Fantasy hoops specialists: Blocks and threes

In fantasy hoops, there are certain categories that require special attention from fantasy owners. They are the closers of baseball: the players who specialize in one category, yet make enough of an impact to garner fantasy attention. They are the Mark Eatons of our time, the modern-day Dale Ellis of the 2007-2008 season. Sure, once in a while we are blessed with a Josh Smith, Gerald Wallace, or the greatest of them all Shawn Marion, but for the most part we are forced to pick up players who are one-dimensional. With interior defense and solid shooting lacking in the NBA these days, the most difficult categories to fill are three-pointers and blocks.

BLOCKS

Dorell Wright, SG/SF, Miami Heat
The Miami Heat appear to be on the verge of rebuilding and swingman Dorell Wright has been inserted in the starting lineup. This is the type of player who will provide plenty of excitement and frustration for fantasy managers. His upside is sensational, but his consistency is lacking. This was on display as recent as last week when he followed a 14-point, three block, three steal, and six rebounds in 42 minutes performance with just two points and nothing else to show in a blowout that saw him on the hardwood for just 14 minutes. At 6’8”, the 22 year-old possesses Josh Smith-type potential, but he’ll have to fight Dwayne Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ricky Davis for his shots. In addition, Pat Riley isn’t known to be the best at developing young players. Regardless, as the Heat struggle, the team will be forced to go with young talent over experience. I’d expect nine points, six rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals by season’s end. Not the best numbers, but enough to warrant a spot on your bench considering he can keep you in competition for the hard-to-reach categories.

Sean Williams, C, New Jersey Nets
The rookie center got off to a sensational start, attracting plenty of fantasy attention when he had a string of five straight starts with at least two blocks in mid-November. Williams then struggled to remain on the floor, limiting his fantasy value and leading him to be dropped in most fantasy leagues. While those days were dark, there have been much better days recently, as Williams has been inserted in the starting lineup over the past six games and his numbers have improved to 8.3 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Williams does have plenty of upside and his youth provides reason for optimism among fantasy managers hoping for bigger and better numbers to come.

Andray Blatche, C, Washington Wizards
For the last few years, the Wizards have held onto to Andray Blatche because of his raw talent, size, and athleticism. The 6’11” forward failed to exceed four points per game in his first two seasons and drew just 12 minutes of playing time last season. In 2007-2008, it appears that the potential is finally being converted into production. This was apparent when Wizards center Brendan Haywood went down with an injury early in the season and Blatche, at just 21 years old, averaged 15 points, three blocks, three assists, and eight rebounds in just 28 minutes of playing time during a four game stretch. However, when Haywood returned, the minutes decreased.  Recently, Blatche again reminded the fantasy world of his potential pouring in 18 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks on December 29th against the Heat. If the Wizards trade Haywood or look to go in a different direction, Blatche can become a legit starting option at center in fantasy circles. Feel free to grab him while you can, while he’s still available.

THREE POINTERS

Kyle Korver, SF, Utah Jazz
The jury is still out on how the Philadelphia 76ers trade of Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz will impact his fantasy value. It is hard to imagine that Korver will start, considering the team already has Ronnie Brewer and Andrei Kirilenko in their starting lineup. Off the bench, the team is also stacked with talent with an assortment including Matt Harpring, C.J. Miles, and Paul Millsap. Korver has enjoyed surprising success in the NBA since being drafted in the second round of the NBA draft out of Creighton. Last season, the three-point specialist averaged a career high with 14 points per game along with 0.8 steals, while knocking down 91 percent of his free throws and nearly a pair of three-pointers per game. The beauty of Korver is that even in 20 minutes per game, he can help you from beyond the arc. He is a solid fantasy contributor that doesn’t hurt you in any categories, while lifting you in three-pointers and free throw shooting.

Keith Bogans, SF, Orlando Magic
Keith Bogans is considered a defensive player, but his three-point shooting makes him an attractive option for fantasy hoops. The 6’5” Kentucky Wildcat alumnus has helped the Magic with more than two three-pointers per game along with tenacious defense. Unfortunately, Bogans’ team-defense does not translate into steals or blocks and his reluctance to drive to the basket limits him to just 10 points per game. However, when it comes to three-point shooting, there are not many other fantasy options that can sustain the production of Bogans. He’s a three-point assassin who can be relied upon for at least one trey per game, something that he has done in every game since November 19th.

Rashad McCants, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves
Rashad McCants’ enormous talent is why he was drafted in the first round of the 2005 draft. However, injuries and a precarious reputation have some basketball insiders fearing that he may have too many similarities to another former T-Wolves malcontent, Isaiah Rider. This year, he is demonstrating more of his upside. In the very first game of the season, McCants went off for 23 points. Though there have been some struggles and inconsistency along the way, McCants has scored 20 or more points in five different games and has a healthy average of 14.5 points per game. A great deal of his scoring comes from behind the arc, where he knocks down over two three-pointers per game. He isn’t simply hoisting them either, as McCants has been shooting a very impressive 42 percent rate. The inconsistency can lead to some chest burn for fantasy managers as McCants is again coming off the bench; however, his upside warrants a spot on your fantasy roster thanks to his lethal outside shooting.

Rob Shaw is the Lead Expert for FantasyFanatics.com, the premier fantasy sports community. Need help deciding who to sit and who to start? What about help with a big trade? Chat with the fantasy basketball experts on FantasyFanatics.com.

Del.icio.us | Digg it | Athlon Sports RSS Feeds