By Answerman

The Answerman has been participating in fantasy leagues since the first time MJ embarassed Jerry Stackhouse, way back in Stack's rookie season when he said something about the NBA was easy. Next night he had the unfortunate task of facing MJ. Jordan broke 40 and held Stack to the low teens.

I am here to answer all your fantasy questions.

Painter writes:

Dear Answerman,

I don't participate in any fantasy basketball, but I was just wondering... do you think there is enough talent in the league to shuffle all the players languishing on some team's bench around the league to make each team significantly deeper, more competitive and create more parity? Thanks.

Dear Painter,

What kind of lunatic doesn't participapte in fantasy basketball!?! Cannot get through the dog-days of the season (January - April) without it!

Deep breaths Answerman, take it easy, answer the man's question.

Luckily I can relate your question to the world of fantasy. On every top team in a fantasy league there is a guy sitting on their bench, who only gets used sporadically, if at all. Lower teams think that guy would definitely play for and help their team. Why isn't he being used? There are two answers which apply in real life and fantasy.

1. The good team is overloaded at the position. If a fantasy team has Ray Allen and Kobe Bryant, they will keep Brent Barry on the bench. Similiarly, Sacramento has Keon, Webber, and Divac, so Pollard's minutes are limited.

Why not trade Barry/Pollard to fill other needs? It's certainly worth looking into. Identify where the other team is lacking and see if you can fill that need. But if you're the guy with Barry on your bench, you probably want to keep him as insurance anyway.

2. The second possibility is that the bench guy is inconsistent. Almost every fantasy league has Ron Artest on a bench now because they don't know what he'll do next. Kirilenko is on a lot of benches, though a good fantasy player. Similiarly, look at Al Harrington in Indy. Every once in a while he'll give a performance where we all wonder why he isn't starting everyday which is then followed by a silent start to remind us.

Only good play of bench players make it onto Sportscenter. You would be well served to read the "Team Reports" on Inside Hoops to get the real skinny on these bench players.

In response to your question if dispersing the players would "make each team significantly deeper, more competitive and create more parity"? I draw an analogy to a friend of mine, who has a great deal of success with the ladies.

I asked him, "Don't you get enough girls to distribute some to my readers? It will lead to these girls getting more individual attention and more sex for everyone - especially my readers."

Somehow my friend didn't go for it. I don't think Sac, Dallas, or Indy will go for your idea either.

Any further questions write Answerman@insidehoops.net


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