Before we get into this first post, I just want to take a moment to thank Huseyin, Matt and the rest of Fantasy Couch for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your team, and giving me a platform to voice my opinions as I strive to make stronger Fantasy Basketball owners.
General fantasy basketball tips
As the time draws closer into draft week for the 2014/15 basketball season, owners will be smiling ear to ear and exuding the type of confidence that will most likely have them feeling as if the rest of the league has no chance. You know what I mean! Being of biased nature, you will scoff at the notion any other squad is formidable to your juggernaut. Well, your opponents are thinking the same thing- and the truth is only one person will be right in the end. Drafting a team is the easiest part of fantasy basketball, managing your team correctly will ultimately decide who the best really is. Staying current with information, utilizing the wire and sound decision making is exactly the way to do that.
Because of all the injuries, minute fluctuations, suspensions and time in the proverbial doghouse, having a constant line to information will undoubtedly help you more than anything. Even if it’s just to save you from a late scratch, it all helps in getting the most out of your team. What would have been a dead spot could very well be the deciding factor for the win. If you check your team at least a half hour before each tip-off, you should have a clear indication of who is in or out for the day/night. I highly suggest watching the games instead of just stat checking in the AM or on your lunch break. You really are not getting anything out of that except numbers. Being able to visualize how these stats are attained is a very impressive talent, but actually seeing them is what will give you the kind of information that makes you a winner.
What makes an NBA player valuable in fantasy basketball?
When it comes to the wire, many owners are quick to grab the guy who just went off on any given night, but his season averages show a horse of a completely different color. Lightning in a bottle, waiver gem, or whatever corny cliché you want to label it, it’s just a bad idea–especially if you have no idea why they went wild. Wait for the kind of guy that is either improving or consistently giving you production rather than someone who just filled in for a certain game. If you are in a league that does not implement a maximum pick up per week, then utilize your wire to crush your opponent by accumulating way more games. For this you will need at least two roster spots.
I know sound decision-making seems pretty obvious, but you would be surprised how many decisions are based on names, upside and being a homer. And the last time I checked, leagues were not using any of that as a means to score. Take Andrew Wiggins for example, his average draft position of 55.8 (according to ESPN) is higher than stars that have actually helped your team previously. Another prime suspect is Kawhi Leonard, who last season averaged 12/6 and is ranked higher than Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge, who both averaged a double double with 20 points per game. Don’t get blinded by what could be, take into account what is more likely to transpire. Finally, when you trade make sure it’s for production that helps your team, not just a vehicle to brag to the barbershop what names make up your squad.
Get your fantasy basketball fix on Twitter @fantasycouch and feel free to ask any questions you have regarding your teams.
