It’s still relatively early in the fantasy basketball season. But, there are players out on the waiver wire that are flying under the radar. Whether you’re undefeated or have started the season 0-2, here are three fantasy basketball players you must get.

*all fantasy basketball statistics from ESPN

Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets (owned in just 40.8% of leagues)

When you think of the Charlotte Hornets, guys like LaMelo Ball or Terry Rozier come to mind. But, don’t forget about Mr. Hayward, who has had a solid start ot the season.

The small forward has been contributing everywhere on the stat sheet. Forget about points for a second (although he’s scored at least 15 points in three of the four games played this year). Hayward is averaging six rebounds and five assists this year. Most importantly for fantasy owners, he’s also averaging almost two steals and a block per game.

With all that being said, he’s had at least 39 fantasy points in all but one game this year (the opening game versus the Atlanta Hawks saw him get just 27 points).

Hayward has always been a capable scorer. He will be relied on this year to take the load off of Rozier and Ball in terms of scoring. Currently the 18th-best small forward in fantasy and owned in less than 50% of leagues, he’s someone worth picking up from the waiver wire.

Zach Collins, San Antonio Spurs (28.4% of leagues)

Yes, Victor Wembanyama has been the talk of the town when it comes to the Spurs. But, let’s not forget about his partner-in-crime in Collins.

The center has been off to a solid start to the year. He’s averaging 13 points a game and over two steals + blocks a game. Also averaging about 31 minutes a game, he has done nothing but contribute for those who have him on their fantasy team.

Ranked as the 14th-best center thus far, Collins has scored at least 33 fantasy points a game in all but one game this year. His best game so far was against the Phoenix Suns on Halloween. In just 27 minutes, he had 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists. On the defensive side of the ball, he had THREE blocks and a steal. Combine that all together, and you got 41 fantasy points.

Collins will mostly be a power forward for the rest of the year with Wembanyama serving as the main center. But, his versatility to play both positions is a blessing for fantasy owners. Keeping up this level of play will be worth monitoring. Right now, though, he is one of three fantasy basketball players you must get.

Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets (17% of leagues)

Known as one of the villains in the basketball world, Dillon Brooks has been quite a hero for fantasy owners.

He’s been off to a hot start offensively, shooting 59% from the floor and shooting an insane 62.5% from beyond the arc. Averaging 15.8 points per game, it’s good for fourth-best on a relatively young Houston team. Guys like Jalen Green and Alperan Segun have led the way scoring-wise. But, Brooks’s contributions have been on both sides of the ball.

Brooks is averaging almost two steals a game. Of course, five steals in his most recent game against the Hornets could be the outlier. But, he’s had at least one steal in all but one game this year. Always known to be a defensive pest, opponents have sometimes struggled because of his ability to get into your head.

The game against Charlotte saw him rack up 46 fantasy points. It’s been his best performance in the young season and could be a sign of things to come. With his improved offensive efficiency and defensive play, he may be someone you need on your fantasy team.

Thank you for reading “Three Fantasy Basketball Players You Must Get“. Make sure to visit Belly Up Fantasy Sports for more fantasy basketball content from me. Also, make sure to follow me on Twitter/X! Finally, check out The Case and Nate Podcast on Spotify and on YouTube, where we discuss everything about the NFL (and soon fantasy basketball).

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