Fantasy Basketball: Could David Lee See More Minutes?

The Golden State Warriors continue their annihilation on the league, which could bold very well for the chances of David Lee to regain at least some fantasy basketball relevance.

I am not suggesting a complete reversion back to his career averages of 14.9/9.6, though, it certainly will be more productive than the current 8.7/5.9 — which by the way, is quite respectable when you factor in Lee is only out there for 19.2 minutes per contest.

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David Lee missed the first three games due to a hamstring injury, came back the fourth game, only to play seven minutes before aggravating the ailment. This cost Lee a lengthy 20-game absence, which would leave him much further on the depth chart than anticipated.

With the emergence of Draymond Green, and the surprising good health of Andrew Bogut, the Florida product returned to his lowest averaged amount of minutes per game since his rookie season — which has sustained, but it is very possible change is on the horizon.

Coach Steve Kerr has recently openly stated his desire to give Andrew Bogut and swingman Andre Iguodala rest down the stretch, which could mean more minutes for Lee — obviously this would highly increase his fantasy basketball value for the remainder of the season.

For those relatively new to fantasy basketball, David Lee is only about a year removed from being drafted in the fourth, maybe fifth round. If your league compensates those who amass double-doubles, you certainly have to consider giving Lee a spot on your roster for another player who is not productive, if applicable!

In 69 games played last year, David Lee totaled 34 double-doubles, so we are not talking about someone who is incapable of giving owners tremendous production if awarded the opportunity. Granted, being 31 does not scream youth, but he is not at the point where his skills are diminishing by any means, there are just not enough minutes to go around.

On the season, Lee is averaging 16.3/10.9/3.9, per 36 minutes — these type of stats have always been somewhat inflated to me, but it does specifically cover how much production is being accumulated according to the time-frame. If Coach Kerr decides to give Mr. Lee more playing time, solid numbers will follow.

The Cleveland Cavaliers got a little taste the other night:

As we get down to the brass tacks of this fantasy basketball season, the time has come where is it imperative that you know exactly where your bread is buttered in terms of who delivers the kind of stats that will help you win. Though, you also have to take little gambles (before the cat’s out of the bag) , and this could very well be the kind of chance that pays back handsomely.

There will be so many pick-ups down the stretch geared more towards flashes in the pan — who go off for about three games then fall into to the depths of fantasy obscurity, owners trying to quickly add a backup when their stud goes down, and those who are trying to stream games.

You are better served using your acquisitions for someone who could return sixth-round value or better.

Next: NBA: 50 Greatest Players Of All Time

Fantasy Basketball: Could David Lee See More Minutes?

By Steve Krebs | Mar 1, 2015

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