Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Injuries. Injuries are everywhere.
Of course, it was expected, and there is no way around it. However, there is a way to cope with it.
Hitting the waiver wire is crucial to a fantasy player’s success. Always look to add more depth to your roster because as you can see, injuries are going to happen. There is nothing you can do about it. So, with a handful of significant fantasy options banged up, which available free agents are a must-add in fantasy hoops land?
Note: Ownership percentages are based off ESPN
Jordan Hill, Los Angeles Lakers (52.2%): The Jordan Hill from 2012 is vastly different to the one we are seeing in 2013. Last season, Hill was a strong spark off of the bench, but with Kobe Bryant sidelined, and a less than stellar core around him, Hill has recently been inserted into the starting lineup. He hasn’t wasted any time proving he belongs. Over his last four games, Hill has logged 30.5 minutes per contest, averaging almost 19 points per game. On Sunday, he posted the best stat line of his career, scoring 24 points and adding 17 rebounds and an assist. He should continue to see plenty of work, as veteran Chris Kaman continues to struggle, as he played a whopping five minutes on Sunday evening. Mike D’Antoni, an offensive-minded coach, will continue to keep Hill out there. Hill is seeing 13.3 rebounding chances per game, executing on 63 percent of them. Grab him, and plug him into your lineup.
Terrence Jones, Houston Rockets (9.3%): Stop reading this and go grab Jones. Like, five minutes ago. With Omer Asik looking to be traded, resulting in riding the pine pony, Jones has been the team’s starting power forward for the last four games. Playing alongside Dwight Howard, Jones has been very productive. During that span. he’s averaged almost 34 minutes per game. Playing next to Howard and James Harden, Jones should see plenty of open looks. He’s posted two double doubles in his four starts, including three games where he’s posted three or more blocks. With an injury to Greg Smith, Jones will also serve as the Rockets second string center. With a slash line of 9.3 points/10.3 rebounds/2.5 blocks since entering the starting lineup, Jones is a must-add for those who need a body.
Tony Wroten, Philadelphia 76ers (20.6%): Of course, all of Wroten’s fantasy value hinges on the health of rookie point guard, Michael Carter-Williams. However, Wroten’s recent play has been incredibly impressive lately, and with head coach Brett Brown not expecting his rookie to make the Sixers road trip, we could see another healthy dose of Wroten. During his last five games, Wroten is logging 30.2 minutes, 15.2 points, 4.8 assists and three rebounds per game. He’s looked really strong, and is going to get you some steals as well, as he’s a pest defensively. With struggling Darius Morris the only threat to playing time, Wroten should continue to log plenty of minutes with Carter-Williams sidelined. He’s getting good looks, averaging six drives and almost five free-throw attempts per game. If you own MCW, Wroten is a must-add.
Jordan Crawford, Boston Celtics (52.7%): The Celtics have moved on, naming Crawford the new starting point guard for the foreseeable future. A pure shooter, Crawford is still averaging almost 13 shots per game, on top of the uptick in offensive touches he’ll see when running the point. There still isn’t a ton of talent in Boston, so Crawford will likely take enough shots to matter, but will also see an uptick in assists. A 15-point, six-assist stat line is very possible, and with Avery Bradley more of a defensive-minded shooting guard, Crawford will continue to start at the one until Rajon Rondo returns to action.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
