Iman Shumpert, the New Yorks Knicks new starting point guard, is one of the hottest fantasy basketball pickups of the week.
Every fantasy basketball guru knows just how important fringe players are if they are to win their daily, weekly or season long fantasy basketball game. Fringe players may not be the first or second scoring option on their respective team, but if they log substantial minutes, they can be extremely valuable depending on their current run in form.
When adding complimentary players, it is important to add players that can help you in several categories, i.e. points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, etc.Another very important factor to take into account is how much playing time your potential addition gets on a per game basis. Obviously, players who play more minutes have much greater value. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the deepest fantasy teams usually yield the best results.
Is your fantasy roster lacking depth?
If so, you should consider adding at least one of the following six players to your fantasy roster.
Iman Shumpert, New York Knicks
Shumpert, a rookie out of Georgia Tech, is averaging 13.8 points, 4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.2 steals per game in his last five
games. Now that he is the Knicks starting point guard, expect good fantasy numbers from Shumpert.
Note: Shumpert is a 6’5’’ guard with a 6’11’’ wingspan and a 42’’ vertical. His considerable length and big ups allow him to log a lot of steals
and blocks*, making him an ideal addition for your Fantazzle Fantasy Basketball lineup.
*Steals and blocks are worth two points each, while points, rebounds and assists are worth just one.
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
Rubio has been a revelation in his rookie season. The Spaniard seems to be getting more and more comfortable and his play is showing exactly that.
In his last five games, Rubio has averaged 11.6 points, 9.4 assists, 4 rebounds and 2.4 steals in 31.2 minutes per game. In other words, if you can add Rubio to your lineup, do it!
Channing Frye, Phoenix Suns
Frye is the epitome of a streaky shooter. For that reason, you want him in your lineup, at least for the time being.
The former New York Knickerbocker has been red hot in his last two games, shooting 13-16 from the field, including an eye-opening 7-9 from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring, Frye is averaging a respectable 7.1 rebounds per game.
Marreese Speights, Memphis Grizzlies
With Zach Randolph out due to injury, newly acquired Marreese Speights is the Grizzlies starting power forward.
In his last two games, Speights is averaging 13.5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist in 24.5 minutes per game.
Now that he is a starter, Speights is a legitimate fringe player for your 2012 fantasy basketball lineup, until Zach Randolph returns, that is.
Vladimir Radmanovic, Atlanta Hawks
Due to Marvin Williams’ ankle injury, Vlad Rad is back!
In his last three games, Radmanovic is averaging 14 points, 4.67 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal in 29.67 minutes per game.
Furthermore, Vlad Rad has hit 11 of his last 20 three-point attempts.
Byron Mullens, Charlotte Bobcats
Your eyes are just fine; a Charlotte Bobcat has indeed made the list.
Former Ohio State center Byron Mullens is finally logging some NBA minutes, and he is not disappointing.
Mullens is putting up a cool 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game over his last five contests, including a 15-point 10-rebound performance in his last game versus Houston.
Unlike most centers, Mullens is not a liability from the free-throw line. In fact, he’s shooting 95.2% through 10 games in 2011-12.
Expect Mullens to overtake DeSagana Diop as the Bobcats starting center in the next few weeks.
Any of these six players should help bolster your fantasy lineup’s depth, but if I was to recommend just one it would definitely be Iman Shumpert. I expect big things from the Knicks rookie, as does Mike D’Antoni and that’s all that matters.
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