The Covid-19 outbreak toward the end of 2021 led to NBA's record for most players to suit up in a season getting broken. There are still a lot of games left, and plenty of quality waiver-wire options aren't on 10-day contracts. Taking advantage of last year's opportunities could lead to big starts to 2022 for some.
Here are five Week 12 waiver-wire targets worth pursuing.
Nic Claxton, C, BKN (41% rostered)
Nic Claxton has arrived. The third-year center was kicked off the 2021-22 season buried behind vets like LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin, but he came into his own down the home stretch in 2021. He entered Monday averaging 13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks over his last five contests and has benefitted from the resurgence of a healthy James Harden. He has a chance to crack 25 minutes consistently and should be a staple for the Nets' older frontcourt moving forward now that he's hit his grove. The OG's will need rest for the long haul.
Coby White, G, CHI (39% rostered)
Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball missing time has had a significant impact on White's recent surge, but he won't fall off the map now that both are healthy again. Alex Caruso (foot) could need to ease into things after a six-game layoff, and no other role player on the Bulls has matched White's scoring upside. He's averaged 15.9 points since returning from health and safety protocols and made 21 threes on 44 percent shooting from deep over his last seven games. While his volume might drop, he'll be a valuable bench contributor moving forward.
Gary Harris, G, ORL (33% rostered)
Few teams were hit harder by COVID-19 and injuries than the Orlando Magic in December, and Harris capitalized on his team's shorthandedness. The former Denver Nuggets defensive specialist has moved into a starting role and has split point guard and shooting guard roles over the last month. He notched 15.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in December and has scored at least 20 points in four of his last 10 games. Terrence Ross has returned to a bench role, but Harris appears poised to play a hefty number of minutes moving forward.
Malik Monk, G, LAL (29% rostered)
The Lakers will be Anthony Davis-less for at least two more weeks, and Monk has unexpectedly established himself as the third-best scoring option in Los Angeles during the big man's absence. Talen Horton-Tucker has floundered while Monk has filled it up with efficiency. He closed out 2021 by averaging 20 points while shooting 57.4 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from three over his previous five games.
