RADIO
Don't Get Caught Watching
The last installment of my four part series on auction strategy is all about the money. Specifically, you should spend all of it. Your plan and budget are set, and now it is time to start drafting.
You set a lovely, structured plan. Now you're immediately challenged by other owners spending willy-nilly on top talent. If you are prepared, this will not adversely affect your overall draft. Being the rich guy can be beneficial during the early stages of drafting. It allows you to bully other owners with your wallet during the middle rounds. The others know you will be able to outbid them.
Being the rich guy at the end of the draft, however, will only ensure that you scrape up everyone else’s leftovers. Do not be afraid of being one of the guys with little or no money at the end. Most owners will find themselves in the same situation. You will only be able to draft the players you nominate and will have a few owners that will grab them from you for an extra dollar. It's alright to miss a couple late-draft targets. It's less acceptable to whiff on the early draft core performers.
If you're left with too much money by late draft, you won't return a profit on your investments. As previously stated, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Applying it to this article, if you overspend by one dollar on a top tier player then you will have to remove that dollar from a later player. It's more than likely that the second player in the example will be one of the last few guys you draft. That said, most of the players at the end are marginally better than waiver pickups. The guy at the top end who you missed on will undoubtedly have more potential or ability.
Do note, there is a benefit to having funds available at the end of the draft. Some great finds can be made in the late rounds. They can also be cheap since some owners won't have the budget. Until recently, Taijuan Walker was a great example or a cheap, late round gem.
Overspending on players will happen whether you like it or not. One or two owners, at least, will value the same player as you and will overspend for them. Hang in there and acknowledge that the money will come out of a lesser player's allotment.
Do not use this tactic with every player. Sometimes, you have to know when to fold 'em. This strategy should be used only on the players that you value as the key pieces to your squad.
If you have read all four of my auction strategy articles, you are now ready to draft. You know how to prepare, how to budget, key mistakes to avoid, and now why you should never leave dollars on the table. I wish you all the best of luck this year.
