What's on Special? 12-Team Edition
Today, Jay tackles fantasy specialists, what to look for, and which specialists you should look at.
In this article, I'll be taking a look at specialists for your team in category leagues. I'll get things started at some options likely available at the 12-team level. In case you're new to fantasy basketball, a specialist refers to a player who contributes mainly in one, at most two categories. Think end of roster, late round guys, or waiver wire streams you pick up to fill a spot where needed. These are the kinds of guys that, if your matchup is close, can be the ultimate difference maker to help secure a win. So, without further ado, let's take a look who can help push you over the edge in your matchups.
Disclaimer: I won't be covering turnovers. I don't believe there's such a thing as turnover specialists; just bench your players.
ASSISTS
One of the more scarce stats in fantasy basketball, finding a player on the wire or in the late rounds of drafts who can contribute here can be beneficial to winning the category on a weekly basis. In your standard 12 team leagues, I like the following:
TJ McConnell
McConnell served as my absolute go to as an assist streamer in many situations last year. He was readily available, playing in 79 games and averaging 4.4 dimes per contest. In 134 games without Haliburton, that assist number jumps to a healthy 6.4. With Tyrese suffering his achilles injury, TJ is set to take on a larger with the Pacers this season. Making him a late round target for those valuable assists.
Chris Paul
Even at age 40, the point god himself has proven he can still make plays with the best of them. Paul averaged 7.4 assists last season while impressively playing in every contest. While it remains to be seen if Paul remains in San Antonio, assists will remain the strong facet of Paul's game for what is set to be his final season.
STEALS
The most volatile category in fantasy. Finding consistency here may prove difficult. Look out for these specific pick pockets to steal you the W.
Herbert Jones
Herb's role on New Orleans this year may grow to be more than a specialist. However, if nothing else, he's reliable here. Herb averaged just under 2 steals per game last season before suffering a season ending injury. He also carries a career average of 1.6 per game. New Orleans will lean on Jones for his defense this season, so lock in on him locking up.
Matisse Thybulle
When your steal numbers are comparable to your points, that definitely suggests you're a specialist. Thybulle tallied 2.2 steals per game last season, and holds a career average of 1.6. Just be aware, if you have Thybulle on your roster for steals, that will be next to all you get.
REBOUNDS
We know where we're looking in this category. Bigs, bigs, and more bigs. Break out the windex and take a look at these glass cleaners.
Andre Drummond
A four time rebounding champ, even in a backup role, Drummond knows his money is made on the backboards, contributing a respectful 7.8 rebounds in just under 19 minutes of action.
Jusuf Nurkic
The Bosnian Beast heads to Utah this offseason where he'll play off the bench behind Walker Kessler (they're going to keep him, aren't they?) There are a lot of mouthes to feed in Utah's offense, so look for Nurk to grab some boards and get out of the way.
BLOCKS
Another big man dominated category.
Brook Lopez
Brook is close to not being considered a specialist, but entering the season at age 37 and joining a team with Kawhi, Harden, and Zubac, it begs the question of how much more will be asked of BroLo other than rim protection.
Robert Williams
Is it time we see Timelord stay on the court? He has a career average of 1.7 blocks per game, but following the 2021-22 season in which he played 61 games, he's only managed that exact total over the next three seasons combined.
THREES
A category that's becoming more plentiful by the year as teams seek more players that can do it all.
Malik Beasley
I'm going to take a risk here and list Beas as he undergoes a league investigation. Despite his off court troubles, his 3.9 triples per game make up for almost 75% of his total scoring output. And that can't be ignored when looking for this stat.
Klay Thompson
Have we reached that point in his career to call Klay a fantasy specialist? He's a bit more streaky than his prime years but still offered up three threes a game on average. There will be more opportunity this season playing off of AD and Flagg for open looks from deep.
POINTS
It's so interesting to see the averages of "points specialists" continue to rise as pace increases across the league. There are no shortages in this category.
Jordan Clarkson
This has been Clarkson's gimmick for his career. Low rebounds as a wing, low assists as a guard, but he will get the shots up. 16 per contest last season with Utah, matching his career average.
Bennedict Mathurin
This could be a copy and paste of Clarkson. Mathurin has potential for much higher scoring outputs than JC, and could move into a bigger role with the Pacers this season. For now though, scoring is where Mathurin holds his value for fantasy owners.
FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE
I don't know many fantasy managers that will roster a player full time solely for their FG%, the trick here is finding players that have enough volume to make it worth the stream.
Jaxson Hayes
A rim runner for Luka and LeBron. What you see is what you get, and that's 70% or higher from the field.
Moussa Diabaté
Charlotte's center rotation is less than desirable. However, Diabaté played in 71 games. And should continue to get high percentage looks this season with LaMelo setting the table.
FREE THROW PERCENTAGE
Much like FG%, the volume is the trick. The best things in life are free, who's taking advantage of them?
Mike Conley
The attempts are low, but hit at a 90% clip when he was there last season. Does enough to hold end of roster value if you have some injuries. Sunday streamer stuff right here.
Aaron Nesmith
The Haliburton injury creates opportunity again. Coming off a season of 91.3%, more shots for Nesmith could put that career mark of 82.8 to use.