The Specialists: LouWillVille In Los Angeles
Just because an NBA player has emerged as a useful specialist doesn’t make him worthy of an endorsement, and this is not a column where every name listed is worth a spot on your roster…Analyzing the rationale behind hot streaks as well as understanding their projectability are each critical when searching for success in the fantasy landscape, and that’s exactly what we always aim to do.
J.R. Smith, G/F Cleveland Cavaliers: 3-pointers
With double-digit shot attempts in four straight games in which J.R. Smith has connected on 33-of-63 (52.4%) from the field—including 22-of-42 (52.4%) from downtown— and is obviously getting an opportunity to let it fly. I’m on the record as not interested in having Earl on my roster, and his recent streak isn’t going to suddenly shift me into reverse. Prior to averaging 22.5 points and 5.5 3-pointers over a red-hot four game swerve (despite Sunday’s dud), J.R. had scored 20 or more just once all season. On a team loaded with offense, the streaky Smith is a sell-high candidate.
Mirza Teletovic, F Phoenix Suns: 3-pointers
It’s a messy frontcourt situation in Phoenix, but Mirza Teletovic is again worth rostering in standard leagues. Playing minutes at center as the Suns look for additional ways to space the floor, Teletovic has played 20-plus minutes in four of his last five games, averaging 15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.0 triples on 46.8% shooting during that stretch. You better be dominating the 3-point category if those numbers can’t help you, and Teletovic really needs to be on more than 21% of Yahoo rosters while he’s producing this well.
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Amir Johnson, F/C Boston Celtics: Blocks, FG percentage
Amir Johnson is tasked to defend the rim for a Celtics team in need of help in that department, and he’s responding well to the challenge this season. Asked to play a different role in Boston than he did in Toronto, Johnson is well on his way toward reestablishing himself as a defensive force, shattering last year’s tally of just 59 swats. Johnson is also shooting the ball very well having registered at least a 50% clip in each of his last nine games, and he’s been especially hot of late, averaging 13.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 71.4% from the floor.
Trevor Ariza, F Houston Rockets: Steals, 3-pointers
Trevor Ariza has undoubtedly struggled to find his shot season, and it’s resulted in A3ZA becoming “just” an elite two-category specialist. Unable to find the range from anywhere on the floor, Ariza remains productive as evidenced by his three-game week with averages of 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 3.3 3-pointers. The veteran forward is on pace to flirt with 150 steals and 150 triples after exceeding that number in both categories last season, a feat that would put him in company alongside guys like Steph Curry, James Harden and Chris Paul.
Lou Williams, G Los Angeles Lakers: Points, FT percentage
I had Lou Williams down on this list before Kobe Bryant (right Achilles strain) missed Sunday’s game with a new injury, and Lou’s outlook only improves anytime Kobe is forced to the sidelines. Over his last four games, Williams has taken a whopping 38 free throws, converting at a 92.1% rate. During that same stretch of time, Sweet Lou is making music with averages of 23 points and 2.3 triples to go along with his dominant work at the charity stripe. He’s not going to give you anything beyond those categories except for the occasional steal, but Williams is one consistent source of instant offense for a Lakers team that needs all of that it can get. He was a player who warranted inclusion on fantasy rosters before this recent run of success, even with a healthy Bryant in the lineup.
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