Welcome back to the weekly fantasy basketball mailbag! I apologize for the delay. I know some of the readers have been antsy to get their questions out, and it may take a few weeks to get through all of the good thoughts. This week we are going to break down a few specific player situations like Walker Kessler in Utah, Zach Collins, and Keldon Johnson in San Antonio, as well as again explaining the situation happening in Detroit. I think these teams, as the worst teams in the league, are constantly referred to due to their high volatility in minutes and roles. Using the Jaden Ivey example, Detroit is still trying to figure it out, as are the Spurs. As we get closer to the deadline there will be moves that change everything. We will address those in time!
Weekly Fantasy BasketballMailbag
It seems like Walker Kessler puts up really good numbers. Is there a reason he does not start? Should I gamble on him increasing his minutes as the Utah Jazz reach the trade deadline? – Davin
This is a great question. I think a lot of this season’s usage has been going to the all-shooters lineup with Lauri Markannen at center. He’s been playing the five 36% of the time according to Basketball Reference. With John Collins and Kelly Olynyk in the mix, it seems they have enough shooting to keep Kessler on the bench.
With that said, there may be an opportunity for starting minutes post-deadline. Olynyk is on a team-friendly one-year deal. There has been discussion around moving Markannen. I think only one of those happens. The Jazz have been playing good, winning basketball. If Olynyk gets traded, and he should, expect Kessler to move up the ladder to gain some much-needed usage. They may not use him as an offensive weapon. Finally, I have a few concerns.
Admittedly, I have been high on Kessler and his potential. I thought he had a chance of shooting out of Auburn. I am not sure that will ever show itself. He is going to have to turn into Rudy Gobert to realize his full potential as a defensive anchor who never touches the ball except to dunk it. From a fantasy perspective, that’s low-end points, but high-end rebounds and blocks. And he will get his blocks.
Does OG Anunoby have a better output on the Knicks than on the Raptors? How about RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley? – Tyler
This trade has only worked out wonderfully for all parties involved. If you did not buy Barrett and Quickley after the trade, you should do it now. In Quickley’s case, it is hard to improve efficiency while increasing usage, or even in Barrett’s case by improving efficiency while maintaining usage. All three have had improvements in non-scoring stats, which are arguably more important from a fantasy perspective. Anunoby has had increases in rebounds, 3P%, FG%, and FT%. Quickley has a clean sweep in across-the-board improvements. Same with Barrett.
Suffice it to say, these types of swaps can be highly beneficial for both players and teams. Look out for swaps like Andrew Wiggins or other similar relocations.
Revisiting Old Articles: You mentioned trading for Zach Collins before this season. Before being hurt he was on the bench. What should I do? – Jim
This was one of my misses this season. Collins has been relegated to the bench, where he’s been a points issue since. The difference is, he has improvements in his shooting without taking away his potential to rebound. Basically, if you are not in a deep or category-based league it may be time to jump ship.
The issue with the worst teams in the league is that they are trying anything to win. Especially the Spurs. It is not unusual that if the defense is bad with a player like Collins, then there’s nothing much you can do as a fantasy owner than give up. If you are in a dynasty league, based on categories, just take a breather and be patient. He has not been playing poorly. It may pay off in a draft capital way if nothing else.
Revisiting Old Articles: You had Keldon Johnson as a shooting guard sleeper. He has since been benched. Is there any remedy to this issue? – Ryan
First, lets get this out of the way. Everything can change at the moment of a hat. Keldon Johnson can be a good player. He has been a capable offensive guard throughout his whole career, but it may be time for the Spurs to do a little restructuring. If he gets sent off somewhere as a contract swap, there may be an opportunity for the improvements like Toronto and New York made with their swap.
Here’s a commonly discussed example. Dejounte Murray is on the block again. He thinks it would be wonderful to return to San Antonio, and I agree. There may be some other moving pieces, but Keldon Johnson would flourish in Atlanta’s hyper-offense, while players like Dejounte Murray and De’Andre Hunter would fit in well with their positional needs in San Antonio. If I could ever make a trade happen, it would be that. If that does happen, pick all of them up if you can. It will only benefit your fantasy team.
Fun Question: Are the Detroit Pistons back? – Evan
Evan, I wish you would stop asking me about the Pistons. They’ve only been a worthwhile watch four times this season. There are a few notes of interest though.
Jaden Ivey could be for real. The second-year guard is going through an incredible surge as a primary ball-handler following the injury by Cade Cunningham. Buy this surge. If you need a crystal ball into fantasy potential from yours truly, here it is.
First, Cade Cunnigham’s production should look like Paul George. He does not have to be the point guard to be the primary ball-handler, and George constantly proves that. PG also happens to be a hyper-efficient off-ball wing.
Second, Jaden Ivey has the athleticism and intelligence to play the one, and his statistical output reflects that. Not just recently, but it looked the same last year too. Buy into this boost. Cunningham is an incredibly smart player. He will figure out how to play next to a productive guard like Ivey. If you haven’t picked up the speedster recently, do it before everyone else does.