STOCK UP
Alan Williams, PF Phoenix Suns
It’s the Alan Williams show and everyone is invited.
Earl Watson has consistently talked the big man up, he’s outplayed Alex Len by drastic margins and Phoenix has every reason to give Williams an extended look before his impending restricted free agency. Fresh off of another double-double—his second in the last four games—Big Sauce has averaged 15.0 points, 8.3 boards, 1.0 steal and 1.0 block on 27-of-39 (69.2%) shooting.
Richaun Holmes, F/C Philadelphia 76ers
It would almost be shocking to see Jahlil Okafor lose his starting job without Joel Embiid available and with Nerlens Noel now in Dallas, but it would be far less surprising if Richaun Holmes winds up with the bigger role. A per-minute monster capable of racking up the defensive stats, Holmes has put together a nice four-game stretch with 12.5 points, 5.5 boards, 1.3 steals and an elite 2.8 blocks. He should be rostered in competitive standard formats.
D’Angelo Russell, G Los Angeles Lakers
Since Lou Williams’ departure, Russell has averaged 22.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 3.0 3-pointers on 44.3% from the field. That’s the player you reached for in fantasy drafts so long ago.
Malcolm Brogdon, G Milwaukee Bucks
Now that he’s back in his rightful place as Milwaukee’s starting point guard, Brogdon should again command the appropriate attention in fantasy circles. Over his last three games—in which the rookie has played at least 24 minutes in each and 30-plus in two straight—Brogdon has averaged 17.3 points, 5.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.0 3-pointers on 21-of-40 (52.5%) from the floor.
Skal Labissiere, F/C Sacramento Kings
Dave Joerger recently hinted that Labissiere isn’t that far from consistent minutes, and it feels like a bigger role could be right around the corner with Sacramento chasing its tail for the final playoff spot out west. The per-minute potential is tantalizing, but we’re going to have to see more playing time and increased production before the big man garners consideration outside of deeper formats.
STOCK DOWN
Jonas Valanciunas, C Toronto Raptors
We knew Serge Ibaka’s arrival wouldn’t be good news for JV’s fantasy stock, and he’s really struggled to do anything since the All-Star Break with averages of 9.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and nothing else. It certainly hasn’t helped that he’s played between just 18-22 minutes during that stretch of time, either.
Tobias Harris, F Detroit Pistons
Harris has been a bit underwhelming on the whole this season, and he’s currently going through one of those stretches in which he’s not doing a whole lot of anything for your team. In his last three contests, the Tennessee product has averaged a pedestrian 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 triple.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, G/F Brooklyn Nets
If Hollis-Jefferson isn’t going to get consistent playing time at this juncture of the season, it’s a telling sign about his rest of season fantasy value. Although he’s capable of contributing in multiple categories, RHJ is anything but the roto-monster some projected him to become in his sophomore campaign.
Tim Hardaway, Jr., G/F Atlanta Hawks
THJ hasn’t quite been the same player since the Hawks entered their home stretch, averaging a replaceable 11.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 1.6 3-pointers. His playing time and output are worth keeping a very, very close eye on with so many attractive waiver wire options emerging.
Nick Young, G/F Los Angeles Lakers
When you’re a 3-point specialist who is struggling while bringing nothing else to the party, there isn’t a whole lot of room to celebrate for fantasy GMs. With the Lakers putting their youth first, Young’s usage figures to steadily decline as the season continues to progress.