Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (PG/SG, LAL): Week 16 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 9% of leagues

ANALYSIS: I bet you won't believe what I'm about to write: KCP was the eight-overall pick from the 2013 draft. For real, folks. The Pistons picked KCP back then above the likes of CJ McCollum, Steven Adams, and a certain Giannis Antetokounmpo. Damn. The thing is, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is still just 27 years old yet everybody has this image of the über-veteran holding the Lakers together, even more now that LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been out--and will remain there--for a while.

KCP isn't an otherworldly talent, nor the Lakers savior, but given the current status of this franchise (I mean, they have just added Ben McLemore to the fold...) odds are he is one of, if not the, best players available on a nightly basis, which will stay the same for one or two weeks still at the very least. See, KCP has started all 48 games he's played this season, and that will keep happening ROS. Kentavious' heavy minutes (27 MPG on the season up to 30 MPG since LBJ got injured) and low usage rates are killing his per-minute efficiency, as it was to be expected, but KCP is also getting bulky counting stats nightly.

Caldwell-Pope is averaging a 10-3-2 line since he's on the court without LeBron James (Mar. 20) in the 10 games he's played through Friday. Although KCP is far from the greatest shooter ever (36 percent FG%) in that span, the truth is that he's on the court to hit his spot-up treys and he's hitting 2+ per game. It is hard to know if Friday was a fluke (39 minutes, 20 FGA, 28-4-1 line), but there is nothing too crazy about KCP logging those minutes and opportunities with the lack of warm bodies around L.A. these days. If only for a couple of weeks, make sure to get yourself some KCP shares.

More Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups

Fantasy Basketball Deeper-League Waiver Wire Adds for Week 24: Isaac Okoro, Kris Dunn, Josh Richardson, Corey Kispert, Delon Wright

The deeper a fantasy basketball league, the harder it is to hit a winner with your last few picks. It is also harder to find decent help from the waiver wire if your late-round picks don't do you justice. If you picked up a few stinkers, don't lose hope just yet. I will try to... Read More

Antonio Losada 2 years ago

Onyeka Okongwu (SF/PF, ATL): Week 24 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 16% of leagues ANALYSIS: The Hawks are currently the 10th seed in the East but are also tied for 8th and 9th with Brooklyn and Charlotte respectively. There's even a chance (albeit small) that Atlanta could rise as high as to reach the 7th seed if... Read More

Antonio Losada 2 years ago

Immanuel Quickley (PG, NYK): Week 24 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 48% of leagues ANALYSIS: If we use common basketball sense, then the New York Knicks and Coach Thibs should try and see what the young guys such as Immanuel Quickley have in them and what they can provide the franchise with ROS, as the NYK are... Read More

Antonio Losada 2 years ago

Deni Avdija (SG/SF, WAS): Week 24 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 37% of leagues ANALYSIS: One would reasonably think that a player seeing a playing-time boost such as that of Deni Avdija's this month would make said player drop his efficiency numbers. Well, not the case for the Wiz Wing by the looks of it. Avdija has... Read More

Antonio Losada 2 years ago

Nicolas Claxton (PF/C, BRK): Week 24 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 24% of leagues ANALYSIS: The Nets can finally rest assured they'll make the play-in portion of the season. Not quite what you expected when the season got rolling back in October, but at least more than what the Lakers would have accomplished a week from now.... Read More

Antonio Losada 2 years ago

Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App