Friday, March 23, 2012

NBA Fantasy Free Agent Notables


            It’s time to make that last-second playoff push for season-long NBA fantasy players, and there are some free agents out there, especially in deeper leagues, who could really help fantasy owners.  Here are my top 5 “sleepers” who you should take a look at:
1.     Gordon Hayward (Jazz SG, SF): The Butler alum is en fuego.  In his last five games, he has scored 32, 29, 4, 33, and 34 fantasy points.  Ok, we will forgive him for the 4 fantasy point night.  Furthermore, Hayward is looking even more appealing as he was promoted to starter with Josh Howard now out for the season.  In two starts, Hayward has put up 33 and 34 fantasy points.  Need I say more?  Here’s his stat line from last night: 18 points, 7 boards, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block on DeMarcus Cousins.  He puts up strong numbers in every category.
2.     Chandler Parsons (Rockets SF): Arguably the best rookie this year (Kyrie Irving might hate me for that comment).  He missed one game due to illness recently, but here are his last five games: 39, 26, 5, 26, and 39 fantasy points.  He is really benefiting from Kyle Lowry being sidelined with his injury.  Last night against Golden State he scored 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists.  That’s a solid fantasy line especially from someone who is owned by only 18.3% of ESPN fantasy leagues.
3.     Derrick Favors (Jazz PF): It’s time to jump onto the bandwagon of the former Georgia Tech standout.  Even though he sees limited minutes as a reserve, he makes the most of them.  He plays just over 20 minutes a game, and check out his fantasy points in the last five games: 34, 26, 25, 50, and 41.  These numbers are absurd since he doesn’t even start!  In addition, over this five game stretch, he has averaged 12.4 rebounds.  Derrick’s play has led the Jazz to a 5 game win streak.
4.     Tristan Thompson (Cavs PF, C): Now given the opportunity to start, Thompson has had some big nights.  Against the Nets he put up 48 fantasy points (27 points, 12 rebounds).  The problem with Thompson though is his inconsistency.  This outburst of 48 is sandwiched by 12 and 16 fantasy points.  Was the 48 a fluke?  Only time will tell, but he is definitely worth a look since he has moved into the starting lineup, and he is clearly capable of having big nights.
5.     Greg Stiemsma (Celtics C): Ummm, who is this?  He is only owned by 2.2%, and he put up 36 fantasy points last night.  He does come off the bench, but due to his recent play, his minutes are increasing.  He saw action in 24 minutes last night and was a huge defensive presence with 5 blocks and 4 steals.  If you are in desperate need at center, or if you maybe just really like former Wisconsin Badgers, then Stiemsma is your guy.
Honorable Mention:
Ben Gordon (Pistons SG): Sure, he scored 45 points last game, and he was 9-9 from beyond the arc, but we all know this was probably a fluke.  He is such a tease to fantasy owners.  He is capable of going on fire, but he is candidly a very streaky shooter.  But with Stuckey day-to-day, Gordon is a must add for the short term because of his increase in minutes and shot attempts.  Once Stuckey is healthy, get rid of Gordon because he will only frustrate you because of his inconsistency. 

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