In our weekly look at the waiver wire in fantasy basketball, RotoBaller Brad Leibfried gives us some in-depth NBA analysis about which guards to target off the waiver wire, and which guards to continue scouting. Fantasy owners would do well to check out Brad's Week 7 Forwards & Centers Pickups, as well. RotoBaller covers the best fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups each week, so stay tuned!
Waiver Wire Pickups at the Guard Position
Waiver Wire Must-Add Guards
Brandon Knight: After struggling through a hamstring injury for over a month, Knight now appears to be fully healthy. In the past week, he has been bumped up to 28 minutes a game. In those minutes, he is averaging 16 points, 4.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2 three-pointers per contest. With only veteran Luke Ridnour and rookie Nate Wolters to push him for minutes, the newly acquired Knight should continue to see an increased work load. A good example of what Knight could be would be coach Larry Drew’s old point guard, Jeff Teague. If he can stay healthy, Knight is a must-add in all leagues.
Nate Robinson: Robinson has always been known as a sparkplug for his teams, capable of strings of huge games followed by prolonged dry stretches. He is currently in one of those hot stretches. In his past nine games, he has put up double-digit scoring in eight of them. Although he does not provide a ton of assists, he has contributed three per contest. He is also making nearly two three-point shots a game, which boost his value. Even with him seeing just 19 minutes a game, Robinson can provide solid scoring and shooting on any fantasy team.
Manu Ginobili: Ginobili is another player who does not see a ton of minutes (just 23 a game over his past two weeks), but is able to put up solid numbers. Manu has scored in double digits in five of his last seven games on 50% shooting. He is also averaging a remarkable 6 assists and a solid 1.6 three-pointers per game. Ginobili has always been a solid across-the-board contributor and that hasn't changed. Even though the minutes are not likely to go up, Ginobili can still provide great stats while not hurting you in shooting or turnovers. Consider him a solid pickup.
Waiver Wire Guards to Keep an Eye On
Reggie Jackson: On opening night, it had looked like Jackson would run the point for the Thunder for nearly six weeks. When Russell Westbrook came back just a week into the season, Jackson struggled to find a role. Now comfortable in his role as sixth man, he has begun to play well. Though he isn't quite putting up the numbers that would require him to be owned in all leagues, he can provide value in deeper formats.
Jared Dudley: Dudley should be one of the main benefactors of the injury to J.J. Redick. He has played 28 minutes a game on the season, but has not been able to find his rhythm. If he can get back to last year’s 11 points per game, 3 rebounds and 3 assists a game he could again be a solid player.
Check out Brad's Week 7 Forwards & Centers Pickups, and be sure to come back next week as RotoBaller will continue to look at the best fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups for you to own and scout.