Fantasy Basketball: Week 15 Stock Watch
As deals are being made throughout the NBA in anticipation of Thursday's trade deadline, we look at whose stock is trending this week.
Point Guard
Who's Hot - Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard may never have the supporting cast necessary to advance past the Western Conference Finals as a member of the Blazers, but averages of 39/10/5 over the last week of play make the floor general single-handedly capable of winning fantasy matchups.
Who's Not - Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Look I know that disliking the fearless underdog nature of Ja Morant is essentially the same as disliking NBA basketball, but the Memphis phenom may be approaching a rookie wall. As talented as Morant has been in reconstructing and modernizing an outdated Grizzlies offense, his recent stats suggest possible fatigue.
Shooting Guard
Who's Hot - Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
The post-John Wall era of Wizards basketball has been devoid of regular-season success, yet the current franchise player is outperforming prime Wall when it comes to individual statistics. Beal has become a usage monster on a roster of mismatched pieces, and his offensive output has understandably skyrocketed. The Eastern Conference all-star team may have failed to recognize Beal's offensive proficiency this season, yet his recent play is undoubtedly worthy of a mid-February trip to Chicago.
Who's Not - Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
Teaming up with reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard in LA has spared George from national criticism despite a statistically disappointing season. The six-time All-Star has averaged a measly 16 ppg over his last week of play. With elite shot-creation skills and a knockdown perimeter jumper, George remains a viable fantasy player, yet his recent play should trouble owners.
Small Forward
Who's Hot - Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets
Miles Bridges could only be a viable fantasy option when playing for the Hornets. A roster devoid of shot creation and veteran leadership has allowed the sophomore forward to explore his offensive repertoire with little restraint. The young wing has rewarded the Hornet's trust with averages of 21 points and 8 rebounds over his last week of play. Bridges may not yet appear worthy of fantasy consideration on talent alone, but in his case usage outweighs ability.
Who's Not - Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers
It feels like Tobias Harris has forever been stuck between a rising star and a competent starter. The answer to Harris' professional identity appeared to be definitive in the eyes of the Sixers when they extended him to the annual rate of an All-Star. The former Clipper has struggled as of late to the tune of a 12/6/2 line over his last week of play. As the third option on a good day, don't trust Harris
Power Forward
Who's Hot - John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
As the widely unknown young sidekick to Trae Young in Atlanta, Collins has begun to look the part of future all-star. In his last week of play, Collins averaged just under 22 points along with 14 rebounds, establishing himself as an attractive option for fantasy owners.
Who's Not - LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs
LA has remained a star for far longer than many anticipated, however his time as an effective fantasy option appears complete. The Spurs have begun to enter a rebuild focused on their youth, and therefore Aldridge has become obsolete.
Center
Who's Hot - Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Read Jokic's stats for the Nuggets over the last week and you will begin to question what position he plays. The Serbian Joker has averaged a ridiculous stat line of 27/9/9 in four games. There is nobody in basketball with the combined versatility and production of Denver's center. This dude could end up single-handedly winning fantasy leagues.
Who's Not - Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers
Early in the season, Superman looked like a legitimate contender for comeback player of the year as an effective role player for a stacked Lakers lineup. Howard has disappointedly regressed in recent weeks and has become a minimal contributor for LA's bench and fantasy owners alike. With no indication of an extended role in the near future, Howard should be considered no longer worthy of a fantasy roster spot.
