T.J. Warren (SF, PHX) - NBA Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Speculative Add in All Leagues

OWNED: 29% of Yahoo! Fantasy Basketball Leagues

As a 2014 first round pick for the Suns, T.J. Warren struggled to crack the rotation during the first half of his rookie season. By March and April, however, Warren appeared more comfortable on the court and by the end of the season, he became a mainstay in the rotation for the young Suns. In year two thus far, Warren is still finding his way in the NBA, and has proven to still be a bit inconsistent, but a recent hot stretch has finally given the Suns (and fantasy owners) reason to be excited about the former lottery pick.

On the season, Warren has provided decent numbers across-the-board, contributing in multiple categories.  His per game averages won't jump off the page (12.7 ppg/3.8 rpg/0.6 apg/0.6 spy/0.3 bpg), but to this point his efficiency shooting (53% FG/77% FT) and in protecting the rock (less than 1 turnover per contest) will catch your eye. His ownership in Yahoo! leagues is on a steady rise due to a recent hot stretch against some very formidable opponents. In his previous 4 games against the Spurs, Pelicans, Warriors, and Raptors, Warren has managed to compile impressive numbers that warrant a speculative add: 19 ppg/5 rpg/1 apg/.8 spg/1 bpg on 59% FG.

Don't worry about his bench role, as the Suns starting small forward P.J. Tucker is a journeyman role player who has played less than Warren over this recent 4 game surge. As a former lottery pick of this Suns regime, the team has more of an interest to develop and play Warren, and his recent stretch of games illustrates the fact that he might be starting to find his role and confidence to put together with his lottery pick talent. Those reasons alone warrant a speculative add, especially those owners who have a player with less upside sitting at the bottom of their rosters.