The Fig Cap: “They say it’s all in the wrist, well, it doesn’t hurt to have some guns for biceps.”

Living in the New York City area, you experience many things that are dirty, smelly, bumpy, and must bring major disturbances to the Force. There aren’t too many things that go smoothly around these parts, my “game” back when I was single can be a testament to that.  Yeah, I’ve had my fair share of slaps across the face, looks of pure distaste, and mocking giggles thrown my way.  Now what does Michael Redd have to do with my former dating life?

Well, Redd’s stroke is the complete opposite of it… smooth.

Round 3, Pick 10: Michael Redd, SG/SF, Milwaukee Bucks

Sure, you can’t draft a player based on his shooting form, because if you did, Shawn Marion wouldn’t be a first round pick.  His shot is uglier than the current Britney Spears situation and that’s pretty
ugly.  In any case, with Redd form fits fantasy.

Redd’s left-handed shot is a thing of Jessica Biel beauty, complete with the “snap” of the wrist at the end of his shot.  A sweeter “J” can’t be found west of Beantown where Jesus (Shuttlesworth) will bring
the sharp rains (of jumpers) mightily down upon his opponents.  Being human, Redd doesn’t do so badly.  Peep the stats from the last three seasons:

2004-05: 75 G; 38:00 Min; 44.1 FG%; 1.4 3PTM; 85.4 FT%; 4.2 RPG; 2.3 APG; 1.8 TO; 0.8 SPG; 0.1 BPG; 23.0 PPG
2005-06: 80 G; 39:06 Min; 45.0 FG%; 2.0 3PTM; 87.7 FT%; 4.3 RPG; 2.9 APG; 2.1 TO; 1.2 SPG; 0.1 BPG; 25.4 PPG
2006-07: 53 G; 38:30 Min; 46.5 FG%; 2.2 3PTM; 82.9 FT%; 3.7 RPG; 2.3 APG; 2.3 TO; 1.2 SPG; 0.2 BPG; 26.7 PPG

Notice the upward trend in not only points per game, but also his shooting percentage from the floor and trey-makes?  Yeah, it’s hard not to… see, I told you, form fits fantasy as Redd is straight putting the ball in the basket, ripping cords across the league.  But, the more interesting part of his scoring is if we go back further all the way to his rookie season in 2000-01 where he only scored 2.2 PPG in six games.  The subsequent seasons shake out like this:

2001-02: 67 G; 21:06 Min; 11.5 PPG
2002-03: 82 G; 28:11 Min; 15.1 PPG
2003-04: 82 G; 36:47 Min; 21.7 PPG

So, why so interesting?  In each season that Redd has laced up his kicks, he’s improved upon the previous season’s scoring average.  Now is that to say that the trend will continue?  Well, why not?  And, honestly, if there’s only a slight dip, we’re still talking about a 25+ scorer per contest.  Add the triples he drains, the very good percentages both from the floor and the charity stripe, and you have to believe in “The Stroke.” 

Besides, is there any Bucks player that can do it like Redd does from the perimeter?  Nope.  Can any Bucks player fill it up like Redd?  Nope.  But, seriously, there aren’t even that many player in the whole league who can.  And for all the accolades Redd’s offense gets, any sort of defensive stats he produces is completely thrown to the wayside like a rag doll.  In fact, some people think Redd gives zero defensive stats to a fantasy team.  Not true, which his 1.2 SPG average in each of the past two seasons prove. That average is absolutely respectable, so treat Redd’s rock rips like Aretha Franklin and give it some respect.  And the same goes for the boards he brings down.  Word.

How about last season’s left knee injury, which had Redd out for a significant amount of time?  Have you seen him playing during the FIBA Americas tournament?  Redd is more than fine, so don’t sweat it.

So, why Redd combined with Chris Bosh and Jason Kidd?  Since Kidd does everything that a player can do on the hardwood, but not to the extreme in the points category, Redd definitely picks up Kidd there.  Bosh should score in the 20s and grab close to ten boards, as well as Kidd, so I’m not too worried there.  Assists-wise, it’s about the Kidd.  Triples-made is well covered with both the guards, as well as steals.  Blocks, well, we’ll address that a little more down the line.  Percentage-wise, I like the team and it should do well in general.  And if there’s anything that you should take away from this post, it’s…

RESPECT “THE STROKE”!!!

What We Said Last Season

Other Players on this Fantasy Team:

1.10. Chris Bosh, PF/C, Toronto Raptors
2.3. Jason Kidd, PG, New Jersey Nets

Previous Picks This Round:

3.1. Paul Pierce, SG/SF, Boston Celtics
3.2. Marcus Camby, C, Denver Nuggets
3.3. Baron Davis, PG, Golden State Warriors
3.4. Deron Williams, PG, Utah Jazz
3.5. Chauncey Billups, PG, Detroit Pistons
3.6. Gerald Wallace, SG/SF, Charlotte Bobcats
3.7. Vince Carter, SG/SF, New Jersey Nets
3.8. Tracy McGrady, SG/SF, Houston Rockets
3.9. Jermaine O’Neal, PF/C, Indiana Pacers

Previous Round Selections
Round One Recap
Round Two Recap