Waiver Wire Alert: Everyone's Talkin' Chase Budinger

I'm not sure if NBA fans were every as giddy about a former All-American volleyball player as they are now with Rockets swingman and super-athlete, Chase Budinger.

With the Rockets having dealt Shane Battier to Memphis in a deal which netted them Hasheem Thabeet, Budinger has stepped in and played the role of starting small forward in Houston. A role which on Oscars night will surely generate some early buzz for best supporting act.

Budinger has scored 30 and 27 points, respectively, over his last two games. On Feb. 23 against the Cavs he scored a game-high 30 points with four 3-pointers, eight rebounds and a steal. He also hit 8-of-9 free-throw attempts, marking a season-high in both makes and attempts.

On Saturday night, against the Nets, Budinger helped lead the offensive charge with 27 points on 8-of-11 shooting with three treys, six rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes. Again, he went 8-of-9 from the line.

Naturally, this means that Budinger deserves your undivided attention and should be picked up in all leagues.

He may not be a 30-point scorer the rest of the way, but 20 points per game is not out of the question. He's also a very good rebounder and 3-pointer shooter. His defense is spotty, but he can add a few steals from time to time. Give him a look in 12-team leagues, he's proved to be ready for the big stage.