Somewhat forgotten in San Antonio, the Spurs’ Boris Diaw is playing some great basketball at the moment and is pushing for inclusion on just about any fantasy team.
In today’s edition of “All Wired Up”, I’ll delve into the fantasy strengths of potential waiver wire gold like Diaw and the New York Knicks’ Tim Hardaway Jr. for deep league consideration.
» Boris Diaw, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs (4.6 percent owned on ESPN.com)
22 points (9-20 FG, 2-3 FT), 2 three-pointers, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 steals, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers vs. Rockets
In the past four games, Diaw has been on an absolute roll. He has hit 10 of his 11 shots from downtown in that time frame, which works out at an average of 2.5 made three-pointers per game. Those sort of numbers are phenomenal and go along with the 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
Coincidentally, or perhaps not coincidentally at all, these awesome figures have come since Kawhi Leonard broke his hand. In that time frame, Diaw is ranked 42nd according to Basketball Monster.com’s rankings. With Leonard slated to miss another three weeks, Diaw seems likely to continue getting a big opportunity, both in terms of minutes and offensive involvement.
Even though Diaw’s value will probably peak during Leonard’s absence, he has been a valuable contributor for a good portion of the season. He is the 99th ranked player over the past month, which means he is a must own player in all leagues.
Diaw is a guy I’ll be recommending across the board for short term and long term value and I believe he can help any form of fantasy squad.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
» Tim Hardaway, Jr., SG, New York Knicks (1.2 percent owned):
16 points (5-10 FG, 4-4 FT), 2 three-pointers, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 turnover vs. Celtics
The Knicks have started to turn their season around, winning three straight (two of by over 20 points), and rookie Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a key piece in the sudden surge.
Hardaway has scored in double digits in four out of the last five games, but it’s been the winning streak in which he is truly started to excel.
In those three games, he has averaged 14.7 points, 2.7 three-pointers, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game, while getting 30 minutes per game. The biggest contribution Hardaway can have to your fantasy team is obviously in three-pointers, but his field goal percentage and free throw percentage are above average as well, without hurting your team in turnovers.
Fantasy owners must be hoping that Mike Woodson keeps his rotation constant and Hardaway keeps getting this type of run off the bench, because as his minutes have ramped up, so too has his fantasy contribution.
Hardaway probably isn’t a must own in 10 or 12 team leagues, but if his strengths fit in with your team’s areas of need, you could do a lot worse than grabbing the Knicks’ rookie.