Wow! It actually happened. James Harden goes to the Philadelphia 76ers. Ben Simmons can actually play this year for the Brooklyn Nets. These are just two names that exchanged teams very early Friday morning (Philippine time). One trade after another helped jolt me awake. And, come on, let’s not kid ourselves—each trade made us think about our fantasy teams and made us check the waiver wire. So, let’s get straight to the players who can help out your fantasy teams.
Ben Simmons - SG, SF (Brooklyn Nets)
Congratulations to those who were able to stash Ben Simmons and believed that he would play this year. Those who drafted him and kept him on the IL will now get to reap the benefit of being patient and believing in Ben (shoutout to Tin Gamboa in our Smart Fantasy League). Good for Tin, who believes in Ben—unlike Joel Embiid. Just in case, check the wire if Ben is available like he was in one of my leagues.
Devin Vassell - PG, SG (San Antonio Spurs)
My first reaction when I saw the Derrick White to Boston trade was, “What?!?” And my reaction immediately after that was, “OHHH DEVIN VASSELL! This is it!” Devin Vassell has always been on the fringes of 12-team leagues because of his potential, stat set (points, 3s, defensive stats), and per-minute production. This trade has now opened a possible starting spot for Vassell and more playing time. Dejounte Murray and Vassell are the backcourt of the future for the San Antonio Spurs. They might as well see them together already.
Thaddeus Young - PF, C (Toronto Raptors)
The Toronto Raptors decided to get a tad older in the frontcourt and traded Goran Dragic for Thad Young. On the surface, this looks like a trade of two older players who were not used by their teams. So why would we pick up Thad Young? When Thad got playing time for the Spurs, he was good. Give him 22 to 24 minutes off the bench and he can certainly help your team with good FG percentages, rebounds, assists, and steals from the PF/C position.
Will the Raptors play him? Well, the Raptors included a first-round pick in this trade. Why would they do that if they have no plans to play him? Raptors head coach Nick Nurse doesn’t believe in using his whole bench and just uses a few select players. Chris Boucher is still there, but Nurse seems to use him only out of need when there is an injury or two. I think Young leapfrogs the rest of the bigs—he might even get some spot starts.
Daniel Gafford - C (Washington Wizards)
Montrez Harrell is headed towards Charlotte, reducing the three-headed center rotation down to Daniel Gafford and Thomas Bryant. But just as Gafford was emerging as the must-add big at the deadline, along comes Kristaps Porzingis. Before you give up on Gafford though, think about it. Bradley Beal is out for the season, the Washington Wizards traded away their starting point guard and have two backup point guards in the lineup. Their trades have helped save money and give the Wizards cap room for next year.
Porzingis currently has a bone bruise and hasn’t been playing. Why would Porzingis risk further injury when clearly Washington’s moves were made with next year in mind? If he doesn’t play, Gafford helps you out with FG percentage, some points, rebounds, and elite shot-blocking. Gafford is out now under health and safety protocols so he might be on the wire. Add him and see what happens.
Andre Drummond - C (Brooklyn Nets)
From being a backup to Embiid, Andre Drummond now has a big chance to start for the Brooklyn Nets. Nic Claxton is out, and so is LaMarcus Aldridge. All Drummond has to do is rebound and defend. Just beware of his free throw shooting drain. However, when Claxton comes back and Aldridge too, this might be a timeshare. But the starting position is Drummond’s to lose.
Other players to watch:
Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber
Kristaps is out. Moses Brown has been released. Marquese Chriss is injured. It's up to these two to man the middle for the Mavericks. I would pick up Kleber for his 3-point shooting and blocks.
Ish Smith and Raul Neto
One of these two backup point guards for Washington will start. I would choose Ish Smith because the Wizards traded for him and he was a part-time starter last year.
Indiana Pacers bigs
Pick your poison: Myles Turner, Goga Bitadze, Isaiah Jackson, or Jalen Smith. Will Turner return? Who starts at center while he is out? Who starts at power forward with Torey Craig out? Will Oshae Brissett come into the picture? Keep an eye on these young Pacer bigs.
