Uncover the Best Fantasy Basketball Pickups to Boost Your Team's Performance Now
Let me tell you about the moment I realized what separates championship fantasy basketball teams from the also-rans. It was during last season's playoffs when I watched an obscure college game between Ateneo and the Bulldogs - not because I'm a college basketball fanatic, but because I was desperately searching for that edge that could save my fantasy season. The game went into overtime, and when the Bulldogs needed someone to step up, it was Francisco who answered the call. That's when it hit me - fantasy basketball isn't about drafting superstars in the first round, it's about finding those Francisco moments in the waiver wire when nobody else is looking.
The Francisco principle applies directly to fantasy basketball - sometimes the players who can transform your team aren't the obvious choices, but rather those who step up when opportunity presents itself. I've been playing fantasy basketball for over a decade, and I've consistently found that championship teams are built in December, not October. Last season, my league-winning pickup was Jalen Williams, who I grabbed in week 8 when he was owned in just 34% of leagues. By season's end, he was providing top-50 value and helped me secure the championship. The key is recognizing patterns before they become obvious to everyone else.
Right now, there are several players flying under the radar who could become this season's Francisco. Take Trey Murphy III for example - with Zion Williamson's ongoing injury concerns, Murphy has seen his usage rate increase by 18% over the past three weeks. He's averaging 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 three-pointers during that stretch, yet he's still available in approximately 42% of standard leagues. I personally picked him up two weeks ago, and he's already won me two categories single-handedly with his explosive scoring bursts.
Another player I'm aggressively targeting everywhere is Jalen Suggs. I know, I know - he burned a lot of managers last season with his inconsistent play. But here's what most people are missing: his defensive stats have been elite. He's averaging 2.3 steals per 36 minutes, and his defensive rating of 104.3 puts him in the top 15 among starting guards. In category leagues, that kind of defensive production is pure gold. I watched his game against Boston last Tuesday, and his on-ball defense reminded me of a young Marcus Smart - he's literally disrupting entire offensive sets.
What about Walker Kessler? I'll admit I was skeptical after his slow start, but the numbers don't lie. Since returning from injury, he's blocking 3.1 shots per 36 minutes while shooting 68% from the field. In my main league, I just traded Kelly Olynyk to free up a spot for Kessler because I believe his ceiling is significantly higher. The Jazz are clearly committed to developing their young core, and Kessler's minutes are trending upward - he's played 28+ minutes in four of his last six games.
The streaming strategy has evolved beyond just chasing back-to-back games. This season, I'm focusing on targeting players from teams with favorable four-game weeks, especially when those games are spread across different days. For instance, next week the Sacramento Kings have a perfect schedule with games on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Malik Monk is still available in 55% of leagues and could provide massive value during that stretch. I've already set a calendar reminder to pick him up on Sunday night before my league mates notice.
Let's talk about the advanced metrics that casual players often overlook. Player efficiency rating (PER) is useful, but I've found that usage rate combined with true shooting percentage tells a more complete story. When a player's usage increases without a corresponding drop in efficiency, that's when you've found your Francisco. Gary Trent Jr. fits this profile perfectly - his usage has climbed to 24.3% while maintaining a 58.2% true shooting percentage. He's available in nearly 60% of leagues and could be a league-winner if an injury opens up more opportunity.
I learned the hard way that sometimes you need to trust your eyes over the analytics. Last season, I dropped Desmond Bane because his advanced metrics suggested he was due for regression. Big mistake. This season, I'm taking a different approach with players like Jaden Ivey - the eye test shows he's playing with more confidence and making better decisions, even if his turnover numbers remain slightly elevated. Sometimes you need to embrace the volatility for the upside.
The waiver wire isn't just about finding hidden gems - it's also about recognizing when to cut bait on underperforming draft picks. I recently dropped Jordan Poole in two leagues despite drafting him in the fifth round. His -3.2 plus-minus is among the worst in the league, and the Wizards' chaotic offense isn't doing him any favors. Holding onto sunk costs is the quickest way to fall behind in the standings.
Finding these fantasy basketball pickups requires both art and science. You need to analyze the numbers while also understanding team contexts and opportunity. The Francisco moment from that college game taught me that pressure reveals character, and in fantasy basketball, opportunity reveals value. The players I've mentioned aren't just statistical anomalies - they're positioned to capitalize on increasing roles and favorable circumstances. Trust the process, be proactive rather than reactive, and don't be afraid to make bold moves. After all, championships aren't won by playing it safe - they're won by recognizing those Francisco-like opportunities before anyone else does.