James Johnson‘s NBA journey certainly wouldn’t be a story for everyone to tell. It’s almost impossible to imagine most individuals finding success if forced to travel down Johnson’s path, but to his credit, he has found himself once again in his second go-around with the Toronto Raptors, and this time he’s making sure he doesn’t fly under anyone’s radar. 

Now a critical cog in what Toronto is attempting to do, Johnson has made is value clear to the Raptors, and he’s currently reminding fantasy owners of just how valuable he can be in the right role, as well. Joined on this list by another swingman and two bigs, Johnson leads our four-man pool this week.

While you may have to swing a small trade for a couple of targets on this list, these guys may also be more readily available on your waiver wire than expected, and that’s only going to be to your benefit after reading this piece. It’s important to remember that there are varying shelf lives for the guys listed below, so don’t get locked into thinking this is some season-long recommendation.

That’s never been, and never will be, the case. We’re manipulating the waiver wire. We’re looking for unique, special value. We’re not looking for the “best,” but instead targeted assets who will help round out your roster.

With that in mind, let’s ride. 

Editor’s Note: Rotoworld’s partner FanDuel is hosting a one-day $250,000 Fantasy Basketball league for Monday’sNBA games. It’s $25 to join and first prize is $25,000. Starts at 7:30pm ET on Monday. Here’s the FanDuel link.

James Johnson, F Toronto Raptors: Steals, Blocks

In 11 games as a starter for the Toronto Raptors this season, James Johnson is averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks on an unbelievable 65.9 percent shooting, including a respectable 76 percent clip from the free-throw line. It’s hard to understand how the Raptors haven’t decided to stick him in the starting lineup more often, and his impact on the team is undeniable.

Over his last five games, Johnson is averaging 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.8 blocks on 75.6 percent shooting. No, that last statistic is not a misprint, and it’s another indication of just how good Johnson has been for the Raptors of late. It’s hard to understand how JJ isn’t owned in all formats, and this is the last chance an owner is going to get to nab him off the waiver wire. This kind of versatile contributor doesn’t show up often, and Johnson is now with a stable role in the Raptors’ starting lineup.

With how hard it is to find help on the waiver wire at this stage of the game, paired with the fact that Johnson can be a part of the rare 1/1/1 club (one steal, one block, one triple per game), it’s hard to see how an owner would pass up the opportunity to take a no-risk gamble on Johnson’s game. I’d even recommend a low-end trade for Johnson’s services in leagues where there is no deadline, as he’s someone who can make contributions in key categories down the stretch as your team moves forward into the fantasy postseason.

Ed Davis, F/C Los Angeles Lakers: Steals, Blocks

Coming into Sunday night’s affair in which Ed Davis just five points, seven rebounds and two blocks in the 118-111 overtime win over the Boston Celtics, he had put together back-to-back games of double-digit rebounds, snagging an impressive 25 boards overall. Considering his effectiveness on the glass, one might think that’s a prime reason he shows up on this list, but that’s just a part of what comes with Davis’ game. With an inclination to get active on the defensive end, Davis has established himself as one player who’s managed to stay out of head coach Byron Scott’s dog house all season long. A remarkably steady contributor regardless of what role he’s asked to play, Davis is one of the rare players on the Lakers’ roster that could actually have a future with the team.

Before Sunday’s game, Davis had at least one steal and one block in four straight contests, and he’s blocked at least one shot in every contest since February began. As one of the only Lakers players who actually plays defense, his ability to disrupt the action and protect the rim is sorely needed every time he’s on the floor. And while he’s never going to be the focal point of an offense, his tremendous efficiency from the field allows Boss Man to routinely take advantage of any opportunities that come his way on that end of the floor.

Davis is one of those players who is too readily available in a majority of leagues because so many folks have started to (or already have) tune out what’s going on with the struggling Los Angeles club, but Davis is once again beginning to make his presence felt after sitting on the outskirts of the rotation for a short period of time. Perhaps Byron Scott realized that he’s been playing lesser talent like Tarik Black and Robert Sacre ahead of Davis to the detriment of fantasy owners everywhere, and hopefully Davis remains out there so we can all flourish from his success.

And for any Lakers fans who want to keep the tank in tact: Please, don’t worry. More minutes for Davis isn’t changing anything with this embarrassing team.

Alex Len, C Phoenix Suns: Blocks

Now with back-to-back games of at least 34 (and no more than 35) minutes, it’s fairly easy to see where this one is going: If Alex Len is available in your league, you need to run—not walk—to the waiver wire in order to pick him up. A potential difference-maker in the blocks category so long as he can consistently avoid foul trouble, Len can be among the biggest waiver-wire pickups for the stretch run in any league regardless of its size.

With just Brandan Wright on the depth chart behind him and the Suns committing more to the future than the present, one has to think Len is going to be allowed to play through his mistakes with more regularity now that there’s less on the line. And because he finally has his health underneath him, Len is poised to show off a better illustration of what he’s actually capable of doing. Len has seven blocks over his last two games combined, and he’s got 12 over his last five going back to before he was getting significant minutes.

There are going to be nights where Len’s stat line might look a little uneven, but we’re not counting on him for whatever he contributes in the scoring department. With averages of 2.3 blocks over 28 games as a starter, 2.5 blocks over four games per month this season and 3.5 per game in a couple of contests since the All-Star break, there is exactly one reason to have Mr. Len on your roster.  He’s going to be a tough trade target for those who need to swing a deal because of his value in a standalone one-for-one swap, but an attempt to package two low-end players (think Langston Galloway) in exchange for Len is a move I’ll get behind every single time.

Danilo Gallinari, SG/SF Denver Nuggets: 3-Pointers

Since Danilo Gallinari has moved into his new role as the Nuggets’ starting shooting guard (?!), he’s looked like he’s starting to find some semblance of something. I hesitate to say anything more than ‘something’ because it’s been so long since Gallo has looked like a legitimate NBA player, but his 26 combined points (and five triples) in just about 52 minutes gives us some reason for optimism going forward.

Now, it’s anyone’s guess as to how long the Italian Stallion stays in his current role given the instability of pretty much everything in and around the Nuggets right now, but at least Gallo is getting the first crack at a bigger opportunity following the Arron Afflalo trade. AA’s departure cleared the runway for Gallinari to get his train back on track, but we just haven’t seen enough from him over a sustained period of time to rationally project any kind of entity he’s going to be in the fantasy sphere.

At this point, it should be obvious that this scoop requires some faith in the process and a weak link that you’re itching to cut at the back end of your roster, but as far as gambles go at this stage of the season, Gallinari certainly isn’t a bad one to take. When the price is free, it’s hard to argue with the results. In his last fully healthy season (2012-13, admittedly not exactly yesterday), Gallinari had 135 triples in just 71 games. Although he’s shooting just right around 30 percent from deep this season, Gallinari has made five of his last 12 attempts, and those in need of a desperation play should call for the Hail Mary.