I know, I know this is way too early to make any calls regarding players, but I’m going to anyway. After watching the last two days of games, here are some premature 8-cat bold calls for the 2015-2016 season:
Nikola Mirotic
He’s had two very impressive games and is now averaging 18.5 pts/3.5 threes/9 rebounds/1 assist/1.5 steals/0.5 blocks on 52% from the field & 100% from the line on 4 attempts a game.
This is a very hot start and for roto leagues is absolutely fantasy gold. He opens up the Bulls offense and it’s clear that 30 minutes is within reach. It looks like everything is breaking right for Mirotic with Joakim Noah already injured. A top 30 finish is within sight.
Meyers Leonard
Another multi-cat roto specialist, Leonard may have only played one game but was impressive enough to be mentioned here:
12 pts/2 threes/8 rebounds/3 assists/1 steal/1 block on 41% shooting.
As with Mirotic, this well-rounded line is essential to build a roto team that can really push for a championship. Leonard played 34 minutes and has established himself as probably the third option offensively on a Portland team lacking quality depth.
Ricky Rubio
This has to be clearly the most premature player update, but he did have a career night against L.A ending up with:
28 pts/2 threes/2 rebounds/14 assists/1 steal on 58% shooting also going 6/7 from the line.
The FT’s stand out here as Rubio was clearly not afraid of contact. Being able to get into the lane and take contact is imperative for Rubio’s value. It allows him to dish to open teammates, allowing easy assists or taking contact and hitting his FT’s. This may be Rubio’s best line this season, but he is clearly the number one PG option and it doesn’t look like there is anyone else on the roster who is ready or willing to take minutes from him. Let’s enjoy the ride.
Eric Gordon
There is an injury crisis in New Orleans and Eric the Eel is taking advantage. The one statistic that stands out for him is minutes: he’s averaging 37 over the first two games, posting averages of:
17 points/2.5 threes/3 rebounds/3.5 assists/1 steal whilst averaging 15 FGA a game.
Clearly Alvin Gentry not only likes Gordon’s game but has enough trust in his body that he is able to put him out there for 37 minutes a night. He needs to score and the opportunity is there for the first few months of the season to return early-season value.
Happy to answer any questions regarding trades or waiver wire adds; just comment on the article below and ill get back to you as soon as possible.
Also, if anyone is interested follow me on Twitter @Stroswift and happy to answer any questions there.
Stro.
