Sources of Fantasy Basketball Steals

By Rocco Minsk The thing I love about fantasy basketball is that steals and blocks (decidedly unsexy) count the same as a point (much more sexy).  Punting any category is a dangerous move which I do not advocate in any fantasy sport – bottom line is don’t do it.  With that in mind, I have compiled a list of cheap or below the radar sources of steals in your fantasy drafts or even off the waiver wire.

Donovan Mitchell – we hit on Mitchell (not literally) yesterday in our listing of preseason observations.  Mitchell averaged 2.1 SPG his last season at Louisville and should slot into more regular playing time as the season progresses.  Pair that with the Jazz’s third in the league defensive efficiency rating and you have an unheralded source of steals.

Kris Dunn – He was the centerpiece of the Jimmy Butler trade so the Bills have to give him playing time this year in spite of his shooting woes.  He averaged a full steal per game in 17.1 minutes and Dunn can contribute in other categories too, but be cognizant of the fact that he will hurt your FG%.  He averaged 2.7 and 2.5 SPG in his last two seasons at Providence if you are wondering what he can do with more playing time.

Brandon Ingram – He has been getting lots of publicity as a potential breakout.  In his last 15 games for the Lakers last season, he averaged 1.3 SPG.  Plus with more help, he can take more chances on defense.  Ingram is the starter and will play starter’s minutes and the 1.3 SPG is what he got after an increase in playing time towards the end of last season.

Dennis Schroder – While Schroder is by no means a sneaky pick and will require a 4^th or 5^th round grab, you probably don’t realized that he averaged 1.3 SPG after the All-Star break so in addition to everything else that he will provide your team, he will get you at least a steal per game.

Rondae Hollis Jefferson – He is already on the radar in terms of being a multi-category contributor and now there is talk of him being the starting power forward and receiving minutes at center as well.  In a small lineup playing at a fast pace, a defensive disruptor like RHJ can make a bottom line difference n steals.   He tallied two steals in 24 minutes in his preseason game on Thursday and with slightly improved shooting can see his playing time increase.  Look for more than the 1.05 SPG he averaged last season.