The theme this week is "on the radar." All of the players in this week's article have been mentioned as players of interest at some point, from pre-season through now. Some have been mentioned in previous iterations of this article. But all are fringe players, guys that I would describe as being on the fantasy radar as opposed to being on most fantasy rosters.
These types of players can produce starting caliber numbers when given the opportunity to do so, but also can fade to the background for stretches when their teams are healthy. But, it's a very long season, and these types of players typically get several opportunities to shine during the 82-game marathon. And right now, the spotlight is on them as guys that can help your fantasy teams to win some games in the short (or potentially even the long) term.
Let's explore.
Monte Morris, PG, Denver Nuggets (19.8% rostered in ESPN leagues): Morris started the season as someone to keep an eye on, tabbed to replace the injured Jamal Murray (knee) for most of the season. Morris had a slow start, but once Michael Porter Jr. (back) joined Murray on the sidelines, Morris started to heat up. He's averaged 16.4 PPG (52.9 FG%, 80.0 FT%), 4.3 APG, 3.3 RPG, 2.4 3PG and 0.9 SPG in 32.3 MPG over his last seven games, a level he could realistically maintain until Murray's anticipated return around or after the All-Star Break.
Kelly Olynyk, PF/C, Detroit Pistons (16.8%): This is the rare time you'll see an injured player in this space, but if you're in a league with an injured list or a deep bench, Olynyk could be worth the investment. Jerami Grant went down with an injured thumb, and early estimates have him out for an extended period of time. There isn't an obvious, healthy candidate on the Pistons' frontline to step into Grant's absence and produce usable fantasy numbers. Keep an eye out over the next few games, of course, but in the meantime it's Olynyk that could ultimately be the beneficiary. Olynyk has been sidelined since November 11 for a knee injury that was initially reportedly to be re-evaluated sometime next week. Olynyk had one spot-start in place of Grant early in the season, and produced 21 points (8-for-15 FG, 3-for-5 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 3-pointers and 2 steals in 30 minutes. Last season, as a starter on a rebuilding Rockets team, Olynyk averaged 19.0 PPG (54.5 FG%, 84.4 FT%), 8.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.8 3PG, 1.4 SPG and 0.6 BPG in 31.1 MPG over 27 games. He's a stash candidate with legitimate impact player upside, and could potentially be available in the short term, based on the results of his next medical evaluations.
JaVale McGee, C, Phoenix Suns (8.7%): McGee is in this space again, after once again taking over the starting spot for an ailing Deandre Ayton (illness). McGee has averaged 17.0 PPG and 14.0 RPG in 25.5 MPG in his last two starts in place of Ayton. Ayton should be returning soon, but McGee has demonstrated enough value that he might be worth holding onto anyway. During his last 15 games, McGee has averaged 11.3 PPG (63.2 FG%, 72.7 FT%), 8.3 RPG and 0.9 BPG in 15.9 MPG with only three starts in that span.
Anfernee Simons, PG/SG, Portland Trail Blazers (6.5%): Simons and Damian Lillard both returned from injury on Sunday with strong games. Simons was in his usual role off the bench, and contributed 26 points (9-for-20 FG), six 3-pointers and three assists in 33 minutes. He picked right up from where he left off before his injury, when he had averaged 17.3 PPG (51.9 FG%), 4.5 RPG, 3.3 3PG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 SPG and 0.5 BPG in 29.3 MPG in the four games before his ankle injury. CJ McCollum is still out indefinitely with a collapsed lung, so the Trail Blazers will be leaning on Simons more heavily than usual for the short term.
P.J. Tucker, SF/PF, Miami Heat (3.6%): Tucker makes his second appearance in this space this season, on the strength of his elevated play of late with so many of his teammates dealing with illness and injury. In his last three games, Tucker has averaged 15.3 PPG (54.8 FG%, 75.0 FT%, 56.3 3P%), 9.0 RPG, 6.0 APG, 3.0 3PG, 1.0 SPG and 0.7 BPG with only 1.3 TO/G in 34.0 MPG. Jimmy Butler (tailbone), Bam Adebayo (thumb), Markieff Morris (neck) and Caleb Martin (Health and Safety Protocol) are all sidelined at the moment. When they return to the lineup, Tucker likely resumes his typical 3-and-D role player stats, but for now he has a window as an impact statistical producer.