When it comes to fantasy basketball, one of the most overlooked categories is field goal percentage. We’re all looking for threes, rebounds and steals, and many people just ignore field goal percentage. Whatever happens, happens, right? The reality is that this category – like all others – is a winnable one as long as you do a little bit of research. Obviously a good big man can help boost your percentages but one strategy is to avoid – or know what you’re getting into – with the following four guys:
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Shooting Guard
There are a number of reasons to avoid drafting a 37-year-old Kobe Bryant, including his declining skill set and his durability after he played in only 41 games over the last two seasons combined. However, there are those that will be willing to take a flier on him even with those potential dangers in mind.
In addition to inconsistent numbers and the potential for him to miss time, fantasy owners will also have to deal with a declining field goal percentage number after he hit just 37% of his shot attempts a year ago. That actually is the second straight year his field goal percentage has declined. On top of that, the Lakers have talked about a potential position change and the fact that he’s surrounded by a new cast…it’s hard to see the numbers getting much better for Kobe. He’ll help you in some categories but this is one where he’ll be less than ideal.
Nick Young, Los Angeles Lakers
Small Forward
Young is another option that fantasy owners could consider in the later rounds after he averaged 13.4 points and 2.0 three-point shots per game in 42 appearances for the Lakers a year ago. He’ll likely lose some playing time with Kobe back, as well as Lou Williams, Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell in the mix. Beyond that, like Kobe, Young has the potential to really kill a fantasy team’s field goal percentage. Young hit only 36% of his field goal attempts last season and everyone knows he’s a volume shooter that tends to be very streaky.
Young could be a tempting option in the later rounds but it might be better to look elsewhere while keeping in mind his ability to hurt your team’s field goal percentage. If you need threes and points, he’s a cheap source. Otherwise, you might want to stay away.
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
Point Guard
Walker emerged as a legitimate fantasy point guard last season when he averaged 17.3 points, 5.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game but he was among the league’s worst performers in terms of field goal percentage. He hit only 38% of his attempts.
Walker has grown more comfortable as a starting point guard in each of his four NBA seasons and he will be able to fill out a number of important categories with an obvious focus on points and assists. However, his terrible field goal percentage has the potential to kill fantasy lineups and it’s important to keep that in mind at the draft table this season.
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
Point Guard
Rubio’s inability to stay healthy has been a major talking point throughout the early years of his NBA career as he has played in 82 games only once in his first four years. Rubio averaged 10.3 points, 8.8 assists and 5.7 rebounds in 22 games last season and will be an intriguing option for some fantasy owners – especially after Minnesota loaded up with young talent – but a killer field goal percentage should keep fantasy owners weary. Many people know about the injury risks but not the percentage downside.
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Rubio hit only 35% of his field goal attempts last season and he owns a career 36% field goal percentage. While he can add points, assists and rebounds to any fantasy lineup if healthy, it will come at a cost if he hurts that team’s field goal percentage.
