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Fantasy Basketball: (Early) Top 5 Centers For 2015-16

By Jackson Sanders

Nov 13, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fantasy Basketball
Apr 14, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) talks to head coach Doc Rivers against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers

Jordan could not have asked for a better performance during the stretch run in his contract year.

When Blake Griffin was out with injury for 15 games, Jordan ripped off a dominant stretch of basketball, averaging 14.9 points, 18.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks during that time period. The run included 10 double-doubles and four games with at least 20 rebounds.

His year-long stats were impressive as well: 11.5 points, 15 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2.2 blocks per game. For fantasy basketball owners, his 71 percent field goal shooting was a delight, and by far the best in the league (Jonas Valanciunas of the Raptors was No. 2 with 57.2 percent).

The number that continues to terrify his suitors is 41.7 percent.

That’s his career free-throw shooting percentage — a number which he actually failed to meet in 2014-15 (39.7 percent). It’s troublesome because he actually takes quite a few free-throws (fifth in the league in 2014-15) and has seen his attempts from the line increase by more than 100 shots per year over the last two seasons.

Simply put, if DeAndre Jordan is on your fantasy basketball team, your free-throw shooting will be near the bottom of your league, in all likelihood.

If you can live with the terrible free-throw percentage, there’s still a sliver of uncertainty when it comes to the (currently) Clippers big man. He is a free agent at the end of the season, and he’s stated that he’ll be “looking around”.

Considering the majority of his offense is assisted on (68.8 percent of field goals made in his career are assisted), chasing money and landing on a team with no point guard could certainly hurt his value. It’s nitpicking, but it’s a real concern if you choose to invest in a player early given the similar alternatives.

Ultimately, expect for Jordan to continue dominating the boards and swatting shots, but also expect him to continue laying bricks at the line and enjoying spoon-fed offense.

For what it’s worth, I expect him back with the Clippers, and to pick up right where he left off this season.

Next: #4 - Rudy Gobert