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Welcome to the RotoBaller NBA Recap. In this feature, we highlight three fantasy basketball takeaways from last night's slate of NBA games.
Thursday night featured the premiere of a new face in a Lakers' uniform and it sure did not disappoint (unless you're a Lakers fan). The King did King things while Chicago and Philadelphia played in a game that only fantasy owners could love. Miami vs. Washington was a nail-biter that featured a certain player who will continue to generate buzz as the weeks go on.
Without further ado, let's take it away in Thursday's recap with some fantasy highlights (and lowlights).
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LeBron James: Still King
LeBron James stuffed the stat sheet per usual Thursday night as he played his first game ever as a Laker. Despite not making any of his four three-point attempts, James had a great shooting night, going 10-for-19 from the field and 8-for-9 from the charity stripe.
The six turnovers are to be expected as drafters should have expected to basically punt that category upon drafting the King thanks to his massive usage. The 12 boards and six assists are about par for the course as they will typically fluctuate throughout the season occasionally hitting double-digits in unison. Even with a more talented, younger team around him, James looks like he will be continuing to carry the load on this Lakers team, so not much of a drop off should occur from last year to now.
The main concern with James going forward will be his potential rest days down the stretch given the current state of the Lakers and the Western Conference. It is apparent that this team is not built for a playoff run that will likely involve a matchup with the reigning champion Golden State Warriors. As a result, it is feasible that Coach Luke Walton opts to give his newly acquired superstar the occasional game off for maintenance throughout the year. The Lakers are preparing for the long haul with James locked in on a four-year deal, and they'd hate for him to get gassed before they acquire a secondary star and take that next step.
Josh Richardson: Usage Monster
Josh Richardson has now lead the Miami Heat in field goal attempts in both games this season, which signals a new, more aggressive role for the noted low-key fantasy stud. J-Rich has typically been a great mid-rotation player who provided a little bit of everything and didn't hurt you much.
As we've seen throughout the first two games thus far, he is flashing signs of a breakout. Ricardson has shot the ball an alarming 42 times through two games. An even 21 in both games which is surely a trend his fantasy owners will hope continues given that he now has back to back games with over 20 points.
Head Coach Erik Spoelstra stated prior to the season that he wanted Richardson more aggressive and involved in the offense and boy, has it translated. Richardson is attempting an insane amount of threes and actually hitting decently at 33 percent on 21 attempts.
His increased usage will certainly hurt owners' FG% given his notoriously streaky shooting. Nevertheless, the stocks (steals and blocks) are there with one of each in both games and a handful of rebounds and assists too. Richardson is looking like a steal at his mid-round ADP and should this production continue, he could end up as a working man's Victor Oladipo. Pick Richardson up ASAP if he's somehow available.
Otto Porter Jr.: Just a Role Player?
Here's a list of Washington Wizards whose field goal attempts on Thursday were greater than or equal to Otto Porter Jr.: John Wall, Bradley Beal, Kelly Oubre Jr., Markieff Morris, Jeff Green, Austin Rivers. Porter Jr. shot just seven times on Thursday and made three for nine points (thanks to two trips to the free throw line).
He did not attempt a single three-pointer, which is disappointing given that it is what we have come to know him for. However, despite an underwhelming shooting night, Porter Jr still provided his owners with major category production. 11 rebounds and SIX stocks (three steals and three blocks) are more than anyone can ask from the 25-year old out of Georgetown.
Porter Jr should see more shot attempts, especially from three going forward. Unfortunately, with usage hogs like John Wall and Bradley Beal alongside him, the scoring upside is still limited. As long as he can continue to provide in the money categories (stocks and threes) while boosting ratios, he should remain a sound investment.
