Round 6, Pick 10: Wally Szczerbiak, SG/SF, Boston Celtics

Wally Szczerbiak?  Wally Szczerbiak?!?!?!?!  Yes, Wally Szczerbiak.

While Szczerbiak isn’t exactly that “sexy” name you’d like to keep getting in your draft, the fact is, around now is the time to start complementing the team of players you’ve already chosen as your core group.  Szczerbiak does a lot of things well, such as putting up a decent amount of points, treys, and percentages.  Of course, we have to keep in mind the splits Szczerbiak had since he was traded in midseason from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Celtics.

Peep the splits:
javascript:void(0);
Collapse Extended text
MIN: 40 G; 38.9 MIN; 20.1 PTS; 4.8 REB; 2.8 AST; 1.5 3PTM; 49.5 FG%; 89.6 FT%; 0.5 STL; 0.4 BLK; 2.2 TO
BOS: 32 G; 36.7 MIN; 17.5 PTS; 3.8 REB; 3.2 AST; 1.4 3PTM; 47.6 FG%; 89.8 FT%; 0.6 STL; 0.1 BLK; 1.6 TO

The numbers are fairly comparable with the only real difference being in points where Szczerbiak scored 3.5 less points per contest with the Celtics.  Still, with no real threat on his position from anyone on the Celtics roster who can do what he does, which is flat out put the ball in the basket from anywhere on the court.  Szczerbiak doesn’t have the post play of Kevin Garnett like he did with the T-Wolves, which enabled him to spot up, catch, and shoot.  However, whenever Paul Pierce penetrates, Szczerbiak will be there ready to pop that shot.  If Al Jefferson and/or Kendrick Perkins develop enough to become post threats, all the better.

One still has to be cautious with Szczerbiak as he is still recovering from knee surgery performed in April.  He’s sat out some during camp, but as a precautionary measure.  Szczerbiak should be good go for the regular season as he could have played if necessary.

How He Fits On This Fantasy Basketball Team

When you have Ben Wallace and Baron Davis on your team, the percentages aren’t going to be something you’ll be puffing your chest out about.  So, adding Szczerbiak is a nice tonic to take away the indigestion you’d get from Wallace and Davis.  For his career, Szczerbiak is a 49.9% shooter from the field and 85.9% from the charity stripe.  Szczerbiak’s points will fit in nicely with the potential three 20-point scorers (Marion/Bibby/Anthony).  Even Davis has a shot to score 20 per night.  Of course, he doesn’t add anything to the defensive stats, but that’s alright with this team.

Other Team Members:

1.3. Shawn Marion, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns
2.10. Ben Wallace, PF/C, Chicago Bulls
3.3. Mike Bibby, PG, Sacramento Kings
4.10. Carmelo Anthony, SF, Denver Nuggets
5.3. Baron Davis, PG, Golden State Warriors