Sometimes there isn’t a run on the top pickups in fantasy and good buys remain out there for another week. Our favorite early-season get, Markieff Morris, is now universally owned but equally good pickups like Jordan Hill are still out there in many leagues. Let’s take a look at who’s worth buying up this week.
Jordan Hill (Owned in 51 percent of Yahoo leagues): In last week’s Fantasy Basketball Stock Market, we touted Hill as a potential breakout star. On Sunday, his 24 point, 17 rebound night against the Nuggets solidified Hill as a fantasy basketball must-have. In four games since becoming the Lakers’ starting power forward, Hill is averaging a phenomenal 18.8 points, 12 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 62 percent from the floor. This is likely your last chance to grab him in the half of Yahoo leagues he is still available in so don’t wait on him any longer.
Mo Williams (20 percent): I wasn’t too high on Williams coming into the season and still don’t fully trust him but his recent influx in minute have made him a must-buy. Over his last four games, Mo is averaging 15 points, 5.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals on 31 minutes per game. As long as he keeps playing 30+ minutes per game, he should give your team a solid flow of points and assists.
Jodie Meeks (25 percent): Meeks appears to have solidified his spot in the starting lineup until Kobe Bryant returns and is a must-grab with his recent influx in scoring. Over his last seven games, Meeks is averaging 15.3 points and 3.1 three-pointers on 31 minutes per game, shooting a very impressive 56 percent from the floor and 52.4 percent from downtown. Those aren’t sustainable percentages for a guard but he figures to give you a steady flow of points and threes until Kobe is back.
Terrence Jones (20 percent): Like Hill and Meeks, Jones has gone from reserve to starter and is running with the opportunity. In three games since being inserted into the starting five over Omer Asik, Jones is averaging 34 minutes per game, 10 points. 10.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. We’d like to see an improvement to his 43 percent shooting but he has the rebounds and blocks to help you fill up your weekly stat sheet.
Josh McRoberts (17 percent): Last season, I lovingly dubbed McRoberts “McRebounds” for his rebound-happy stretch during the winter. This season, McRoberts has added points and assists to his unique repertoire which has made nickname appropriation much more difficult. Over his last five games, McRoberts is averaging 11.2 points, 5.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and two three-pointers on 32 minutes per game. He’s a rare big man who likes to shoot threes and, because of his role on the outside, has been able to add assists to his all-purpose stat line. He’s inconsistent as anyone but he brings a unique combination of stats that make him worth taking a shot on in most leagues.
J.J. Hickson (44 percent): JaVale McGee is out indefinitely so Hickson figures to be the Nuggets’ starting center for the foreseeable future. Since taking over the starting job, Hickson is averaging a solid 11.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.0 block, and 1.0 steal per game. We’d like to see more minutes (26 minutes per game) but his rebounding prowess and solid scoring make him worth owning in all leagues.
Tony Allen (44 percent): Allen isn’t great in any category but he helps out in all of them, making him a solid fantasy basketball buy. Over his last five games, Allen is averaging 10.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 steals on 26 minutes per game while shooting a fantastic 62 percent. He has multi-position eligibility and makes for a serviceable fantasy basketball utility knife to have on your bench.
