With only 3 days in to the NBA season, there are already some intriguing waiver-wire options available. And, while there is something to be said for patience, it is sometimes better to pounce when a sleeper starts racking up big minutes and filling up the stat sheet early in the season. So, with that being said, let's take a look at some of the better waiver-wire options available.
1. Al-Farouq Aminu, SF - NO
Although many owners seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach, I am very bullish on Aminu. Coaches raved about the kid in camp, before naming him a starter during the preseason. Not one to disappoint, Aminu delivered in the season opener, posting 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks, while racking up the 37 minutes on the floor (tied with the starting PG, Greivis Vasquez, for most on the team). Me likes the sound of that. We're talking Andre Iguodala-type high-end here, so I'd advise you to go ahead and roll the dice on him. Granted, it took him 63 games to post a stat-line like that last season, so don't go cutting a proven player for him, but if you can spare your last pick in the draft, I'd recommend you do so. Coaches saw something in this guy that told them he's worthy of big time minutes and a featured role on the team, so I'd wager he's not a fluke.
2. Greivis Vasquez, PG - NO
Another unproven Hornet, Vasquez will be at the helm of an improved New Orleans team this season, and he delivered, quite literally, on opening night, dishing out 13 assists, posting 6 boards and shooting 50% from the field. Coming off the bench, Vasquez averaged 5.3 assists last season, but posted an average of 12 ppg and 7 ast a night as a starter. High-end, we're talking a Kyle Lowry kind of PG, so he might be worth an addition, if someone hasn't beat you to him already.
3. Dorell Wright, SF - PHI
Although Philly has a bit of a backlog at the Small Forward position, Wright should still be able to distinguish himself, as he's a solid shooter and defender and can fill the stat sheet on a nightly basis. In his season opener, he posted a respectable 14 points, 7 rebounds, 0 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and 2 three-pointers in 28 minutes. I expect his minutes to increase as the season progresses, so consider giving Wright a look.
4. Carlos Delfino, SF - HOU
If you're in need of a 3 pt. shooter, you may want to give Delfino a look. He appears to be virtually the only scoring option on Houston's bench, so he may very well rack up some nice numbers as the season progresses. In only 24 minutes on the floor during the season opener vs. Detroit, Delfino posted 15 points, 7 rebounds and 1 steal, which is a pretty decent line in its own right. But what really makes it worthwhile for fantasy owners is the 5 3-pointers he dropped. Will he do that every night? Not likely. But he could very well prove a better option than someone like, say, Ray Allen or JJ Redick. I would take a wait-and-see approach with him, but if you see him do it again next time he's on the court, don't wait too long.
5. Marvin Williams, SF - UTA
Williams always had potential, but he never quite lived up to his billing in Atlanta as the 2nd pick in the 2005 draft. He will now get a fresh start in Utah, and should provide solid numbers in the points and 3s categories, if nothing else. In his season opener, Williams posted 21 points, shooting over 50% from the field, with 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block and 2 three-pointers in 30 minutes on the court. He can do a bit of everything, albeit a small bit, so he could be worth an add in your league if he can keep the pace.
Players who should NOT be on your waiver-wire
1. Spencer Hawes, C - PHI
Opener: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 5 blocks and 2 three-pointers in 31 minutes.
2. Kawhi Leonard, SF - SA
Opener: 19 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals, 0 blocks and 3 three-pointers in 34 minutes.
3. Dion Waiters, SG - CLE
Opener: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 3 steals, 0 blocks and 2 three-pointers in 28 minutes.
4. Omer Asik, PF - HOU
Opener: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks and 0 three-pointers in 33 minutes.
5. Tristan Thompson, C - CLE
Opener: 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks and 0 three-pointers in 32 minutes.
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