Waiver Wired "A World Full of Magic"

This weeks edition of Waiver Wired looks mostly at players that have recently been recieving more playing time and therefore have begun to produce. This list is highlighted by a trio of Magic players and a young pg in Boston.

Grant Hill-g/f-Orlando Magic
Many owners have dropped Hill because of his recent injuries, but he should be back in less than 2 weeks and if you can offord to stash him on your bench for that week or two more that he's gonna be out, it could pay off for you in the long run. This season Hill has averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting an excellent 53% from the field. Those look like solid fantasy numbers to me.

Rajon Rondo-pg-Boston Celtics
Rondo is a hot pickup right now after his first start of the season. He scored 23 points on 10-16 shooting including two 3's while adding 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Note that he shot very well and played 42 minutes. I'm assuming both of those things are not going to happen every night. If you need help at the pg spot I would recommend giving him a shot, but if you do pick him up, don't make one of those stupid posts on your leagues home page saying that you got the next hot guy and he's going to bring you a league championship.

Marcus Williams-g-New Jersy Nets
After about a week of confusion between Antoine Wright, Hassan Adams, Bostjan Nachbar, and Marcus Williams, it seems that it is now Williams who will be the most productive in Jefferson's absence, which will be about another month. I still wouldn't expect too much out of Williams. I project about 14 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 1 trey per game.

Luke Ridnour-pg-Seatlle Supersonics
We all know the story of Ridnour losing his starting job to Earl Watson, but Coach Bob Hill has said that he likes Ridnour more when Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen are also in the game. And it just so happens that Rashard lewis will be coming back to play the Kings on February 10th. This isn't a sure thing, but with the return of Lewis, it is possible that Ridnour could regain his starting job and his fantasy prowess.

Paul Millsap-f-Utah Jazz
Boozer is going to be out at least until the all star break and as long as he is out, it looks like Millsap will be the starter. If you need rebounds and blocks Millsap could be your man, but once Boozer comes back, you can dump him.

Jarvis Hayes-f-Washington Wizards
Now that Jamison is going to be out about six weeks, the Wiz have inserted Jarvis Hayes into their starting lineup. Needless to say Hayes is no Jamison, and in his first start he scored just 5 points in 25 minutes. I really don't have much confidence in Hayes but if you are in a really deep league where almost every starter is on a roster, I guess you should pick up Hayes.

Darko Milicic-f/c-Orlando Magic
Darko is still not starting, but half the season is still left and it can still happen. Even despite not starting, Milicic has scored 14, 14, and 19 in his past 3 games while averaging 2 blocks and 6 rebounds. Darko could be a viable fantasy option if he keeps up these numbers and if he becomes a starter, look for Darko to make an impact.

Hedo Turkoglu-f-Orlando Magic
It may only be while Grant Hill is out, but for now, Turkoglu has been a solid fantasy contributor especially from beyond the arc, so if you need 3's, this could be your guy. He has also been scoring a decent amount and could be considered for a full time job on your fantasy roster.


Smush Parker-pg-Los Angeles Lakers
Smush has been on fire lately even since the return of Lamar Odom. Smush has been a great source of 3's and steals in particular and I think he could keep it up for the rest of the year.


~Brian Melnick
contact at bigmel2k5@yahoo.com