NBA Fantasy Waiver Wire (Jan. 23): Robin Lopez Is Phoenix's Rising Sun

As most devoted NBA fans are following live game action, monitoring the All-Star roster reports, and scouring the web for trade deadline rumors, the fantasy owner in all of us is regretting his/her past mistakes, while hoping their next decision is what turns an abysmal season around.

Look no further than this week's Waiver Wire Watch , as we take a look at 10 guys available in your league's free agent pool, and offer a strong argument as to why they should be on your roster.

We look for players with consistency, versatility, and the ability to offer break-out games, when putting together this waiver wire report.

Jarrett Jack, PG, Toronto Raptors (54%)

Jack filled in admirably when Jose Calderon missed several games due to an injury earlier in the season, but now that Calderon is back, the effective and impressive Jack continues to play well, and continues to start.

He won't blow you away with elite assist numbers, but Jack has been a balanced performer, while topping 10+ points in nine out of his last 11 contests.

He's shooting fantastic percentages (47% from the field, 39% from three), and is notching around 30 minutes per game.

Calderon or not Calderon, Jack is worthy of a roster spot.

Luke Ridnour, PG, Milwaukee Bucks (58%)

We've been promoting Ridnour since he started acted more like a shooting guard and continued his unlikely blistering shooting percentages, dating all the way back to the start of November.

Ridnour is still averaging right around 50% from the floor, while topping 11 points and four assists per game, along with a solid 40% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

Considering he's still available in nearly 60% of leagues, Ridnour still isn't getting much respect. Be the guy in your league that isn't afraid to take a chance on him, as his 14 straight games of double-digit scoring show he has the consistency to help your squad.

Robin Lopez, C, Phoenix Suns (Available in 59% of leagues)

Say good-bye to your starting job, Channing Frye.

After the Suns tried Robin Lopez in the starting line-up three games ago, the second-year center has done enough to show them they made the right decision.

He adds a strong presence on defense, while managing to fit into the offense's run n' gun style.

In his past three starts, Lopez has topped 19 points twice, grabbed seven rebounds twice, and has recorded at least one block in each game.

As he gets more and more comfortable in the starting line-up and with added minutes, Lopez's value should only rise.

Carlos Delfino, G/F, Milwaukee Bucks (73%)

Delfino may never turn into an every-night scoring presence, but he's been flashing the ability to make a huge impact lately, and at the very minimum, has been playing consistent minutes and getting a solid number of shot attempts.

Delfino hasn't just been dropping the points in lately (two 20+ point games in last four). He's also been hitting the boards and getting solid steal numbers.

In the past four games, Delfino has registered at least eight boards three times, while notching at least one steal in each contest.

He's playing Scott Skiles-basketball, which means he'll continue to get major play, and his offensive looks should stay fairly consistent.

Brandon Rush, G/F, Indiana Pacers (76%)

Rush is still only matching his rookie numbers from last season, although he is averaging three more minutes per game.

However, Rush was inserted to the starting line-up four games ago, and it's stuck, as Rush has shot well above 50% from the field over that span, while scoring 15+ points in three of the four games.

As long as he keeps his spot in the starting line-up and gets the solid minutes he's already getting, Rush's potential should have him on the rise before you know it.

Stash him on your bench and wait a week or two to see if his new role on the team leads to continued success. We have a strong feeling that it will.

Rafer Alston, PG, Miami Heat (83%)

Alston is owned in a remarkably low 17% of leagues, which is fairly surprising since his arrival in Miami has placed him as the new starter.

The minutes are there, but the consistency simply hasn't been, as Alston is just averaging over seven points and under four assists per game in nine contests with the Heat.

However, he did drop nine dimes in Friday's match against the Wizards (along with 11 points). He's still getting used to his teammates and the new starting role, but Alston could be a solid veteran to stash on your bench as you wait for him to jell with his new team.

J.J. Redick , SG, Orlando Magic (83%)

There's no secret that, until proven otherwise, Redick's only major use in fantasy leagues is his occasional scoring outburst, along with his propensity to hit about 2-3 three's per game.

However, he's also developed into a fairly consistent performer, averaging just under 10 points per game (9.7), despite sharing the ball on offense with the likes of Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, and Dwight Howard.

He offers very little in assists, steals, and rebounds, but he's not completely useless in those departments, either. It's highly suggested that you only add Redick to your roster if you're in need of three-point percentage (and makes) help, while he does still have the upside to keep improving.

Kris Humphries , PF, New Jersey Nets (94%)

Unlike Ridnour and Lopez, Humphries will be more a luxury add to your roster, as he's a young player who has been getting minutes with his new team, and could develop into a solid source of fantasy points very quickly.

The again, it is the New Jersey Nets and Kris Humphries we're talking about, so it could be a while before you see the results we're all hoping for.

Regardless, Humphries has broken into a decent role with the Nets, as he's averaging over 12 points and seven rebounds in his first five games with the team, while shooting at least seven times in each contest.

With 22+ minutes in four of his five games with the Nets, Humphries continues to be a young player to keep an eye on, and he could quickly become a guy worth owning if his shots start falling at a better rate.

Marcus Thornton, G, New Orleans Hornets (95%)

Thornton isn't about to run away with ROY honors, but he's still putting up consistently average numbers, enough to make him note-worthy if you're a team desperate for some scoring help.

Thornton has topped 10+ points in seven of his last eight games, making him a solid Utility option for fantasy owners seeking more stable options that can help in the points department.

He doesn't help out much in assists, but had a stretch last week in which he grabbed five rebounds in three straight games. Add him for his scoring and solid consistency, and you shouldn't be disappointed.

Craig Smith, PF, L.A. Clippers (95%)

Smith has just recently taken on a bigger role with the Clippers, and considering it's unknown how long it will last, it's suggested that those in need take advantage of it.

Smith can be an absolute beast on the boards when he gives his best effort and gets the minutes, but it's his scoring out-put that has impressed us in the last five games.

In his past five contests, Smith has recorded 10+ shot attempts and 16+ points four times. It may not stick for good, but if you need him, Smith could continue this unlikely tear while Chris Kaman still works himself back to full health.

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