Wire to Wire aims to be your waiver wire resource for all of your fantasy basketball needs. It will dive into playing time trends, injury replacements, and even an occasional category specialist—all of which can be found on a typical waiver wire within your fantasy league at any given time.

If you have followed this column from the beginning, you know that I am a sucker for big men and point guards.  Last week, I felt that I had shorted the readers a bit, recommending a slew of ‘tweener types, like Ryan Gomes, Marko Jaric and the like.  Well, with Jaric deciding to put up near triple-doubles and then following those games up with next to nothing, I’m going back to my old ways.  Injuries in Cleveland as well as a possible big-named trade in New Jersey pave the way for this week’s edition of WtW.  Enjoy.

Shallow Leagues (Less than 12 Teams)

Andrea Bargnani, SF/PF/C, Toronto Raptors
One of this year’s biggest sleeper prospects has been placed firmly into the “busts of the first half” bucket for his lack of production year to date.  Likely dropped in nearly every format, Bargnani has now rattled off back-to-back games of double figures.  The second-year big man is about as versatile as it gets in the fantasy world (save Boris Diaw two seasons ago), can drain the long ball and blocks shots with the best of them.  His potential is too high to ignore given his recent up-tick in minutes.  If you have the room, I suggest you do what you can to scoop Bargnani off of the wire and just hope for the best.  We know he can do it, let’s give him a shot.

Mark Blount, C, Miami Heat
No Shaquille O’Neal, no Alonzo Mourning, no problem.  Blount has averaged 21 points over the past two games, providing Miami with a much-needed inside presence.  While he brings his solid percentages to the table, his tenacity on the glass leaves a lot to be desired.  Blount has two blocked shots in the last 10 games, and has never exactly been a defensive presence.  Regardless, a starting center who is garnering nearly 35 minutes per game needs to be considered in all formats.  He has already been scooped up in each league that I am a part of – make sure he isn’t available in yours.

Drew Gooden, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
While many were quick to judge Anderson Varejao based on his lack of offensive contribution, fewer players have been as important to the recent play of the Cavaliers as Andy.  Unfortunately, Varejao has suffered what is considered a “Grade 2” sprain of his left ankle and will miss two-to-four weeks.  If you need an indication of what this will do to the play of Drew Gooden, check out the games near the beginning of the season – before Varejao was signed to his new deal.  While this may not bode well for Cleveland, it will mean good things for owners of Gooden.

Daniel Gibson, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers
As if an injury to Anderson Varejao is not enough, an ankle injury to fellow early-season holdout Sasha Pavlovic has opened up backcourt space for several other members of the Cavaliers.  While Ira Newble is getting the starts, let’s not kid ourselves.  Yes, Gibson hasn’t exactly capitalized on his situation, but he has entirely more upside than Newble, Devin Brown, or Damon Jones.  His three-ball can be deadly, and simply because he has not poured in a ton of points as of late does not mean he can’t erupt for 20+ in the next week.  Get him in there.

(Last Week: Ryan Gomes, Matt Barnes, Kenyon Martin, Kareem Rush)

Standard Leagues (12-14 Teams)

Kyle Lowry, PG/SG, Memphis Grizzlies
Not long after the Grizzlies had decided to part ways with Damon Stoudamire, rookie guard Mike Conley fell victim (yet again) to the injury bug.  Lowry has taken over the starting point guard roll and may not relinquish duties upon Conley’s return.  The past three games have produced double-digit points coupled with averages of six rebounds, six assists and nearly three steals in each contest.  Yes, his free throw shooting may be a bit rough, but starting point guards do not fall in your lap often.  Especially if you are an owner of someone like Jamaal Tinsley, Lowry will be an ample replacement – even if it is short-term.

Larry Hughes, PG/SG, Cleveland Cavaliers
Game-to-game, it may not get more aggravating than it does when watching Larry Hughes box scores.  However, the abovementioned injury to Sasha Pavlovic seems to have provided Hughes with the touches he needs to succeed, as seen by recent play.  Two big games (against incredibly tough opponents in Los Angeles and Phoenix), and Hughes has not disappointed at all.  The lofty steal totals have always been there (1.7 per game), but we’re finally seeing the point totals as well.  Do not be upset when Hughes finishes a game with a 2-for-10 line, but with the minutes coupled with recent play, it’s getting tough to ignore the former mid-round fantasy addition. 

Johan Petro, C, Seattle Supersonics
Yes, I know.  This is the fourth big man out of Seattle that I have mentioned in this column this season.  In fact, it may not be the first time that I’ve mentioned Petro.  While the 22-point game in early January was obviously a fluke, the consistency coming out of the 22-year old big man appears to be the real deal.  The last three games have produced averages of nine points, six rebounds and nearly 2.5 blocked shots – in only 17 minutes of playing time.  I’m not saying to rush out and add Petro right now, but if he can start pulling minutes in the 20s, he’s worth an end-of-the-bench addition.

Luke Walton, SF, Los Angeles Lakers
Think of Walton as a paler, curly-haired version of Shane Battier.  He will rarely explode in a game, putting up modest totals here and there.  He has never been much of a scorer at the professional level, but contributes where he can.  The best part about Walton?  No, not his Grateful Dead tattoos.  It is his ability to not hurt your team anywhere, while adding in points, rebounds, assists and steals.  His recent game of nine points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals will likely not turn any heads, but he will quietly help your fantasy team.

(Last Week: Jordan Farmar, Sean Williams, Jeff Foster, Kendrick Perkins)

Deep Leagues (14+ Teams)

Marcus Williams, PG/SG, New Jersey Nets
A player that I thought would have a chance to produce very nice sleeper numbers last season was unable to really log much playing time.  After succumbing to an injury, Williams seems to have fallen off of the face of fantasy relevancy.  Thanks to Jason Kidd and a pending trade rumor, Williams will soon be a hot addition to fantasy leagues – assuming that it carries forward.  Kidd will have to be dealt for a bevy of players, given his contract situation, so the future point guard will be up in the air.  However, if he gets the shot, Marcus Williams may be one of the best additions a fantasy owner can have for the second half. 

Dorrell Wright, SF/PF, Miami Heat
The injuries to the Miami Heat have carried down the roster a bit thanks to a slumping Ricky Davis.  Wright is a player with tremendous upside in regards to hustle stats, and showed us all what he can do in this past game: 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots.  You could do a lot worse in deep leagues and with the Heat struggling as much as they are, what do they have to lose in starting Wright from here on out?  If you need the boards and blocks, give Wright a look.

Jannero Pargo, PG, New Orleans Hornets
Known mostly as the guy who filled in for Chris Paul last season, Jannero Pargo has started to make a name for himself despite having his minutes capped in the high-20s.  The last four games have seen the Hornets playing extremely well, with Pargo following the lead.  Averages of 15 points, four assists and two treys may be something that deeper owners should consider adding to their roster.  There are no promises regarding Pargo’s future, as he is a bench player, but it is definitely tough to ignore his recent production.  If you have dead weight, it may be time to make the swap.

Tyrus Thomas, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls
Here we go again!  After crushing owners’ hearts from the beginning of the season until now, Thomas logged 30 minutes in a recent contest and provided a double-double with two steals a two blocked shots.  There are fewer players with more upside that Thomas, and an injured Bulls team may be just what he needs to get into games.  Look out for Joakim Noah on the minutes sharing side, but he hasn’t exactly won over his teammates this season either.  Thomas is likely available in all formats, and could be a solid addition if he keeps getting the time.  Monitor the PT and add as you see fit.

(Last Week: Thabo Sefolosha, Eddie House, Marko Jaric, Earl Watson)