Waiver Wire Pickups: Donte DiVincenzo, Jaime Jaquez Jr. Rise Up

The fantasy basketball waiver wire is always a valuable resource for filling holes in your roster. With so many games, injuries, and rotations throughout the marathon campaign, it's essential to source stats from free agency to maximize your imaginary rosters. This weekly series aims to identify players at each position widely available in free agency in ESPN leagues, some of whom are specialists capable of helping in one or two categories, while others offer more diverse and important statistical contributions. In the breakdowns below, players are listed in order of priority by position in ESPN men's basketball leagues.

Point Guards

1. Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic (10.9% rostered in ESPN Leagues): Similar to his father, former NBA point guard Greg Anthony, Cole Anthony is a streaky scorer who is currently on a hot streak. The combo guard has been hitting from deep and driving the lane at will on a team that's getting healthier. While you won't get traditional point guard passing results, scoring and steals are still valuable.

2. Spencer Dinwiddie, SG, Dallas Mavericks (10.8%): While his ceiling isn't as impressive when he's playing alongside Kyrie Irving, the absence of Luka Doncic still provides enough usage overflow to accommodate some impressive fantasy lines from this combo guard. Simply put, the team needs Dinwiddie's playmaking in the wake of losing one of the league's most influential players.

3. Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls (10.8%): It's great to see Ball regaining trust in the team's offensive system and playing significant minutes in recent games. The basketball community was wondering if we'd ever see Ball thrive on the NBA hardwood again, so this is encouraging. Although he may still only be a stash in deeper leagues, it's worth noting that Ball brings above-average steal, block, and assist rates to the court for a depth piece.

4. Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz (1.4%): The Jazz have recently turned to Collier for offensive creation while dealing with a series of backcourt injuries. This is likely just a temporary role for Collier, but it could also empower him in the future if more playing time becomes available again through trades or other means.

Shooting Guards

1. Donte DiVincenzo, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves (49.5%): The Villanova product is starting to produce at a level reminiscent of last season's offensive outburst with the Knicks. His confidence in his shot has returned, along with his dynamic playmaking with the second unit. DiVincenzo can contribute in all formats and is a valuable addition to any fantasy roster.

2. Shaedon Sharpe, SF, Portland Trail Blazers (44.5%): Here's the thing about scoring-dependent players like Sharpe; it's a lot of fun when they're scoring. Currently, Sharpe is averaging around 20 points per game over the past two weeks. There has also been a noticeable increase in his passing production, adding a new dimension to his game that many weren't sure existed before.

3. Tim Hardaway Jr., Detroit Pistons (4.6%): A proven bench scorer who came close to winning Sixth Man of the Year in recent seasons with the Mavericks, Hardaway is finding his rhythm as a shooting specialist on a surprisingly competitive Detroit team. His ability to provide scoring off the bench makes him a valuable asset in fantasy basketball.

Small Forwards

1. Jaime Jaquez Jr., SG, Miami Heat (43.9%): Jimmy Butler mentored Jaquez last season and even included him in a television campaign. As Butler's role changed, Jaquez has evolved into a versatile two-way wing with excellent opportunity rates. While he may not provide Butler's unique efficiency and value, there's reason to believe Jaquez is a winning fantasy option moving forward.

2. Peyton Watson, PF, Denver Nuggets (4.7%): I have a tendency to gravitate towards players who are exceptionally good at rim protection. The reason is that if a small forward or guard, like Derrick White of the Boston Celtics, can maintain the block percentage we see from most centers, there is a significant added value. Watson has averaged 2.3 blocks over the past week and is now up to one per game for the season. With the team relying on his efforts as a glue guy, Watson has suddenly become a fantasy sleeper.

Power Forwards

1. Trayce Jackson-Davis, C, Golden State Warriors (47.3%): A dominant force on the glass for a team in need of interior impact, Jackson-Davis has become a key part of the transitioning Warriors roster. While he may not offer much in terms of stretch shooting or exciting rim protection, Jackson-Davis remains a significant double-double threat.

2. Toumani Camara, SF, Portland Trail Blazers (11.5%): Camara has an engaging style of play, doing all the little things that add up to a positive outcome. Although his scoring is modest, his rebounding, steals, and blocks are emerging at rewarding levels for those in deeper leagues.

3. Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic (1.7%): It's unclear if his recent increase in minutes is an anomaly or a trend, but it's exciting to even consider Isaac playing more. He is one of the truly special per-minute defenders in the league right now and possibly in the history of the game. For now, it's best to stash him and wait for further developments.

Centers

1. Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks (44.6%): Relentless rim-running makes Lively an intriguing two-way center for fantasy managers. He has shown flashes of quality passing skills in recent games, but it's the rebounding volume and respectable rim protection that make him an attractive option.

2. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers (10.3%): A true menace when it comes to swatting shots, Clingan's recent increase in exposure suggests his potential value if the team decides to trade away some of its high-priced frontcourt players.

Special Teams

This section focuses on specialists, players who excel in a particular category and can provide specific value to those in category and roto formats. Nominations are based on which category these players are helpful in and will rotate throughout the season.

• 3-pointers: DiVincenzo is sixth and Hardaway is seventh in added value via 3-point volume over the past week, according to the Player Rater.

• Steals: Jaquez is fourth among all players in surplus value in steal production the past week. Camara is just behind him.

• Blocks: Only Spurs' superstar center Victor Wembanyama has more added value via blocks than Watson this past week. Lively and Isaac are also in the top five.

• Rebounds: Mason Plumlee can rebound at a rewarding level for a small Phoenix rotation. Lively is eighth in added value on the glass this past week.

• Assists: Collier showed up as a quality passer when given the chance. Dinwiddie is in the top 10 in added value from passing the past week.