If you’re playing in a roto league, punting shouldn’t be pursued. Could it work? Sure, but it’s far more difficult to execute than in head-to-head category leagues. In these leagues, punting is often ideal because you just need to win one more category than your opponent for the week. Punting may also be forced upon you by the way a draft plays out. Take for instance the assists category. Dimes are a precious resource this season, so what happens if you miss out on the run? Rather than utilizing precious resources to scrounge up scraps and still be behind in the category, the prudent course of action may be to just disregard the category and focus on others. With the small sample size of a week’s worth of games, variance will also inevitably rear it’s head. As a result, skewing the probabilites in your favor to lock in certain categories could give you a leg up on the competition. In the below Google Sheets, I’ve listed the rankings (side by side) if you were to punt each category. Keep in mind that these are overall value based on my projections. For thoughts on my process, click HERE.
To make a COPY of the sheet, click HERE.
Hey, Son.
What do you think of Warriors big men rotation? Kevon Looney and Chriss are currently available, tho Looney is not healthy right now.
Rather have Looney
Hey Son,
Thanks for the recommendation on Zion the other day. We’re doing our draft by email since we’re all spread out over the globe. Because of a trade last year, I have two picks coming up back-to-back. Which two of the following four would you recommend?
Jarrett Culver
Tyler Herro
Nikeil Alexander-Walker (NAW)
OG Anunoby
Format: 9 cat, 8 team keeper league, 16 keepers. I’m currently rebuilding, hoping to compete in 2020-2021 though I could probably finish 2nd/3rd this year if I push. But most of my guys are under-25.
Love Culver’s versatility but afraid he might just be a role player swiss army knife.
Herro’s got shooting and some playmaking, but wondering how much of its real and if his defensive stats will be zilch.
Love what I’ve seen on NAW so far, but seems a bit out of control and wondering how he compares to Herro.
OG, I’d like a good young 3-4 and excited by his minutes and athleticism. But is he more of a good real player than good fantasy player?
Thanks! I’ve got plenty of depth on my team, so would prefer guys who have a higher ceiling (within reason). Decent blend of all categories, though I could always use more steals.
But ceiling is more important.
I like them all. I’d probably go NAW and Culver. I love Herro but not sure he contributes much in D
Sweet, thanks Son!
Anytime
Hey Son – this has nothing to do with this post (apologies)…but which combo of bigs would you prefer: KAT + Ibaka….or Gobert + Vucevic? Thanks my man
All good. Gobert/Vuc
14-Team H2H Standard 9 Cat Auction League;
I end up punting FT% or FG% almost every year based on how my drafts play out. Seems like there’s always value to be had when I focus on one or the other in both auction or snake drafts. Are there specific categories you are more inclined to target or put less focus on early in drafts to gain an advantage?
I don’t care too much about turnovers. After that, I see how the draft flows and go from there. I find that when I’m too focused on something, I miss out on opportunities
Got a good one for ya, who would you rather have based solely on 3 pointers made?
Danny Green
Kennard
Reddick
I’ll take Green. I have him projected for the same amount per game as Reddick. Throw in the D stats and the tie is broken
Hey Son,
I love this punt ranking page! Thanks for this.
I know you like to pair a big and a PG with your first couple picks. I’d like to do the same, but I have the (bleh) 9th pick overall in a keeper league.
12 team / H2H / 9-Cat
Keeper is Vucivic and I’m using the Punt Steals ranking list.
The ideal Goal is to get Lillard with the 9 pick. If that doesn’t happen, would you rather:
1) Take Embiid or Gobert and find PG’s later?
2) Drop down a few ranks and take Beal for a bit more balance to start?
3) Take Kemba (his ADP is 26 and my 2nd round pick is the 25th) Risky to wait, but big upside if I can get him in round 2 instead.
Thanks!
Rice
I’m glad you like it, RICE!
As I’ve done more drafts, I like going assists/points for the first two rounds, then grab bigs in the 3-5 range. There are some juicy guys there.
As for your dilemna, I’m more inclinced to go Kemba/Trae if Dame doesn’t fall to you. I don’t hate Jrue or Beal either
It’s a good point you make… I see names in rounds 3-4 like Myles Turner, Aldridge, Robinson, Bryant.
Considering I’ve already got Vucivic, I think it’s a good plan to double up on points/assists to start this draft off.
I’d be pretty happy with Kemba, Trae, Turner, and Vucivic after the first 3 rounds.
Thanks Son!
I like it. Good luck, RICE RICE BABY!
Anytime!
Hey Son,
Sorry this doesn’t really have to do with your article. I’ve been lurking and I’m gonna try out fantasy basketball this year. I’m doing a 10-team Roto league with FG%, FT%, 3PM, REB, AST, STL, BLK, PTS. Prett Standard cats I think except turnovers.
1. How does your analysis differ Kostas Top 155 projections? Should I try out your rankings for Roto? I can’t find like a Top 200 list for you unless I go by your different articles. Sorry if these are totally noob questions. Here is my team:
PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Jimmy Butler
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Mitchell Robinson
G: Chris Paul
F: Robert Covington
UTIL: Mike Conley
UTIL: Bam Adebayo
UTIL: Victor Oladipo
BENCH: Larry Nance Jr.
BENCH: Josh Richardson
BENCH: TJ Warren
Thanks for the writing and analysis.
Hey Son,
Sorry this doesn’t really have to do with your article. I’ve been lurking and I’m gonna try out fantasy basketball this year. I’m doing a 10-team Roto league with FG%, FT%, 3PM, REB, AST, STL, BLK, PTS. Prett Standard cats I think except turnovers.
1. How does your analysis differ Kostas Top 155 projections? Should I try out your rankings for Roto? I can’t find like a Top 200 list for you unless I go by your different articles. Sorry if these are totally noob questions. Here is my team:
PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Jimmy Butler
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Mitchell Robinson
G: Chris Paul
F: Robert Covington
UTIL: Mike Conley
UTIL: Bam Adebayo
UTIL: Victor Oladipo
BENCH: Larry Nance Jr.
BENCH: Josh Richardson
BENCH: TJ Warren
Thanks for the writing and analysis.
All good. Welcome, Matt!
The difference between Kostas and my projections is process. They both are useful, but just comes down to personal preference. As for Top 200 lists and such, go to the RANKINGS tab and the Preseason Projections (Per-Game Value) will provide what you’re looking for.
Squad looks solid. Good luck this season!
AyYyYyYyO!!!!
We’re back! My guy Son !
Got a big 12 team draft coming up Sunday.
Coming off of a Three-peat Championship season. (3 in a row) in a competitive league.
Looking forward to reading the great Razzball content here.
Peace Son & best of luck to all of the readers!
Ayooooooooo!
We back indeed! Just a few more days for the Quadpeat quest. Good luck, homie!
Hey, Son.
In a H2H 9 CAT, who would you rather have: DLo and Brogdon or Terry and DMitch?
Terry/DMitch
I thought so. What do you think of JV for Rozier straight up? I’ll be getting JV.
I’m wary of JV. The foot issue scares me
That’s I’m thinking as well. Without the foot issue, I’d rather roll with sure 17PPG 10PPG 1BPG than Terry’s unknowns
Thanks son! Had my first draft last night head to head roto nine cats. Can you give me an opinion? Thought I did ok part of me thinks I could have done better wa yes to try to dominate 6 cats. Is rd 5 too high for morant?
Start 4 g 4 f 1 f/c
Westbrook Conley morant Dinwiddie
Markkanen Gordon nance Barnes Ross portis
Vucevic Adams
Ross is g/f eligible
Strength is assists and you punted blocks. A little light in tres and the percentages aren’t great, but the other cats look fine.
Ja in the fifth is about where he goes
Thanks! Do you think I’m fine on points?
You’re ok
Hey Son!
Finished my draft last night, I feel like im suffering in ft% without need, do you recommend punting it or maybe getting rid of the bad ft% guys maybe?
12 team/ 11 cat (9cat+ftm, 3pt%)
1. (32) Jimmy Butler (Mia – SG,SF) $44
2. (36) Lauri Markkanen (Chi – PF) $25
3. (40) Mike Conley (Uta – PG) $19
4. (43) Deandre Ayton (Pho – C) $25
5. (46) John Collins (Atl – PF,C) $27
6. (49) Clint Capela (Hou – PF,C) $17
7. (50) Otto Porter Jr. (Chi – SF,PF) $20
8. (71) Josh Richardson (Phi – SG,SF) $8
9. (75) Terry Rozier (Cha – PG,SG) $4
10. (83) Hassan Whiteside (Por – C) $6
11. (99) Fred VanVleet (Tor – PG) $2
12. (127) Derrick White (SA – PG,SG) $1
13. (129) Zach Collins (Por – PF,C) $2
Yeah, free throw shooting isn’t great. You are light in dimes too and the tres aren’t great. You look fine everywhere else. It’s kind of hard to punt after the fact because who’s going to trade for those low FT guys?
Thankss for response!
I punted assists for the most part, but i can try and shop clint maybe for a 3 point guy.
what do you think about clint capela for covington? I can make that happen although ill loose value.
I actually like that trade for you. You take a dip in blocks and boards, but you’d still be at a level that’s very competitive. The gains in tres and steals, though, bring you up to a very competitive level. Also, get a bump up in FT%.
As for value, I don’t worry about that so much. It’s all about what makes your team better
Hi son
I’ve been lurking on this site since JB’s time and all of you have been a great help for me and make me a yearly contender on our leagues. May I ask for your comments on this year’s team. It’s 10 team 9 cat league.
G: Harden, Kemba, Bledsoe, g. Harris, Ross
F: Butler, Otto, Oubre, I aka, Powell
C: Robinson, Horford, Len
Hey Gerald! Thanks for continuing to be a Razzballer.
Squad is solid. Strenghts are blocks and steals. Weaknesses are rebounds and dimes
Thanks Son.. Have a great year and keep up great work here.
Thanks! You too!
Hi Son,
Satoransky just got dropped in my league. I think he’ll do great considering his position but I’m scared they’d give white his role eventually.. You think Should I drop anybody for sato? OG anunoby is available as well and is very intriguing right now..
I love Sato. There is a chance that White overtakes him at some point, but I don’t think it’s high probability. At least early on. OG has been intriguing me as well, but more wait and see. Since you’re weak on dimes and boards, I’d drop Ross for Sato. I’d hold off on OG
Thanks on the advise. Just took Sato now. I’m also keeping an eye on wright but I think he’ll just be a handcuff if Luka sits or goes down(hopefully not)..
Anytime! I don’t think Wright is just a handcuff to Luka, as he’s going to start alongside him
Hey Son, been reading a lot of your articles and wanted to say great job and keep it up!
Was hoping you could share some insight?
I was offered Harden and Thomas Bryant for my Gobert and Draymond.
Not sure if it’s a real upgrade for the current team I’ve got:
12 team 9 cat Yahoo
PG: Lillard, Lowry, Teague
Wings: Gallinari, Wiggins, KCP, Bacon
Bigs: Gobert, Ayton, Draymond, Horford, Dedmon, Olynyk
Thanks for the help!
Thanks, Runfast!
From a category perspective, you get a boost in FT%, tres, and points.
You take a dip in REB, BLK, and TO.
So, it’s a wash if you look at it like that.
Harden is the best player in the deal and has the most upside of anyone. Plus, I like Bryant. I’m inclined to take the deal, but that’s just me.
Hi son,
Love to read
Your articles!
We are playing 10teams h2h in yahoo 9’catogry and I got to pick 7 place .
Leaning towards Lebrun +luka /Drummond
What so you think about Lebron on the 7? Would you pick other player like embid/Beal?
Thanks, Niv!
I like that combo for a punt FT squad. I have no issues with it. In one league, I think I was in the 9th spot, I went Lebron/Westbrook to start.
No doubt AD is a monster and was the best fantasy player last year before the trade nonsense started. But with his new “team approach” I am wondering if Harden is the better bet with the #2 pick – even in a nine cat league where turnovers are a cat.
Last night’s preseason game was just that – preseason. But hard to ignore the usage variance between the two. Bigs are easier to find later….MRob, Sabonis, Whiteside, etc
You were leaning AD earlier As the better pick in our 12 team, h2h league. Still AD or Harden (or Giannis if he is not taken first? )
The only thing I worry about with AD is health. When healthy, he is head and shoulders above everyone else. I’ve gone in both directions when I’ve had a top pick. When I’ve gone with Harden, it’s been for the health concerns with AD and dimes that Harden provides. Like you said, there are some nice bigs in the 3-5 range. But when I’m feeling like Conan and wish to crush my enemies, see them driven before me, and to hear the lamentation of their women, I choose AD
Ha ha! Full belly laugh
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiIq8PV2qPlAhUDvZ4KHS0dDUwQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftenor.com%2Fsearch%2Ffat-kid-laughing-gifs&psig=AOvVaw20LvmWzdHJT5H9auTlDOKm&ust=1571415931910835
wuddup son. Still a newbie so want to see how you feel about this team. 10 team h2h categories. 9 categories BUT double doubles instead of steals which skews it quite a bit. what are your thoughts? am I competin?
PG- JA morant
SG- Khris middleton
G- SGA
SF- LeVert
PF- Drummond
F- Nikola Vucevic
C- KAT
C- Blake Griffin
Util- Larry nance Jr.
Util- Delon Wright
Bench – TJ warren
Bench- Zach Collins
Bench- Herro
I think Bakej griffin is the only pick I hated. 6 guys I wanted went right in a row and I panicked.
Too bad no steals, as this squad would do well in that cat. Regardless, you looking good. The free throw % is low, turnovers are high, and your weakest cat is tres. Hopefully, Herro can be just that for your squad. As for the DD, you have five guys in the top 30 in our DD projections.
Double Doubles instead of Turnovers***** steals are still a category…FT, FG, Pts, Ast, Reb, 3pm, Blk, Stl, DD
Ahhhh, nice! Even better for you!
Good luck, Crime Dog!
Nice! Based on your first comment then I get a big bump in steals and another bump for no TOs. Thanks Son!
Affirmative
Need some help in a 9 cat redraft
Which side would you go with?
Kawhi/Delon Wright/Harrell
Or
Drummond/Gobert/dejounte Murray
Cheers
What’s rest of squad look like?
miles bridges, zion, bryant, Bagley, Covington, satoransky, sabonis, Dinwiddie isaac
I have the kawhi side currently
Hmmm, interesting.
From a straight cats perspective, you gain in REB, STL, and BLK, but lose in 3PT, PTS, AST, TO, and FT%.
I may have Dejounte’s dimes projection low, so there’s upside.
I think I make the deal for Drummond/Gobert/Dejounte. You know how I feel about Kawhi’s games projection. In addition, you have so many good options at forward, that I’d then try to acquire some dimes or tres. Are you punting those cats?
Planning on grabbing best players available and look for improvements through trades. Thank god for razzball lol
Have a good one. Thanks again for your guidancec
Cool. Anytime, Mikey!
I’d focus on tres and dimes. That’s where you are weakest, unless you are punting
Hey Son, been following for a few years, always preferred your rankings compared to the other big guys.
What do you think of my team in 10team/9cat league? Was gonna do a punting strategy, but drafted last and just ended up kinda taking the best players available
PG Donovan Mitchell
SG Bradley Beal
G Terry Rozier
SF Tobias Harris
PF Otto Porter Jr
F Larry Nance Jr
C Rudy Gobert
C Mitchell Robinson
Util Jeremy Lamb
Util Jeff Teague
Bench Zach Collins
Bench Terrence Ross
Bench Alex Len
Much appreciated, Sebastian!
Very solid squad. Obviously blocks are your best cat. Free throw % is your biggest bugaboo. Dimes and tres are your weakest after that, but you are still looking good in those cats.
Nice job!
Hey Son,
What’s the outlook for John Wall in a keeper league? He may not come back this year at all and will be 30 next September. Probably difficult to predict next season, but where would you rank him, if he’s healthy in 2021-22?
That’s tough to say because I don’t know how all the other players will be ranked yet. So much unknown. So, I can’t rank Wall without knowing where I’d rank everyone else. From a macro perspective, his game doesn’t translate so well without the explosiveness of his youth. He should still dish out dimes, but me thinks the boards, field goal %, and defensive stats will all come down. Hope that helps
Makes sense.
Draft question then. I have 5th overall and nothing for the next 6 rounds. My 4 keepers are AD, Embiid, Giannis and Simmons. So TO is a punt for sure, with FT% and 3 PT close behind.
Notable players available are: M Turner, Robinson, Siakam, Zion, Ja Morant, LaVine, A Gordon, J Murray, Paul, Conley, Porter Jr and Middleton.
I think I’ll end up with one of the bigs or take a flyer on LaVine. What would you suggest?
I think you have to get the dimes here. If you’re punting dimes, then it’s MRob or Zion. I do like LaVine alot this year, but he’d be behind those two
Hey son! In my 2nd draft I have the number 10 pick. Personally I love Westbrook there but a lot of rankings have him way lower. What do you think? Do you like Gobert or Lillard better at 10? Gobert seems a touch high I’d like more points there? Where do you like Trae young. Would Nt go 10 with him of course. Do you like Westbrook to average 23 – 7-8 with 2 threes and decent percentage? That’s all day at 10 imo. Might have more than a steal as well.
I’d take Dame in a heartbeat at 10. That’s probably a little high for Trae, but I get it if someone would want to. Gobert is probably a little too high as well, but it all depends on your team build.
As for Russ, I have him as the #21 player overall. The reason he gets dinged is because of poor shooting percentages and high turnover rate. The counting stats are lovely, though. In terms of 2 tres, he’s only done that once in his entire career. I don’t think you can count on that, but are you thinking because he’s on the Rockets that he would attempt more?
The Rockets system is definetly a plus IMO. So you like Lillard for sure over him? I’m not in love with other players there. I’m thinking it needs to be Lillard or Russ. Russ is 80% for his career for FT% and 43% for FG which isnt horrible in my mind. The Turnovers I can deal with. Who else would you take over Russ? I don;t love a ton of guys there. I plan on building around that first pick. I like to alternate big small. Do you like Markkanen or Bagley better in the 40’s? And where do you like Bam and Nance?
Thanks!
Russ has shot 65 and 73 percent from the line the past two years.
I mean no disrespect and am always happy to answer questions, but I spent many hours writing my thoughts on every player in all my rankings pieces. I’d appreciate if you read those, as many of your questions would be answered.
As for Markk vs Bagley, really depends on team build, as both offer different things.
I’m high on Bam this season. Probably have to draft him around the 4th or 5th round.
I have Nance as the 65th overall player.
Thank you sir! No disrespect taken at all and I appreciate you answering. From now on I will read before I ask.
Thanks again. We both like Nance it sounds like!
Cool. Thanks, Chris.
Hi!!
What you think about Kris Dunn, Evan Turner or Rondae Hollis-Jefferson?
In a deep points league.
Thanks!!