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A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Markieff Morris being a waiver-wire stud, now it’s his twin brother Marcus Morris who is set to improve your fantasy basketball team heading into the season’s second half.
In today’s edition of “All Wired Up”, I’ll delve into the fantasy strengths of potential waiver wire gold like Morris and the New York Knicks’ Jeremy Tyler for deep league consideration.
» Marcus Morris, PF, Phoenix Suns (0.6 percent owned on ESPN.com)
16 points (7-12 FG, 1-1 FT), 1 three-pointer, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers vs. Pacers
Now in his third season and on his second team, the Suns’ Marcus Morris is starting to look like he fits in in this league. Along with his brother, Morris has had a somewhat up and down season, but his overall ranking of 130 on Basketball Monster.com speaks to the value that he can add to fantasy teams across the world.
His overall season numbers are decent, but it’s the last two games that have really drawn my attention to Morris as a guy to target in fantasy leagues. Morris and the Suns have played, and won, on back-to-back nights, stretching their winning streak to four games.
Morris averaged 16 points, 1.5 three-pointers, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists on Wednesday and Thursday, hitting all five of his free throws and shooting over 50 percent from the field, numbers which should garner the attention of the savvy fantasy owner. I wouldn’t drop anyone of much value, but in a 12 team league, Marcus Morris (and Markieff) are both guys who should be owned, riding the hot streaks when they come.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
» Jeremy Tyler, C, New York Knicks (0.0 percent owned):
8 points (4-6 FG, 0-1 FT), 0 three-pointers, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 turnovers vs. Cavs
Who? Jeremy Tyler, that’s who! With the Knicks’ big man ranks decidedly thin due to injuries to Kenyon Martin, Amar’e Stoudemire and Andrea Bargnani, Tyler has needed to step up and he has in a big way.
In three of the last four games, Tyler has played over 20 minutes per contest and in those games where he received significant minutes, he’s averaged 11 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 1.7 blocks. Even if you include his game against the Los Angeles Lakers where he played only eight minutes, Tyler is ranked 149th on Basketball Monster.com.
Eventually Stoudemire, Martin and Bargnani will return, but there is no clear timetable for any of those players, so Tyler is going to continue to be asked to contribute to the suddenly surging Knicks. If you play in anything deeper than a 12 team league and are lacking big man numbers, look no further than the Knicks’ third year center.