2023-24 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 4: Skylar Mays takes over for the Trail Blazers
Another week in, and this continues to shape up to be a great NBA season. There is a lot to digest, analyze, and consider on a daily basis, let’s take 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.
Fantasy Basketball NBA Waiver Wire Picks
Skylar Mays SG, Portland Trail Blazers
This might end up being more of a temporary solution, but production is production. Skylar Mays had his two-contract converted on Saturday into a standard contract after he finished with a double-double on Wednesday. In 37 minutes of action, Mays had 18 points and 11 rebounds and figures to continue to receive playing time in the near future. Not only did Malcolm Brogdon exit with a hamstring injury, but Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson are both banged up. While it may be a war of attrition, we have to follow the volume.
Haywood Highsmith SF, Miami Heat
After a delayed start to the season due to injury, Haywood Highsmith now has five games under his belt and is increasing his workload in each. Highsmith has returned to the starting lineup, and worked his way to 33 minutes of action and 13 shots on Saturday. While the problem is that the forward only made three shots, there is a lot to be optimistic about. As he shakes the rust off, Highsmith’s efficiency should improve.
Luke Kennard SG, Memphis Grizzlies
Seriously, two Memphis Grizzlies players here? Well, we did say that the Grizzlies had offense to fill with Morant out, so there is some logic there. Kennard is averaging 8.8 points per game with a few rebounds and assists, but that is not what we are after. Instead, let’s take a closer look at how Kennard gets his points. With 2.2 three-pointers per game, Kennard is a strong, category specific addition if that is an area you are deficient in.
Rui Hachimura SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers
The dual eligibility at the forward position helps here, as you are likely trolling the waiver wire to fill a roster hole. Rui Hachimura is averaging 11 points and four rebounds per game, so he is also contributing at a solid level. Sticking with the theme of filling a specific need, Hachimura is averaging 1.4 steals per game which also helps. Additionally, while healthy so far, should LeBron James or Anthony Davis miss anytime with injury or rest, Hachimura would also be the beneficiary.
Nick Richards C, Charlotte Hornets
It’s all about playing time here for Nick Richards. If he received more of it than 16 minutes per game, than we wouldn’t be talking about Richards here. However, even in his limited playing time, he certainly has been productive and is clearly earning more of it. Richards is averaging 7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, but for those looking for categorical help, the center also has 1.4 blocks per game.
Player News
Dominick Barlow accumulated eight points (3-of-5 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds and one assist in Thursday’s loss to the Spurs.
Signed to a two-way contract on Wednesday, Barlow started his unofficial 76ers debut on Thursday. He only played 14 minutes against the Spurs but had a solid night shooting the basketball, and the rebounding production was also good. When healthy, the 76ers will have a frontcourt rotation that Barlow may have difficulty cracking. There isn’t a need to plan for selecting him in fantasy drafts, even if Joel Embiid is not cleared in time for training camp.
Justin Edwards shot 2-of-6 from the field in Thursday’s loss to the Spurs, scoring six points with one rebound and two three-pointers.
Between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, Edwards has played in four games this summer. Unfortunately, he’s only put together one solid offensive performance. The second-year wing shot 2-of-5 from beyond the arc on Thursday and did not offer much value elsewhere. If Philadelphia’s top wings are healthy, Edwards’ role will likely be limited next season. However, with his play late last season, the 76ers likely hoped for a more dominant Edwards this summer.
Adem Bona accounted for six points (3-of-6 FGs), five rebounds, one steal and two blocked shots in Thursday’s loss to the Spurs.
On a forgettable night for the 76ers, who lost by a 111-70 final score, Bona was solid as a rebounder and shot-blocker in his 17 minutes on the court. These games in Las Vegas are unlikely to change things for the second-year player once training camp begins, as he’ll compete with Andre Drummond and Johni Broome for backup center minutes. And whoever wins that competition will only have fantasy relevance if the 76ers are without starter Joel Embiid.
Carter Bryant amassed five points (1-of-6 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, two assists, one steal, three blocks and one three-pointer in Thursday’s win over the 76ers.
Bryant struggled with his shot on Thursday, but that did not keep the rookie from providing value in other ways. The first-round pick recorded four “stocks,” and his on-court communication on both ends of the floor should be overlooked despite not showing up on the box score. The hope is that fellow first-round pick Dylan Harper can play on Saturday after missing time with a groin injury. If he can go, San Antonio will have their first glimpse of Harper and Bryant on the court together.
David Jones-Garcia finished Thursday’s win over the 76ers with 24 points (9-of-12 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), five rebounds, three assists, four steals and four three-pointers.
Well, if there’s a good place to be when you catch the “hot hand,” Las Vegas is it. Jones-Garcia shot 75 percent from the field on Thursday, continuing to play well after earning All-California Classic team honors at the beginning of the week. And revenge may have been on Jones-Garcia’s mind for Thursday’s 111-70 victory, as he began his professional career with the 76ers on a two-way deal before being waived in January 2024. Jones-Garcia’s play this summer may be enough to earn him another two-way opportunity if he can continue on this path.
E.J. Liddell recorded 12 points (4-of-10 FGs, 3-of-4 FTs), 11 rebounds and one three-pointer in Thursday’s loss to the Bucks.
Having struggled with injuries throughout his professional career, Liddell is playing with the Nuggets in hopes of earning another opportunity. He played well on Thursday, as his dunk with just over five seconds remaining gave Denver a two-point lead. Unfortunately for Liddell, he ended up on the wrong end of the game’s final shot, with Jamaree Bouyea hitting a three over the forward’s outstretched hand as time expired. Liddell is not a fantasy target regardless of league size, but his goal is to grab a team’s attention and earn a contract.