The Kids Are Alright: Chandler and Coulibaly Making Their Case
We’re a few weeks into the fantasy basketball season, and if your squad is already looking like a MASH unit, you're not alone. Injuries hit hard, and the waiver wire is where championships are made or lost. This week, two young guys have caught my eye, and they’re worth a serious look if you need a jolt of production.
First up, Kennedy Chandler. Look, the Memphis Grizzlies backcourt is a mess right now. Ja Morant is out for another 20-plus games, Marcus Smart is nursing an ankle injury, and Derrick Rose is perpetually on the injury report. That’s opened a door for Chandler, and he’s been walking right through it. In his last two games, against the Clippers on November 12th and the Lakers on November 14th, he averaged 12.0 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 steals in about 26 minutes per contest. He even hit three triples against L.A. His shot has looked surprisingly good, and he's not afraid to attack the rim.
Key Analysis
Thing is, the minutes are there for the taking in Memphis. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. are carrying the offensive load, but someone has to run the show. Chandler’s got a 20.3% usage rate over his last three appearances, which is solid for a guy just trying to find his footing. He’s not going to win you a league by himself, but if you're scraping the bottom for assists and steals, especially in deeper leagues, he’s a no-brainer add. And frankly, the Grizzlies aren't going to be good until Morant returns, so they'll let these young guys play.
**Coulibaly's Return to Form**
Then there's Bilal Coulibaly. The Washington Wizards rookie started the season with a bang, then cooled off, but he's been heating up again since returning from a minor shoulder issue. He put up 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks against the Mavericks on November 13th, showing off that defensive versatility that made him such an intriguing pick. He followed that up with 11 points and 5 boards against the Hornets on November 15th. What’s really appealing about Coulibaly is his defensive upside. He’s averaging 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals over his last three games. Those defensive stats are gold in category leagues.
Tactical Breakdown
The Wizards are, well, the Wizards. They’re rebuilding, and they’re going to give their young talent every opportunity to develop. Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole are going to get their shots, sure, but Coulibaly is carving out a role with his two-way play. He's not just a points-and-threes guy; he brings legitimate defensive numbers to the table, which are harder to find on the waiver wire. He’s going to have some duds, that’s just how rookies are, but the flashes are bright.
My hot take? Coulibaly finishes the season as a top-100 player in nine-category leagues, simply because his defensive impact is that significant, and the Wizards will unleash him more and more. If you need a wing with defensive upside and some sneaky offensive potential, snatch him up now. He won't be available for long once more people catch on.
I predict Kennedy Chandler will hold down significant minutes for the Grizzlies through Christmas, averaging at least 7 assists per game during that stretch.