Fantasy Basketball: Top Waiver-Wire Adds for Sunday, March 9th
By Josh Lloyd
Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Could it be that the New York Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire is actually a viable fantasy option again?
In today’s edition of “All Wired Up”, I’ll delve into the fantasy strengths of potential waiver wire gold like Stoudemire and the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tony Wroten.
» Amar’e Stoudemire, PF/C, New York Knicks (30.9 percent owned on ESPN.com)
17 points (7-16 FG, 3-4 FT), 0 three-pointers, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 steals, 3 blocks, 2 turnovers vs Cavaliers.
Is the unthinkable really happening? Is Amar’e Stoudemire actually semi-healthy and able to contribute on a nightly basis? On the back of the last week of action, the answer is definitely leaning toward a big yes.
Stoudemire has started the past four games for the Knicks and looked very impressive in doing so. It’s been such a shame to see an once elite player, reduced to a shell of his former self. I doubt anyone involved in or who watches the NBA who wouldn’t be glad if Stoudemire can return to some sort of pre-injury form.
Now, I’m not saying that Stoudemire is back to the form he showed in his first season in the Big Apple. We won’t see that type of play again from the big man. But, he is contributing, both to the Knicks and to fantasy teams — albeit not many of them due to his low ownership.
Over the last five games, Stoudemire is the 55th ranked player on Basketball Monster.com, averaging 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while shooting 59.6 percent from the field and 86.7 from the charity stripe. In his most recent game, Stoudemire notched just his second double double of the season while also contributing three blocks.
In 10 team leagues, I think you have to give Stoudemire a look while he’s somewhat healthy, starting and producing, but if you are in a deeper league, take the plunge and add him while you can. For all we know, he’s knees could crumble again at any time, so make the most of the current stretch of form and squeeze every drop of fantasy value while you can.
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John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
» Tony Wroten, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers (16.3 percent owned)
30 points (12-15 FG, 6-8 FT), 0 three-pointers, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 4 steals, 0 blocks, 3 turnovers vs Jazz.
Wroten is settled in to his sixth-man role now and is providing some solid fantasy value for deeper leagues or owners searching for steals and points.
In the last two weeks, Wroten is averaging 17.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals and is shooting an extremely impressive 49.4 percent from th floor. The field goal percentage is of particular interest as it is very high for a point guard eligible player.
A downside to Wroten is that he doesn’t really contribute in many categories. Apart from points, steals and field goal percentage, you won’t get much else out of Wroten, which makes it hard to recommend him in 10 or 12 team leagues.
Wroten is a guy to add in 14 team leagues, but if your squad is points-deficient, he can make a significant difference in all leagues.