Top Waiver-Wire Fantasy Basketball Targets After Kevin Durant's Injury
Fantasy basketball managers must look for another option with Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant sidelined with a knee injury.
The team announced Sunday that the forward suffered a sprained medial collateral of the left knee against the New Orleans Pelicans and will return after a "period of rehabilitation," which could lead to an extended stretch on the sideline.
It means managers must replace one of the top players in the NBA, both on the court and in fantasy. While no waiver-wire pickup will be as productive as Durant, there are several players widely available who can help your team.
Jae'Sean Tate, De'Andre Hunter, Jarred Vanderbilt and Herbert Jones are among those to keep an eye on at the forward spots.
Jae'Sean Tate, SF/PF, Houston Rockets (29.7 percent rostered in ESPN leagues)
Though not exactly a household name, Jae'Sean Tate continues to produce for the Houston Rockets and is now 14th in fantasy points this year among players eligible for small forward, per ESPN. This is ahead of high-profile players like Khris Middleton, Tobias Harris and Jaylen Brown, plus those who have missed time because of injury like Jimmy Butler and Paul George.
Tate is averaging 12.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game and nearly had a triple-double his last time out, totaling 17 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in a loss to the Sacramento Kings.
The 26-year-old has become a regular starter for the Rockets and could see even more playing time if Houston decides to trade veterans like Eric Gordon.
The Rockets also play with the fastest pace in the NBA, per Basketball Reference, providing plenty of opportunities to fill up the box score, even in a losing effort.
De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF, Atlanta Hawks (11.6 percent)
After missing about two months because of a wrist injury, De'Andre Hunter has returned to the Atlanta Hawks lineup with an average of 14.3 points in three games.
Injuries have been a big story for the 2019 No. 4 overall draft pick, but he has been effective when healthy with 12.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game across his three seasons, making 35.7 percent of three-point shots. The 15.0 points per game averaged last year would make him a viable fantasy option if he can do it consistently.
The good news is Atlanta already cleared more playing time by trading away Cam Reddish, while John Collins could also be available before the trade deadline, per Marc Berman of the New York Post.
If the 17-25 squad continues to struggle, veterans like Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanovic might also be on the move.
Fantasy managers should get in on Hunter early with the chance for a big second half of the year.
Jarred Vanderbilt, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves (20.7 percent)
Those who used Durant as a power forward could find a quality replacement in Jarred Vanderbilt, who has earned more playing time thanks to his work defensively.
Despite averaging just 6.6 points per game this season, Vanderbilt has impressed with his 9.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. After missing about two weeks in the NBA's health and safety protocols, the forward has averaged 11.8 rebounds over his last eight games. His 21 points and 19 rebounds against the Rockets especially turned heads.
Don't count on too many more 20-point games, but the rebounds, steals and blocks make Vanderbilt an effective fantasy player for those who need help in the frontcourt.
Herbert Jones, SF, New Orleans Pelicans (15.2 percent)
A second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Herbert Jones is proving to be a steal in his first season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jones is averaging 8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 39.7 percent from three-point range, affecting the game in a lot of different ways.
The all-around play is what Jones showed at Alabama, winning SEC Player of the Year last year despite averaging just 11.2 points per game. He was especially productive picking up steals and blocks, and this skill set has translated to the NBA.
The even better news is the increased scoring in recent weeks. Jones has reached double digits in nine of his last 10 games while averaging 14.2 points in this stretch. With a 53.1 field-goal percentage and 45.2 three-point percentage in those 10 games, the forward has been extremely efficient on the court.
If Jones can keep it going, fantasy managers could have a valuable player for the rest of 2021-22.
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