The calendar has turned to 2024, and it is time to make your move. Opportunities to improve are all around us, so let’s start by taking a look at some NBA Waiver Wire options I have my eye on. At the same time, don’t forget to take advantage of all of the other great tools we have here at Fantasy Alarm for the NBA season to improve your fantasy basketball rosters. 

 

Fantasy Basketball NBA Waiver Wire Picks Week 12

Simone Fontecchio, SF, Utah Jazz

Earlier in the season, we did highlight Simone Fontecchio but his recent move back into the starting lineup warrants another look. While he did struggle on Friday scoring just seven points, it’s hard not to like what we saw from the forward in his two previous games. All Fontecchio did was average 20 points with 6.5 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. When in the starting lineup this season entering Friday’s game, Fontecchio paired 12.6 points and 4.1 assists per game while knocking down over three-pointers. Utah has used multiple starting lineups this year, but Fontecchio has seemingly earned one of the five spots. 

Quentin Grimes, SG/SF, New York Knicks

Last week, we highlighted some of the fallout on the Knicks side relating to their swap of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for OG Anunoby and Precious Achiewa. However, Quentin Grimes deserves some follow up attention as well. Highlighted by 19 points on Friday, Grimes is averaging over 12 points per game in the three games since the trade. I wouldn’t expect him to grab eight rebounds on a nightly basis like he did against the 76ers in New York’s blowout victory, but it’s the three-pointers we are after here. With 1.7 per game, Grimes is a solid contributor here, but the thought process is that his role will increase. 

Larry Nance, PF/C, New Orleans Pelicans

After missing a month of action with a rib injury, Larry Nance has returned to action and continues to see his role increase in that time. Given his pedigree and how good he has looked into fitting with Zion Williamson, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his playing time continue to rise. In the five games since his return, the production has been there for Nance. In that stretch, he is averaging just over eight points per game to go along with eight rebounds. That is production that has fit just about every fantasy team. 

T.J. McConnell, PG, Indiana Pacers

While T.J. McConnell is still coming off the bench, one the calendar turned to 2024, the point guard has carved out a strong role in about 20 minutes per game each night. That seems to be an ideal spot for McConnell who had two strong games; 16 points and nine assists along with 10 points and 10 assists. The Pacers play at the quickest pace in the league and are scoring an insane 127.6 points per game. All that means, is that McConnell has a ton of opportunity to make things happen. 

Moritz Wagner, C, Orlando Magic

The first start of the season for Mortiz Wanger is likely going to be a brief promotion from the bench, but the center has done all he can to earn increased playing time. In his start on Friday, Wagner finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and the argument can be made that he deserves to remain over Goga Bitadze. Despite averaging just 19 minutes per game this year, Wagner is scoring 11.1 points while grabbing 4.5 rebounds. It shouldn’t be surprising then to see Wagner pick up a double-double with extended playing time. 

Cam Whitmore, SF, Houston Rockets

The potential and upside are here with the first-round pick, and you want to be a week early than a week too late with Cam Whitmore. He has taken advantage of the injury to Tori Eason to slide into Houston’s rotation, and all Whitmore has done, is earn more playing time. Whitmore is one point shy of scoring in double figures for five straight games while also grabbing a few rebounds as well. As long as Whitmore continues to play well, there is no reason for him not to remain in the rotation. 

Josh Richardson, PG/SG, Miami Heat

What you see is what you get here. Should there be an injury in Miami, then Josh Richardson would be in line for more playing time, but until then he is simply a solid depth option. The fact that Richardson is eligible at both backcourt positions also helps here. With 10 points, three assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, Richardson does a little bit of everything for Miami. He is proficient from three-point land and is also shooting 93% from the free throw line. Depending on your roster situation, Richardson is worth a look.