Last week’s selections were for the deeper league owners. While Shawne Williams offers a ton of potential, one should only think of Dan Dickau in the deepest of formats. This week, I will dive into a couple of guys who are likely gone in the deeper leagues, but can put you at the top of your class in most standard leagues. After you check out this week’s edition, do not hesitate to scour your wire, as these two players will not be there long. Enjoy.

Jason Maxiell, SF/PF/C, Detroit Pistons

Coming into this season, Maxiell’s name was amidst many of sleeper lists that were going to be utilized on draft day. The kid out of Cincinnati showed a ton of potential, almost single-handedly winning a playoff game for the Pistons with his pure hustle on the glass, un-guardable quickness at his position and simple hunger for the game. Once Chris Webber appeared to be not coming back, Maxiell’s name crept even higher up the lists – but it looked like Detroit had other ideas.

Veteran forward Antonio McDyess looked to be getting the starting nod at power forward with Rasheed Wallace at center. And if you know much about the Pistons, it is that they do not stray much from their main players – as it is not every day that a team sends their starting five to the All-Star game. Maxiell wasn’t getting much time at the beginning of the season, and likely saw many of fantasy owners click on the “drop” option as there were likely plenty of talented free agents for the choosing within the first two or three weeks of the season.

Then in mid-November, out of nowhere, Maxiell logged 45 minutes against the Golden State Warriors and simply blew up. 14 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks later, the forward showed owners (as well as Pistons brass) that he deserved all of the consideration that the had coming into the season. Not only has Maxiell rattled off five double-digit nights in the last six games, but he is cleaning up the rebounds and blocking nearly two shots per night. Oh, and have I mentioned that he has recently gained center-eligibility in most formats? Yes, he is only 6’7” on paper, but Jason Maxiell has shown that he has what it takes to play at least 30 minutes a night on one of the best teams in basketball.

If you are in a league that featured a lack of patience with the “sleeper,” go out to your wire and snag the third-year forward. He will be a solid third or fourth center in current day with a huge bump in production if any of the veteran big men ahead of him suffer from any injuries in the future.

Louis Williams, PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers

By now, you have all heard that the Philadelphia General Manager Billy King has been given the heave-ho by the front office. What many of you may not know is that King had laid out a three-stage plan that the team was to endure en route to the rebuilding process. While the first two stages included trading away Allen Iverson and racking up several first round draft selections this past season.

The third and final portion of this plan involves the free agent market in the upcoming season, a place that the Sixers feel they can make a big splash. What they would also like to do is free up even more money by moving veteran players – specifically, veteran point guard Andre Miller. Though a bit slow out of the gate, Miller has been playing very well as of late, averaging 17 points, seven assists and one steal in each of the past three games.

With his increased production, the Sixers can now showcase Miller to a team willing to take on his $10 million contract. This is where Louis Williams steps in.

I have been a big fan of Williams’ game, even dating back to last season when he has flashes of brilliance. The fondness carried forward to this past summer league where Williams was one of the best talents in the pool. Well in this, his third season, Williams is averaging a career high with 10.8 points per game. He has put up several games with multiple three-point field goals, decent assist totals, and even the occasional steal. Not bad for a guy who averages 22 minutes per night.

If and when the Sixers move Miller, Williams’ value with skyrocket with extended time amongst the young Philly team. He is worth stashing away, even if Miller is not moved until the trade deadline. Soak up his near 11 points a night for now, and reap the benefits of being ahead of the curve later.