Sick of shopping yet? Don’t worry, we won’t sell you any products here. We’re only shopping for things that count on the apology wire in fantasy basketball. Here are some players to consider adding who are still in most of Yahoo’s leagues.
Gradey Dick, Toronto Raptors (53% available)
Injuries have been a problem for the Raptors for much of the season. Scottie Barnes made his return on Thursday, but Immanuel Quickley (suspension) is still on the sidelines. Jakob Poeltl (groin) also went down recently and is not sure when he will be able to return.
There was no shortage of minutes and shot attempts for Dick going forward. After logging just 21 minutes per game during his rookie season, Dick has averaged 32 minutes per game this season. He has used his extra playing time to produce averages of 18.5 points and 3-2.6 rebounds per game. He should continue to be a reliable source for points and 3 pointers going forward.
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls (55%)
Although the Bulls have more guards, Dosunmu has made a significant impact for himself. He averaged 31 minutes per game, which is on pace to be his career high. He parlayed that into averages of 13.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 3-1.4 rebounds. As you can see, he is shooting 50.0% from the field and 80.8% from the arc.
Rumors continue to swirl about the Bulls looking to trade Zach LaVine. They could also look to trade Lonzo Ball if he continues to stay healthy. Dosunmu has already proven to have fantasy value as the current roster is constructed. If the Bulls trade a guard or two, Dosunmu could take his production to an even higher level.
De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks (61%)
Hunter is averaging two minutes less per game than he did last season. However, after averaging 15.6 points and 2.1 3-pointers per game last season, he has averaged 19.8 points and 2.8 3-pointers this season. Part of the reason for his increased production is that he is shooting 45.3% from behind the arc. It has also increased its usage rate from 20.6% last season to 24.0% this season.
The Hawks are loaded with talented wing players. As impressive as rookie Zaccharie Risacher has looked at times, he has eased into the NBA by averaging a modest 24 minutes per game. With the team getting healthy, Risacher has logged 22 or fewer minutes in five of the last six games. Hunter is locked into a leading role off the bench for the Hawks, making him someone to target if he needs a boost in scoring.
Goga Bitadze, Orlando Magic (62%)
What else does Bitadze have to do in order to be listed in more leagues? He has started each of his last 21 games, averaging 26 minutes along the way. During that season, he averaged 10.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 blocks. He also shot 64.3% from the field and 79.1% from the free-throw line.
There is some good news around Paolo Banchero (oblique), but it may be at least another week to make his return. Franz Wagner (oblique) won’t be back anytime soon. Even when Banchero returns, Bitadze likely has a starting spot over Wendell Carter Jr., who continues to have a difficult time staying healthy. Don’t expect Bitadze’s influence to decline anytime soon. For those who need a company, it is one of the top options to consider adding.
Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz (69%)
Clarkson recently missed seven straight games with a foot injury. He scored at least 20 points in both of his first two games since returning before exiting early Thursday against the Pistons. He also hit at least three three-pointers in both games. He is currently on pace to average at least 15.1 points and 3-1.7 rebounds for the seventh straight season.
The reason Clarkson is in so many leagues is probably because of the time he missed recently with his injury. He is one of the best bench players in the league, so his production ability is not in question. There’s a chance he could be transferred to a controversial team before the trade deadline, but even if that happens, he’ll likely score a lot off the bench for his new team. Clarkson probably won’t be in most leagues for very long.
Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets (75%)
The Nets have played surprisingly well this season. However, that won’t stop them from being sellers heading into the trade deadline. They made their first trade, sending Dennis Schröder to the Warriors. He is one of their leading players, averaging 18.6 points and 6.6 assists over 34 minutes per game.
Simmons will have a chance to be the Nets’ starting point guard moving forward. He has started and played at least 31 minutes in both games since the Schroder trade. That was the first time he played at least 30 minutes in a game this season. Simmons is not a great player, and he has yet to see if he can become more active. However, for the time being, the extended impact leaves him with more significant upside. If you add him and he plays well for the next couple of weeks, it might still be a good idea to shop around his league to see what kind of return you might get for him in a trade.
Drop the competitors
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Christian Braun, Denver Nuggets (47%)
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Terry Rozier, Miami Heat (66%)
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Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks (78%)
