Jazz Gems: Sensabaugh and Williams Emerge as Must-Adds

Let's be real, the fantasy basketball wire is a desolate landscape this time of year. Most of the shiny new toys are long gone, scooped up by more aggressive managers back in October. But every now and then, a couple of late-season bloomers poke their heads out, especially on teams playing for draft position rather than playoff seeding. This week, our gaze turns to Salt Lake City, where Taylor Hendricks’ injury has opened the door for two young Jazz players to get some real run: Brice Sensabaugh and Darius Bazley-Williams.

Sensabaugh, a rookie out of Ohio State, has been a fringe player for most of the season, splitting time between the G-League and the end of the Jazz bench. But with Lauri Markkanen shut down and Hendricks sidelined with a hamstring issue, the 2023 28th overall pick is finally getting his chance. In the Jazz’s March 29th loss to the Rockets, Sensabaugh logged a career-high 32 minutes, dropping 14 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists. He followed that up with another strong showing against the Cavaliers on April 2nd, tallying 16 points and 5 boards in 29 minutes. His shot looks smooth, and he’s not afraid to let it fly. He’s averaging 13.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in his last three games. That's solid production for someone likely sitting on waivers in most leagues.

Here's the thing: Sensabaugh's usage is climbing. He took 13 shots against Houston and 14 against Cleveland. He’s got the green light, and with the Jazz embracing the youth movement – think Keyonte George and Walker Kessler also getting heavy minutes – Sensabaugh is a prime candidate to soak up touches. He’s not going to win you a championship, but if you’re struggling with injuries or need a late-season boost in points and boards, he's a viable streaming option. His assist numbers aren’t going to blow you away, but he’s shown flashes of being a capable secondary playmaker.

**Williams' Unexpected Boost**

Then there's Darius Bazley-Williams. Remember him? The guy who spent a few years with the Thunder and Suns, bounced around the G-League, and now finds himself in Utah. He's another beneficiary of the Jazz's sudden commitment to playing their young guys. Williams, who had been buried on the depth chart, suddenly appeared in the rotation on March 29th against the Rockets, playing 22 minutes and scoring 9 points while grabbing 5 rebounds. He then exploded for 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 28 minutes against the Cavaliers.

Look, Williams isn't a long-term fantasy stud. He's probably not even a long-term NBA starter. But for the next couple of weeks, while the Jazz are actively trying to lose games and evaluate talent, he's going to get serious minutes. His ability to block shots and grab rebounds makes him an intriguing pickup, especially in deeper leagues or formats that value defensive stats. He's also shown a willingness to shoot the three, albeit with mixed results. The Jazz are giving him a legitimate look, and that translates directly to fantasy relevance. His per-36 minute numbers have always been decent, and now he's actually getting the minutes to back it up.

Real talk: I think Sensabaugh is the more appealing long-term add, even if it's just for the rest of this season. His offensive skill set is more refined, and he projects to have a higher usage rate. However, Williams' shot-blocking upside gives him a unique niche. Between the two, I’d prioritize Sensabaugh if you need scoring and boards, and Williams if you're chasing blocks. Both are worth a speculative add in standard 12-team leagues, especially if you have an open roster spot.

My bold prediction? By the end of April, Sensabaugh will have at least one 20-point, 8-rebound game, cementing his status as a late-season waiver wire gem.