There is a “Jerky” in every group of friends.  You know, the friend that slips your secret out which you told him in confidence, makes plans with his girlfriend when he is already booked for guy’s night out, or just presses your buttons the wrong way a little too much.  There is an endearing quality with the “Jerky” friend that appears from time to time, which prevents total banishment from the group.

Ricky Davis would be the jerky player on your fantasy roster. You hate him for the selfish stunt in 2003, where he shot at his own basket on purpose to miss so he could collect the rebound to complete his triple double! Jerky.  In the 6th round or later, how many SG/SF can drop 19 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists for your fantasy team? That’s the endearing side of Ricky Davis.

Round 6, Pick 7: Ricky Davis, SG/SF, Minnesota Timberwolves

Last year’s midseason trade of Ricky Davis to Minnesota from Boston did not affect his fantasy output. Ricky Davis was still churning out 19 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists with the Wolves. Steal your heart, he may not, but steal the rock Ricky can do at a decent 1.2 steals/game. Ricky was never a great 3-point shooter and moving to Minny did not improve his accuracy from beyond the arc. Davis averaged close to a trey a game (0.9 3ptmpg) at a so-so 30.2 3PT%. With the addition of Mike James to the Wolves, Ricky will not be asked to shoot from beyond the arc as often. Ricky had a 46.4 FG% in Boston earlier in the season and in Minnesota his FG% dropped slightly to 42.9 %. This year, with increased familiarity of the Minnesota offense and less three-pointers attempts it will result in a better FG% then the 42.9%. 

The addition of Mike James as suggested earlier will help Davis’s game. Ricky is most effective taking the rock to the hole and not jacking it up from the perimeter. James will provide the 3-point threat, which will leave Davis free to slash away. I expect Ricky to still average 19 points a game but his assists totals will drop with James in the picture.

I bet Ricky Davis will give rookie Randy Foye the harshest “Frosh” treatment because, naturally, Davis is a “Jerky.”

Other team members

1.6. Dwyane Wade, SG/PG, Miami Heat
2.7. Jermaine O’Neal, PF/C, Indiana Pacers
3.6. Jason Richardson, SG, Golden State Warriors
4.7. Boris Diaw, PF/C, Phoenix Suns
5.6. Andres Nocioni, SF, Chicago Bulls