Yuta Watanabe
Yuta Watanabe has played well over the last few weeks. He’s been an x-factor for the Brooklyn Nets while they’ve dealt with injuries. He's provided a spark in several categories, which has been a surprise. His offensive production has been a great help to the Nets. Over the last four games, he has been averaging 14.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists with decent efficiency. His numbers don’t jump off the stat sheet, but it’s good value for a role player.
Yuta's role may decrease moving forward. With the return of Kyrie Irving to the lineup and Ben Simmons slowly rounding into shape, there’s no telling how many minutes Yuta will play. Although, there’s no doubt he’s earned a place in the rotation with how consistent he’s been over the last few weeks. He is a good addition if you need a player to round out your roster.
Max Strus
Max Strus has shown to be a consistent player for the Miami Heat. He has found himself to be an integral part of the rotation. Duncan Robinson is officially out of the rotation. Jimmy Butler and Herro are constantly out of the lineup. It allows Max Strus to take an increased role on offense. He’s delivered so far in the season with the increased role.
He’s currently averaging 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. His efficiency has been decent. He’s shooting just below 45% from the field. Max Struss has earned himself a role within the Miami Heat offense. He’s shown to be dependable with the constant uncertainty in their rotation. Their players are constantly not healthy. He will have several opportunities to deliver and play well. He’s a solid addition to any team that needs shooting.
Jaden Ivey
Jaden Ivey is only a rookie, but he’s played well during the Pistons' latest stretch of games. Cade Cunningham is currently out with a shin injury. Jaden will be needed to take on more of a role on the offensive end. He’s currently averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. His efficiency has been subpar. He’s still figuring out how to get his shot off and what shots he should and shouldn’t take. It’s a work in progress for him. With an increased role, the ball will be in his hands more. His numbers will look better in totality, but his efficiency won’t look the greatest. He’s still adjusting to the NBA game.
Jaden Ivey is a good addition while Cunningham is out and even after he returns. He’s played well so far in his rookie year. It will be interesting to see whether or not he can keep figuring it out and make fewer mistakes. The answer to that question is likely not. It takes time for guards to fully adjust, but the value he brings is too good to pass up. Jaden is a good fit this week and the foreseeable future.
Shake Melton
Shake Melton will have a great opportunity coming up to showcase his talent and receive an increase in minutes. Tyrese Maxey will be out for nearly a month with a foot fracture. The Sixers already have James Harden sitting out with an injury as well. Melton will likely start going forward. The Sixers will have to rely on him to provide good shooting and playmaking while those guys are out. Naturally, he’s not a point guard. It will take some adjusting for him.
Over the last two games, he’s averaging 21 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4 assists, with good shooting percentages. Fortunately, Joel Embid draws so much attention, so Shake will still get good looks when he’s on the court with him. Shake is a good shooter, so he will now have the opportunity to shoot more and display his offensive game. You may forward Shake as a solid player to add. The minutes will be there for him to perform and provide value in multiple categories.
Bobby Portis
Bobby Portis has been playing well this season. He’s been rebounding the ball and can provide an explosive offensive game every now and then. He’s currently averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting nearly 47 percent from the field. For the role that he plays, it’s a great value. He’s providing the value that most big men put up with starter minutes. If an injury occurs or one of the Bucks' big men sit out a game. Bobby will get to 20 points and ten rebounds.
He can be insurance in case anyone gets injured, or sits out. He will provide good value as he is a double-double threat every game that he suits up. Doing that with efficiency is not easy to come by. He's a good value add now and moving forward.