Free Agents on the Rise

Fantasy Free Agents on the Rise

The shortened season has put us in uncharted territory - the season is winding down even though it feels like it just started. If you need a final surge to your fantasy season, consider these "emerging" NBA fantasy players. These are players trending upward but are relative unknowns; owned by less than 25% of participants in ESPN season-long leagues.

· Zaza Pachulia (Hawk’s Center 21.2% owned): Although one of the seemingly most "unathletic" big men in the league, the Hawks starting center is a double-double machine. In his last 7 games he has had 4 double-doubles and has averaged 22.7 fantasy points per games over that stretch. With Al Horford and Jason Collins out with injuries, Zaza has finally hit his stride with the increased playing time. With the Hawks barely clinging to a playoff berth, I expect Zaza to keep seeing starter’s minutes as the Hawks are very light in the front court. If you are weak at center and need to add depth, especially in deeper leagues, Zaza is a must add.

· Alonzo Gee (Cavalier’s Small Forward, 20.5% owned): Gee has taken advantage of his increased playing time as he was promoted to a starter a week ago. Over his last three games he has averaged 27.3 fantasy points; this is not a fluke. Since his promotion to being a starter, he has scored in double-figures every game. With this new increased role for the Cavaliers, I do not see his production slowing down.  In addition, Gee has eligibility as a shooting guard as well making him very versatile and a must add this week in fantasy.

· Jordan Farmar (Net’s Point Guard, 16.6% owned): If you are a Deron Williams owner, or need desperate help at the point guard position, Jordan Farmar is your guy. Over his last 4 games he is averaging 21.5 fantasy points. With D-Will’s calf strain not healing as quickly as the Nets would like it to, Farmar could see extended minutes as the starting point guard for the next few games. He should produce a consistent 20 fantasy points per game.

· Chandler Parsons (Rocket’s Small Forward, 8.8% owned): With Kyle Lowry out 2-4 weeks, Parsons will be a huge factor in the Rockets scoring attack. Dragic has filled in nicely for Lowry, but there are still plenty of shots to go around in Lowry’s absence. Over Parson’s last three games, he has averaged 25.3 fantasy points with recent outbursts of 31 and 34. In Lowry’s first game out, Parsons put of 16 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 31 minutes in a win over the Nets a few nights ago. Until Lowry comes back, Parsons will continue to see an increase in shots and minutes as the Rockets continue to fight for the last playoff spot.

*Andrew Cohn