NBA Off-Season Winners?

I’d like to start making posts that are focused around fantasy sports. I’ve been a fantasy sports enthusiast since 2005. I participate in all 4 of the North American major sports, however my winning % has been much higher (50% of leagues) in NBA and NHL leagues. Over the years I’ve developed strong sports knowledge and I’d like to share that with the Steem community in the future.

I want to specifically focus on the players that have changed home venues and see whether or not their new threads will come with better fantasy stats.

I’d like to start making posts that are focused around fantasy sports. I’ve been a fantasy sports enthusiast since 2005. I participate in all 4 of the North American major sports, however my winning % has been much higher (50% of leagues) in NBA and NHL leagues. Over the years I’ve developed strong sports knowledge and I’d like to share that with the Steem community in the future. I want to specifically focus on the players that have changed home venues and see whether or not their new threads will come with better fantasy stats.

Often time, I’ve noticed the fantasy sports community over rate players that get traded or sign with new teams. This might be because we add the element of the “unknown”. We feel that change for a player is mostly a good thing and will rejuvenate his career. I completely disagree with this notion. In most cases, players stats regress (especially in their first year) with their respective new teams. This could be because of a plethora of reasons such as having to learn a new playbook, build chemistry with a new roster, getting your mind straight with the move and having to adjust living in a new city, etc. Seldom do you find that players excel on a new team unless all the chips fall perfectly in place, such as; good connection with the coach, team philosophy that fits your game, or you just get much more of the action being on a weaker team.

Without further delay, let’s have it. I’d like to start with…

1. D'Angelo Russell – Latest news is that the nets are committing to starting Lin and Russell together. Lord please have mercy on the Brooklyn’s away team scoreboard crew because they are going to be busy! No matter how poor that tandem will be defensively, I see Russell’s fantasy stats on the rise.

2016 STATS – 16ppg 4rpg 4.8 apg

2017 PREDICTIONS – 18/5/5

2. Gordon Hayward – All though this might be a good real life move for both Boston and Hayward, I see his scoring numbers taking a hit. Isaiah dominates the ball, they have many scoring options and Hayward has to get accustomed to a solid system already in place. With that said he’s still a very consistent producer across the board. Just don’t reach for him!

2016 STATS – 22ppg 5.4rpg 3.5 apg

2017 PREDICTIONS – 20/6/4.5

3. Dwight Howard – I personally dislike Howard solely because he never fulfilled his potential. He rode his freakish strength and athleticism for a few good years and lately have been coming back to haunt him. He did not work on his game in his 20’s and thus you see an aging center who can’t even hit an 8-foot hook shot. I see him fading even further this upcoming season. I would stay far away from him on draft day

2016 STATS – 13.5ppg 12.7rpg 1.2bpg

2017 PREDICTIONS – 12/9.5/1.1

4. Jimmy Butler – We know that Tibs is looking forward to having Butler on his squad again. Butler will be asked to guard the best wing option on the other team on a nightly basis. He will also be competing with Towns and Wiggins for shots in a slow-paced offence. These reasons might take away from his offensive numbers. That being said, Butler is entering his prime looking to prove that he can help a franchise who hasn’t made the playoffs in more than a decade. Don’t pass on him if he falls to you but I wouldn’t reach expecting a total breakout year.

2016 STATS – 23.9ppg 6.2rpg 5.5apg

2017 PREDICTIONS –23.3/6.5/4.5

5. Paul George – While I do see George maintaining his efficiency from last year (career high fg% at 46), I just don’t see him being able to average 24ppg. Maybe it’s just me but Westbrook is who he is. This is the first time we’re going to see George play 2nd fiddle to a superstar so it should be interesting. I would drop him 5-10 spots on draft day.

2016 STATS – 23.7ppg 6.6rpg 3.3apg

2017 PREDICTIONS – 22.1/5.9/2.8

6. Chris Paul – Save the biggest name for last. He is easily the toughest prediction to make for the upcoming year. Some experts are completely against the situation in Houston. I understand where these experts are coming from. 1 ball for 2 premium playmakers. That’s not to mention Melo might end up in Houston as well.
I’m on the flipside of this argument. I believe Chris Paul’s overall talent will shine through and through in Houston’s fast paced offence. I understand this is a bit of a bold call but I think Chris Paul will thrive in the D’Antoni system. He will match if not surpass Harden’s assist totals from last year and hit a ton of triples. Don’t shy away from drafting him late in the 1st round.

2016 STATS – 18ppg 5rpg 9.2apg

2017 PREDICTIONS – 17.3/5.5/11.1

I would love to hear your feedback and opinions on the NBA players that have moved this summer.

Cheers!

@sportsenthusiast