wednesday’s explosion. The Pistons finish 4-4-4-4-2.
Courtney Lee Rockets – Kevin Martin is out indefinitely with a tear in his shoulder, while Lee continues to play well for Houston on most nights. He’s been hit or miss lately, but is still averaging 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and two 3-pointers over his last five, despite scoring just nine, seven and two points in three of those. He had 23 and 25 points in the other two, and the Rockets finish 4-3-4-5-1.
Chase Budinger Rockets – Budinger comes in at 10 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one 3-pointer over his last five games.
Roger Mason Jr. Wizards – Mason failed to score in his last game, but had 19, 12 and 16 in three of his four previous games, making him worth a look in deeper leagues. 4-4-4-3-3.
Small Forwards
Wilson Chandler Nuggets – Chandler is starting for injured Danilo Gallinari and is averaging 12 points, 7.0 boards, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 3-pointer in his two games. And with Gallo not appearing to be close to a return, Chandler has become a must-own player.
Richard Jefferson Warriors – RJ is averaging 12.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.8 3-pointers over his last four games, getting over 30 minutes per game for the Warriors, who finish 4-4-4-5-2.
Brandon Rush Warriors – Rush is at 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and about 1.5 blocks and 1.5 threes per game over his last five.
Dorell Wright Warriors – Wright has cooled off with the arrival of Jefferson, but is still at 11 points, five boards, a steal, a block and two 3-pointers per game over his last five.
Chandler Parsons Rockets – Parsons is starting and sits at 11 points, seven boards, three assists, a steal and a 3-pointer over his last five games. The Rockets finish 4-3-4-5-1.
Matt Barnes Lakers – Barnes is suddenly heating up for the Lakers (4-4-4-4-1), averaging 11.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.8 3-pointers over his last five. The schedule is nice and he’s feeling it.
James Johnson Raptors – Johnson runs hot and cold, but is averaging 11 points, four boards, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks over his last five games. The Raps finish 4-4-4-3-2.
Tayshaun Prince Pistons – Prince cooled off on Wednesday when Gordon went nuts, but is still at 15 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 3-pointers over his last five. The Pistons finish 4-4-4-4-2, making him look like a solid add.
Power Forwards
Derrick Williams Timberwolves – Williams is hit or miss, but could be in line for more starts if Nikola Pekovic continues to sit with his ankle issues, and is averaging eight points, eight rebounds and nearly a block per game over his last five. Minnesota goes 4-3-4-4-1 to finish up.
Centers
Nene Wizards – Nene is playing well for the Wizards and appears to be healthy, so make sure he wasn’t dropped in your league. 4-4-4-3-3.
J.J. Hickson Trail Blazers – Hickson is ready to make his Blazers debut and given their lack of depth in the big-man department, he could make some noise in a deep league. 4-4-4-3-2.