We now have somewhat of a sample size when it comes to players' roles. There have been surprising performances, both good and bad, resulting in some questionable decision-making by fantasy managers. As we head into week three of the season, it appears as though many leagues have fallen asleep at the wheel, with many names available, a lot of which are clearly must-roster players. Whether it's targeting an offensive threat capable of delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player who can help boost your blocks and steals, narrowing your focus can prove vital as you battle for seedings. Let's dive into five players who are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Adds
Jabari Smith, Houston Rockets
(38% rostered)
While Smith won't blow anyone away with his numbers, his start to the season shouldn't go unrecognized. Through four games, he is averaging 15.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks and 2.5 three-pointers in 35.9 minutes per game, putting him inside the top 50 in standard formats. Perhaps the biggest takeaway here is the fact that he is playing heavy minutes on a nightly basis, an indication that the coaching staff is fully trusting him on the court when it matters. Nothing about what he is doing is unsustainable, other than maybe the steals. If he can keep that number close to 1.0 per game, there is no reason he can't put together his best season as a professional, which
We now have somewhat of a sample size when it comes to players' roles. There have been surprising performances, both good and bad, resulting in some questionable decision-making by fantasy managers. As we head into week three of the season, it appears as though many leagues have fallen asleep at the wheel, with many names available, a lot of which are clearly must-roster players. Whether it's targeting an offensive threat capable of delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player who can help boost your blocks and steals, narrowing your focus can prove vital as you battle for seedings. Let's dive into five players who are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Adds
Jabari Smith, Houston Rockets (38% rostered)
While Smith won't blow anyone away with his numbers, his start to the season shouldn't go unrecognized. Through four games, he is averaging 15.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks and 2.5 three-pointers in 35.9 minutes per game, putting him inside the top 50 in standard formats. Perhaps the biggest takeaway here is the fact that he is playing heavy minutes on a nightly basis, an indication that the coaching staff is fully trusting him on the court when it matters. Nothing about what he is doing is unsustainable, other than maybe the steals. If he can keep that number close to 1.0 per game, there is no reason he can't put together his best season as a professional, which would make him a top-80 player moving forward.
Collin Sexton, Charlotte Hornets
(35% rostered)
Although Sexton has been in and out of the starting lineup, his role seems relatively secure. He has scored at least 15 points in all five games thus far, averaging 18.6 points per game, adding 2.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.8 three-pointers. A shoulder injury to Brandon Miller has provided Sexton with a little more responsibility on the offensive end of the floor, the part of his game that brings the most fantasy value. The one concern is that he has played 27 and 26 minutes in each of the past two games, both of which were without Miller in the lineup. While there is some concern regarding his long-term role, Sexton is someone who should be rostered right now, given the fact that finding a player who can score 20 points on any given night on the waiver wire is tricky at the best of times.
Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers
(33% rostered)
Coming off a red-hot finish to the 2024-25 season, Grimes was seen as a viable last-round target in many drafts. Uncertainty regarding his role was the primary reason for skepticism, especially if Philadelphia was able to get a healthy roster on the floor. Perhaps unsurprisingly, that has not been the case thus far, allowing Grimes to play 31.6 minutes per game, during which time he has averaged 17.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 3.3 three-pointers, good enough for top-70 value. The eventual return of Paul George and Jared McCain is going to complicate matters. Even then, Grimes may have done enough to earn himself a sizeable role for the remainder of the season. For now, make sure he is not sitting on your waiver wire.
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks
(29% rostered)
Somehow, someway, Rollins is still available in 71% of fantasy leagues, despite what he has done this season. An injury to Kevin Porter in the opening game thrust Rollins into the starting point guard position. To say he has made the most of his opportunity is an understatement. Through five games, Rollins is averaging 18.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.4 three-pointers in 31.1 minutes per game. He has scored back-to-back career-highs, going for 25 points in a win over the Knicks, followed by a 32-point explosion during Thursday's victory over Golden State. While the eventual return of Porter is going to muddy the waters somewhat, there is a world in which Rollins holds onto the starting spot, given his impressive play. If you are in one of those leagues where he is available, run, don't walk, to the waiver wire.
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics
(27% rostered)
Despite some preseason conjecture as to whether Queta would be the starting center in Boston, it appears he has the position locked down, at least for now. While his production hasn't jumped off the page, Queta certainly looks more and more comfortable with each passing game, highlighted by his first double-double in a win over the Cavaliers. Through five games, Queta is averaging 9.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.6 blocks in 24.2 minutes per game. The playing time is somewhat underwhelming, with only 2 instances exceeding 25 minutes. While it doesn't appear as though he is going to play what we might consider 'typical' starter's minutes, he is doing enough during his time on the court to be rostered in most formats.
