Fantasy Basketball Mailbag: December 14th

This weekend’s Fantasy Basketball mailbag features questions about some of the NBA’s star players along with a potential sleeper free agent.

Q. After a fantastic start to the season, what is Andre Drummond’s value? Also, is he worth targeting in a trade? – Wyatt Mac

A. Andre Drummond, after several years in the NBA, is having his long-awaited breakout year. Averaging 17.6 PPG and grabbing an astonishing 16.4 boards per game, Drummond has become a lethal threat in points leagues, being a guaranteed double-double along with a few breakout games. At this point in the year, he is a top 10 fantasy player.

Even with that being the case, I’d advise against trading for him at this moment. Drummond is still not the most reliable scorer in the world, and will likely have a time this year where he struggles to get much offense going. In general, fantasy players should try not to buy guys at the peak of their value, rather waiting to see if they slip up to make a move.

Next: Which top fantasy frontcourt player to keep?

Dec 12, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward

(30) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Q. Do you prefer Kevin Love or Thaddeus Young in a keeper league? – Mike Marteny

A. To the casual fan, this seems like a relatively easy answer. In fantasy however, the two are surprisingly very comparable. Kevin Love has been improved in his second year on the Cavs, but has also been inconsistent on offense. Thaddeus Young on the other hand has been one of the few bright spots on a spotty Nets team, offering healthy scoring and rebound totals while being incredibly efficient (shooting 53% FG). 

Even with that being the case, I would much prefer Love in both a keeper league and even just a standard league. While Young has been great on the Nets, he, along with every other player on that team, is essentially on the trade block. All it takes is one trade to a contender to diminish Young’s value, while Love on the other hand should have a pretty consistent role year round.

Next: More Kevin Love talk

Sep 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard

(2) Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during Cleveland Cavaliers media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Q. Are you concerned at all about the role of Kevin Love with the imminent return of Kyrie Irving? -Mike Marteny

A. This is where the Kevin Love conversation gets interesting. Some may credit Love’s improved year to him being more comfortable role, others would say the cause is the absence of star Kyrie Irving. While the answer may be somewhere between, owners should not be too worried about Love’s role decreasing.

 If anything, Kyrie’s return could increase Love’s role. With more skill players on the floor and a better point guard, Love has less pressure and coverage on offense, which could allow him to be much more efficient. Either way, Love will still be a solid scorer and his healthy rebound totals (11 boards per game), should remain unchanged.

Next: A true sleeper pickup

Dec 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center

(21) is fouled on the arm by Orlando Magic forward

(8) in the first half of the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Q. Alex Len has been solid of late, is he worth an add in standard leagues? -Wyatt Mac

A. Ever since being picked in the top five, Len has flirted with being a valuable fantasy asset, but has never had a big enough role to merit the consideration. With Tyson Chandler hurt, Len has stepped up big time, averaging 15.6 PPG and 8.4 RPG over the past five games. The question is however, can he keep this kind of production up?

Personally, I lean towards yes. The Suns in general are pushing for a youth movement, with other young players such as TJ Warren and Devin Booker getting increased playing time as well. With Chandler being sort of ineffective anyways while he played, it could be Len’s job to lose going forward. If he can stay a starter, he could be a steal of a pick-up in all leagues.

Next: Which Handcuffs Can Help You In Your Fantasy Football Playoffs?

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.