Less then a week into the 2013-14 NBA season, we still have a lot to learn about how players will be used and what we can expect from them. Despite the small sample size, we can already see some players emerging as legit fantasy basketball starters while others have improved their game and are ready for their breakout. Let’s take a look at the best players to target in the second week of the fantasy basketball season.
Alec Burks (Owned in 32 Percent of Yahoo Leagues): Although his long-range game remains suspect, Burks looks to be in line for a breakout season in his third year in the league. Just 22, Burks is averaging 32 minutes, 18 points, 3.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steal over his first three games and shooting a very solid 49 percent. He was merely a 17 minute per game player last season, his 32 minutes per game thus far is nearly double the court time he saw in 2012. Grab him before he’s gone.
Nate Robinson (30 percent): Robinson was held scoreless in his first game with the Nuggets but bounced back big time in his second one. He played 29 minutes against the Trail Blazers, putting up 24 points, seven rebounds, and four three-pointers on 47 percent shooting. Robinson certainly won’t average 24 points but he’ll have big games and add a couple of assists, rebounds, and threes while averaging in the low double-digits. You can do a lot worse in a backup guard and the potential for hot streaks is always there.
Brandon Bass (37 percent): Through three games, Bass is averaging 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals while playing a healthy 35 minutes per game. Like Robinson, he’s a low-double digit shooter but adds a solid amount of rebounds and is currently shooting an excellent 54 percent from the floor. After averaging 27 minutes per game last season, Bass will certainly see more court time for the rebuilding Celts.
Francisco Garcia (13 percent): Garcia won’t give you much across the board but if you need cheap threes, this is the guy to talk to. He’s nailed 10 three-pointers on 20 attempts over his first three games, averaging 13 points per game. He’s playing 27 minutes per game so the opportunities should be there consistently.
Trevor Ariza (68 percent): After a rough year in 2012, Ariza has kicked off 2013 with a bang. Through his first three games, he’s averaging 17.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.3 three-pointers, and 1.7 steals. He’s never scored more than 15 points per game in any season but his defensive abilities give him an excellent combination of numbers to fill up your weekly stat line.
Lance Stephenson (73 percent): It’s unclear how the Pacers will use Stephenson once Danny Granger is back but he’s certainly a must-start right now. Over his first three games, Stephenson is averaging 36 minutes, 19 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.0 and three pointers while shooting a phenomenal 59.5 percent. Stephenson improved tremendously last season and, at 23, continues to grow into a legit NBA player.
Mario Chalmers (65 percent): Chalmers is playing a few more minutes per game and his stat lines have improved enough to make him ownable in all leagues. He’s playing 29 minutes and averaging 11.8 points, 4.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 threes, and a ridiculous 3.3 steals over his first four games. His 42 percent shooting remains a problem but he’s nailing 59 percent of his shots from three-point range. If you need threes, steals, and a solid amount of assists then look no further than Chalmers.
