This article is part of our Centers of Attention series.
The next two weeks in the NBA could have a significant impact across the fantasy landscape with the trade deadline looming on February 6. That falls in the middle of Week 16, so that could be a tricky time when it comes to setting your lineup. Let's dive into the schedule and discuss some big men who are still available in the majority of Yahoo leagues and might be worth adding off waivers.
The next two weeks in the NBA could have a significant impact across the fantasy landscape with the trade deadline looming on February 6. That falls in the middle of Week 16, so that could be a tricky time when it comes to setting your lineup. Let's dive into the schedule and discuss some big men who are still available in the majority of Yahoo leagues and might be worth adding off waivers.
Willie Cauley-Stein, Dallas Mavericks (58 percent available): The Mavericks suffered a tough blow this week when Dwight Powell (Achilles) was lost for the season. He had been averaging a career-high 27 minutes a game, often doing the dirty work down low that allowed Kristaps Porzingis to play more on the perimeter. The Mavericks quickly moved to address the situation, acquiring Cauley-Stein in a deal with the Warriors on Friday.
While the Mavericks might also ask Maxi Kleber to play an increased role, Cauley-Stein figures to step in as the starting center moving forward. His numbers with the Warriors won't blow your socks off, but he did average 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks across 37 starts. He's also shooting 56 percent from the field. Don't expect the Mavericks to ask him to provide much offense, but with Luka Doncic throwing him passes, he could still see several easy looks a game. The Mavericks play four times in both of the next two weeks, so taking a flier on Cauley-Stein could pay off.
Christian Wood, Detroit Pistons (69 percent available): One of the big questions leading up to the deadline is whether or not the Pistons will trade Andre Drummond. They have been hit hard by injuries this season, so they might be wise to trade him to try and build for the future. He's certainly been among the most productive centers in the league, averaging 17.3 points, 15.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks.
When word came out that Blake Griffin (knee) was going to be lost for the season, Wood was a sexy waiver wire add. He's had his moments, including posting 23 points across 25 minutes against the Kings on Wednesday. However, he's still only averaged 21 minutes over his last 15 games. The good news is that the Pistons will play four times each in Weeks 15 and 16. They are one of only three teams who will have that advantage. That alone makes Wood someone to consider adding. If Drummond gets dealt, picking him up now could pay off in the long run, as well.
Luke Kornet, Chicago Bulls (90 percent available): The Bulls brought in Kornet to try and help fortify their bench. However, he struggled out of the gate, eventually falling out of the rotation. Injuries have now given him a chance to prove himself again since Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle), Daniel Gafford (thumb) and Lauri Markkanen (pelvis) are sidelined. In fact, Kornet has now started each of the last five games.
Kornet might not be a great rebounder, but he is a good three-point shooter, making eight of them across those five contests. He's also provided four blocks during that stretch. If you need help in those categories, he's worth considering in most leagues with the Bulls set to play four times in Week 15. However, you'll need to bench him in Week 16 since the Bulls will only play twice.
Dewayne Dedmon, Sacramento Kings (72 percent available): I'll start out by saying that Dedmon is not necessarily someone I would feel comfortable starting in Week 15, or maybe even Week 16. It has nothing to do with the Kings' schedule and everything to do with Dedmon falling out of favor with the coaching staff. The team spent a lot of money to bring him in over the summer, but he's only averaged 14 minutes across 29 games.
With injuries starting to pile up, the Kings started Dedmon on Tuesday against the Pistons, leaving him to record 13 points, 10 rebounds and two assists across 31 minutes. Did that also serve as a showcase to trade him? He's reportedly unhappy with his role on the team and the Kings would likely love to find someone to take him off their hands. Although he only had two points, five rebounds and two blocks against the Bulls on Friday, he only logged 19 minutes, mostly because of the Bulls' lack of size. If he gets traded to a situation where he starts, adding him now if you have some roster flexibility could prove to be a wise move for the stretch run.
