Is it Time to Drop Anthony Randolph?

Three weeks into the season, Anthony Randolph is among the biggest fantasy busts.  Randolph owners are losing their patience as his ownership percentage is dropping rapidly.  AR was a fantasy beast in the 2008-09 fantasy playoffs averaging 15 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1 block in the month of April.  Last year it was a combination of injuries and being relegated to Coach Don Nelson’s doghouse that seemed to limit his potential.  But what happened this year?

The move from the Golden State to the Big Apple appeared to offer the ideal situation for Randolph, ridding himself of Nelly’s doghouse and joining a team without a clear-cut starting Center.  Even the poor preseason did not deter fantasy owners on draft day as AR was selected between the 7^th and 8^th round of standard twelve team leagues.

Unfortunately, the former LSU Tiger had sprained his ankle before the season opener and did not make his 2010-11 debut until November 4^th.  One did not expect Anthony Randolph to start blocking multiple shots and tearing down double digit rebounds in his first game as a Knick after coming back from an injury.  But after 8 games, there has been little room for optimism.

This season, Anthony Randolph has averaged 2.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 0.4 steals.  Some may argue that he isn’t getting the opportunity to produce as he is playing less than 12 minutes per game.  But when you shoot 24% and average 1 turnover per 12 minutes, you aren’t exactly advocating for more floor time.

When Ronny Turiaf left the November 9^th game with an injured left knee, Randolph became the only eligible Center on the Knicks’ bench.  He would just have to battle Russian rookie Timofey Mozgov for the starting spot.  Mozgov was averaging a mediocre 3.4 points and 2.5 rebounds and clearly not the athletic player needed for the fast-paced Knicks offense.  Instead, head coach Mike D’Antoni opted to employ a small lineup with Amare Stoudemire at Center and Wilson Chandler at Power Forward.  Mozgov usually starts, but ends up playing less than 14 minutes per contest.

To be fair, Randolph has generated one fantasy-relevant night – 8 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals in 28 minutes. Following this performance, the former first round draft pick played less than 12 minutes in each of the next three games.  Ronny Turiaf returned to the lineup on November 16^th and in his first game back, Turiaf came off the bench and doubled up Randolph in terms of minutes played.

To Anthony Randolph Fantasy Owners:

It is never a proud moment when a fantasy owner has to drop a player that he or she drafted in the 7^th round, but it is sometimes necessary.  Despite the lack of depth at Center and injuries to start the year (Turiaf), Randolph’s court time has been extremely limited.  It is clear that Knicks coach D’Antoni has not been impressed with Randolph’s work ethic or production. There is still a chance that things turn around, but it is up to Randolph to work harder in practice and make the most of his opportunities when given the chance.

Because of his fantasy potential, he is not a clear drop. If your team can stay afloat, hold on to Randolph for a few more weeks to see if he comes around.  If your team is already riddled with injuries and you are getting pummeled each week, you should drop him before he sinks your ship and crushes any hope of getting to the fantasy playoffs.

Written by Win My Fantasy League Senior Writer Justin Hasan (J-Has)

Comment below or e-mail him at JHas@WinMyFantasyLeague.com