Western Conference Targets

Mike Conley’s rolled ankle cracked opened the door for 5^th year guard Jerryd Bayless, and Rudy Gay’s departure cemented his extended playing time for the remainder of 2013. The Grizzlies are short on perimeter bodies, offensively capable ones in particular, making Bayless the ideal candidate for shot attempts.  His aggressiveness has been on full display since January 25^th, scoring 17 points per game on nearly 13 field goal attempts (52% FG) and tossing in ten three-point makes. Additionally, backup point guard minutes will upgrade his assist totals and he’s not intimidated to mix it up on the glass behind a strong frame and 38’ inch vertical. Still owned in just 32% of Yahoo leagues (up from 23% last week), don’t let his sixth man status deter you. The minutes are there, and he doesn’t waste court time. It’s no surprise DraftKings has boosted the daily salary on Bayless to $5,700.

Another productive sixth man getting absolutely no hype is the Nuggets Corey Brewer. Playing alongside a trio of creative playmakers, the lanky 6’9 shooting guard is often the beneficiary of clean three-point looks and opportunities to complete plays in transition. Identified as a defensive stopper before arriving in Denver, Brewer has since shed that label averaging 11 points and 1.2 three’s per game in 23 minutes. He remains a legit candidate to rack up thefts in bunches with six games of 3+ steals. While not the most attractive target in standard leagues (15% ownership), he more than fits the profile of reliable roster filler. In deeper formats, a double-digit scorer that impacts hard to find categories is a must own.

Michael Beasley and the word “value” won’t often find themselves in the same sentence, but at this precise moment they are synonymous. While it would be folly to expect some supreme metamorphosis from the oft-dysfunctional forward, the public bias against Beasley has resulted in 65% ownership and a rewarding DraftKings salary of $4,700. Quite simply, the former #2 selection presents value for the first time in two seasons. He’s found renewed life under interim head coach Lindsey Hunter, scoring 20+ points five times since January 12^th and receiving a healthy dose of offensive looks. Beasley has thrown in the odd clunker, but most nights he’s good for 25 minutes and 15 shot attempts.

What skilled PF/C has shot 61% from the field and 82% from the foul line since the calendar flipped to 2013? Hint: he’s owned in only 43% of Yahoo leagues. The answer: Tiago Splitter. Indeed, the oft-forgotten Brazilian technician has been ultra-consistent all season along (10.5 points/6 rebounds). And with the aging Spurs cozily ahead in the Southwest, Splitter presents prodigious upside going forward. Tim Duncan has played 13 total minutes over the last seven games, and we’re still in February. Think along the lines of a taller, more efficient (less active) Luis Scola. San Antonio runs the pick-and-roll almost exclusively, and he’s proficient as the roll man or popping out for a jumper. His offensive rebounding is burgeoning as well.

Robin Lopez has been channeling his inner “Brook” offensively for much of 2012-2013. Well, not exactly. He can thank Greivis Vasquez for a handful of point blank layups and dunks on a nightly basis, but nevertheless, he’s putting up 11 points on 56% shooting on the year and 14 points on 71% shooting in February. While rebounds (5.5) are less than stellar for the center spot, he blocks nearly 2 shots per game and won’t hurt you on the free throw line. All in all, Lopez should be a contributing member to more than 50% of Yahoo rosters. His daily salary of $5,300 on DraftKings reeks of bargain among a banged up crop of big men.

The 1% Crew (players owned in 1% or fewer of Yahoo leagues)

DeMarre Carroll,Utah- The energizer bunny Carroll has been a useful commodity in deeper leagues during Gordon Hayward’s absence. He’s scored at least ten points in five of six games (54% FG) and seen 30+ minutes of PT twice during that stretch.

Austin Daye, Memphis- As stated earlier in this piece, the Grizzlies lack firepower on the perimeter. The 6’11 Daye scored 12 points and drilled three treys in a tight victory over Golden State. Shooting, however, is not the concern. Toughness is. He could earn more consistent run with his new squad in the second half.

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