Fantasy Basketball Free Agents Who Can Add Roster Depth
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Mike James #55 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Whether your fantasy basketball team needs help in the backcourt or the frontcourt, we’ve got you covered.

This is my first fantasy basketball free agent article of the year. It takes a couple of weeks for coaches to figure out their rotations, making this the perfect time to make some moves.

There are some players who are available that can help our teams and add some depth. If you have a player who is struggling, it’s time to drop them for the players on this list. If these players are still on the free agent wire, make room for them on your roster.

 

Bobby Portis, PF, Chicago Bulls

Available in 57 percent of ESPN leagues

Portis has been solid in his first three games back from suspension for breaking Nikola Mrotic’s face. He’s averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds in 26 minutes a night. The Bulls are really bad, and Portis is one of their best offensive players. He should have no problem sticking in the rotation.

I will be saying this all year: Target players on bad teams. Bad teams often will give average players like Portis minutes because they don’t have anyone else to play. He’s a good depth player and it’s hard to ignore his production. I don’t think he will finish averaging 20 and 10, but he can easily finish the season averaging 16 points and eight rebounds a game, which is helpful for our fantasy teams.

Taj Gibson, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves

Available in 67 percent of ESPN leagues

Gibson has recorded a double-double in three of his last five games, averaging 32 minutes and 10 rebounds per game during that stretch. If you have Rudy Gobert and need someone to fill in for a couple of weeks, Gibson is the perfect play to add. He is a consistent player who will get a near double-double on most nights. He isn’t a sexy player, but he gets the job done when he is given the minutes.

Rodney Hood, SG, Utah Jazz

Available in 75 percent of ESPN leagues

With Gobert’s injury, Hood gets a 6.9 percent usage rate bump. For the next four-to-six weeks, he will have a 35 percent usage rate which is higher than DeMarcus Cousins, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid. There is a good chance he will average over 20 points a game for the Jazz and if that’s the case, he needs to be on your fantasy team. Shooting guard is the hardest position to find consistent production at and Hood will give you that for over the next month.

Donovan Mitchell, G, Utah Jazz

Available in 76 percent of ESPN leagues

Yes, another Utah Jazz player. Mitchell is the new Monta Ellis. He comes into the game to do one thing—get buckets. He’s doing little in the other categories but he’s doing enough to be worth a roster spot. He is a better player in points leagues because when he’s hot, he can put up big numbers. Over the last two weeks, he is averaging 17 points a game. It’s hard to find volume scorers on the waiver wire. If forced to choose between Mitchell and Austin Rivers, I prefer Mitchell. He is just a better player and will help your team more.

Mike James, PG, Phoenix Suns

Available in 81 percent of ESPN leagues

The Phoenix Suns play at the second-fastest pace in the NBA and James has been running the show since Eric Bledsoe‘s departure. Over the last week, he has averaged 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. The assist totals aren’t great for a point guard, but he is providing production across the board.

Anytime you can get a starter on a team that is top five in pace, you want to add them. There is a good chance he can get his numbers up to 15 points, five rebounds and five assists per game. If that is the case, he will be a top 15-point guard by the end of the season.

I love fantasy sports more than you love most things in life. I am great at giving fantasy advice because if it doesn't work out, it's the players fault not mine. I love to help others with their fantasy sports questions and instead of following politics or other important topics that are going on in the world, I do fantasy research. Let me help you guys win your leagues and in daily sports.