If you do find yourself drafting it, remember that you'll need to be base GU, GW, or GR, and that you must draft Reclaim the Wastes, Roiling Regrowth, and Vastwood Surge as highly/frequently as you can
Of the ways to protect your commanders, ward is a fair and good one
Crucible of Worlds: While it wasnt initially used much, it rose in popularity very quickly in Legacy and Vintage decks, where it can be used for land recursion alongside Wasteland or Strip Mine
If we look at the most played creatures in the 99, this hits Archmage Emeritus, Champion of Lambholt, Drannith Magistrate, Esper Sentinel, Grand Abolisher, Notion Thief, Opposition Agent, Pitiless Plunderer - the list goes on