Fantasy Basketball Week 16 Waiver Wire: Five players to add before the deadline
With the February 5 trade deadline just days away, Week 16 represents a pivotal turning point for fantasy basketball managers. The "silly season" has officially arrived, bringing with it aggressive tanking strategies, shutdown candidates, and rotation-altering injuries that are reshaping the waiver wire landscape. As teams like the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets pivot toward the lottery, savvy managers must act quickly to secure the breakout talents emerging from the chaos.
Here are five players to add before the deadline to bolster your playoff push.
Isaiah Collier (Utah Jazz)
The Jazz have fully embraced the tank, and their rookie guard is the primary beneficiary. With Utah frequently resting veterans and "showcasing" trade assets, Collier has been handed the keys to the offense. Over his last 13 games, he is averaging an impressive 8.1 assists per night while playing over 30 minutes. His shooting can be volatile, but the volume of opportunity is undeniable. In points leagues, he is a must-roster player, and category managers should value his elite assist numbers as the Jazz prioritize his development down the stretch.
Cam Spencer (Memphis Grizzlies)
The injury bug has bitten Memphis again, with Ja Morant sidelined due to an elbow injury. In his absence, Cam Spencer has stepped into the starting point guard role and flourished. The second-year guard is stuffing the stat sheet, averaging 11.1 points, 9.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in his starts. His ability to contribute across multiple categories—including a blistering 44.5% from deep—makes him a high-floor addition while Morant recovers.
Saddiq Bey (New Orleans Pelicans)
Currently rostered in fewer than 40% of leagues, Saddiq Bey is in the midst of a massive resurgence. Over his last six contests, the veteran forward is averaging 21.2 points on efficient shooting, including 48.5% from three-point range. With the Pelicans needing offensive punch, Bey has solidified his role in the rotation, offering reliable scoring and rebounding numbers that are hard to find on the wire this late in the season.
Vit Krejci (Atlanta Hawks)
The unfortunate news that Jalen Johnson is out for the season has opened a significant void in Atlanta’s frontcourt. Vit Krejci has emerged as the primary replacement, offering a versatile skill set that fantasy managers crave. Since stepping into a larger role, Krejci is averaging 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, along with solid defensive stocks. He is a "glue guy" who can stabilize a roster spot with consistent, across-the-board production.
Vasilije Micic (Charlotte Hornets)
Charlotte’s backcourt is decimated, with Tre Mann ruled out for the season and LaMelo Ball dealing with lingering ankle issues. Vasilije Micic has taken advantage of the available minutes, averaging 12 points and 4 assists over his last four games. As the Hornets limp toward the finish line, Micic should continue to see heavy usage, making him a viable streamer for assists and points in deeper formats.
Here are five players to add before the deadline to bolster your playoff push.
Isaiah Collier (Utah Jazz)
The Jazz have fully embraced the tank, and their rookie guard is the primary beneficiary. With Utah frequently resting veterans and "showcasing" trade assets, Collier has been handed the keys to the offense. Over his last 13 games, he is averaging an impressive 8.1 assists per night while playing over 30 minutes. His shooting can be volatile, but the volume of opportunity is undeniable. In points leagues, he is a must-roster player, and category managers should value his elite assist numbers as the Jazz prioritize his development down the stretch.
Cam Spencer (Memphis Grizzlies)
The injury bug has bitten Memphis again, with Ja Morant sidelined due to an elbow injury. In his absence, Cam Spencer has stepped into the starting point guard role and flourished. The second-year guard is stuffing the stat sheet, averaging 11.1 points, 9.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in his starts. His ability to contribute across multiple categories—including a blistering 44.5% from deep—makes him a high-floor addition while Morant recovers.
Saddiq Bey (New Orleans Pelicans)
Currently rostered in fewer than 40% of leagues, Saddiq Bey is in the midst of a massive resurgence. Over his last six contests, the veteran forward is averaging 21.2 points on efficient shooting, including 48.5% from three-point range. With the Pelicans needing offensive punch, Bey has solidified his role in the rotation, offering reliable scoring and rebounding numbers that are hard to find on the wire this late in the season.
Vit Krejci (Atlanta Hawks)
The unfortunate news that Jalen Johnson is out for the season has opened a significant void in Atlanta’s frontcourt. Vit Krejci has emerged as the primary replacement, offering a versatile skill set that fantasy managers crave. Since stepping into a larger role, Krejci is averaging 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, along with solid defensive stocks. He is a "glue guy" who can stabilize a roster spot with consistent, across-the-board production.
Vasilije Micic (Charlotte Hornets)
Charlotte’s backcourt is decimated, with Tre Mann ruled out for the season and LaMelo Ball dealing with lingering ankle issues. Vasilije Micic has taken advantage of the available minutes, averaging 12 points and 4 assists over his last four games. As the Hornets limp toward the finish line, Micic should continue to see heavy usage, making him a viable streamer for assists and points in deeper formats.
