At this point now in the current NBA fantasy season, you’re obviously very keen on point guards such as Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, and so on. Their numbers speak for themselves, and any of the three make for a quality start in any fantasy format. But as the case is with most leagues, you need a second option each night, and if you are playing in daily leagues that have salaries, you need one on the cheap end of the spectrum. The four players below fit that need, and could very well make the difference for your lineup as the season’s end draws near.
Mike Conley – Memphis
2014-15 Stats: 15.9 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 44% FG, 38% 3PFG, 85% FT, 2.2 TPG
Conley isn’t flashy (and never will be,) but he has been one of the more consistent players in the league for several years now, always averaging at least 12 points and five assists per game to go along with 43 percent shooting since the 2009-10 season. He has weathered different coaches and levels of success without experiencing any drastic changes in his production, and experienced his most success thus far during last season, when he averaged 17.2 points, 6.0 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting 45 percent from the field. His numbers are down just a small bit this year, but he remains a very reliable play as a second point guard every time he plays.
Ish Smith – Philadelphia
2014-15 Stats: 6.2 PPG, 3.1 APG, 1.9 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 37% FG, 27% 3PFG, 65% FT, 1.5 TPG
Smith has had a rough go of it during his five seasons in the league, playing for nine different teams. Yes, nine teams in five seasons. Only the Phoenix Suns have opted to keep Smith for an entire season, during the 2013-14 campaign. He began this season as a third-string point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and as Smith probably expects by now, was dealt before the trade deadline to Philadelphia. Prior to joining the 76ers, Smith had never averaged more than 4.5 points and 14.4 minutes per game. Since arriving to the young Philadelphia squad, Smith has averaged 12.8 points, 6.0 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 40 percent shooting, 1.2 steals, 2.7 turnovers, and 26.8 minutes per game. Not bad for someone who could barely see the floor since his arrival to the league as an undrafted free agent from Wake Forest in 2010. 76ers big man and likely Rookie of the Year runner-up Nerlens Noel has been outspoken in his support of management retaining Smith in the offseason, as he has enjoyed an uptick in his own production since Smith’s arrival.
Regardless of what happens this summer, Smith is a sneaky play in daily salary-based fantasy leagues, and is worth a look in other formats as well during the final stretch of the season.
Elfrid Payton – Orlando
2014-15 Stats: 8.9 PPG, 6.4 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 42% FG, 23% 3PFG, 55% FT, 2.5 TPG
Anyone following NBA rookies this season is no doubt already aware of Payton and his abilities. His overall numbers for the season don’t jump out too much for a starting point guard, but Payton has steadily improved nearly every category as the year has progressed, especially his shooting. Payton’s free throw percentage remains dismal, but he makes up for it in other areas. In his last nine games, Payton is averaging 14.1 points, 9.7 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 2.6 steals, 48 percent field goal shooting, and a stunning 89 percent from the foul line. Now is the time to start Payton as a second option, especially if you are lacking in assists and steals from your point guards. His current numbers make him an excellent utility option as well, although he will give you nothing from three-point range. Even so, he makes for a solid play at a usually bargain price in daily leagues right now, and he is peaking just as the season ends.
Jordan Clarkson – Los Angeles Lakers
2014-15 Stats: 11.2 PPG, 3.2 APG, 3.2 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 30% 3PFG, 44% FG, 82% FT, 1.5 TPG
Clarkson has been one of the only good stories this season for a Lakers team decimated by age and injuries. Fortunately for Clarkson, those afflictions have paved the way for some significant playing time for the 46th pick in the second round in last summer’s draft. After playing in the D-League for most of the early part of the season, Clarkson was essentially called up for good towards the end of January, and has been producing ever since. He has reached double-figures in scoring in 18 out of his last 21 games, averaging 16.3 points on 48 percent shooting, while also averaging 5.8 assists and 5.2 rebounds during the same stretch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOQW6j1B7cs
The Lakers’ roster situation is pretty up in the air next season, but Clarkson is the floor leader for the team as they close out this miserable season, so start him as your second option if you are lacking in that area, especially if you are needing guard scoring — Clarkson has topped the 20+ point mark six times in his past 10 games, including a career-high against Oklahoma City on March 24.
