Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups and Advice: Week 1 (2024)

Your draft is over and your team is set, but the real game begins on the waiver wire. Experienced fantasy managers know that championships aren't won in the draft; They are won via waiver. Every week offers new opportunities to find hidden gems and standout stars, and I'm here to guide you through the chaos.

We'll be looking at players you should consider using in four different roster tiers:

• 50-60%
• 30-49%
• 15-29%
• 0-14%.

Additionally, we'll give you a breakdown of how many games each team has in the coming week so you can maximize your streamers' minutes. Without further ado, let's fire up the laptops and cut the waiver.

Without further delay, let’s get down to business and start with next week’s game plan.

Check out the latest consensus rankings from fantasy basketball experts

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Week 1

Five games:

N/A

Four games:

ATL, BOS, CHI, CLE, DET, HOU, IND, LAL, MEM, MIL, ORL, PHO, POR, TOR

Three games:

BKN, CHA, DAL, DEN, GSW, LAC, MIA, MIN, NOP, NYK, OKC, PHI, SAC, SAS, UTH, WHAT

Two games:

On the roster in 50-60% of leagues

Caris LeVert (SG/SF – CLE)

While LeVert may not be the flashiest name on the waiver board, he is a solid veteran with a well-rounded skill set and a clear path to minutes. Last season as the Cavaliers' sixth man, LeVert averaged a respectable 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.1 steals. With Cleveland's roster largely unchanged, expect more of the same this year.

LeVert will once again be the engine of the second unit, and given the questions surrounding the Cavaliers' backup point guard situation, he could see himself taking on a stronger role as a playmaker. Aside from that, Max Strus' The sprained ankle opens up even more opportunities for LeVert. He could very well find himself in the starting lineup, and even if he doesn't, he's sure to see an increase in minutes and usage.

Deni Avdija (SF/PF – POR)

Avdija is a rising star who is coming off a breakout season with the Wizards, where he averaged 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists in over 30 minutes per game. He took sixth place in the “Most Improved Player” vote and demonstrated his all-round game and impressive development. Now in Portland, Avdija joins a young and exciting core.

Avdija's versatility is a huge advantage for fantasy managers. He contributes across the board, filling the stat sheet with points, rebounds, assists and even some defensive stats. With his projected role as a key starter for the Blazers, Avdija is poised to repeat his impressive performance from last season. He is a particularly valuable asset when competing head-to-head in the leagues of each category, as he has a comprehensive statistical profile that can help you win in multiple categories.

Represented in 30-40% of leagues

Kelly Oubre Jr. (SG/SF – PHI)

Oubre Jr. quietly had a solid season with the 76ers last year, exceeding expectations and securing a new contract in the process. After starting the year as a reserve, Oubre Jr. fought his way into the starting lineup and showcased his scoring ability and athleticism. He averaged 15.4 points, 5 rebounds per game and 1.1 steals per game and proved to be a valuable contributor on both ends of the court.

Well, with Paul George Although Oubre Jr. may be sidelined early in the season with a strained knee, his role will continue to expand. He will likely see an increase in minutes and usage, giving him an opportunity to really shine.

Represented in 15-29% of leagues

Andre Drummond (C – PHI)

If you crave rebounds, look no further than Drummond. This veteran big man has been a walking double-double for years, and he's in the best position to continue that trend. Last season with the Bulls, Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9 rebounds in just 17.1 minutes per game. Now in Philadelphia he will play a crucial role Joel Embiid.

Embiid recently admitted he may never play back-to-back games again due to his ongoing knee problems, causing Drummond's value to skyrocket. Drummond is no longer just a handcuff; He is a potential weekly starter in your fantasy lineup. Expect Drummond to revel on the boards every time Embiid sits, and he could even see some minutes alongside the MVP in certain situations.

Keyonte George (PG/SG – UTH)

After a promising rookie campaign, George is ready to take over the leadership of the Jazz offense and showcase his electrifying skills. He had a strong performance in the preseason and dispelled any doubts about a mild knee sprain by posting 24 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists in his final game.

With Collin Sexton And Jordan Clarkson Healthy, George will struggle for some minutes, but he is expected to start alongside Sexton in the backcourt. This pushes Clarkson into the sixth man role, which could actually benefit the Jazz by providing some scoring power off the bench. George has the potential to be a dynamic scorer and playmaker and as his opportunities increase he could be a fantastic revelation. He still needs to improve his efficiency and defense, but the talent and opportunity to make a big leap forward is there.

Represented in 0-14% of leagues

Gradey Dick (SG/SF – TOR)

This second-year sniper is ready to take a leap. After a solid rookie season, Dick has turned heads this preseason by averaging 15 points, 2.4 three-pointers and 4 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game. The Raptors appear to have found their starting shooting guard, and for good reason. Dick's ability to hit threes is crucial for a Toronto lineup that features slashers and playmakers like her Scottie Barnes And RJ Barrett. By stretching the floor with his shots, Dick creates driving lanes for his teammates and prevents the defense from collapsing on the floor. This opens up the entire offense, making the Raptors more dynamic and difficult to defend.

While he flashed his potential last year, Dick appears poised for a breakout season. With Barrett's status for the season opener uncertain due to a shoulder injury, Dick could be looking at even more appearances early on. If you're already dealing with the injury bug, don't hesitate to snap him up because this kid has the potential to be a fantasy steal.

Terance Mann (SG/SF – LAC)

Kawhi Leonard An unfortunate knee injury throws the Clippers' rotation into disarray, and Terance Mann should be a big beneficiary. With Leonard sidelined indefinitely, Mann has a real chance to crack the starting lineup and get a significant increase in minutes. He averaged 25 minutes per game last season, but that number could easily rise to 30 with Leonard out.

Mann is a versatile player who can contribute across the board. He is a good scorer, a willing passer and a solid defender. While he may not possess the same fantasy upside as Grady Dick, Mann's all-around game and increased upside make him a valuable waiver target if you're looking for a Leonard replacement.

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