Furkan

Korkmaz

After years of trying to get out of Philly, Korkmaz was dealt to the Pacers as part of the Buddy Hield trade, and he was waived just hours later. The Turkish shooting guard will look for a new team after he clears waivers.

Morris and Korkmaz are on the move as part of a deal that will net the 76ers much-needed in the aftermath of Joel Embiid’s knee injury. While Morris and Korkmaz played rotation minutes in spots, neither saw the consistent action needed to be of value to fantasy managers. That’s unlikely to change in Indiana, so both can remain on the waiver wire. The three draft picks are a 2024 second and two 2029 seconds (via LAC and POR; both are unprotected).

The Sixers are desperate for scoring with Joel Embiid sidelined, and they’ll land a premier scorer and shooter who’s proven to be quite durable throughout his career. Hield should immediately see 30+ minutes, which will be a substantial boon for his fantasy value. This season, he’s averaging 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.6 triples across 25.7 minutes - all his lowest marks since 2017-18. Hield’s reduced role with Indiana made him a fringe option in 12-team leagues at best, but he’ll get plenty of opportunities for the shorthanded Sixers. Hield’s arrival could mean fewer minutes for the likes of Jaden Springer and Patrick Beverley, but Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre shouldn’t see a reduction in workload. Aaron Nesmith and Benn Mathurin could pick up Hield’s vacated minutes in Indiana.

In his first nine appearances of January, Korkmaz scored ten points. Total. He took full advantage of the opportunity with the 76ers down multiple rotation players, establishing season-highs in points and 3-pointers. While the 76ers could be shorthanded again for the final game of their road trip on Thursday, Korkmaz should not be streamed in any fantasy league.

Korkmaz did not play in Saturday’s loss to the Jazz. His return gives the 76ers an additional option on the wing but will not impact fantasy basketball.

While Embiid wasn’t available to practice Monday, there’s hope he can practice Tuesday and play Wednesday against the Hawks. For as long as he’s out, Paul Reed should continue to see spot starts and bumps in playing time. Melton, Harris and Korkmaz’s return to practice means the trio should be good to go against Atlanta, and all three will presumably handle their typical workloads. Robert Covington was also back at practice, and he could see a few extra minutes if Embiid is forced to sit out another game.

Korkmaz will remain sidelined, but he isn’t a regular part of their rotation. His absence won’t impact fantasy basketball whatsoever.

The absences of Covington and Korkmaz will not impact fantasy basketball, as both are (at best) on the back end of the 76ers’ rotation on most nights.

With De’Anthony Melton (back) sidelined, a few minutes may be available on the back end of the perimeter rotation. However, that isn’t enough to make Covington or Korkmaz a viable option in fantasy basketball if they’re cleared to play.

Korkmaz has averaged just under seven minutes per game this season, so his availability won’t have much of an impact on fantasy hoops managers. Covington’s absence should mean more minutes for the likes of Marcus Morris and Nic Batum.