The Fantasy Alarm staff is thrilled to welcome Lisa Ann as part of our 2014-15 NBA coverage. Lisa Ann will be writing a column each Monday about the world of hoops. One week it might be a breakdown of point producers or assist makers, another potentially an interview with a player. This week she takes on a topic near and dear to the heart of all fantasy players - the rookie.
Lisa Ann's Rookie Report
Living as a woman committed to be single, and free, I am sure you figure that I have some kind of a social life. I also have time for my own REAL life fantasy team. I draft them for different reasons. Maybe one of my long-term starters picks great restaurants or plans fun vacations. Maybe some on my bench live in areas where I travel to often and they can join me for sporting events. The one singular thing they must all have in common is they MUST like and have some sports knowledge. I don't think that is too much to ask for. It is doubtful that you won't agree. They also range in age, in my personal fantasy team, which leads me to rookies!
Yes, it is true. I like the occasional rookie. They are young, fresh and full of excitement to be entering their first year as a professional athlete. The big stage, the big life, when a bright eyed rookie is paired with the right veteran players & coaching staff you can watch their skills develop through the season. The opposite can happen as well with rookies. Drafting a rookie is a gamble, but that's partly what draws me to selecting a youngster, the unknown.
Let me explain how a rookie can mix up your fantasy season.
Rookies are incredibly fun to watch, they play with so much heart and they play with so much purpose. Their mental state throughout the season, adjusting to the NBA (the longer, more intense season), it's interesting to watch their development. They all have a purpose. That purpose is to be the NBA Rookie of the Year.
When a rookie has a 30 point game, the excitement is no comparison to the 30 point game given by your number #1 draft pick since everyone expects his starts to be elite. Whatever that rookie does gives you those bragging rights that you made that pick. Speaking of drafting rookies it's always easier for those who follow college sports to get a handle on the youngsters. It's also important to watch what team the rookies land on as minutes played is key to the level of production that should be expected in their first season. You can also look at the matchups and know when that team will be pushing the minutes of play for their newly acquired young player.
If you are holding on to that star rookie, by the time the All Star Break arrives, you may just be sitting on the golden egg to trade for what you need to get you through the playoffs and hopefully to the championship.
Here is a review of crop of rookies the past few years and my choice for the 2014 Rookie of the Year.
2012 ROOKIE CLASS
Damian Lillard, Blazers 19.1 PPG, 6.5 APG, 3.2 RPG in 70 games
Harrison Barnes, Warriors: 9.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.2 APG in 71 games
Andre Drummond, Pistons:7.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.7 BPG in 50 games
Dion Waiters, Cavaliers: 14.7 PPG, 3 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1 SPG in 57 games
Bradley Beal, Wizards: 13.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.4 APG in 54 games
2013 ROOKIE CLASS
Michael Carter-Williams, Sixers: 16.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 6.3 APG in 70 games
Victor Oladipo, Magic: 13.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.1 APG in 80 games
Trey Burke, Jazz: 12.8 PPG, 5.7 APG, 1.6 3PG in 70 games
Mason Plumlee, Nets: 7.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.8 BPG in 70 games
Tim Hardaway Jr., Knicks: 10.2 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.8 APG in 81 games
2014 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
My Rookie Pick this Year is Andrew Wiggins.
Wiggins, a 19 years old with unlimited potential, will see plenty of minutes and he possesses the ability to be a difference maker for the Timberwolves. While he is impressing I will be racking up points and his value on my team will be increasing for a potential trade. Another unique fact for a young player in the NBA is that he has NO tattoos. That separates him in a BIG way. These players spend endless hours getting tattoos, time to get in more free throws instead.
For more of the work of Lisa Ann be sure to check out the Fantasy Alarm Draft Guide...
Dunks, 3-pointers and pressure D. The 2014 Fantasy Alarm Basketball Guide has you covered from all angles. Category targets, breakout performers, players to avoid & more than 300 players ranked highlight the offering.