David Nwaba

In the 2020-21 campaign with the Rockets, Nwaba played only 30 games before undergoing surgery on his wrist, ending his season. However, in those 30 games, he put together 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks across 22.6 minutes per game. Nwaba should be able to return by the start of the season and will likely continue playing a role off the bench as a versatile defender. With the Rockets entrenched in a rebuild and focusing on the development of Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and other young players, Nwaba likely won't play enough minutes to hold fantasy value in standard leagues.

This will be Nwaba's fourth NBA season with four different teams after signing a two-year deal with the Nets this offseason. The young journeyman is a versatile player, but he hasn't yet managed to be productive in any one category to warrant fantasy usage on a consistent basis. Last season in 51 appearances with the Cavaliers, he averaged 6.5 points and 3.2 rebounds across 19.3 minutes per game. This year, however, will be the first time Nwaba is on the roster of a team actively looking to win games and compete for a championship, and as a result, he may not be in line for the minutes he was getting with his last three teams. Brooklyn boasts quality depth on the wing with the likes of Joe Harris Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince and Garrett Temple all expected to be part of the rotation. So, even if Nwaba does see some playing time, it likely will not be significant or consistent enough to warrant fantasy consideration.

After latching on with the Lakers as an undrafted free agent in 2016, Nwaba took his talents to Chicago for his second NBA season. He wound up being a significant member of the rotation and averaged 23.5 minutes across 70 games (21 starts). While his averages of 7.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists were all career highs, they weren't enough to give him utility in the bulk of Fantasy leagues. Nwaba's game focuses mainly on his defense, which means his value in real basketball terms is much higher than in the Fantasy realm. Despite joining a Cleveland team without LeBron James, Nwaba will still have to battle for a depth role on the wing. Even if he does see significant minutes, his defensive focus should make him an avoidable player on draft day.

Nwaba spent the majority of the 2016-17 season with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the D-League, before inking a 10-day contract with the Lakers in February. After impressing during that short stint, he eventually signed a contract for the rest of the season. Nwaba ended the year averaging 6.0 points and 3.2 rebounds across 19.9 minutes, as he was mainly regarded for his ability on the defensive side of the ball. After being let go by the Lakers this offseason, the Bulls swooped in and picked him off waivers. Nwaba will spend training camp battling for a roster spot, though if he does ultimately make the team, he could get some solid run with Chicago going through a rebuild. Still, he shot just 20 percent from the three-point line last season and still profiles as more of a defender than anything, limiting his Fantasy impact even with a decent sized workload.