Author: TJ Streett

Derrick Williams’ Fantasy Value

Derrick Williams may have been the number two pick in the 2011 NBA Draft but he just isn’t getting it done in Minnesota right now.

Analysis: The fantasy problem with Derrick Williams really comes down to minutes. Williams is only getting twenty minutes per game and as a rookie he just isn’t ready to put up solid numbers yet. At 8.6 PPG and only 4.5 RPG, Williams is not putting up the fantasy numbers you need from a power forward.

There are plenty of positives when it comes to Derrick Williams. He’s hitting one three pointer per game and is averaging nearly one steal per as well. Williams’ field goal percentage is fine but he does have to improve at the stripe. If given nearly thirty minutes per game he is a must own but until then he’s just a fringe fantasy player in deep leagues. You really need some boards from your fantasy power forwards and he has yet to register an eight rebound game in his eight games this year. It really will come down to minutes and by mid season expect a respectable fantasy player.

Three Ball Help- Morrow And Neal

Both Anthony Morrow and Gary Neal are off to fast starts this year in terms of the three ball.

Analysis: New Jersey shooting guard Anthony Morrow continues to drain threes while going underrated in deeper leagues. Morrow is hitting two three pointers per game while averaging 1.7 threes made for his career. Morrow is getting twenty-three minutes per game and with a steal in six of nine games this year, Morrow can help out in other categories. His free throw percentage is at 89% for his career, although he does need to get to the line more often to be a factor in the fantasy world. Morrow is available in over eighty percent of leagues and he is the ultimate sniper.

Gary Neal is certainly an interesting player to keep an eye on. Neal has hit five threes in his last three games and is a career 41% shooter from three. Throw in twenty plus minutes per game and nearly four rebounds per and you have yourself a solid little player. Neal is also available in over eighty percent of fantasy leagues and if his minutes can reach into the mid to upper twenties then he will have some substantial fantasy value.

Deep League Help- Derrick Favors

The third overall pick of the 2010 draft is finally getting some minutes to go along with his freakish athletic talent.

Analysis: Derrick Favors has the athletic ability of Dwight Howard and it was only a matter of time before he started putting up some numbers. Favors has nine blocks and three steals in his last three games. He’s averaging 7.7 boards in just under twenty-five minutes per game and that number will increase by year’s end if his minutes maintain. Favors does have a twenty point game under his belt this year but it is clear his fantasy weakness as a power forward will be his scoring. He is shooting over fifty percent from the floor but he’s only averaging seven field goal attempts per game.

As of now he will be putting up center like numbers as a power forward. He’s going to block tons of shots due to his athleticism and his rebounds will improve as he matures. Favors is available in eighty percent of fantasy leagues and if his solid play continues he won’t even be available in the deeper leagues. Favors has been coming off of the bench recently but if his minutes are in the low to mid twenty range… you’re fine.

Buying Low- Thaddeus Young

Thaddeus Young is being dropped from many fantasy squads across the country but there are reasons to keep the small forward.

Analysis: Thaddeus Young has never been a three point shooter but he brings a diverse skill set to the table. Young is averaging five boards per game and has seven steals in five games this year. Young is shooting over fifty percent from the floor and shot over fifty percent last year as well. He’s a solid seventy percent plus free throw shooter and his minutes are stable in the mid-twenty range.

When Thaddeus Young gets it going this year he will become a 15 PPG, 1.5 SPG player who will get you a healthy amount of rebounds for a small forward. He certainly has his place in deeper leagues because his only real weakness is the three ball. Young is available in over fifty percent of fantasy leagues and  his steals, field goal percentage and points potential make him a valuable player. If he can start having more three assist nights(1.1 APG for career) like Wednesday night then Young will become a more complete fantasy asset. Keep your eye on him, he just may break out.

RJ Umberger Is Heating Up

Despite the awful season the Blue Jackets are having, RJ Umberger has been one of the few bright spots recently.

Analysis: RJ Umberger may not get the attention like Rick Nash or Jeff Carter in Columbus but he has been playing very well as of late and he deserves some fantasy recognition. Umberger has amassed seven points in his last seven games and a solid twenty-two shots on goal in that span. Since he plays in Columbus a lot of people tend to forget he has posted back-to-back fifty-five plus point seasons with a healthy amount of power play points.

RJ Umberger actually has a better plus/minus this year than teammates Rick Nash, Jeff Carter and Vinny Prospal. Umberger isn’t going to give you much in terms of penalty minutes but his ice time continues to stay in the nineteen minute range and his shots on goal are on the rise. Umberger is available in over fifty percent of fantasy leagues and if you are in need of a reliable, lower tier forward he just may be worth a look.