Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must add players for the homestretch

There are only a few weeks left in the regular fantasy basketball season. Here are some players to add immediately for the homestretch, whether you’re heading for your fantasy basketball league’s playoffs, or if you’re planning for next year in a dynasty league.

CAMERON JOHNSON, PHX, SF, 25.3% ROSTERED (ESPN)

CAMERON PAYNE, PHX, PG, 12.1% ROSTERED

Let’s start with two Cams on the Suns. First, CamJohn: he’s a top 75 player on the season in basic fantasy. That alone is worth picking him up. He’s been one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA this season. He currently has a quad injury, but that hopefully doesn’t keep him out more than a game. Since the All-Star break Johnson’s averaged 23+ points per game, 3+ rebounds per game, 3+ assists per game, and 8+ 3PA on 58.5 3PT%. We seem to have a new sharpshooter emerge in fantasy each season, and CamJohn is this season’s sniper.

The other Cam is CamPayne, who’s filling in for Chris Paul. In the three games CamPayne’s played since returning from injury he’s averaging 11 PPG, 2+ RPG, and 12 APG. He has 32 total assists over three games! And, he scored 23 points against the Bucks. Payne’s an opportunity play, in that he’ll get volume for the rest of the season while CP3 is injured.

Both Cams are must adds in my opinion, but Cameron Johnson is a player who may be in the top 100 in fantasy for years to come. He’s a must add in dynasty leagues, too, I believe.

AYO DOSUNMU, CHI, PG/SG, 23.4% ROSTERED

I don’t care if Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso come back early and healthy, Ayo’s been too good filling in for them for the Bulls to sit him completely. Since the calendar turned to 2022 Ayo’s averaged 10-3-5 with more than a steal per game, and 52.5% shooting from the court. Only SEVEN players have done that since January 1st: Ayo Dosunmu (23% rostered), Jalen Brunson (74%), Jrue Holiday (99%), Nikola Jokic (100%), Kevin Durant (99%), LeBron James (99%), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (100%). Ayo’s not scoring as much as those others, but he’s giving you a cheap approximation with good efficiency. He’s a must add in all formats, including dynasty. He is a ROOKIE.

Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

JAE’SEAN TATE, HOU, SF/PF, 31.9% ROSTERED

Tate’s been a top 100 player on the season, #82 to be precise. His line isn’t sexy, but it’s hella solid: 12+ PPG, 5+ RPG, 3+ APG, 1 SPG, and 50 FG%. That’s the kind of fantasy glue guy who helps you win championships. You can plug Tate in and forget about him, because he’ll give you counting stats on efficiency. He’s a must add, and has been all year long. It’s possible he’s not on the Rockets next season, but that could actually enhance his fantasy value if he’s on a team with other offensive threats.

Also: keep your eye on Houston Rockets teammate Alperen Sengun, a rookie big man. He went for 11 and 10 against the Nuggets in 22 minutes on Friday, and he could get more playing time down the stretch. He’s a must add for dynasty leagues, I think, as he’s a double-double waiting to happen, if he can just get the minutes.

DORIAN FINNEY-SMITH, DAL, SF/PF, 20.1% ROSTERED

Since the All-Star break DFS has averaged 14+ PPG, 6+ RPG, 1+ APG, and he’s taking six 3PA per game on 50 3PT%. That’s a similar line to Tate’s rock solid averages noted above, and the Dallas Mavericks are rolling recently, so we’ll take solid stats on a surging team, especially if you’re desperate for rebounds and 3PM.

DEVIN VASSELL, SAS, SG/SF, 15.8% ROSTERED

Vassell’s been a top 125 player on the season, but his role increased when the Spurs sent Derrick White to the Celtics. Since the All-Star break Vassell’s averaged 14+ PPG, 5+ RPG, 2+ APG, 1 block per game, 6+ 3PA, and 35.5 3PT%. The long distance shooting isn’t there yet for the 21-year-old, but he’s getting ample minutes for San Antonio, and all we really care about is the volume in the counting stats. We’ll take 14 & 5, especially if it comes with some dimes and some blocks. Vassell’s presumably a starter next year, too, so he’s a good addition for dynasty leagues looking to pick up players with potential for next season. Perhaps Vassell can be a top 100 player next year?

MONTE MORRIS, DEN, PG, 22.1% ROSTERED

I liked Monte a lot coming into the year, but was underwhelmed for much of the season. I should’ve been patient, because Morris is now a top 100 player in fantasy this season. Since the break he’s averaged 12+ PPG, 2+ RPG, 3 APG, 1+ SPG, and he’s taking 4+ 3PA on 52 3PT% shooting. You’d like to see more dimes from the PG position, but remember: this is Denver, and the Joker is their point guard. Monte’s playing off him. He’s doing it with efficiency, too, recently. Ride him while you can, as Jamal Murray is sure to be back for next season, making Morris a bench player or playing for another team.

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE, WAS, SG/SF, 10.2% ROSTERED

Someone has to play in Washington, right? Kuzma can’t do it by himself! KCP, who is only 29 years old, somehow, has averaged 20+ PPG since the break. That’s...probably not going to continue, but hey, who knows? Someone’s gotta shoot, right? He gives you a few boards and dimes, too.

RAUL NETO, WAS, PG, 3.9% ROSTERED

See above, but replace “shoot” with “assist.” Neto’s the starting PG for the Wizards, and he’s averaging 6+ APG since the break. If you’re desperate for dimes, take a look Neto’s way. He’s a player getting volume on a bad team, which is usually fantasy gold. Any production you get beyond assists should be considered gravy, in my opinion. We’re in the last days of the fantasy season and we can’t be picky.

CHUMA OKEKE, ORL, PF, 11.9% ROSTERED

Just like last season, Chuma’s charging through the second half of the season. Since the break he’s fourth in minutes on Orlando, and he’s averaged 10-6-3. Sexy? No. But, six boards, a coupla dimes, and sometimes some scoring is valuable to stream at this point of the season. I don’t think Okeke’s a must add, but he is a valuable streamer. He’s been a top 50 player the past month, he’s getting minutes, and he’s only 23 years old.

ISAIAH ROBY, OKC, PF/C, 10.1% ROSTERED

Another streamer, though Roby is someone I’d consider keeping in dynasty leagues. He’s averaged 14+ PPG, 6+ RPG, 2+ APG, 1+ SPG, and 2+ 3PA on 46 3PT% shooting. Just like we said with Dorian Finney-Smith and Jae-Sean Tate, a solid stat line is incredibly valuable in fantasy. If Roby’s getting the minutes down the stretch, then he’s worth rostering, especially if you could use some help at Center.

VICTOR OLADIPO, MIA, SG, 12.3% ROSTERED

MARKELLE FULTZ, ORL, PG, 13.2% ROSTERED

This is just a reminder that these two people exist. Oladipo, a former fantasy basketball boyfriend of mine, is due to debut this week for the Heat. And, Markelle Fultz returned last week. Neither Fultz nor Dipo are likely to play big minutes, but if you’re in a dynasty league you should consider picking them up for next season, especially Oladipo, who’s been a fantasy force in his former life.