Overview:
If we’re talking about possibly the most underrated fantasy-producing team, it might very well be the Milwaukee Bucks. There’s not much to be excited about in Wisconsin, unless you love snow to death, but when it comes to their young, spry, athletic basketball team, them residents of Milwaukee better be.
For starters, the Bucks are one of the few offseason teams that didn’t lose one to get one so aside from keeping their core, they added to it big-time via free agency by the name of Greg Monroe. They will also be getting 2014 No. 2 overall pick Jabari Parker back from injury and most of their roster from last year except veteran big men Zaza Pachulia and Ersan Ilyasova.
Last year, the team ranked among the best in several categories, including leading the league in steals while among the leaders in FG% (7th) and assists (7th).
Breakout Candidate: Greg Monroe
Greg Monroe might not warrant a top-35 pick unless you’re his grandma playing fantasy basketball but having said that, his strengths (and numbers) will be highlighted with the Bucks. Monroe is a solid back-to-the-basket big who willingly finds open teammates (Jason Kidd must feel like a genius right now) and more importantly, there is no other player like him up and down this roster.
Monroe is projected to average a double-double this season with a combined 2.2 steals+blocks and almost 3 assists per game. If everything goes right, 20 and 11 is a distinct possibility, which makes the lefty big man a must-draft in the fourth/fifth rounds, or if you’re feeling lucky, even in the late third.
Bust Candidate: Khris Middleton
Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Khris Middleton led the Bucks in win share last season with 6.7. Of course, Middleton’s offense was badly needed in the absence of Brandon Knight (traded mid-season to the Suns) and Jabari Parker (injury) but this time around, it may not be as imperative. Middleton’s 5-year, 70 million-dollar salary may be tasty but I don’t expect his 2015-16 numbers to be as palatable.
Deep-League Sleeper: Greivis Vasquez
The Venezuelan-born guard may be nothing more than a solid backup point guard, but he has shown in the past that he can be a valuable contributor especially in assists and treys. In 24.3 minutes with Toronto last season as the first guard off the bench, Vasquez tallied four assists and 1.6 3PM per game.
As a bonus, this guy loves attention, plays with flair and emotion, and does not shy away from the big shot. (1:40 mark in the vid) In short, every team needs someone like him out there on the floor.
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Next on Fantasy Basketball Team Preview: Indiana Pacers
