hoopGM | Out of Contention? Focus on Building A Contender for Next Season
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jeremy Wagner has been playing fantasy basketball for 14 years and has won several championships along the way (and he did not have to enter several leagues a year to do so). Here you will find articles that explain some of his favorite fantasy basketball strategies as well as advice on hot prospects and other players that have caught his eye.
Everyone wants to win their league, but only one team can. Coming down the stretch you can split up every fantasy league into two different groups; the challengers and the pudwackers. We all hope that heading into the homestretch our teams still have a shot at the title. However, in reality there are many of us who see our seasons end around the All-Star break or sometimes even before.
What do you do if you are in that situation? Well, if you are playing in a single season league, you stop paying attention, but this is keeper league basketball and titles can be won right now. Maybe not this year’s title, but next year is still up for grabs. That is the beauty of keeper fantasy basketball. If it is obvious that you are out of the running and no big trade or stretch of luck can make up for that, then you are screwing yourself if you do not start to plan for next year.
Keeper fantasy basketball can provide excitement throughout the season when single year fantasy basketball cannot. If you make the right moves, not contending can be as exciting as fighting for the championship.
Here are some ideas for how to begin to shape your roster if you are out of the running:
Think Baseball
Every year at the baseball trading deadline the bad teams start shipping off their high paid stars to the contenders for prospects. I am not saying to trade LeBron James for Sasha Vujacic, J.R. Smith and a draft pick, but if you do not explore your trade options where you are giving up a decent player for a player that could be better next year, you are missing a big shot at improving your team. I do not believe in trading a star unless I am getting an even bigger star back, but if your team is out of the race go ahead and consider every player on your roster on the block. Do not hold a fire sale, but see what you might be able to get for some of your better players. A contender who is looking to win now, may be willing to give up tomorrow’s star for a better shot at this year’s glory. Do not deal for far off projects, but prospects that are close to breaking out. Draft picks and cash are good too, but not as good as a player who you believe is going to produce next year. Float some proposals with two or three GMs and see what you can get. A proposal is not a guaranteed deal. You can change your mind or your offer. Just like in the NBA, not every deal that is discussed is completed, but you cannot pull off a trade without starting the discussion.
Cut Dead Weight
Every bad team has some bad players. You need to be honest with yourself about your roster. If you have below average players who are past their prime, why on earth would you keep them on your roster? It is time to take Concrete Blonde out of the CD player and try some Jimmy Eat World. Here is where you can take a shot at a project. Find a player who you believe could be a star, but is just starting to get some time or a young player who is earning his spot in the rotation. Look to the poorer teams in the league and see if they have a rookie or second year guy who is starting to earn some minutes. There are usually plenty of past their prime players you can claim if you need one, but you usually only get one shot at a hot prospect. If you have one or two developing players who you can watch finish off the season that can provide you with the enjoyment that you would normally get from fighting for the crown.
Stockpile Cash
This is not typical fantasy basketball where a good player is a good player. Some players will be overpaid for what they are providing you. Do not be afraid to cut ties with that type of player. It will hurt to lose their services, but the extra cash that you save can help get your finances under control and the money you save this year can help take on salary next year in a trade.
Look for Cheap Contracts
Under this salary system locking a player at a minimum salary for three years can be like striking gold. If you can find a player who has done little this season, but can contribute next year pick him up and resign him at the end of the season for three years. In order to be eligible for a minimum contract that player must be averaging under a 20 for the season at the end of the season. What should you look for to find a player like this? Look for players who should be starting next year. A prime example of this is Sebastian Telfair in Portland. He is the point guard of the future and Portland may have no choice but to start him next year with the departure of Damon Stoudamire and the fact that Nick Van Exel can be waived. Another type of player to look for in this situation is a free agent who probably will be moving on to a better situation. An example of this type of situation is Samuel Dalembert in Philadelphia. He is not getting the time he deservves there and a team like Atlanta could come in and make him an offer the Sixers have to refuse. In both of these situations you have an instant star in the making who you can sign to a three year $1 million contract.
Some of these strategies go hand in hand and all of them require some tough decisions and a gambling attitude. For GMs who have seen their season fall apart taking these steps can not only provide renewed interest in an otherwise lost season, but may lay the groundwork for a trophy next year.
ADDITIONAL ARTICLES: Starting Your Season Strong | Never Reward Incompetence