What is happening to the waiver wire this year?
It has been an early indicator that the dynasty format has changed how teams are managing rosters. From the long term injury guys to those who aren’t performing well but have potential future value, points are being missed everywhere. But, the waiver wire players have been less impactful than maybe ever.
Why?
In the short season so far, teams are scoring at a lesser pace than two seasons ago on average. This is likely due to the new “point of emphasis” from officials this year. Most notably, James Harden, is feeling the impact of the new play-on contact plays that used to result in two shots at the line. You may think that doesn’t impact waiver wire type players, but I think we are seeing a trickle down effect in the league. Less scoring by teams means less opportunities for this on the wire.
Examples of less scoring (CHA is the exception to the rule as they went from sub-100 totals to now league leading 121 ppg)
LAC: 2019: 115ppg / 2021: 105ppg (-10)
DAL: 19: 117ppg / 21: 102ppg (-15)
NO: 19: 115ppg / 21: 100ppg (-15)
HOU: 19: 117ppg / 21: 104 (-13)
BKN: 19: 111ppg / 102ppg (-9)
And the list goes on! Is this a trend or just early season struggles? Because some of those are due to roster construction but not all and they shouldn’t be that drastic.
The dynasty 