WNBA: Rickea Jackson among must-add players in fantasy basketball

The 2024 WNBA season for the Los Angeles Sparks has been focused on player development rather than winning games. Although the team is in a rebuilding phase, they still have talented players on their roster. As a result, their approach to the remaining month of the season differs from teams in playoff contention.

In situations like this, younger players often get more opportunities to shine. For the Sparks, rookie Cameron Brink’s season was cut short due to a knee injury, but Rickea Jackson, drafted at No. 4 overall, has shown improvement as the season progresses. If she’s available in your fantasy league, consider adding her to your team.

Following Brink’s injury in mid-June, Jackson’s role has expanded, and she is displaying the skills of a versatile scoring forward as she did in college. In her last 10 games, Jackson has been averaging 15.3 points and playing a significant amount of minutes, making her a valuable fantasy player.

While Jackson’s defensive impact has been lacking so far, her role on the Sparks seems secure and essential for the team’s future. The team is keen on giving her more playing time down the stretch to help her develop further.

Cardoso making an impact in Chicago

Chicago Sky’s rookie center Kamilla Cardoso has been impressive lately, especially following the Olympic break. In the last four games, Cardoso has shown significant improvement in scoring and defensive stats, making her a valuable fantasy basketball asset.

Cardoso’s offensive efficiency has been a standout feature of her recent play, shooting an impressive 71.4% from the field since the break. Despite facing tough opponents like Brittney Griner, Cardoso’s increased efficiency bodes well for her future performance.

Foul trouble has been a challenge for Cardoso, but as a rookie center, this is expected. The Sky are actively involving Cardoso in their offensive strategy, and she is expected to finish her rookie campaign as a key player in the team.

Hillmon making an impact in Atlanta

Hillmon, a third-year forward, has been playing heavy minutes for Atlanta recently, filling in a void left by an injury to a teammate. Despite her low field goal attempts per game, Hillmon’s role in the team has been increasing, making her a solid fantasy option in deeper leagues.

Hillmon’s willingness to play a complimentary role without the ball has made her valuable to the Dream’s coach, earning her consistent playing time. As the season progresses and injuries affect the team, having a reliable player like Hillmon is crucial for fantasy teams.

For this article, fantasy points refer to standard ESPN scoring rules. All player and team stats mentioned are accurate as of August 24, 2024.