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Sunday, January 23, 2011

Category Specialists That Are Widely Available

Need help in a particular category? Here are a few players likely to be free agents in your league that can give you a nice boost.

Points
  • Daniel Gibson (13.7 points): With the slew of injuries in Cleveland, Gibson figures to be a big part of the rotation for the rest of the year. In addition to putting up points in bunches, he'll also give you a nice boost in three-pointers, assists, and rebounds. He should be owned in all formats,but is still available in over 60% of leagues.
Blocks
  • Darko Milicic (2.4 blocks): Although Darko's overall fantasy value is slipping, he's still third in the NBA in blocked shots. Those in need of help in this category should see an instant boost with Milicic on the roster, but don't expect much more than few rebounds and points out of him. Darko is available in about half of leagues.
Steals
  • Corey Brewer (1.8 steals): Brewer is in the NBA's top 10 in steals and his fantasy value has started to rise of late due to his move into Minnesota's starting five. Brewer, though, doesn't provide much else in other categories and his FG% is awful. Be sure you can handle his 37.2% FG% before you add him. He's available in nearly every league.
Assists
  • Kirk Hinrich (4.6 assists): Hinrich has had a strong season, yet he's unowned in many leagues. In addition to his strong assist numbers, Hinrich can also give your team contributions in steals and free throw percentage. Hinrich is available in over 60% of leagues.
  • Jordan Farmar (4.4 assists): Farmar has been a good source of assists in deeper leagues, but those in standard formats may also want to consider him if they need help in this category. In addition to the assists, Farmar can help a team in three-pointers and free throw percentage. Those who choose to add him will have to deal with his poor 38.4% FG%, though. Jordan is available in nearly every league.
Rebounds
  • Kris Humphries (9.4 rebounds): Humphries came out of nowhere to have a strong season for the Nets. With Troy Murphy excused from the team, Humphries should continue to be a big part of the rotation for the remainder of the season. In addition to his fierce rebounding, Humphries has a high field goal percentage and averages a block a game. He's available in about half of leagues.
  • Andris Biedrins (8.6 rebounds): After a slow start to the season and dealing with some injuries, Biedrins is starting to become a reliable fantasy contributor. He's a great rebounder who will also provide fantasy squads with blocks, steals, and a boost to field goal percentage as well. Be aware that he is the worst free throw shooter in the NBA, though he doesn't get to the line often. Andris is available in about two-thirds of leagues.
Three-Pointers
  • Mike Bibby (2.1 three-pointers): Bibby ranks seventh in the NBA in threes and he's having a strong overall season. He'll also provide a fantasy squad with assists and his free throw shooting has been starting to rise closer to his career marks of late. Remarkably, Bibby is available in about 80% of leagues.
Field Goal Percentage
  • Shaquille O'Neal (67.7% FG%):  Shaq has been shooting very well from the field and he takes enough attempts to make a dent into your team's overall FG%. He'll also contribute a few rebounds and blocks. The only concern with him is that his role could diminish with the imminent return of Kendrick Perkins. Shaq is only playing 21.3 minutes a game, so any further drop in his playing time significantly hurts his value. Shaq's available in about 70% of leagues.
Free Throw Percentage
  • Corey Maggette (82.6% FT%): Maggette is a master of getting to the line and hits a high number of his attempts. He's been up and down all season, but is a must add for anyone needing help in this category. Maggette is unowned in about 40% of leagues.