The NBA season is underway, While draft season may be over, we’ve got a full season’s worth of fantasy basketball content ahead at FTN Fantasy. This weekly article will focus on who you should be targeting on the waiver wire, putting on your watch list or letting go of as the season progresses.
The content itself will vary based on what is happening in the league at the time, and since we all just drafted we’ll keep things fairly simple for the first week of the season. If you have any questions about your season long teams don’t hesitate to tag me in the FTN Fantasy Discord or on Twitter at @KawhisenbergDFS.
Players Who Should Be Rostered
Tre Jones, San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are going to be the worst we’ve seen in nearly 25 years, but they’re still going to roll out 240 minutes’ worth of play each night and their players will still score fantasy points. Tre Jones is the starting point guard for this team to start the year, and while he may not be the highest-profile player at the position, he should still get significant time (think 30-plus minutes per game), and because of that he should be rostered in every league. Jones contributes across the box score, and even though he’s not likely picking up any triple-doubles this season he’s going to be an asset on your bench that you can likely get for free. Jones is currently just 64.3% rostered in ESPN leagues, and unless you’re in a league with less than 10 members, that number should be closer to 95%.
Jalen Smith, Indiana Pacers
The former lottery pick was finally cut loose by Phoenix this offseason after he failed to meaningfully crack their rotation over his first two seasons. The Pacers quickly pounced, and now he’s in line to be their starting power forward. I’m not a huge Jalen Smith believer, but his fantasy production has still been very solid when he gets extended run in his young career. If he can grab this opportunity for starter’s level minutes with a lowly Pacers squad, he could develop into a waiver wire or late round steal in season long leagues. Smith is 53.8% owned in ESPN leagues, and if you’ve got an extra spot to fill (especially if you’re stashing bigs like Robert Williams or Jaren Jackson on your IR), he’s a great frontcourt option to do so.
Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
If Smith isn’t available in your league, look for the Nets starting center to fill that frontcourt spot. Nic Claxton is just 34% rostered in ESPN leagues, and he’s got some runway for a larger role with Brooklyn this season. Gone are veteran big men LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin, who clogged the path to big minutes for Claxton last season when he wasn’t on the injury report. The former Georgia Bulldog looked good in the preseason and appears poised to have an improved year statistically for Brooklyn.
Players to Put on Your Watchlist
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls
With Lonzo Ball’s availability for the entire season in doubt, Ayo Dosunmu appears to have taken the starting point guard sport for Chicago. Even if Ball is able to return, it won’t be for months from now, so Dosunmu is a safe option if you’re looking for a long-term backup option in your backcourt. He’s not going to wow you with stat-stuffing performances night to night, but he should play significant enough minutes that he could really help you in a tight spot. I’m not pulling the trigger quite yet unless I’m in a league with more than 12 members, but he’s definitely on my watch list.
Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz
Expected to be one of the worst teams in the league, Utah’s roster is loaded with uncertainty from a fantasy standpoint. Because of this, you’ll likely to see the majority of the Jazz unrostered in your fantasy leagues. Unless you’re new to the NBA, you know Jordan Clarkson is one of the top pure scoring options that plays a bench role in the league. I do expect him to get traded before the February deadline, but for now I’m interested to see how much time he gets early in the season. With so much usage opening up in this rotation, Clarkson could see improved production and is worthy of keeping an eye on through the first few games.
Malik Beasley, Utah Jazz
Sticking with Utah and the uncertainty we just spoke about, how about adding Malik Beasley to your watchlist? The seventh-year guard is now on his third team, and we’ve seen what he can do with extended playing time (nearly 20 points per game with Minnesota two seasons ago). He figures to play a smaller role to start the season with the Jazz, but if (or when) Mike Conley and/or Jordan Clarkson are traded I expect him to get a sizeable minutes and usage increase. I have him on my watchlist everywhere to scoop him up when those trade whispers start to pick up in Utah.
