If your fantasy league started at the start of the season, you’re probably heading into Week 4 already. Yes, NBA fantasy basketball has been going on for over a month now! If you’re still struggling to make the proper lineup or you need to bump up your team’s standing, look no further. I’m here to tell you about sneaky role players who are making some noise on the floor and the charts.
De’Anthony Melton - SG, Memphis Grizzlies (62% rostered)
11.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.9 blocks, 40.0% FG, 38.0% 3P, 28.1 minutes
Desmond Bane - SF, Memphis Grizzlies (65% rostered)
16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.2 blocks, 47.5% FG, 40.3% 3P, 29.0 minutes
This Memphis Grizzlies duo has been one of the best surprises in fantasy basketball this season. De’Anthony Melton (64th ranked player) and Desmond Bane (67th ranked player) have taken advantage of the stellar play of Ja Morant and the absence of Dillon Brooks to drop career-highs across the board. It has yet to be seen how Brooks’ return will affect them. But regardless of the outcome, the two played well enough to deserve a slot on your team. No matter how good they play, people just keep sleeping on these guys.
Devin Vassell - SF, San Antonio Spurs
11.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, 43.3% FG, 32.6% 3P, 25.9 minutes
With the Spurs’ youth movement, Devin Vassell has gotten more opportunities to grow. He’s averaging modest numbers across the board and there’s potential for improvement. In only his second year in the NBA, Vassell has doubled in scoring from last season with averages going from 5.5 to 11.3 in a span of a few months. Not only is he scoring better, he also has improved in other statistics from last year. This may be attributed to the increased playing time (from 17.0 to 26.0 minutes per game) or his just sheer desire to get better every single year. But of course, as a young guy, it’s accustomed to expect a lot of ups and downs with him but hopefully, as the season progresses, there will be more highs than lows.
Shake Milton - PG, Philadelphia 76ers (30% rostered)
11.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.3 blocks, 49.1% FG, 28.6% 3P, 24.0 minutes
Get your Shake on.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been hit with injuries, team issues, and COVID-related absences which has opened up a lot of opportunities for their role players. Guys like Georges Niang and Furkan Korkmaz are other players that you can take a look at but I feel that Shake Milton has the edge here. He can give you across-the-board production and can still deliver even when their stars return. He’s also rostered in just 30% of leagues, so there’s a high probability he’s available in your fantasy league.
Alperen Sengun - C, Houston Rockets
9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.5 blocks, 46.8% FG, 41.7% 3P, 19.3 minutes
The Rockets big man is one of the best sleepers in fantasy basketball. Playing behind Daniel Theis has limited the production, but Sengen has shown flashes that he’s going to be good. Once the Rockets fall out of the playoff race and fully commit to starting Sengun, expect him to put up big numbers for the rebuilding Rockets. Hold onto him if you can.
Ricky Rubio - PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
13.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.2 blocks, 40.5% FG, 42.9% 3P, 27.9 minutes
Everyone thought he was washed, but he has turned heads over and over again this year. Despite the Cavaliers going young, the 31-year-old Rubio has found his groove. He’s currently ranked 97th which is outrageous by the way he’s playing now. Rubio is a good source of points, 3s, assists, and steals. Nothing more needs to be said. Grab him now especially with both Collin Sexton and Isaac Okoro out with injuries.
Anfernee Simons - SG, Portland Trail Blazers
14.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.1 blocks, 49.1% FG, 41.0% 3P, 23.1 minutes
With the Trail Blazers looking for an extra scoring punch especially with the early woes of Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons made his presence known and filled in that role. In just 23 minutes, he’s averaging 14.0 points, 2.5 threes, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on almost 50% shooting from the field and has established himself as the Blazers’ sixth man. He doesn’t offer much upside aside from scoring, but if you need a cheap source of points and triples, he’s your guy.
