Jamal Crawford, G/F Los Angeles Clippers: Points, 3-pointers
There is a chance that the ageless scorer was recently dropped in your league after an extended miserable period of time in which he could not find his shot, but he’s back to his familiar ways and his ability to provide instant offense is even more important to a team that is struggling to find its way without Chris Paul.
Over his last five games—which includes a five-point dud in a forgettable 144-98 romp at the hands of the Warriors—Crawford has averaged 18.0 points, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 3.0 triples, including three games of 20-plus points. Perhaps most importantly, the veteran has played at least 30 minutes in every contest during that span as well.
Crawford is never going to be the most consistent of contributors but he’s better than waiver wire fodder in standard formats. Make sure he’s not floating on your wire.
John Henson, F/C Milwaukee Bucks: Blocks, Field Goal Percentage
Mr. Henson. Hello, old friend. It’s so good to see you again…or is it?
The shot-blocking specialist has officially entered Anthony Randolph territory for some, and that’s understandable. It’s been more a product of circumstance, not opportunity, and it’s important to remember that when evaluating the current picture. By dealing Miles Plumlee and his mistake of a contract extension to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Roy Hibbert and Spencer Hawes, the Bucks gave Jason Kidd even more fuel for his fire of a center rotation and it’s impossible to predict how he might use it. (As an aside, the logic behind making the deal is clear due to the salary relief involved, but the end result provides a moment of levity that should be properly recognized.)
Henson’s last two games have seen him average 15.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 2.5 blocks on 13-of-20 (65%) shooting, but that comes after a string of DNP-CD in the box scores. There is no guarantee that his pattern of production sustains itself and the difference between his fantasy floor and ceiling is among the most dramatic the NBA has to offer.
The upside exists, but don’t add Henson at the expense of anyone you’re going to regret missing in March and April.
P.J. Tucker, G/F Phoenix Suns: Steals
How long can we keep talking about this guy until he’s properly recognized for his clear value in standard fantasy formats?
Tucker’s seven-steal explosion on Saturday night resulted in a 15% ownership surge on Yahoo, but Tucker is still only on 34% of rosters on the platform and that’s an unspeakably low number. After a January in which Tucker averaged 8.1 points, 6.7 boards, 1.6 steals and 0.8 turnovers on 46.9% from the field, the defensive dynamo has come out in February with big minutes and big production by averaging 10.3 points, 7.7 boards, 2.0 dimes, 3.0 steals and 2.0 3-pointers while somehow, someway, managing to reduce his turnovers with a microscopic 0.7 per matchup.
The Suns value him in the present, but Phoenix is also evaluating a future that almost certainly does not include Tucker. In other words, it’s hard for this team to drive up his price in an uncertain trade market if he’s sitting on the bench. Expect him to keep playing.
JaVale McGee, C Golden State Warriors: Blocks
It’s just impossible to see the appeal here.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in a 16-team league. This isn’t about league size. This is about appeal—both short and long-term—strategy and utilization of roster spots.
Even with Zaza Pachulia (shoulder) currently sidelined, McGee is barely seeing the floor. There is no path to real opportunity. Sure, JaVale has nine blocks over his last five (1.8/G), but chasing stats that the big man has already posted isn’t going to help you win in the future. This isn’t meant to take anything away from McGee who has done well to humble himself and approach the game more seriously than he once did, but you’re looking in the wrong place if in search of fantasy value.
J.J. Redick, SG Los Angeles Clippers: 3-pointers
We start and finish with the Clippers.
Since a 22-point, five-triple showing at Philadelphia on January 24, Redick has averaged 13.0 points, 1.0 steal and 2.5 triples over his last four outings. And while Redick could very well have his nights like he did vs. the Sixers, his basketball life feels significantly harder without CP3 on the floor. Redick was drafted to be an elite 3-point specialist with added appeal due to his efficiency, but JJ’s field goal percentage has been down this season (45.1%) and the recent four-game stretch has seen him shoot just 17-of-44 (31.8%) overall.
A seller’s strategy worth considering is using Redick in a two-for-one swap in order to net the best player in the deal, but Redick’s stock doesn’t trade at the rate it once did. Buyer beware.
