Cavs players to stream: Strus, Porter Jr.
Find out why Cavs’ Craig Porter Jr. and Max Strus are among the top players to consider adding to fantasy basketball rosters.
As we reflect on the first fifth of the fantasy season, it’s appropriate to give thanks for all of the players who have helped our teams succeed. It’s also appropriate to look ahead at the players who can and will help us out moving forward. That’s where Waiver Wired comes in!
The format for this article will feature players who are “tired” and those who are “wired.” Tired players are those worth adding off the wire but with tempered expectations or highly rostered players who can be dropped in favor of a hot pickup. Wired players are those who are the best additions with the highest rest-of-season ceilings.
There are some quality adds for Week 5, and we’re targeting a big man in Orlando who has been elite over his last 10 games, a rookie with burgeoning talent in Miami and the long-awaited return of a former fantasy darling who’s found a new home (and hopefully new opportunities) in Dallas.
Thanks for reading! It’s already been an exciting season, and I look forward to bringing this column to you each and every Friday. LET’S GO!
Pickups in Order of Priority
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Goga Bitadze
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Jaime Jaquez
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Richaun Holmes
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Keyonte George
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Alex Caruso
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Jabari Walker
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Isaiah Joe
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Craig Porter Jr.
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Kyle Anderson
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Daniel Theis
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Nickeil Alexander-Walker
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Dario Saric
Tired: Jaden McDaniels 51%
Wired: Kyle Anderson 37%, Nickeil Alexander-Walker 3% ⚡
McDaniels is out for multiple weeks, which means increased run for the likes of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kyle Anderson. Prior to his injury, McDaniels was playing fewer than 25 minutes per night and posting just 9.5 points with no defensive contributions. His efficient shooting and few turnovers kept him inside the top 200, but there was no reason to roster him then, and there’s especially no reason to roster him now. McDaniels is still rostered in 51% of leagues, which means that over half of fantasy hoops managers are wasting a valuable roster or IL spot. Drop him for a more productive option.
Anderson has been solid over the last week, chipping in serviceable numbers across the board as he’s done throughout his career. Over his last four, he’s posted 7.8 points, 3.4 boards, 3.8 dimes, 0.8 steals and 1.4 blocks. Those stats won’t have you rushing out to the waiver wire, but you should consider adding him if you need defensive production. Anderson is typically efficient, won’t hurt you with turnovers, and his ability to facilitate gives him an added boost in the assists department. Alexander-Walker logged 33 minutes in the game McDaniels sustained his injury, and he drew the start for Minnesota on Wednesday, logging 29 minutes with modest production. In those two contests, NAW averaged 9.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 triples across 31.0 minutes, so we can safely say the playing time will be there. Don’t get too excited about either of these guys, but keep them in mind if you need some high-floor guys who will be seeing substantial court time.
Tired: Ben Simmons 76%
Wired: Jaime Jaquez 25% ⚡
Simmons was doing fine in over 31 minutes a night to kick off the season, contributing 10.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists, but outside of those two categories, there wasn’t much to celebrate. His 52.8% shooting is a career-low mark, as are his 6.5 points. Simmons’ defensive contributions have been pitiful, and he’s been dreadful from the free-throw line. The injury bug has already reared its ugly head, as Simmons has appeared in just six of 14 games with no timeline for return. Rostering him is an absolutely maddening prospect given his injury history and questionable production. There’s no reason to continue holding.
Does this man have the nicest hair in the NBA? Seriously, the long, flowing locks and full mustache cannot be rivaled in the Association. Ok, we’re getting off-topic here. Jaquez continues to impress, and he’s seen his playing time increase over the last two weeks. Across his last eight outings, “Double J” has averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 boards, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.9 triples while shooting 55.6% from the floor and 78.6% from the charity stripe. Those numbers have been great, but the best is yet to come. He’s heated up over his last two games, totaling 41 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals and seven triples across 61 minutes. The rookie has carved out a significant role in Miami’s rotation, and given how weak the bench is, there’s no reason to think he’ll lose that role any time soon. Jaquez is ranked just outside the top-125 over the last week, but his well-rounded play and increased minutes mean he’s trending up. He’s a must-add.
Tired: Tyus Jones 74%
Wired: Goga Bitadze 33% ⚡
I feel Bernie Sanders from his famous “Once again, I am asking” video, but I’ll make my pitch for a third straight week. Once again, I am asking you to drop Tyus Jones. Admittedly, he’s been better over the last week, averaging 14.0 points, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals across 30.3 minutes. He ranked in the top 75 in that span, but his fantasy value was greatly inflated due to low turnovers and a high FG% (59.4). Even on his best weeks, Jones is scraping the bottom of the barrel, and we’re not targeting guys on the waiver wire or deciding to keep them on our rosters because of low turnovers or an efficient shooting week where they shoot 10 shots a night. Jones’s production and usage have been weak all season, and there’s no reason to think that changes while playing alongside Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole.
Seriously, how is this guy only rostered in 33% of leagues? He’s started each of the Magic’s last 10 games and averaged a healthy 8.1 points (on 54.4% shooting), 7.5 boards, 1.1 steals and 2.1 blocks across 24.6 minutes. Just how valuable has that production been? The backup big man has been a top-60 fantasy option over those 10 games thanks to solid efficiency and rebounds and elite defensive contributions. Wendell Carter Jr. is three weeks removed from finger surgery, but there’s no timeline on when he’ll be ready to start practicing let alone when he’ll be ready to get back on the court for a game. Bitadze is a must-roster player who should continue to post strong numbers until WCJ returns.
Tired: Tre Jones 57%
Wired: Daniel Theis 8% ⚡
Even with Jeremy Sochan named the starting point guard, there were still fleeting hopes that Jones could provide some value off the bench for San Antonio. Those hopes have been extinguished, as Jones continues to do little on the court. After missing three straight with a hamstring injury, he’s returned to play three unproductive contests, averaging 5.7 points, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals across 21.3 minutes. Yuck. As bad as those numbers are, they’re not too much worse than his full-season averages. His counting stats are down across the board, and his FG% has taken a nosedive. Jones is ranked just inside the top 200, and there’s no reason to keep holding him. An injury to Sochan is the only thing that could potentially salvage his fantasy value, but we’re not counting on that.
We’re not expecting Theis to be a monster fantasy contributor moving forward, but can he be a useful addition to your roster? Absolutely. Mason Plumlee isn’t going to be re-evaluated until sometime in December for his MCL sprain, which means Theis should see meaningful minutes as Ivica Zubac’s backup at center. Theis played just 10 minutes in his Clippers’ debut, but over his last two, he’s shined for his new team with 13.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He logged 21 minutes in Monday’s blowout win over the Spurs, but Wednesday’s matchup was closer, and Theis earned 20 minutes in that one. Plumlee saw 17 minutes a night before getting injured, but Theis should see closer to 20 minutes on average after LA traded most of its frontcourt depth to Philly in the James Harden deal.
Tired: Gary Trent Jr. 39%
Wired: Isaiah Joe 19% ⚡
It’s been a season to forget for Gary Trent Jr. thus far, as the popular late-round fantasy pick has failed to do much of anything across 26.6 minutes in 2023-24. With Fred VanVleet gone and another short bench, GTJ was expected to see big minutes and play a prominent role for the Raptors, but that just hasn’t happened. He’s averaging just 10.5 points and 1.9 triples on a putrid 38.3% shooting with nothing else in the box score. His hallmarks have always been volume three-pointers and plenty of steals, but he’s averaging just 0.9 swipes. Ranked just inside the top 300, Trent Jr.’s roster percentage continues to fall and so do our hopes that he’ll start to turn things around.
Don’t look now, but Isaiah Joe has been a top-30 fantasy option over the last week. Across his last four games, he’s averaged 17.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks and a tremendous 4.8 triples on an absurd 71% shooting. Obviously, a prolific three-point shooter won’t shoot anywhere near 71% long-term, but Joe’s ability to score and hit triples is quite valuable for fantasy hoops managers, and his playing time has been encouraging. In his productive four-game stretch, he’s logged at least 25 minutes three times. On the season, he’s hitting nearly three three-pointers in just over 20 minutes per tilt, and with his minutes trending up, this is a good chance to add him and see what he can do with an expanded role moving forward.
Tired: Skylar Mays 28%
Wired: Jabari Walker 3% ⚡
Mays was a fantasy beast while Malcolm Brogdon was out, but with Brogdon back in action, Mays’ time as a fantasy darling has officially come to an end. In Brogdon’s first game back, Mays’ playing time fell to 21 minutes, and it crashed resoundingly to just six minutes Wednesday, as Mays failed to record a statistical contribution in the box score. He can be a quality streamer if Brogdon is forced to miss time moving forward, but otherwise, Mays belongs on the waiver wire.
Robert Williams III isn’t coming back this season, and someone’s got to pick up the slack in the frontcourt. As of late, it’s been Walker who’s done just that. Across his last six games, the second-year man has posted 11.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks and 1.3 triples while shooting 50% from the floor. With Deandre Ayton a late scratch Wednesday, Duop Reath drew the start, but his 8/4/1 line across 20 minutes was wholly uninspired. Walker, however, posted career-highs in points (19) and rebounds (10) to go with two assists, two steals and two triples. His minutes are trending up, and we’re optimistic that he can earn a more consistent role moving forward. Walker’s per-36 numbers are 16.9 points, 9.8 boards, 1.9 steals, 1.1 blocks and 1.4 triples, and Wednesday’s performance shows that he can be productive when given the opportunity to shine.
Tired: Collin Sexton 46%
Wired: Keyonte George 46% ⚡
It’s baffling that Sexton is still rostered in nearly half of all fantasy leagues. He and George are now rostered in the same percentage of leagues, but that percentage should favor the rookie as opposed to the “Young Bull,” whose production has been a load of bull this season. Sexton is averaging career lows in points (11.7) and minutes (19.5), and he’s doing next to nothing else in the box score. There is absolutely no reason to hold.
Since joining the starting five, George has averaged 10.9 points and 1.6 triples on just 30.3% shooting, but he’s chipped in a healthy 7.6 dimes to go with 3.3 boards and 0.7 steals across 29.3 minutes. The efficiency is garbage, but the assists have been ridiculously valuable. Rookies’ shooting typically improves as their first season progresses, and there’s nowhere to go but up for George. He’s shown a ton of promise already, and the rebuilding Jazz have every incentive to give him plenty of minutes.
Tired: Benn Mathurin 60%
Wired: Richaun Holmes 2% ⚡
Mathurin’s production has been up and down all season, but as of late, he’s struggled to get much done. Across his last five outings, he’s averaged just 11.0 points and 1.0 triples on 41.7% shooting across 22.2 minutes. When the shots and triples are piling up, there’s nothing else fantasy managers can hang their hats on, as Mathurin isn’t a guy who stuffs the stat sheet regularly with assists, rebounds or defensive contributions. Even with both Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard out Wednesday, Mathurin logged just 24 minutes and contributed a measly five points, two assists, a steal and a block. There are better options on the waiver wire.
Productive rookie Dereck Lively II had a nasty fall Wednesday against the Lakers and left the game early with a back contusion. He should be considered questionable for Saturday’s tilt with the Clippers, and there’s a chance he misses time beyond that matchup. Dwight Powell logged a season-low five minutes Wednesday, while Richaun Holmes saw a season-best 23 minutes. Gameflow had nothing to do with the playing time, as this was a close game throughout. Holmes delivered four points, 10 boards, an assist and a block, and more playing time could mean a return to fantasy relevance. Holmes was a top-45 player in Sacramento from 2019-20 to 2020-21. We know he’s capable of big-time performances, so make sure you add him wherever he’s available.
Tired: Andrew Wiggins 73%
Wired: Dario Saric 27%, Brandin Podziemski 6% ⚡
Much like Tyus Jones, I’m asking yet again… why are you still holding Wiggins!? His 31-point game against the Thunder was a major tease with no legitimate sign of things to come. It was an outlier performance and one that shouldn’t deter fantasy managers from dropping him. In two games since that monster offensive showing, Wiggins averaged 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting a pitiful 33.3% from the floor. As William Shakespeare wrote, “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” Please don’t waste another week expecting things to turn around for Wiggins. It will just lead to heartache.
Over his last six games, Saric has averaged 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 triples across 24.8 minutes. Five of those games came without Draymond Green (one ejection, four games of his five-game suspension), but prior to that six-game stretch, he was logging just over 19 minutes a night. Saric should still be a viable option even if his playing time comes down a little bit with Green back. Podziemski has averaged 11.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 dimes and 1.8 triples across his last five, logging 26 minutes per tilt in those contests. Steve Kerr gave him high praise last week and promised him a regular spot in Golden State’s rotation. With Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson struggling mightily, it wouldn’t be surprising for “Air Podz” to continue ascending as the season progresses.
Tired: Max Christie 0%, Rui Hachimura 23%, Christian Wood 22%
Wired: Alex Caruso 48% ⚡
Christie started in place of the injured Cam Reddish on Wednesday and flopped magnificently with seven points on seven shots, two rebounds and a triple across 23 minutes. Wood grabbed five rebounds in 15 minutes, and Hachimura contributed a 9/3/1 line across 26 minutes. Reddish’s absence did little to increase the appeal of Los Angeles’ role players, and that shouldn’t be too surprising. Outside of the regular starters and Austin Reaves (who has been great off the bench), there’s no telling who might contribute on a nightly basis, and sometimes the answer is no one. You don’t need to waste time playing guessing games and hoping your Lakers streamer of choice does something useful. Avoid this hornet’s nest altogether.
The struggling Bulls decided to mix up their starting five, and Caruso has been the primary beneficiary. He’s started each of Chicago’s last four games and averaged 13.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.5 triples while shooting 50% from the floor and 80% from the free throw line. He’s been a top-75 option since joining the first unit, and he’s got a high floor thanks to his excellent defensive contributions and strong three-point shooting.
Tired: PJ Washington 67%
Wired: Craig Porter Jr. 20% ⚡
Aside from a 32-point, six-triple eruption against the Heat, Washington’s production has been trending down over the last two weeks. He recently lost his starting gig to Miles Bridges, and he was a late scratch due to foot discomfort on Wednesday. Over his last five, Washington averaged just 11.4 points and 2.4 triples on 36.8% shooting, despite his monster performance against the Heat. With Bridges back in the lineup as a full-time starter and rookie Brandon Miller playing heavy minutes, Washington’s stock is falling quickly, and fantasy managers should get out while the getting’s good. PJ Dubs is a drop candidate.
With injuries piling up for Cleveland, it was CPJ time Wednesday. Porter Jr. made his first career start and provided a useful 16/2/5/1/2 line across 35 minutes. Over his last three, the Wichita State product’s production has been a shocker! He’s averaged 16.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks while shooting better than 58%. How long can he keep it up? As long as the Cavs are missing players, there’s no reason why CPJ can’t be a streaming option. Donovan Mitchell has missed four straight, Caris LeVert has been hurt, Ty Jerome has been out of commission, and Dean Wade is banged up. Porter Jr. is worth a look.
Last call: Duncan Robinson (64%), Jalen Suggs (60%), Bojan Bogdanovic (59%), Santi Aldama (63%)
