As the second half of the fantasy basketball regular season continues, it is time to start gearing up for the playoffs. A great addition from the waiver wire can make or break a team. The players below are the players on the rise for week 15. These players should be picked up if available.
Fantasy Basketball: Players to Pick Up
Jaden McDaniels
When you think of a rookie on the Minnesota Timberwolves, the first player that comes to mind is Anthony Edwards, the number one overall pick in last year’s draft. However, Timberwolves rookie Jaden McDaniels has made a name for himself as of late. The 28th pick out of Washington has put up averages of 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks in his last five games. Wolves coach Chris Finch loves his defense and he is locked into the starting power forward role going forward. His arrow is pointing straight up.
Hamidou Diallo
Hamidou Diallo was recently acquired by the Detroit Pistons from the Oklahoma City Thunder back in mid-March. While he initially missed time due to a groin injury, Diallo has impressed since returning to the lineup. In his past three games, he has averaged 17.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 25.6 minutes. The Pistons are going nowhere this season, meaning they have all of the incentive to play their young guys. The Pistons traded for Diallo because they view him as part of the core of their rebuild, so he should play a big role down the stretch. He is definitely worth a flier in most leagues.
Gary Trent Jr.
The trade that sent Gary Trent Jr. from the Portland Trailblazers to the Toronto Raptors for Norman Powell seemed like an afterthought at the trade deadline. However, Trent Jr. seems to be a big winner from the change in scenery. Over his last three games, he has averaged 23.3 points per game, including having a franchise-best plus-minus of plus fifty-four in his last game against the Golden State Warriors. Kyle Lowry (foot) is set to miss a week and Fred VanVleet (hip flexor) also left the Raptors game on Friday with an injury. Either way, Trent Jr.’s outlook is promising. The Raptors currently sit in 11th in the East, and with Lowry most likely leaving in the offseason, the team has every incentive to give Trent Jr. big minutes. Buy his stock.
Chuma Okeke
Chuma Okeke was a quiet winner of the big Orlando Magic-Chicago Bulls trade at the trade deadline. With the Magic shipping out all of their good players, somebody had to step up. Okeke has averaged 16.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals over his last six games. With Okeke seeming to be locked into starters minutes the rest of the way, he should continue to feast for the rest of the season. Go get him.
Derrick White
Many thought Derrick White would be a breakout candidate coming into the season. In the bubble last summer, he averaged 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in seven games. He then had toe surgery in August and early into this season, he reaggravated the same injury. When he came back, he then went into the Covid-19 protocols which kept him out for several more weeks. Finally, it appears White’s fantasy value is starting to take off. White has averaged 20.5 points, 3.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1 steal per game over his last four games. The team signed White to a big extension before the season which means his role as a starter is safe. Now is the time to grab him before it’s too late.
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