Any fantasy basketball manager that missed out on Anthony Davis at their draft isn’t going to find another big man that can rival him in terms of fantasy production. However, for those that are looking for some help at the center position, there are still a handful of viable free agent options that could be worth taking a shot on in deeper leagues. Here is a look at the top four waiver-wire centers that can help your team right now.
Festus Ezeli
Golden State Warriors
Some people wondered what the Warriors frontcourt would look like this year after they dealt away David Lee but there certainly aren’t any concerns anymore. Festus Ezeli has stepped up and filled in as the team’s starting center and has been a valuable contributor. Ezeli has averaged 10.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 assists in 20.4 minutes per game this season. He has been entrenched as a starter while incumbent Andrew Bogut recovers from a concussion but even with Bogut back, Ezeli has to be picked up. The Warriors aren’t asking a whole lot of their 26-year-old center right now but he’s likely to become a bigger factor as the season continues. Hovering around 20 minutes per game is fairly light for a starting center but the Warriors are still trying to ease him in. Don’t be concerned about the presence of Andrew Bogut as he only plays in the low 20’s even when he starts. Ezeli could keep the job and could push Bogut to an even smaller role going forward.
Kosta Koufos
Sacramento Kings
Sacramento turned a lot of heads when they brought in Koufos and then drafted Willie Cauley-Stein to join DeMarcus Cousins in a crowded frontcourt. However, it looks like there’s enough minutes for everyone to be fantasy contributors. While they are off to another terrible start (just one win through their first eight games), Koufos has been pretty good as a fantasy option. Koufos has averaged 8.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in just 25.8 minutes per game. The amount of minutes is what’s intriguing here as everyone knows minutes are the path to production in fantasy. Cousins is averaging 27.5 minutes right now while Koufos is right behind him. Cauley-Stein is playing 21.9 minutes. It’s surprising but you have to go with it for now. The 1.4 blocks will be quite appealing to a number of fantasy owners.
Zaza Pachulia
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks knew they’d be in trouble at the center position once they allowed Tyson Chandler to walk in free agency and whiffed on DeAndre Jordan. However, this is a bigger problem in reality than it is in fantasy. The Mavs don’t have long-term option at the position that will make a difference for their win column but they do have a player that is producing and could help your fantasy record. Pachulia is currently getting 25.0 minutes per game with Dallas, which is more than any other frontcourt member other than Dirk Nowitzki. Is he a scrub? Yes. But he’s still averaging 9.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists this season. He doesn’t give you blocks or steals, and he doesn’t shoot many free throws, but he’s nearly a double-double guy right now. If he is still available in your league, you might want to grab him now before somebody else does.
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Joffrey Lauvergne
Denver Nuggets
The 2012 second-round pick has missed some time with a back injury but it’s not considered anything serious. It is only a matter of time before he will be back in the lineup for the Nuggets. Lauvergne has averaged 10.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in just 19.0 minutes per game in his three appearances this season. Jusuf Nurkic is the center that a lot of fantasy players have stashed but remember that he’s dealing with a knee injury. Head Coach Mike Malone said he’s still “a ways away” from playing. That being the case, Lauvergne should get a chance to shine. He’s good four double-digit points, some rebounds, assists and a few free throws per game.
