Monday featured a nine game slate with plenty of storylines. Dejounte Murray and John Collins returned to the lineup as the Hawks nearly blew a 12-point lead with three minutes left. Donovan Mitchell got the best of his former team in Lauri Markkanen‘s return to Cleveland. We even had a game-winner from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the buzzer.
SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER IS HIM DOT COM pic.twitter.com/YBy08lPToO
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) December 20, 2022
With all the fun surrounding the league, some players that need to be picked up may have been overlooked, so here’s a few to consider.
Markelle Fultz- 49%
The No. 1 pick from 2017 is finally blossoming before our eyes. After years of being limited by injuries, Fultz is finally producing like the player he was drafted to be. Over the past week, he has averaged 15.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 2.5 steals, which has allowed him to provide third round value during that stretch. He isn’t widely available, so if he’s still sitting on your waiver wire, change that quickly
Chris Boucher- 33%
With Gary Trent Jr. missing his third straight game, the door has opened for Boucher to play a larger role. He has taken advantage of the opportunity by posting two straight double-doubles. If Trent remains sidelined, Boucher should remain a solid streaming option.
A.J. Griffin- 16%
For the first time this season, the Hawks had De’Andre Hunter, Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanović all available for a game. Griffin played 25 minutes off the bench, finishing with 19 points (8-for-13 FGs), seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and three triples. Griffin is on pace to make the All-Rookie First Team and has cemented his role in the rotation. He should be able to provide 3-pointers and steals consistently.
Nick Richards- 19%
Though his streak of five games with a block ended on Monday, he did record his second double-double in three games. His role this season has fluctuated, but when he has played well, it has always been a few games at a time. If he’s able to maintain his role, he’ll be worth a roster spot.
Naz Reid- 20%
Reid got another start with Rudy Gobert out and put up a 27/13/1/2/1 line in a win over Dallas. If Gobert returns, Reid’s opportunity will be limited, but he was still putting up solid numbers when Gobert was playing. He won’t be as dominant if Rudy is back, but if he continues to start, he is more than worth a roster spot.
Aaron Wiggins- 2%
With Josh Giddey out, Wiggins got the spot start and scored 12 points. He has shown the ability to add triples and steals in previous games, though he didn’t add either on Monday. Still, despite OKC’s rotation being unpredictable, Wiggins should continue to play enough of a role to be worth consideration in deeper leagues.
