In fantasy basketball, a good way to make a team better is by stashing players that have shown promise for the future. These could be players stuck behind established veterans that are making a lot of money. They could also be stuck on a team with numerous players at the same position sharing time. Either way, stashing players is like putting your money in a mutual fund. The value may not seem big at first, but those who are patient will see these players grow into elite assets down the road. This strategy can be applied to both season-long and dynasty leagues.
Fantasy Basketball: Stashing Players
Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel has by far one of the highest stash upsides this season. The Oklahoma City Thunder are going through a rebuild as evidenced by trading away Russell Westbrook and Paul George this summer. Steven Adams, the current starting center, has been talked about in trade rumors for months now. Noel is both cheaper and has a higher per-minute upside. His per 36-minute numbers are 14.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 2.9 blocks per game. This would not only make him a double-double threat, but also an elite defensive center. With Noel already providing standard league value, he needs to be stashed everywhere.
Larry Nance Jr.
Larry Nance Jr. is a stash candidate on the Cleveland Cavaliers due to the trade rumors surrounding Kevin Love. His per 36-minute numbers are 12.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks. These would be the numbers of a must-own player. With the Cavalier’s season going nowhere at 10-23, it makes sense for them to try to trade Love’s gigantic contract. Nance is also a great stash because he is already providing borderline standard league value off the bench. Nance could be a difference-maker post-all-star break.
Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. was a sneaky breakout candidate to start the season. His biggest obstacle to success has been playing time. So far, he’s averaged less than ten minutes a game this year, mainly due to the Denver Nuggets depth. In Porter’s first start on 12/29, he put up 19 points and six rebounds in 26 minutes. The Nuggets have said Porter is untouchable, so a trade away from Denver doesn’t seem too likely. The chance of him getting a large long term role isn’t great this season, but with injury-prone players like Gary Harris and Paul Millsap ahead of him, it won’t be too long before the Nuggets start playing him more. Porter should be stashed in dynasty leagues.
Bogdan Bogdanovic
Bogdan Bogdanovic has always had upside, but injuries and inconsistent play have made him belong on the waiver wire. Bogdanovic’s per 36-minute numbers are 18.4 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. His upside for this season isn’t high, as De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley are going to be the primary options on offense. However, Bogdanovic will be a restricted free agent this summer, and the Sacramento Kings may not match a high offer sheet. Bogdanovic has proven that he can run an offense as a primary ball-handler which makes him valuable. Owners can expect low-end value this year but are banking on him playing in a new uniform next year.
Tyler Herro
Tyler Herro has already established himself as an up and coming shooting guard in the NBA. Right now he is averaging 13.7 points per game and has shown us flashes of a future star. The Miami Heat have a crowded backcourt between Goran Dragic, Kendrick Nunn, and Justice Winslow, but Herro has the most upside out of the bunch. Pat Riley should eventually realize that this young superstar has to become a focal point of the offense. He should get more playing time down the stretch and is already a standard league asset. Herro should only get better with time.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
