Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: 9-Category League Adds for Week 2

Welcome to a new season of fantasy basketball, and with it, our usual assortment of waiver wire options. While most teams have played only once, we have already had a glimpse of what the rotations are going to look like. As always, there have been some surprising stat lines, both good and bad. Overreacting to these performances is never an ideal strategy, especially when it comes to dropping players. However, it is a great time to snap up some bargains, capitalizing on others who have, in fact, overreacted. Whether it's targeting an offensive threat capable of delivering points and threes or a defensive-minded player who can help boost your blocks and steals, narrowing your focus can prove vital as you battle for seedings. Let's dive into five players who are currently rostered in fewer than 40% of Yahoo leagues.

Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Adds

Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans (38% rostered)

Yes, we are all aware that Jones has some limitations when it comes to his overall fantasy game. The bulk of his appeal comes from the fact that he can be an elite wing defender, having averaged at least 1.4 steals per game in each of the past three seasons. That in itself is reason enough for him to be rostered in more leagues. Add to that the fact that he should see at least 32 minutes per game, shoots in excess of 84 percent from the free throw line and is always improving on the offensive end, and we have ourselves a potential top 70 player. He isn't going to be for everyone and is typically better in specific punt builds, but there is definitely enough meat on the bone for him to be a staple across most fantasy formats.

Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards (32% rostered)

Unlike Jones, George is far less proven when it comes to fantasy value. Coming off a strong finish to his rookie season, George showed out during the 2025 Summer League, carrying that form into the preseason. He was given the starting nod for the first game of the season, impressing with a full stat line despite the loss. The eventual return of Bilal Coulibaly from injury will have some sort of an impact on George, although the hope is that by then, he has earned a permanent spot in the starting lineup. For now, he simply has to be rostered in all formats. His offensive game continues to be a work in progress, although there has been noticeable improvement. His defense, on the other hand, is already a standout facet of his game. Combine everything, and we have ourselves a potential breakout player.

Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards (21% rostered)

Now toward the back end of his career, Middleton's long-term future in Washington is very much in doubt. As a player who has seemingly achieved everything he wants to, all that's left is for him to stay healthy, something he has struggled to do over the past few years. His exact role moving forward is unlikely to yield more than about 30 minutes per game, despite the fact that he should start for the foreseeable future. However, he looked good in the season opener, finishing with 23 points in 29 minutes. His upside is limited, but as someone who has proven time and time again that he can be a valuable fantasy asset, he is worth picking up, even if it is only for a couple of months.

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets (16% rostered)

After much conjecture as to who would get the starting nod in Charlotte, Kalkbrenner was given first crack at the job, and he didn't disappoint. He finished with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting, adding 11 rebounds and two blocks in 27 minutes, a more than adequate performance. The role, the minutes, and the production all make him a player to consider rostering across all formats. However, managers should note that while this was a great start, there is a chance the coaching staff opts to experiment to begin the season, a situation that could see Kalkbrenner's role change from one night to the next. Whatever his designation, the hope is that he can play upwards of 25 minutes per game, which should be enough to keep him firmly on the radar, if not on rosters.

Tre Jones, Chicago Bulls (11% rostered)

Jones was terrific for the Bulls to end last season, playing a pivotal role before injury caused him to miss the final three weeks. Coming into this season, he was seen as a key backup, playing behind Josh Giddey and Coby White. However, a calf injury to White now sees Jones in the starting lineup, a situation we saw him thrive in during the month of March. White is slated to miss at least two weeks, providing Jones with an opportunity to play heavy minutes on a nightly basis. He opened the season with a strong performance, putting up 12 points, eight assists, three steals, one rebound and one three-pointer in 32 minutes. While he may only be a short-term addition, Jones is someone to prioritize, even in standard formats.

Drop Candidates:

Bradley Beal, Los Angeles Clippers (91% rostered)

D'Angelo Russell, Dallas Mavericks (37% rostered)

Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers (24% rostered)

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers (20% rostered)