Hot Fantasy Basketball Pickups - Week 5

By Brian Cho
Fantasy Basketball Staff Writer

After a week hiatus, the weekly pickups column is back. However, there will be a couple changes this week. By popular demand, the pickups will go a little deeper this week. The first section will discuss players that are owned in less than 40% of Yahoo leagues. Next, some deeper league pickups will be discussed (owned in less than 10% of Yahoo leagues).

So without further ado.... your Week 5 Hot Pickups!!

Kyle Korver: He’s providing fourth round value right now and is worth a look in all leagues as long as he remains consistent despite his dud Saturday night. In 30 minutes, he’s averaging 11.3 points, 2.7 threes, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals. Korver is playing with confidence right now and would be a great addition to any team needing threes.

Kyle Korver has been a great addition to the Hawks and fantasy owners for his elite 3PT shooting

Gerald Henderson: He was performing well before his sprained left foot and though I doubt he can replicate the threes and steals he is worth a pickup. He is due back from his sprained left foot next week where he will most likely regain the starting SG role. Sessions and Gordon are playing well for the 7-5 Cats, but it seems unlikely that they will start over Hendo due to defensive purposes.

Jason Thompson: JT is shooting 51% from the field while averaging 11 points, 7 rebounds, an assist and a block in 31 minutes. His minutes have been steady as he’s been given at least 27 minutes in each of his last ten outings. He deserves to be owned in all leagues for his consistent play. Play him until he goes cold.

Robin Lopez: Don’t look now, but Lopez averaging 11 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks on 49% from the field in just 28 minutes. He’s coming off back-to-back games with 30+ minutes where he had 4 blocks. Lopez is providing seventh round value and look for him to keep this up as long as Anthony Davis remains day-to-day with his sprained ankle. It was just reported that Anthony Davis might miss another two weeks meaning Lopez won't be available for long.

Robin Lopez isn't as talented as his twin brother Brook, but he's been a solid big man this year for the Hornets.

Others to consider: Jeremy Pargo, Alonzo Gee, Jarrett Jack, Kirk Hinrich


Deeper League Pickups (owned in less than 10% of Yahoo Leagues)
Aaron Brooks: Since being named the starter, Brooks has been getting solid playing time and has been playing well. He doesn’t get as many assists as you would expect from a starting PG, but many of you may recall his breakout 2009-10 season in which he averaged 2.5 threes per game. If he continues to get significant minutes, he will easily win you the threes category.

Aaron Brooks (now with the Kings) is now starting at PG and can ring it up from downtown

Eric Bledsoe: In just under 20 minutes, Bledsoe is playing well with averages of 10 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals. Chauncey’s return should not affect his value that much because I still see Bledsoe getting his steals. He can also be seen as a handcuff since there’s always the possibility that CP3 goes down.

Andre Drummond: Drummond is a high profile stash because the upside is evident and the minutes are coming. He’s coming off a career high 13 rebounds to go along with 13 points and two steals. Now is the time to stash because he won’t be available in a week from today.

Andre Drummond has a ton of upside and his role is starting to grow

Amir Johnson: He’s been playing well next to Bargnani despite only getting 20 minutes. He’s playing consistently with averages of 7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 assist and a steal. Keep in mind that Amir’s upside is limited because the rookie, JV, will be given the minutes to develop as a center.

Others to consider: Matt Barnes, Taj Gibson, Kosta Koufos, Alexey Shved