UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

INTERESTING DEEP LEAGUE SLEEPERS:

This list features mostly handcuff players and potential streams. All of the players on this list have less than 10% ownership in ESPN Leagues.

YUTA WATANABE (0.4%) - Probably the deepest sleeper he has been given a shot with Siakam and OG Anunoby missing time. Over the last two games he's averaging 11.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.5 BPG. He doesn't cause many turnovers and he's efficient with his 3-point production. Should there be a major COVID outbreak or injuries, his 3-and-D production make him intriguing.

MALIK MONK (0.9%) - Most might have forgotten about him with all attention around LaMelo and Hayward, but Monk was a lottery pick 3 drafts ago. He sort of came out of nowhere the other night having a nice 18-point game with 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and no turnovers in 23 minutes. Should either Rozier or Graham miss substantial time, he should receive 22-25 mpg off the bench and put up decent production. He's somewhat one dimensional, but could be a snagged for a team desperate for 3's should this team experience hardships with their guard rotation.

PRECIOUS ACHIUWA (1.8%) - This is more of a handcuff player. If Bam or Butler were to miss substantial time, he could be a very hot pick-up. He's having a pretty nice rookie year with a per-36 of 17.0 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, and 1.3 BPG. He's not a shooter, but a mid-teens double-double upside for a waiver guy is what most people would dream of in the back of their rotation. You'd have to plan for tanking free throws, as he takes 6.3 attempts per-36 and only makes slightly more than half.

THEO MALEDON (2.9%) - If you're reading this, it might already be too late for you to pick him up. He exploded for 24 points with extras and is very clearly the point guard of the future for this team - at least for now. The league has not had a great track record with high-upside French guards, but he might be the one to break the mold. He has the size and athleticism to be a stat stuffer given the minutes, and he seems to be on a trajectory to take over sooner rather than later as the Thunder continue to slide out of contention.

MO BAMBA (4.0%) - He has been quietly blipping back on the radar after having almost no presence since he's been drafted. The Magic have lost 3 straight, are the 12-seed, and just lost Aaron Gordon for a month. At this point it makes sense for them to embrace the tank and give Bamba minutes. In a competitive league, he's not worth stashing quite yet, but he should definitely be on your watchlist. Aside from having a banger of a hit song, his per-36 is absolutely insane. His per-36 right now is 28.6 PPG, 16.4 RPG, 2.5 3PG, and 2.5 BPG. His ridiculous foul rate, subpar free throw percentage, and true life lack of defense make him a volatile pick-up even given minutes. The upside is definitely there and should he get traded to a team desperate for a big, he could see a major boost in production.

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2021]

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