Jeremy Lin
I'm a Rockets fan, and I wasn't a believer in Jeremy Lin. I didn't think he was worth his contract, to say the least. I didn't think he could be the point guard they needed to become a championship team, and maybe I still don't. Either way, though, if there was any one player I could add right now, it's Lin. He's showed his sparks of brilliance and his diversity. He hit nine three-points in a single game, he's changed his shot a bit, can still pass the ball, and has proved to be a pretty efficient point guard. He's averaging 14.3 points, 4.2 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game this season, and he's come off the bench in over half of the games. The reason he is officially a must-have is because of injuries. Patrick Beverley, the current starting point guard for the Rockets, has just been ruled out for the next 4-6 weeks, and Harden has a high-ankle sprain, which could prove to be a lingering injury. To top it all off, Parsons is having lingering back spasms. Not that Lin could replace Harden and Parsons, but long story short, Houston will need offense and production, and Howard won't get all the attention. Lin, too, is coming off an injury, so be weary, but I picked him up, and I recommend it. I actually think this might be the break he needs to get Houston's starting point guard gig back.
Tyreke Evans
Tyreke Evans. A 6'6" point guard that produces in every category? Yes, please. Many fantasy owners were displeased with their drafting of Tyreke at the beginning of the year due to his lack of production. Obviously, it's not easy sharing a point guard slot with Jrue Holiday. Now Evans has been getting his share of the point guard position, but he's getting some shooting guard playing time, too. Whatever it takes for this guy to be on the court is fine with me. He's averaging 12 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 assists per game this season. His points are slightly lower than last year; the guy's only getting 24.8 minutes per game this season. It's a crime. He's actually producing better this year than he did last year in 6 less minutes per game. Following a triple-double against the now 20-9 Clippers (11 pts, 13 rbs, 10 ast), Evans posted another strong stat line against the now 23-5 Trailblazers, putting up 21 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. He's a good pick up under any circumstances, but if anything at all happens to Jrue Holiday, Evans is in for far more than just a 24 MPG role. Grab him while you can.
Larry Sanders
I won't go in too much depth about him. First things first, to clear the air, his injury was to his thumb. His legs, shoulders, knees, they're all fine. It was a thumb injury. I've already talked about him a bit, but I can't get over the fact that nobody is talking about this guy. 2nd in blocks per game and 12th in rebounds per game last season, Sanders averaged 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game in only 27 minutes per game last year. One more advantage is that his free throw percentage is above that of Dwight Howard or DeAndre Jordan, so that's not going to kill you if your league also is based on efficiency. He's cleared for basketball activities and already working out at the Bucks' facility. Like I said, his injury was to his thumb, so expect him to produce just as well if not better this year on a struggling Milwaukee team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
I'm not going to say I'm an expert on the guy or even that I know much about him. That being said, if you're willing to take a gamble, as the Milwaukee Bucks are, take a chance and pick him up. Worst case scenario, he's unproductive and you drop him three games later. Best case scenario, he immediately becomes a double-double monster. I'm thinking somewhere in between. He's the youngest player in the NBA. He's over 6'10", has a 7'3" wingspan, and he plays on the wing. We're looking at a guy who could be comparable to Kevin Durant one day. He's got the body type of Durant, athleticism, a decent-looking and work-in-progress jumpshot, can hit the three, chases down defenders... I mean he's destined for something one day. I'm just not sure when. It could be in his rookie year or in 2016, but if you want to take a chance, pick him up if you can.
Other Pick-Ups
Nick Young, Wesley Johnson, Danny Granger, Nene, and Greivis Vasquez
Best of luck in Week 9 and happy holidays!
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