The NFL is in its 4th week of action which that means Fantasy Football junkies are scrambling to make waiver wire pick-ups and researching players to see who can help out their teams. This also means that the NBA season is just around the corner and that fantasy owners need to start preparing for their upcoming fantasy basketball drafts.
Probably the most important aspect to any fantasy league is the draft. This year’s revamped Golden State Warriors team is not only built to make a great run for the 2013-14 NBA season, but also contains players that can fill up the stat sheet and help you on your way to becoming fantasy basketball champ for your league.
Here’s your quick guide of Warriors players whom you should keep an eye on for your fantasy team.
#1 Stephen Curry
| FG% | 3PM | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 45.1 | 3.5 | 90.0 | 4.0 | 6.9 | 3.1 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 22.9 |
As you can see, Curry contributes mightily when it comes to a 9-category Head-to-Head matchup league. He’s currently listed as the 5th highest drafted player in drafts according to Yahoo! Sports. Curry shoots with a high percentage, rebounds at a great rate for his size and even dishes out a good amount of assists.
One of the arguments that can be made against Curry and why you shouldn’t risk drafting him high is that he is injury prone, but last season should have largely dispelled that concern. Also, with a full offseason of rest, Curry is healthy and fantasy owners should not worry. Curry has not yet reached his potential and as an emerging star, his numbers should be on the rise.
#2 David Lee
| FG% | 3PM | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 51.9 | 0.0 | 79.7 | 11.2 | 3.5 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 18.5 |
Lee is your best bet after Curry because he is a double-double machine who also gives out more assists than the average player in his position. Lee often runs the Warriors’ fast breaks and with word that he is working on a 3-point shot, he may be able contribute in that category to fit the mold of the more and more popular ‘Stretch 4’. Even if he doesn’t, you can almost always rely on him to bring in a double-double.
#3 Andre Igoudala
| FG% | 3PM | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 45.1 | 1.1 | 57.4 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 2.6 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 18.5 |
Yahoo! Sports rates Klay Thompson above Igoudala, but Thompson’s shooting and scoring ability cannot match “Mr. Do-It-All’s” fantasy value. Do you remember when Shawn Marion was one of the best fantasy players to have? Marion was known not to be particularly good at one thing, but he always filled each category including the valuable defensive ones (blocks, steals) that people fight for. Think of Igoudala as a lesser version of Marion who will still contribute tons to your fantasy team. The only two concerns for Igoudala will be his playing time and his free throw percentage, but for how much he does in other areas, he is worthy of a high draft pick.
#4 Klay Thompson
| FG% | 3PM | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 42.2 | 2.6 | 40.1 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 16.6 |
Thompson’s strengths are that he scores well and that he doesn’t it at an efficient rate because of his high shooting percentages. You can also trust Thompson to have around two 3-point field goals per game. If you ever have a need for better shooting on your team, make sure to look for Thompson as he will be a great asset to you.
#5 Andrew Bogut
| FG% | 3PM | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 45.1 | 0.0 | 50.0 | 7.7 | 2.1 | 1.09 | 0.6 | 1.7 | 5.8 |
Bogut had quite a rocky season last year from dealing with injuries to contemplating retirement, but he said he’s 100% healthy and ready for the upcoming season. So, fantasy owners shouldn’t be worried about his production. Though Bogut is considered to be “injury-prone” his injuries have often come out of sheer bad luck. In his NBA career, he has often missed time, but nothing of major significance other than when his ‘accidents’ occurred. Bogut is probably the riskiest player out of all the Warriors to have on your team, but when healthy, he produces. Let’s take a look at his career numbers:
| FG% | 3PM | FT% | REB | AST | TO | STL | BLK | PTS |
| 51.9 | 0.0 | 57.2 | 9.2 | 2.3 | 1.93 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 12.2 |
Since he is healthy, he is well worth the risk. Keep your fingers crossed though and hope that another ‘freak’ injury doesn’t occur.
For the most part, the starters from the Warriors will be your best bet, but there are others to choose from especially if you’re in a deeper league. Keep your eyes out on Harrison Barnes as he will most likely fill-in as the Warriors sixth man and if you want to look further, be mindful of Jermaine O’Neal, Marreese Speights and Toney Douglas. They should all be helpful contributors and remember that if you’re in need of some help, look to the Warriors roster for some assistance.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
