DEEP LEAUGE SLEEPERS

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

Deep League Sleepers

This is a list of players that might or might not be rostered. Due to injuries, situation changes, hot streaks, etc, these players are at the very least worthy of being monitored closely. Some of them are high risk, high reward, some of them are specialist, enjoy.

IMMANUEL QUICKLEY - Being a disappointment to this point after a strong rookie campaign, many were surprised to see the Knicks not only bring back Derrick Rose, but also acquire Kemba Walker. Even with both guards receiving heavy minutes, Quickley has been hot lately, averaging 14.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 3.0 3PG, and almost no turnovers with good percentages. Because of his bench role and inconsistent minutes, he's probably not rostered, but he might be a better option to similar guards like Bones Hyland and Anfernee Simons. Quickley might develop himself into a Haliburton type role where he's almost playing wing in some line-ups, giving him an opportunity for more minutes, especially with the recent struggles of RJ Barrett.

KYLE ANDERSON - Another guy whose value likely sky rockets with an injury. Anderson had a nice role last year with Jaren Jackson on the shelf. Anderson doesn't have a super high ceiling, but he's a pretty efficient forward, qualifies for both forward spots, can hit 3's, gets decent steals numbers, and sneaky high assist ratio. Should JJJ see an injury, Xavier Tillman and Brandon Clarke also might be solid looks for this team. Anderson is the most interesting because he might be the odd man out and could be a potential guy to go to a contending team by the end of the year. I really like him on a team like Miami, where he would likely start and produce.

JONATHAN KUMINGA - At this point, he's a major watch candidate. Even in 14-team leagues, I think he should at least be monitored closely. Kuminga was one of the highest ceiling players in this year's draft., he has professional experience playing in the G-League, and has the luxury of playing with two of the greatest shooters of All-Time. While obviously unsustainable, his per-36 this season is 16.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, and 53% shooting from the field. Should Wiggins miss any time in the future, he would be an immediate add in 12 and 14-team leagues.

LUKA GARZA, MARVIN BAGLEY III, and ENES KANTER - All 3 guys are obvious watch candidates right now. All 3 have been sighted recently, with decent per-minute production. Garza would be a must add if Stewart ever goes down. He's gotten mid-teens in minutes in 2 of the last 3 games and it's cut in Stewart's minutes as he struggles. Definitely an interesting situation. Bagley got a little playing time, likely to show other teams that he's healthy and his value goes up on a team that needs front court help. He would be a watch even if he gets traded, as he likely wouldn't start immediately. Enes Kanter is probably the one to potentially even pick up now, just with Time Lord's injury history and the fact he left yesterday's game. Kanter does not offer much defensively, but he's a double-double threat regularly.

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HONORABLE MENTIONS - These are the players that are likely already rostered in your leagues, but are worth talking about...

TALEN HORTON-TUCKER - Between LeBron's injury, Bazemore's struggles, and bench depletion, THT is getting a ton of minutes and producing. When the Lakers return to full health, he should still start, albeit, won't be producing elite numbers as he has thus far. He could be a 16-18 PPG player, decent rebounds, good percentages, and low turnovers, so run with it.

CHIMEZIE METU - After 3 solid starts, he was probably already picked up in your league. Centers are slim pickings in deep leagues and he's a solid offensive big man. Rebounds and defensive stats are going to be sporadic, but his outside shooting makes up for it. It's possible he could level off, but he's a solid hold while he's hot. The reason why Bagley was in the main section is primarily because Metu essentially makes him expendable.

GORAN DRAGIC - He made a surprise appearance and should be a hold at this point. The Dragon was more of a spot start, but Toronto really likes Flynn and Banton and wants to continue to give them minutes over Goran. Dragic is probably going to get bought out, as nobody wants to give up assets for a $19 million expiring contract. His value is tied to his role, but if he can get 25-30 minutes starting or on the bench he is definitely rosterable.

CEDI OSMAN - There was going to be a waiting period while we figured out who would be the prime beneficiaries to the Sexton injury, and so far, the clear front runners are Osman and Rubio. Things might get a little shaky once Markkanen returns, but with Mobley going down, it could open up minutes for him to enter the starting line-up. Right now Osman is the better play than Okoro and we've seen Osman get hot at times. Windler should be added to the watch list, but it's more likely than not that Cleveland will be making some roster moves as they cannot rely on guys like Wade or Valentine to get substantial minutes.

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

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