November 21, 2016

Milos Zvekic looks at NBA players to target on the waiver wire when punting FT%, assists, and/or threes. Follow RotoBaller for more fantasy basketball strategy.

Traditional centers are becoming nearly extinct. Small ball, many three point shoots, a lot of running and high scoring is threatening to change the game of basketball for good. But some of us still remain faithful to our dominant, post up bigs. Bigs who can't shoot from distance, don't pass a lot and find it easier to dunk the ball from the free throw line than to hit the free throw shot. We remain faithful, at least in our fantasy basketball teams.

If you're one of the brave who decided to punt some or all of the small stats, here are some players owned in less than half of the Yahoo! leagues, who could fit your strategy well and help you win some categories you're targeting.

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Waiver Wire Guard for Punting Small Stats

Gerald Henderson, SG/SF, PHI (5% owned in Yahoo! leagues)

With this years first overall draft pick Ben Simmons injured, there have been a lot more minutes to go around for all the 76ers players. One of the guys who took advantage is Gerald Henderson. He is scoring 10.0 points on 48.2% from the field, adding 2.7 rebounds and one steal in his 25 minutes a night. He also turns the ball over less than once per game, gets 0.2 blocks so far this season (and his career average is double that number so that should go up as well) and he doesn't kill your small stats either with 1.4 AST, 0.6 3PM and 73.7 FT% on just 1.5 attempt on average.

As long as he is getting minutes in the mid 20s those are the stats you can expect from him. Considering he signed a two year deal worth 18 million dollars before this season, it would make sense for Henderson to get those minutes no matter what.

He is a pretty well rounded guy and his defense and double digit scoring on a pretty nice FG efficiency so far this season make him a deep league option for owners who could use his multi cat contribution.

Other guard options: Tyler Johnson, PG/SG, MIA (46% owned), Andre Roberson, SG/SF, OKC (10% owned), P.J. Tucker, SG/SF, PHO (7% owned)

Waiver Wire Forward for Punting Small Stats

Brandon Ingram hasn't shown too much of his talent so far in his rookie season to be honest. But it's all about upside with him. Let's not forget that he is the 2nd overall pick in this year's draft. Another fact that goes in his favor is that he is on a young and talented Lakers team. They probably won't be able to contend for the title in the next few years, until their core players improve. And Brandon Ingram (along with the likes of D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle) is one of the players whose development is key to Lakers getting back to their winning ways. That means he will get the space and time on the court to show what he's made of.

He has been slow to adapt to the NBA so far, posting just 6.7 PTS, 3.2 REB, 1.6 AST, 0.6 STL and 0.4 BLK on just 38.3 FG% and 75 FT% with 1.0 TO and 0.4 3PM in 22 minutes per game. Compare that to his college averages of 17.3 PTS, 6.8 REB, 1.1 STL and 1.4 BLK on 44.2 FG% and 2.2 3PM and you can see why he was taken at #2 and it really isn't about weather he will get better, but more about when and how much better will he be this season.

So if Ingram is available in your league, and you like exciting, high upside players, scoop him up. He should get the run and he has the talent to be worth the gamble.

Other wing options: Alan Williams, PF, PHO (9% owned), Jared Dudley, SG/SF/PF, PHO (17% owned),Larry Nance Jr., PF, LAL (19% owned)

Waiver Wire Center for Punting Small Stats

Alex Len, PF/C, PHO (45% owned in Yahoo! leagues)

Alex Len is made for the Small Stats Punt. His value goes way up if you disregard his lowly 0.8 assists, no threes and 63.8 free throw percentage. His 8.7 PTS, 7.7 REB, 0.6 ST, 1.2 BLK on 47.9% from the field and 1.0 TO in just 22 MIN per game come in very useful for his owners. But those 22 MIN per game are what is most concerning about him.

Phoenix has several players in it's frontcourt who are battling for minutes. Although rookie forwards Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss have had an underwhelming start to the season, who's to say they won't start adapting to the NBA soon and begin getting more court time. Even with his biggest rival for minutes at the center, Tyson Chandler, out due to his mother passing away, Alex still hasn't seen much more playing time. And Alan Williams came out of nowhere and double doubled in both of his previous two games, adding 4 steals and 5 blocks to his line, so he is a threat to Len's minutes too.

Len is very useful and gives his best, especially on defense. In addition to his 1.8 combined blocks and steals, he is second in the NBA in contested shots with 13.3 per game. That dedication should give him some extra minutes.

Len is a true Punt Small Stats center. He is talented and still only 23 years old. But the Suns are pretty crowded at his position and he will be in a constant battle for minutes. If he can win that battle and get his minutes to high 20s, he could be a cornerstone for your punting teams championship run!

Other center options: Andrew Bogut, C, DAL (50% owned), Dwight Powell, PF/C, DAL (4% owned), Cody Zeller (37% owned)