Fantasy Basketball Mailbag: November 17th

Another fun week of NBA basketball, another mailbag to address all of your questions about this season of Fantasy Basketball. 

1. Who is the best bench player in the NBA when it comes to consistent playing time and fantasy production? – Richard John Pelesky

 The NBA features quite a few sixth men who produce solid-enough stat lines to warrant use in fantasy. Players like Darren Collison and Alec Burks are technically bench players, but play such a significant minute figure (both near the 30 MPG mark), that they are already owned in most standard leagues.

 With that being the case, there are a few under the radar bench players that will certainly deliver a solid stat line despite the limited minute count. Luis Scola is a bit of a journeyman in the NBA, but everywhere the Argentine goes, he produces efficient scoring with solid rebounding. On a very good Toronto team, he has shown the ability to produce solid numbers, including a surprisingly effective 3-point shot (53% from downtown). Others such as Louis Williams (12.6 PPG) and Trey Burke (12.6 PPG) also offer solid production in their bench roles.

2. In a 12 Team Keeper League, what can I expect to get in return for Kobe Bryant? – Ralph Blythe

Bryant’s start has been less than pretty this season, shooting a putrid 33% from the floor and already missing several games. With this also being his likely last season, his value is rather low. In a keeper league, Bryant owners should either hold onto him until he proves, or trade for a younger asset who has the chance to break out.

Two guys I would specifically target are Robert Covington and Rodney Hood. Covington is currently hurt, but will be returning soon to a 76ers team desperate for players. He showed last year to be a solid scorer and rebounder, and should continue to offer strong contributions when he returns. Rodney Hood has started the season scoring good numbers (13 PPG), and is an intriguing option for keeper leagues.

3. In a trade situation, would you rather own Reggie Jackson or Ricky Rubio? Is there concern for the return of Brandon Jennings? – Mike Marteny

 This question is a big toss-up, as both star guards have a great deal of strengths. Jackson has grown into a dynamic scoring guard for the Pistons, while Rubio can dish out assists better than anyone else in the NBA. I could argue either side, but I lean towards Jackson as the safer option. Rubio’s lengthy injury history makes him much more risky, as he has only started 80 games in a season once in his career.

 Many Jackson owners are concerned however with the presence of Brandon Jennings, who is set to return in a month or so. The Pistons have already committed to Jackson as the starter, with a five-year 80 million dollar deal. Jennings is likely to move to the bench as a scorer when he returns, likely not affecting Jackson that substantially.

4. What’s wrong with Danny Green and should I be concerned? – Nick Fenney

 Danny Green has quickly established himself as one of the Spurs key cogs in their great system, even signing a long-term contract when he could have left. Green however has started the season quite poorly, averaging a mere 6.6 PPG and shooting only 30% from the field. Those numbers are a far cry from his career averages, getting many fantasy owners worried.

 Green however will likely get back on track soon. On a San Antonio team loaded with talent in the frontcourt, the pressure is likely to be taken a bit off him, allowing him to knock down shots again at his usual rate. He is certainly a buy low target for the next few weeks.

Hope I was able to help with any Fantasy Basketball related questions. If you would like to have a question submitted, feel free to either email me wej32@ymail.com or Tweet me @MattKhanway sometime before Sunday.