The Dropping Dimes Distribution Specialist

I know I’ve said this before but I’m going to say it again, of all the categories in fantasy basketball, none is more valuable to me than assists. Fact is, there are only so many point guards in the NBA, and not all of them are valuable distributors. It’s likely that everyone out there has a solid point guard on their team, but that might not be enough to put you in a competitive position. So, let’s flush out the cheapest source of solid assists we can find right now. Allow me to introduce Assist Specialist Chris Duhon.
 
Chris Duhon has been a marginal player in the NBA. Coming into this season, with Mike D’Antoni running the Knicks, speculation was high that Duhon would mesh very well and have a break out year. Hasn’t really happened yet, though do note his last three games have been very good. Still, Duhon’s current rank is pretty high and most managers starting him aren’t exactly wedded to the idea. Let’s take a look at the numbers and see where he helps, where he hurts and what is a wash.
 
Chris Duhon
CAT      2009    
PTS      9.1       
REB     3.0       
AST      6.3       
3’s        1.6
STL      1.1
BLK      0.0
TO        1.7
FG        34.7!!
FT        76.5
 
If those assist numbers don’t stand out for you, they should. 6.3 assists per game, which is down a little from his 7.2 last year, is nothing to shake a stick at. This guy can be the difference between being Under Sauce and being well Over Sauce. Now glance over the rest of the stat line, ugh I know. But you have to look at this guy in conjunction with your whole team. Are you pretty solid in rebounds? Will Duhon replace someone with similar Rebound numbers? If so, there are no worries here. How about Points, same thing? In fact, those are the two categories where you’ll take the biggest tradeoff. For many of you in need of assists, this is not a problem since Points and Boards are easy to come by. Looks like he’ll boost your three pointers a little, same with steals. Ignore the FG and FT%’s, while these are low he doesn’t actually shoot enough to make an impact. The advantage is boosting your dimes pretty big.
 
I really wish I had posted this a week ago, because Duhon’s last three games have definitely made owners notice. Still, he’s had a rough year shooting and the price of a guy like this is very low. Take a look at the owner’s team, does he have any deficiencies? Whether actual ones or just ones you convince them they have? Is he weak in steals, I could see a Duhon for Courtney Lee trade being very easy to move. A guy like this sits in the last spot on your starting roster, hurts you a little in two categories, helps you a little in two categories, and is a non event in all others save for assists, where the benefit is impressive.
 
So the next time you run your Sauce numbers, and notice that you are strong in Points and Rebounds but low in Dimes and Treys, rather than concocting a huge deal for Chris Paul with a stubborn manager that keeps giving you the cold shoulder, take a look at ole Chris Duhon. He’s cheap and he can round out your team just where you need it most.