What's on Special? 16-Team Edition

Jay returns to go deeper on fantasy specialists. This week, we focus on deeper leagues.

Back again with some more specialist talk. Last week, we reviewed my favorite specialist choices for 12 team leagues. This week, we're going to look a little deeper down those lists and cover 14-16 team leagues. So, let's get into it!


ASSISTS

Isaiah Collier
The young guard for the Jazz dished out a very healthy 6.3 dimes per game in his rookie season. Collier started in 46 of the 71 games he played last year and seems safe to hold the spot down again this year. With a volume scorer in Ace Bailey coming to town, the shot attempts for Collier will likely remain low, but the opportunity to play the table setting role may remain or marginally improve this year.


Tyus Jones
Coming off a season in which he played every game but one with the Phoenix Suns, Jones finds himself joining one of the more promising teams out East in the Orlando Magic. Tyus will likely serve as the backup option to Jalen Suggs and stagger minutes with Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, and Paolo Banchero. With multiple scoring options at his selection, look for Jones to fall some in between that average from last year of 5.3, to his career mark of 4.4.


STEALS

Cason Wallace
I heavily considered going with Wallace's teammate and personal favorite, Alex Caruso. However, the Thunder like to keep AC's minutes lower in the regular season to keep him fresh. When it comes to a category as up and down as steals, being on the floor those extra minutes could be the difference maker. Wallace averaged 1.8 steals last season and should be locked into his role again this year with the now defending champs.


Kris Dunn
Dunn was the ying to James Harden’s yang in the Clippers backcourt last season, starting 58 of 74 games, and providing 1.7 steals. Dunn makes his money on the defensive side of the ball and the turnovers he forces are important to the Clippers transition game. He feels like a safe bet here to call upon.


REBOUNDS

Wendell Carter Jr.
The Magic make their second appearance of the article here with WCJ. The big fella grabbed 7.2 rebounds per game with Orlando last season. He also managed a career high 68 games played. With all of Orlando's new additions being guards, look for WCJ to pick right back up where he left off last season.


Day'ron Sharpe
Sharpe returned to the Nets this offseason on a two year deal. As the team continues to find their identity, Sharpe has seen a steady uptick in minutes each season, playing a career high 18 per game last season.


BLOCKS

Isaiah Jackson
Prior to the addition of Jay Huff, I thought the departure of Myles Turner would send Jackson's value to the moon. However, Huff will be in a Pacers uniform next season and could very well end up in a timeshare along with IJax, as he eases his way back in from the achilles injury from last season. That said, Jackson has been a profilic shotblocker in limited minutes, and there should be at least a minor increase of those available this season, priming Jackson to be a valuable swatter.


Peyton Watson
Peyton Swatso-... I mean WATSON, is such a sneaky choice here. LOVE the out of position blocks as a small forward at 1.4 per game. His motor cashs his cheques, and even earned him 18 starts in Denver last season. If you need blocks and the traditional big options aren't available to you, here's your choice.


THREES
Duncan Robinson
Duncan Robinson is heading from Miami to Detroit this year, and will carry his role with him. Detroit may lose their knockdown shooter and massive difference maker in their leap from last season in Malik Beasley due to an investigation into his alleged gambling, but they may have already find his replacement. A career 39.7% shooter on 7 attempts per game, Robinson will have the green light to continue his ways in the D.


Buddy Hield
The best ability is availability. Buddy Buckets managed to suit up for every game for the Warriors this past season, and averaged 2.5 threes on 37% from three. That level of consistency is something managers in need of a marksmen should keep an eye on.


POINTS

Jonathan Kuminga
We've been hearing the discussion of potential on Kuminga for a couple seasons now, but through some fault of Steve Kerr, Golden State at large, or his own, Kuminga has yet to put it fully together. Maybe this is the year he does it, but if not, the scoring flashes and averages of 16.1 and 15.3 in the prior two seasons respectfully are enough for managers to give him some burn.


Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma may not be available as a streamer if you end up in a league with a manager who's still a believer. Maybe you're the believer yourself. Whatever the case, Kuzma will get you buckets. If you're punting percentages, he becomes all the more valuable. And if not, well, just close your eyes and hope he gets hot.


FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE

Adem Bona
Volume as always, is the key to percentage streamers / specialists. Bona's value will peak in games Embiid misses.


Mitchell Robinson
The Knicks missed Robinson's size in a lot of lineups last season as he only suited up for 17 games. A bounce back season behind KAT should be on the horizon.


FREE THROW PERCENTAGE

Amir Coffey
Coffey can make for nice free throw booster. The volume is low, but the potential is there for it. He plays games. He gets minutes. 89.4% from the stripe last year, a career best.

Julian Champagne
90.4% on 1.2 FTA a game. He plays the games, suiting up for all 82 last year, and much like Coffey, gets the minutes too. If he can get to the stripe, he'll likely knock them down for you.