As fantasy owners, sometimes we concentrate too heavily on high draft picks not producing at the level of our expectations, and site those who are chipping in on a smaller scale, but have proven to be serviceable nonetheless. The players mentioned in this post will most likely not even be owned in half the leagues on ESPN and Yahoo. And that is okay because you want the other owners to have no idea who these guys are, or the depths of their value. Depending on the league, and team needs, I could see myself trading for two of these lesser-known commodities, for a recognizable name that hasn’t been producing. Lamenting over bad games is only going to stress you out and bring you a lot more L’s than W’s in the process. So, let’s get into some sub-stars who are keeping your teams in the positive side of the standings.

Fantasy basketball adds and trade targets flying under the radar

Enes Kanter, Uta PF/C

Yeah, I am biased, but so what? The Switzerland born, seven footer continues to make an impact on the boards, getting his owners seven per outing. Recently, he has seen an increase in minutes which bodes well for that number being closer to eight or nine by season’s end. Speaking of increases, his point totals have risen yearly since his rookie campaign, and currently stand at 13.6 ppg. Over the last 15 days (six games), he is averaging 14.1/8.4, shooting 48.6% from the field, and 80% at the line on two attempts per game. The gluttons will enunciate his low block totals, but that’s just the way it goes–the fantasy world expects every player to be perfect, though, lack the sense to create that very perfection through the team as a whole.

DeMarre Carroll, Atl SF/PF

The four games missed in October put a real stain on the rep of the Missouri product, and those who own him at this point in the season are over-joyed, at the very least. In only four games played has his point totals failed to reach double digits, granted they will more frequently touch the lower end. It’s still safe to say he is not going to hurt you in the scoring department.

With the exception of blocks and assists, the value he returns stretches across the board. Averaging 5.9 rebounds puts him 11th amongst the rest of the small forwards in the association (more than LeBron, Hayward, and Jabari). The 1.4 steals could be just what the doctor ordered on any squad who is looking for a bump in swipes, and the 1.6 three’s makes for a sneaky, but productive addition from a very unrecognized source. It is players such as these that leave the opposition scratching their head at the end of the week.

Mario Chalmers, Mia PG

Pretty sure anyone who plays fantasy basketball over the last few years knows about Super Mario. But what do we really know? Well, it has been well-documented that he took the the grunt of the blame for any mistake LeBron, Wade or Bosh made–even if he was on the bench, or injured. We know, he is the PG, as much as he is not, depending on what side of the bed Wade wakes up on. And finally, he is definitely more useful in leagues that do no implement TO’s. What this all suggests is that most owners have no idea how successful of a season he is having. In 15/22 games he has scored in double digits, including five 20-point performances. His 45% FGP, on 9.3 attempts per game is a nice advantage over most guards in the league, and owners are gushing over the 80% shooting from the line, while getting there 4.7 times each contest. In my opinion, the largest production comes from the amount of steals and 3’s he is putting up, attaining at least one of each in 16 games.

Mario Chalmers of the Miami Heat
Photo credit: Mark Runyon

Winning comes down to who is doing what for your squad, and if your players are doing nothing as you sit idly by, your chances become slim at best. Don’t fall into the: “I drafted this guy in such and such round” state of mind–it is poisonous. Assess what your team is actually doing instead of what they have been touted or expected to do. Look for the types that are under the radar and either add them, or make an offer to their owner. Please remember to only do this if these guys are applicable in your case.

You can follow me on Twitter @BKHoops5 and make sure to follow the guru Matt @fantasyhoopsmat and @fantasycouch to scratch your fantasy basketball itch. Feel free to ask any questions you have regarding your teams, we are always happy to help out in any way we can! For more fantasy basketball content from Fantasy Couch click here.

Mario Chalmers top banner photo credit: Keith Allison

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