Sharife

Cooper

24 hours after he scored 21 points against the Rockets, Cooper was able to have another solid outing, though he wasn’t able to match his 8-of-10 shooting from that game. Still, Cooper has been a consistent part of the rotation for the past month and should continue to play a role off the bench for the rest of the season, which could lead to some starts in April. He won’t retain value next season, but he should be a solid option during silly season.

Having totaled 22 points in his prior four appearances, Cooper recorded his first 20-point game as an NBA player on Monday. The guard was highly efficient, shooting 80 percent from the field and committing no turnovers. Cooper has not been productive enough to merit fantasy consideration, and things will get more challenging with Trae Young expected to make his Wizards’ debut on Thursday. Young will be limited to 17-20 minutes, but one would assume that most of the remaining minutes will go to Bub Carrington (11/5/4/2 with two three-pointers in 28 minutes).

George is battling a knee contusion that has kept his minutes down since the start of the month. With the Wizards not feeling much pressure to win games, they are not going to stress one of their young players more than they feel is necessary. The last time George missed a game, Justin Champagnie started but Sharife Cooper also played 27 minutes.

Cooper was one of the reserves who benefited from the Wizards’ apparent decision to cut the playing time of a few of their starters. Not only did he log a career-high 34 minutes, but Cooper hit double figures for the first time as an NBA player. There’s no need for fantasy managers to add him, but don’t be surprised if he’s logging extended minutes after the All-Star break as Washington looks to avoid losing its top-8 protected lottery pick.

Cooper has missed Washington’s last three games, but he does not usually play rotation minutes when healthy. Leave him on the waiver wire.

A third straight absence for Cooper won’t impact Washington’s rotation since he hasn’t seen the floor often when he’s healthy.

Cooper’s continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as he has rarely been part of the Wizards’ rotation.

Cooper has made a few appearances for Washington this year but isn’t a consistent part of the rotation. His absence won’t open up minutes for anyone else.

After spending last season in the G League, Cooper is playing for another shot at an NBA contract. He was able to get much of what he wanted as a scorer against the Nets, but the one assist is a bit concerning for a point guard. Cooper can certainly score, but the ability to stick with an NBA team will depend on how he runs the show in all facets, not just putting points on the board. Sam Merrill added 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three 3-pointers in 32 minutes.

Diakite was on a camp invite after being released by the Thunder last season.