Let’s highlight some of key names that come up when talking about fantasy basketball keeper leagues.

Fantasy Basketball Keepers Corner - Harrison BarnesHarrison Barnes GS (SF) aka “The Black Falcon”: I think Harrison Barnes has a very bright future, and has flashed enough of his skill set to already show us what he’s got. But with a talented Warriors roster, Barnes has wisely taken a back seat to the veterans on his team. He’s become a team player, and looks up to Curry, Lee, Thompson, Jefferson etc. because he has the right mindset. Barnes is one of the rare players that possess the right combination of skill, drive, star power and mindset to be a potential Hall of Fame player. In Golden State I still think he has a chance, more realistically a perennial All Star once he fully develops and realizes his potential.

But, if he were to be drafted 2nd overall this past draft to the Charlotte Bobcats (Hornets anyone?!) his career would have catapulted and made him a serious contender for the ROY award along with Damian Lillard & Anthony Davis. Had he been paired with the dynamic Kemba Walker…that would be an incredible duo. One that I would put up there with Westbrook and Durant (*per say) in terms of youth, skill and potential, had that happened. But with all due respect to his Airness, I think MJ was trying to shake his somewhat known stereotypical North Carolina prospect bias label, and go with something against his gut instinct. It’s tough being in the spot light and not able to take the last shot or dominate the game from the floor. Mr. Jordan has to do it with a bunch of guys that would otherwise not be starting on an NBA roster. With the exception of Kemba Walker, only Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Bismack Biyombo, if able to harness in their raw abilities, should be a starter in the league.

Know your fantasy basketball keeper league strategies and use them.

At the beginning of the 2012-2013 season I had to do a really thorough assessment of my franchise. I had to admit that my team was going to be butt this year. Two of my three franchise tags (Derrick Rose, Eric Gordon) were obviously going to be out for a substantial amount of time. Should have I drafted those guys in a standard redraft league, I’d be screwed. But that’s the beauty of a keeper’s league. And knowing I had these injuries going into the draft was a blessing in disguise.

Fantasy Basketball Keepers Corner - John Wall

When you’re down and out, you want to face the facts and either upgrade your key keeper guys (or franchise tags), get high draft picks for the next season, or both. I usually like to make a couple moves, whether I’m at the top or middle of the pack every year (keeper league or not). This year I was fortunate enough to take advantage of my assets and make the appropriate moves necessary in the best interest of “my franchise”. I upgraded my keepers from Rose, Gordon and Z. Randolph to Rose, Wall and Cousins. Plus I acquired 3 first round picks and 2 high seconds in next season’s draft. I was busy.

On the flip side, if you’re right there in contention and could benefit from a move that would make you a dominant team, you should take full advantage of a team that’s out of the playoff picture and pick off their spare parts for a draft pick or so. Sometimes these guys can be game changers. I got Wall (when still hurt) earlier in the season but had to give up Jrue Holiday for him. About an even break talent wise, but Holiday’s health was key for the team who acquired Holiday (ranked 1st in our keeper league post trade). As you can see, prospect value traded for a healthy body (who is also a stud and on pace to become the NBA’s most improved player this season) equals a win-win for both teams. I also got a pick in this transaction.

All in all, good fortunes are there for you for the taking, wherever your “franchise” stands. You just have to keep your eye out for the right opportunities.

Hit me up on Twitter if you have any questions @FantasyHoopsMat.

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