Welcome to the Underperformer of the Week segment of your fantasy basketball life. If you have been here before then you are aware of what we are all about. Each week we scour the fantasy basketball landscape in search of one thing and one thing only, value. I do all of the leg work in order to uncover a player who may have value moving forward in contrast to what they are currently providing. There are numerous reasons as to why value fluctuates and although I have not surfed in my life I imagine hopping on the right value at the right time is like riding a wave. Paddle on your board as you wait to find value and when you do, pop up on your board, stay balanced and hang ten. (There is plenty of room in the comments section below to enthusiastically criticize the inaccuracy of my surfing description).
This week’s player is a rookie who has found himself with opportunity to increase his usage and thus become a player who can stuff the stat sheet even further. Bringing the thunder from Down Under, he may also know a thing or two about surfing and be able to school your boy.
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Josh Giddey
The 19 year-old Aussie is having a solid rookie year in a draft class that has the potential to be mentioned amongst one of the best all time. Over the past two weeks, Giddey has been the 160th ranked player behind averages of:
39.8%fg, 70%ft, 0.5 threes, 12.7 points, 9.2, rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.2 blocks.
The points and rebounds are up from his season average of 11.6 and 7.6 respectively while the assists are down from his season average of 6.1 per game. The rest of his stats look similar compared to his season average, which is encouraging since there is room for improvement.
The biggest factor for my optimism is the ankle injury that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander suffered last week. This injury has open up an opportunity for Giddey to significantly increase his usage. Earlier in the season, while Shai was out, the Australian Stallion took advantage and had some of his best statistical output results on the season. In addition, OKC is known to shelve SGA for months for a hangnail, which means it, may be a while before we see him on the court.
Giddey could be gearing up for a nice run straight into the All-Star break and likely beyond. The awesome Aussie will be a strain on your field goal so ensure he fits your build in season-long leagues. If you are in a dynasty league, I would have been trying to trade for him all season long, as this kid has trip–dub potential for years to come.
Get your offers out there and do not look back.
Hit me up in the comments and good luck out there my people.
Peace.
