NBA Player News

We might have seen the last of Freedom in an NBA uniform as it seems like the market for his services is barren. He was waived by the Rockets in February after being traded by the Celtics for Daniel Theis. Freedom holds career averages of 11.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in 748 career games spanning 11 seasons. There is always a chance that a team could take a flyer on Freedom at some point, but given his current circumstances, it might be time to take his talents internationally, which also will be complicated.

After sitting out the second leg of Charlotte’s back-to-back on Saturday, Ball returned to the lineup against Miami. He fouled out of his last two appearances and had at least four fouls in five straight games, but that wasn’t an issue on Monday. What was an issue was his poor shooting, though that isn’t a new thing for him either. He was extra bad in that regard in this game, but he has shot worse than 40 percent from the floor in seven straight games. He’ll look to get back on track in Atlanta on Wednesday.

With Caris LeVert (finger) sidelined on Monday, Atlanta’s other trade deadline acquisitions stepped up as scoring options. Mann and Georges Niang (18/4/3) combined to score 37 of the Hawks’ 49 bench points, which helped them secure the win over Philadelphia despite being shorthanded. Mann isn’t a fantasy-friendly option often, but he was able to make an impact in the box score on Monday. However, he isn’t a player that managers should be looking to roster.

With Atlanta shorthanded, the rookie stepped up on offense early, scoring 11 points in the first quarter. This was his fourth time scoring at least 20 points this season, two two of those coming in his last five appearances. Risacher has gone under the radar as a rookie, but he is certainly in the conversation for Rookie of the Year. He hasn’t been able to produce value consistently, but when his shot is falling, he has been effective for Atlanta. He’ll look to keep it up against the Hornets on Wednesday.

After missing a month due to a lumbar fracture, Krejci was able to suit up against Philadelphia. It wasn’t a spectacular return to the rotation, but it was encouraging to see him back on the floor. He had been playing well prior to his injury, but with Atlanta’s trade deadline additions all shining, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where Krejci contributes standard league value consistently, especially when Trae Young and Caris LeVert return to the rotation.

With Trae Young (quad) sidelined, Wallace slid into the starting lineup for the first time since January. Wallace was productive in his three previous starts this season, but he wasn’t able to replicate that on Monday. The assists were nice, but he struggled as a scorer. In four starts this season, he has averaged 13.5 points ,3.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.3 three-pointers per game. He should be considered as a deep-league streamer if Young misses more time this season.

Council IV’s role with Philadelphia hasn’t been consistent, but he has had some solid performances when he has been given the opportunity. This was another one of those games, and he set a new season-high for scoring in 29 minutes off the bench. Philly’s bench accounted for 53 of their 123 points, with Jeff Dowtin Jr. (17) and Adem Bona (12) also scoring in double figures. Council IV will certainly have a chance to impact fantasy basketball during “silly season”, and he certainly holds value in dynasty formats.

Philadelphia was more shorthanded than ever on Monday, and Grimes continued to lead the offense. Over their last six games, Grimes has averaged 25.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, two steals and 3.2 three-pointers per game while shooting 54.7 percent from the floor. Grimes has been an incredible addition for Philly, and he should get the chance to continue to prove his worth over the final month of the season. Rostered in just under half of Yahoo! leagues, he should be added everywhere he is available.

Butler started for the second time since being traded to Philadelphia, and he was able to chip in solid value in assists. He dished out nine assists in his previous start this season, and when he played a significant role in Washington, he was able to dish out plenty of dimes. It seems as though the 76ers have shifted their focus towards the lottery, which means that Butler could hold plenty of value over the final month of the year, especially for managers that are looking for assists.

With Kelly Oubre Jr. (ankle) and Andre Drummond (illness) both sidelined, Walker IV was able to start for the first time this season. He was able to contribute decent value, but a poor shooting night limited his overall impact in an increased role. It was also a bit of a letdown after he had 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in Philadelphia’s previous game. If they continue to deal with injuries in Toronto on Wednesday, Walker IV may continue to hold some value as a streaming option, though he will hopefully shoot the ball better in that one.

After missing Charlotte’s last two games, Williams was back in the starting unit against Miami. He got right back to work and was able to contribute value across the board to help the Hornets win consecutive games for the first time since January. Though availability continues to be an issue for him, Williams has been a fantasy stud when on the floor this season. Of course, a trade being rescinded because of your health is a red flag for dynasty managers.