The waiver wire in NBA fantasy leagues isn’t nearly as stocked with legitimate options as it was at the start of the season, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some decent players still available heading in to the final stretch. The center position is the thinnest when it comes to finding available talent, but there are a handful of players that might still be worth considering on your roster the rest of the way. Here is a look at the best waiver wire options still available at the center position.
Alex Len, Phoenix Suns
The Suns just bought out Kris Humphries, so there is every reason to believe Len will continue to pair up with Tyson Chandler in their starting lineup. The minute increase should result in some solid production out of Len the remainder of the way, so you will want to grab him now if he is still available. Len has averaged 18.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game over the past couple of weeks. He’s really started to blossom with the added minutes as he’s played 24, 31, 17, 34 and 34 over the last five games. In that span, he’s hit double figures in scoring every single time while averaging the aforementioned 18.0 points per game. The concern is that he’s not doing a whole lot outside of the points and rebounds, but if he can give you those two along with some decent field goal percentages, that’s enough to make him worth owning in NBA fantasy.
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Jokic should probably be owned in most NBA fantasy leagues by now, but if he isn’t, then you might want to grab him now while you still can. Jokic has averaged just 18.2 minutes per game over the past 14 days, but he has made the most out of his opportunities and has the potential to improve his averages with more playing time moving forward. Jokic has averaged 9.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steal per game over that span and his upside is considerably high for a waiver wire option. The minutes are still all over the places as he’s played as many as 30 and as little as 11 in his last five games. Head coach Mike Malone likes his game but isn’t a fan of the turnovers. He is a bit careless with the ball at times, which keeps him on a short leash. However, he’s a good buy-low NBA fantasy candidate. If he gets more minutes, he’ll contribute in a number of categories for you.
David Lee, Dallas Mavericks
A move to Dallas has really helped Lee’s production of late and it might be enough to consider picking him up off the waiver wire. Lee has averaged 10.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game over the last 14 days and as long as he continues to average upwards of 20.0 minutes per game he should continue to be a productive piece for the Mavericks and a viable NBA fantasy option at center heading in to the final stretch.
Ian Mahinmi, Indiana Pacers
Mahinmi is finally healthy again and the Pacers have given him 30.0 minutes per game on average over the past couple of weeks. Mahinmi has averaged 10.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 block per game over the last two weeks. Mahinmi is getting plenty of burn because Myles Turner has struggled since moving into the starting lineup and the Pacers have had to find production elsewhere. In the long run, this is Turner’s job. In the short term, there is room for both to be productive in NBA fantasy.
Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers
Thompson is a little bit of a riskier waiver wire option at this point, but if you are desperate for help at the center position then he might fit a need. Thompson has averaged 7.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game over the past two weeks of action and while those numbers aren’t outstanding, there is some upside. Thompson is averaging 26.8 minutes per game, so the potential is there for him to marginally improve his averages going forward.
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