Fantasy Corner
February 5, 2015
Add ‘Em
Timofey Mozgov, PF/C (CLE): Mozgov has found a home in Cleveland, averaging 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 10.7 points over the past 15 days despite being owned in only 35 percent of leagues. The only worrying factor at the moment is his playing time, but it’s best to add him to your roster while you can.
Khris Middleton, SG/SF (MIL): Not many available players have performed as well as Middleton lately. Over his past six games, Middleton has averaged 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 2.3 three-pointers, and 17.3 points, all while shooting at an impressive 61.1 percent. He will get plenty of playing time with the Bucks in the playoff hunt.
Nikola Pekovic, C (MIN): Still available in more than 50 percent of leagues, Pekovic has been consistent over the past four seasons. Now two weeks back from an injury, we should see his numbers jump up closer to what he has done since 2011-12: 15.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 0.6 blocks, and 29.1 minutes.
Drop ‘Em
David Lee, PF/C (GS): Lee is used to being the main man on the court, but Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Harrison Barnes have taken the limelight from Lee. He is down to his lowest playing time and rebounding average since his rookie season, and has never shot lower 50.0 percent in a season.
Reggie Jackson, PG/SG (OKC): Jackson has been pedestrian at best over the past month, and cannot truly make a large impact when Russell Westbrook is healthy. Averaging less than four rebounds, three assists, and nine points over that span, it may be best to drop Jackson and look elsewhere.
Manu Ginobili, SG (SA): At 37 years old, Ginobili is showing signs of deteriorating play. His talent on the court in the NBA is better than his value as a fantasy player, and his minutes have dropped from 25.6 to 22.5 in January. He will be rested as the season drags on and San Antonio prepares for the playoffs.
Trade ‘Em
Kyle Korver, SG/SF (ATL): Like Ginobili, Korver has much more value on a real NBA team than a fantasy team. His ability to catch and shoot from the perimeter, as well as being able to draw the attention of the defense, doesn’t entirely equate to fantasy dominance. His stats are good (13.1 points, 3.1 3PM), but someone may overpay just for his name.
Jonas Valanciunas, C (TOR): This seven-footer grabs a lot of rebounds, records a few blocks, and averaged 12.9 points per game this past month. He doesn’t do much else in terms of steals, assists, or limiting his fouls. Who knows, maybe you can work out a deal to trade for a better all-around center.