Weekly Hot Pickups - Nov 4th

By Brian Cho
Fantasy Basketball Staff Writer

At the start of the NBA season, there is a lot of valuable information that can be obtained in the first couple weeks of the season. It is important to quickly recognize which players are getting more playing time than expected or performing well. A good early-season pickup can make all the difference in your fantasy basketball season. So without further ado, this week's hot pickups!


Gerald Green (IND) - Arguably one of the biggest free agent names in fantasy basketball. He was set to be the sixth man for the Pacers this season, but due to a lingering Granger knee injury, Green has been promoted to the starting lineup and therefore, needs to be picked up in all leagues. His freakish athletic skills and his ability to play defense make him a must-own as long as he’s starting. Last year, even as a reserve, he maintained tenth round value while playing for the New Jersey Nets. Lance Stephenson has been making some noise off the bench as well, but it’s Green you want to own. He will see a ton of minutes with Granger out indefinitely.

Gerald Green has a ton of athleticism and will get a change to showcase while starting at SF for the Pacers.

Byron Mullens (CHA) - Mullens was one of my sleeper candidates for this season after a huge preseason and hasn’t disappointed in his first two games of this NBA season. His field goal percentage could improve, but we can’t complain too much after Mullens averaged 11 points, 8.5 rebounds, a trey, a block and a steal through his first two games (despite only shooting 36% from the field). Owners may want to throw an offer for him because Byron will most certainly outproduce his late ADP. Players that play on bad teams often don’t get enough love, but while he’s getting 30+ minutes per game, the upside is huge.

Tristan Thompson (CLE) - As a rookie, Thompson started 25 games for the Cavs while averaging 10 points, 7.5 rebounds and one block while shooting an abysmal 66% from the line. Thompson is one of the few players on his team who can provide protection inside and near the paint. Look for him to improve on his rookie stats as he is expected to start at the power forward position alongside Anderson Varejao. There have been rumors about Anderson being on the trading block and if that were to happen, Thompson would most likely be the main man down low. He has all the upside and opportunity to play which grants him ownership in all standard leagues.  

Kevin Seraphin (WAS) - Seraphin was one player who kept me alive during the playoffs last year and he seems to be right back to where he left off from last season. In April of last season, he averaged 15.5 points, 7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. With Okafor struggling and Nene out indefinitely with plantar fasciitis, Seraphin should see additional minutes. In Seraphin’s first game back from a calf injury, he posted 19 points, 7 rebounds and one block shooting 8 of 9 from the field while coming off the bench in limited minutes. I am anxious to see what the second year big man can do in a full season with significant playing time. With all the injury risks on the Wizards, Seraphin should continue to be fantasy relevant throughout the whole year. If he can replicate last season success, adding him as a free agent will pay off huge dividends. Pick him up!

Kevin Seraphin starred for the Wizards late last season and should get the opportunity to build on that success.

Other Good Pickups: Al-Farouq Aminu, Larry Sanders, J.J. Barea, Chandler Parsons, Mike Dunleavy, Carl Landry, Jarrett Jack