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Fantasy Basketball: Finding Category Help

By Jackson Sanders

Dec 15, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Greivis Vasquez (21) dribbles the ball between Orlando Magic guards Evan Fournier (10) and Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half of the Raptors 95-82 win at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Greivis Vasquez (21) dribbles the ball between Orlando Magic guards Evan Fournier (10) and Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half of the Raptors 95-82 win at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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At this point in the fantasy basketball season, it’s time to start fine tuning your roster for the fantasy playoffs. That means making sure your team is optimized around the categories you need to dominate to be successful when the wins count the most.

Now is the time to consider cutting bait with the back-of-the-roster players that are simply making your team more well-rounded, and not specifically contributing to your success.

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Finding help in categories can be an annoying process, via trading in particular. However, finding a player to truly put you from good to great in any one category can be surprisingly simple given the ever-changing landscape of fantasy basketball. The waiver wire is full of guys that excel in one category, but flop in mostly all other areas of the game.

These one-trick-ponies (or two-trick-ponies) can be deadly weapons in the fantasy basketball playoffs, and can boost your team’s value more than that low-end player that offers up mediocre production in multiple categories.

Here’s a few guys to target if you need the extra boost.

Points & Threes

Kevin Martin finally made his return from injury, and any real concerns about him being knocked down the pecking order in the Timberwolves offensive hierarchy are fading away. He averaged 20 points in his first two games back, and he’s simply taking a ton of shots on a bad team.

He’s still owned in quite a few leagues, but he’s certainly a must-pickup for anyone that needs points with a side helping of three-pointers.

Jan 28, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kevin Martin (23) shoots in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Boston Celtics 110-98. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kevin Martin (23) shoots in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Boston Celtics 110-98. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

D.J. Augustin is picking up steam since the Brandon Jennings season-ending injury, and should provide solid points totals as the starting point guard for the Pistons. He’ll offer up assists as well, but the majority of the offensive responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Greg Monroe and Augustin.

His job security is a nice bonus for those who pick him up as well, as the only other point guard on the roster is rookie Spencer Dinwiddie.

Wayne Ellington is not anything special, but he can shoot, and if he continues to start for the Lakers he will put up points.

He’ll offer threes to any owner who takes a flier on him as well, but as one of the more offensively talented members of the new starting lineup that Byron Scott has trotted out as of late, his biggest value stems from the fact that the team will rely on him to be a scorer from wherever he can put the ball in the hoop.

Assists & Steals

Greivis Vasquez is now in the starting lineup for the Raptors, and while he’s clearly not the main ball handler there, he can provide enough assists to be a worthy waiver-wire candidate. As a bonus, he can provide rebounds and points as well, making him one of the better candidates to target if you need a little boost in the assist department.

The Raptors have been searching for a solution at the three all year, so it’s possible that his placement in the starting lineup sticks.

Jan 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives the ball during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 113-106. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives the ball during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 113-106. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Elfrid Payton continues to be extremely good as we approach the second half of the season. Over the last two weeks, he’s had at least 5 assists in every game he’s played, and as a serious part of the Magic’s future he’s not going to be losing playing time if he struggles. His steals numbers are also elite-level, so he’s fairly close to must-pickup territory for me, specifically if you have uninspiring options at the end of your bench.

Joe Ingles is an awesome story, and he can be a nice low-end option in fantasy basketball if you need him. He’s a big part of the Jazz’s impressive growth under their new head coach, and he’s capable of some nice assist games. He’s not going to be an exciting play, but he’ll give you a modest boost in the category if you need it. He’s also been adding steals to his boxscores, which make him an intriguing pick up.

Rebounds & Blocks

Robin Lopez is going to return before the fantasy basketball playoffs, making him an ideal player to grab if you know you’re headed there. He’ll provide rebounds and blocks, and actually is one of the better options in those categories when he’s healthy. If he’s on your waiver-wire, he’s probably the best option you’re going to see on there, and is worth dropping your worst player for if you need a rebounding edge.

Dec 15, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) battles for a rebound with San Antonio Spurs forward Aron Baynes (16) during the third quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lopez left the game with a fracture in his hand. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) battles for a rebound with San Antonio Spurs forward Aron Baynes (16) during the third quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lopez left the game with a fracture in his hand. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

Tristan Thompson isn’t starting, but he’s still putting up nice rebounding numbers. He’s averaging 8.3 on the season, and can be a difference-maker in that category on any given night. His upside is limited by the presence of coach favorite Timofey Mozgov and some guy named Kevin Love, but he’s their best option off the bench and it’s not even close.

Alex Len is not going to overwhelm in any category, but he’s putting together a nice rebounding season in limited minutes. He’s also adding blocks, which are pretty much a given considering he stands 7 feet tall.

The recent acquisition of Brandan Wright is a bit worrisome in the long-term, but Len is a piece that the Suns should be building around, so he’ll factor in as you chase a fantasy basketball championship.

Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Without a Championship

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