This article is part of our NBA Waiver Wire series.
GUARD
Sergio Rodriguez, G, PHI - A starter earlier this season, Rodriguez has found ways to produce in modest minutes off the bench behind T.J. McConnell, scoring in double digits in three of the last four games despite having not having played more than 18 minutes in any game. He averaged 8.5 points, 2.5 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game while also draining eight three-pointers over that stretch. While McConnell continues to provide serviceable returns with the first unit, an eventual swapping of roles certainly is not out of the question, either.
Ben McLemore, G, SAC – The Kings continue to experiment with backcourt combinations because of injuries, and McLemore has parlayed his recent opportunities into some solid production. He's posted double-digit scoring in four of the last five games while playing 29 to 42 minutes in those four games. He was particularly effective from long distance in that stretch, shooting 47.6 percent with 2.5 made three-pointers per game. Considering his starting role, he serves as a viable option for those needing scoring and three-pointers.
Rodney Stuckey, G, IND - Stuckey is fighting an ankle injury but has scored eight to 10 points in three of the last four games he's played. He hasn't played more than 17 minutes in any those games, so his playing time is a bit of a concern despite his role backing up Jeff Teague at point guard. However, Stuckey is a strong shooter who can certainly score
GUARD
Sergio Rodriguez, G, PHI - A starter earlier this season, Rodriguez has found ways to produce in modest minutes off the bench behind T.J. McConnell, scoring in double digits in three of the last four games despite having not having played more than 18 minutes in any game. He averaged 8.5 points, 2.5 assists and 1.4 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game while also draining eight three-pointers over that stretch. While McConnell continues to provide serviceable returns with the first unit, an eventual swapping of roles certainly is not out of the question, either.
Ben McLemore, G, SAC – The Kings continue to experiment with backcourt combinations because of injuries, and McLemore has parlayed his recent opportunities into some solid production. He's posted double-digit scoring in four of the last five games while playing 29 to 42 minutes in those four games. He was particularly effective from long distance in that stretch, shooting 47.6 percent with 2.5 made three-pointers per game. Considering his starting role, he serves as a viable option for those needing scoring and three-pointers.
Rodney Stuckey, G, IND - Stuckey is fighting an ankle injury but has scored eight to 10 points in three of the last four games he's played. He hasn't played more than 17 minutes in any those games, so his playing time is a bit of a concern despite his role backing up Jeff Teague at point guard. However, Stuckey is a strong shooter who can certainly score in modest minutes, rendering him as an appealing offensive option for owners in deeper formats.
Toney Douglas, G, MEM - An offensively proficient veteran, Douglas is a prudent grab for those in deeper formats needing scoring. Douglas, who signed a second 10-day contract with the Grizzlies on Thursday, has back-to-back 11-point games and has averaged 8.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists over 20.5 minutes in the last four games. He could find himself in a similar position as he did last season in New Orleans when he stuck with the team for 61 games and averaged 15.1 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 20.7 minutes per game. While he doesn't figure to see quite as much playing time if he sticks beyond his current contract, he remains a consideration as a short-term pick-up.
Cameron Payne, G, OKC - Payne was sidelined until Jan. 7 with a fractured foot, but has enjoyed a modest but consistent spot in the Thunder rotation since his debut. He topped out with 15 points in 13 minutes Thursday versus the Cavs on the strength of a trio of three-pointers and has scored six to nine points in seven of his other 16 games. Modest returns to be sure, but for those in deep formats seeking a guard who can provide a bit of everything across the stat sheet – and who carries some decent upside if he sees a slight uptick in minutes – Payne is an option.
KEEPING AN EYE ON
Randy Foye, G, BRO - Foye has been considered for this space a couple of times, but his production and role have both fluctuated considerably. However, he certainly carries some scoring upside, posting four double-digit scoring efforts in the last 13 games. That stretch also exemplifies his unpredictability, however, so he's worth monitoring for more consistency.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, G, PHI - Luwawu-Cabarrot can be deployed at either small forward or two guard and has scored six to nine points in five of the last six games. However, most of that production had come during a recent stretch where the rookie saw 21 to 30 minutes, and his minutes notably dropped to four and eight minutes in the last two contests. It's a good time to watch Luwawu-Cabarrot to see how he is deployed leading into the All-Star break.
FORWARD
Juan Hernangomez, F, DEN - Hernangomez hasn't quite replicated the impressive success his brother Willy, who we covered here, has enjoyed in New York with extended opportunity. However, Juancho is starting to generate some solid returns in his own right, averaging 6.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per game in the last four games while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from behind the arc. The respective absences of Kenneth Faried (ankle) and to a lesser extent, Danilo Gallinari (groin), are providing Hernangomez with an uptick in opportunity, but with both players likely out until after the All-Star break, he makes for a prudent choice for those needing scoring and rebounds.
Dante Cunningham, F, NOP - Cunningham started Friday with Terrence Jones (thumb) out, totaling 12 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block in 38 minutes. That's about the typical prorated production that can be expected from Cunningham when he gets extended run, as he doesn't exactly carry an expansive ceiling. At the same time, he certainly provides some modest yet steady returns in scoring, rebounding and shooting percentage, as evidenced by his averages of 6.5 points (on 49.4 percent shooting) and 4.1 rebounds over the last 15 games.
Larry Nance, Jr., F, LAL - Nance has been on an upswing lately, averaging 9.2 points (on 48.8 percent shooting), 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals across 24.7 minutes per in the last six games, with three double-digit scoring efforts, including two double-doubles. He's seeing ample playing time as Julius Randle's primary backup at the four, making him an excellent nab off the wire.
Darrell Arthur, F, DEN - Arthur has battled knee soreness throughout the season, but has played at least 20 minutes in four of his last six games. He hit double-digit scoring in five games over that span, averaging 9.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.0 made three-pointers in last seven games, while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 48.3 percent from long range. Kenneth Faried's ankle injury could reportedly keep him sidelined until after the All-Star break, which will open up even more opportunity for the big man with a soft shooting touch.
CENTER
Bismack Biyombo, C, ORL - Biyombo is firmly behind Nikola Vucevic on the depth chart but is finding ways to provide steady contributions, particularly on the glass. Biyombo has hauled in five to eight rebounds in five of the last eight games. He's averaged 6.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks (along with 58.7 percent shooting) across 19.0 minutes per game in the last 15 games.
Nene Hilario, C, HOU - The veteran big man is battling a minor shoulder injury that cost him Thursday's game against the Hornets, but has been excellent otherwise, posting double-digit scoring in five of his last six games. That's led to averages of 13.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.4 blocks in just 19.4 minutes per game, excellent production for a player who could still be available on the wire in many formats. While Clint Capela has reclaimed the starting center job after returning from injury, Hilario has moved ahead of Montrezl Harrell on the depth chart as the primary backup.
Keeping An Eye On
Miles Plumlee, C, CHA - After his recent trade to the Hornets, Plumlee played 13 to 18 minutes in the three games, averaging 4.0 points (on 75.0 percent shooting), 4.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. Monitor Plumee while Cody Zeller is hampered by a sore quad.
