December 16 Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Jeremy Sochan, Dorian Finney-Smith, Dru Smith and Jalen Smith

NBA games are finally back in swing after a mini break due to the NBA cup. Each provided valuable insight for fantasy basketball owners.

Let's hop straight into the top performances that caught my eye from waiver wire players.

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Dorian Finney-Smith Fantasy Outlook

Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith has been excellent to start the season. Per usual, he’s been an excellent glue man for his team. He does the gritty and dirty work on both ends while shooting exceptionally too.

It’s widely expected that he could be a part of a trade package soon. But I would not worry if I were a fantasy owner; he’s going to be valued highly wherever he lands. 

On the season, Finney-Smith is averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 29 minutes a game. He’s been a really high-usage player to start this season, so acquiring him while he’s still on the Brooklyn Nets would pay amazing dividends.

He is currently only owned in 28% of leagues right now, so he’s widely available, and you shouldn’t struggle to get him. He's a priority waiver target in my eyes; his consistency and role will allow him to always produce at a good level.

Finney-Smith did, however, see the biggest own increase this week at +15.47. It’s not much to panic about, but it certainly means that his name is becoming a hot commodity, so owners should follow the trend and pick him up before it’s too late.

Jalen Smith Fantasy Outlook

Chicago Bulls big man Jalen Smith has had an up-and-down year so far. He was rewarded with a three-year contract during the offseason, much larger than I originally anticipated.

His role has been in flux, but he’s stayed ready and always produced when his number has been called. In each of his last three games, his minutes have risen. In his latest game, he witnessed his season high in minutes at 29 against the Charlotte Hornets. In that game Smith put up 11 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists. Hopefully this stretch of an increased role stays intact and he actually gets more of an opportunity.

On the season, Smith so far has put up averages of 8.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists on 15 minutes per game. I think of Smith as more of a deep league waiver wire pickup rather than a priority simply because of his undefined role. As he gets more reps and opportunities, I would be more willing to put more trust in him.

His current own percentage is at 13%, so he’s a very feasible pickup for any owner who needs him at this moment. With a Nikola Vucevic trade possibly on the horizon, you could be ahead of the curve and grab Smith before he becomes a hot commodity. 

Jeremy Sochan Fantasy Outlook

San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan is having a good start to his season so far. He is reaping the benefits of the growing pains he experienced last year. Sochan was played as a converted point guard last year, which sounded good in theory because of his intriguing playmaking skills, but he just wasn’t effective at running an offense; he also just wasn’t an efficient player.

This year, he has made a slight change to his scoring philosophies. He has settled for fewer jump shots and been more aggressive putting pressure on the rim. He is also still a stout defensive player through all of his offensive woes. He's not a great defensive playmaker but will consistently get deflections and steals on a game-to-game basis.

This year he is averaging 14 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. He is currently putting up career-high numbers in points, rebounds, and field goal percentage. He is definitely a player that I look at as improving and figuring out the ways he can be effective.

He will definitely be a hard player to acquire on waivers simply because of past expectations, flashes, and draft status. But if you get a chance to get him, he should be your number one priority waiver target.

Dru Smith Fantasy Outlook

Miami Heat guard Dru Smith is another undrafted gem that is thriving again. He has finally returned after suffering a major knee injury while slipping on the sideline.

But now, due to injuries, he has been thrusted into a bigger role, and he has played really well. He has put up double figures in each of his last two games while also reaching 25-plus minutes.

Smith is obviously a deep league waiver wire pickup that you would acquire if you are in dire need of someone in an increased role. With the sheer amount of minutes he’s playing currently, he’s bound to produce at a good enough level, so any fantasy owners should pick him up now and ride his hot streak.