Fantasy Hoops: Bledsoe, Henson, Giannis

The Suns found a home for Eric Bledsoe just weeks after the point guard declared that he no longer wanted to be in Phoenix, sending him to the Bucks in exchange for Greg Monroe and a pair of future draft picks. The transaction allows Bledsoe to move on from a rebuilding team and join a legitimate Eastern Conference Finals contender.

On the fantasy front, Bledsoe stockholders may have lost some value on their draft day investment (outside of him missing a couple weeks of action). It’s unclear whether he’ll start or come off the bench in Wisconsin, but either way, it’s a likely downgrade in offensive opportunity.

The Bucks are averaging nearly seven fewer possessions per game than the Suns this season. Swapping out Monroe for the former Kentucky Wildcat may help to close that gap, though the Bucks aren’t likely to become run-and-gun league pass darlings this season.

While Bledsoe’s value declines, his fantasy owners can take away a few positives from the deal.

First, it came together rather quickly. Major early-November trades are rare, so it appeared a trade was going to wait until at least mid-December when the majority of offseason signees become trade-eligible. Having Bledsoe and his DNP’s on the fantasy bench does nothing to help owners win matchups, so having him back this early helps to mitigate some of the lost value.

Second, if the point guard is brought off the bench, he should still see substantial opportunity. Monroe ate well in Milwaukee’s second unit, ranking third on the team with a usage rate of 23.8, and the point guard would likely do the same if put in a sixth man role.

Bledsoe hasn’t finished a season with a usage rate below 23.0 since Kanye West became a father and I don’t expect this season to be the first. While the deal may not make the point guard a stronger fantasy play, the hair salon loather will likely see enough opportunity to be a borderline top-50 fantasy option the rest of the way.

Here’s more fantasy analysis on the deal:

• Mike James, who has been the Suns’ starting point guard since the team sent Bledsoe home, sees his fantasy value rise, as Phoenix didn’t bring back another guard in the trade. He’s owned in just under 13% of ESPN leagues, but that figure should be much higher.
• Get excited about John Henson. In the four games without Monroe in the lineup this season, the North Carolina product brought down 9.0 rebounds per game and added a steal and nearly two blocks per contest. He should be owned in all leagues.
• Both Malcolm Brogdon and Khris Middleton lose some fantasy value. Take a wait-and-see approach before dropping Brogdon, but his new usage may warrant that kind of move. Middleton doesn’t belong near the waiver-wire regardless of how big of a role Bledsoe takes on.
• Does this impact Giannis Antetokounmpo as fantasy’s top overall player? No. Be confident in holding onto the Greek Freek even if you receive offers for other top stars.
• Poor Monroe. The big man bought into what the Bucks were selling and he was happy to come off the bench if it meant playing for a serious contender. He’ll head to Phoenix where he’ll step into a worse basketball situation, though it was reported that he’ll likely have another home by the end of the season. Monroe is currently recovering from a calf injury and is expected back on the court next week. Keep an eye on his status. If he remains on the Suns’ roster, it’s easy to envision a scenario where the team features him with the hopes of increasing his trade value. This could make the center a great daily fantasy play upon returning to the hardwood.

Fantasy questions? Take to the comment section below or tweet me at @CW_Crouse.

Statistics are current through Tuesday morning. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.